CPC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CPC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. The Wheel of Life assessment tool is most useful for: → Giving clients a visual snapshot of satisfaction across multiple life domains
2. What is the main purpose of active listening in coaching? → To understand the client deeply
3. What is the PRIMARY risk of setting only outcome goals (e.g., 'lose 20 lbs') without process goals? → The client has no clear behaviors to execute and may feel helpless when progress stalls
4. WOOP is a goal-achievement strategy that stands for Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, and Plan. What distinguishes WOOP from purely positive visualization? → WOOP includes mental contrasting — explicitly identifying obstacles to the wish
5. What is the purpose of a 'cancellation policy' in a coaching practice? → To set clear expectations about rescheduling, late cancellations, and associated fees
6. Why is aligning goals with purpose effective? → It enhances intrinsic motivation
7. A client asks their coach to attend a family meeting as a 'character witness.' Accepting this role would be ethically problematic because: → It places the coach in a dual role that compromises coaching neutrality
8. When a client's physical health goals conflict with their deeply held spiritual beliefs, a holistic coach should: → Help the client explore how their values and goals can be aligned
9. Which technique helps boost motivation during setbacks? → Reframing the situation
10. Which type of goal focuses on developing competence and learning rather than outperforming others? → Mastery (learning) goal
11. A client keeps missing the action steps they committed to. Before exploring new strategies, the coach should first: → Ask the client to reflect on what got in the way and what it means
12. A coach is subpoenaed to testify about a client in a divorce proceeding. The FIRST action should be to: → Consult with a legal professional and notify the client before responding
13. When should a life coach refer a client to a mental health professional? → When the client shows signs of clinical mental health issues beyond the scope of coaching
14. How can coaches help clients stay motivated? → Celebrating small achievements
15. A client reports that external accountability (check-ins, deadlines) no longer works for them. A coach BEST responds by: → Exploring internal accountability structures and personal commitment devices
16. What is 'appreciative inquiry' in the context of coaching? → A strength-focused approach that explores what is working well to generate positive change
17. What is the recommended practice regarding session notes in a life coaching business? → Coaches should keep brief notes to track client progress, agreements, and action items
18. What does Martin Seligman's PERMA model stand for in positive psychology? → Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment
19. What is a powerful coaching question? → What could you do differently?
20. In holistic life coaching, 'environmental wellness' refers to: → The impact of one's physical and social surroundings on overall well-being
21. Which assessment approach best captures a client's values, strengths, and vision at the start of a coaching engagement? → A comprehensive intake questionnaire combined with a values clarification exercise
22. A client consistently reports feeling 'fine' during check-ins but body language suggests otherwise. What is the best coaching response? → Gently reflect what you observe and invite deeper exploration
23. Which model best represents a holistic approach to wellness in life coaching? → The wheel of life model addressing multiple life dimensions simultaneously
24. What is the primary purpose of a client intake form? → To gather background information, goals, and expectations before coaching begins
25. What does maintaining professional boundaries mean? → Setting clear limits for respectful interactions
26. Why is feedback important in coaching sessions? → It supports learning and growth
27. What is one way to overcome procrastination in coaching? → Setting specific deadlines
28. The practice of mindfulness is incorporated into holistic life coaching primarily because it: → Increases present-moment awareness supporting change across life dimensions
29. What is the purpose of setting performance indicators in coaching? → To measure and guide improvement
30. When setting coaching fees, which factor is LEAST relevant? → The color scheme of your coaching website