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. The technique of 'powerful questioning' in coaching is best characterized by questions that: → Evoke exploration, reflection, and new awareness
5. 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
6. What is the purpose of a 'cancellation policy' in a coaching practice? → To set clear expectations about rescheduling, late cancellations, and associated fees
7. Why is aligning goals with purpose effective? → It enhances intrinsic motivation
8. The 'GROW' model step that follows Goal-setting and Reality-checking is: → Options
9. 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
10. 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
11. Which technique helps boost motivation during setbacks? → Reframing the situation
12. Which type of goal focuses on developing competence and learning rather than outperforming others? → Mastery (learning) goal
13. 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
14. 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
15. 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
16. What role does 'life purpose' play in holistic wellness coaching? → It serves as an anchor that gives direction and motivation across all life dimensions
17. A coach working with a client on time management should primarily: → Help the client identify what values and priorities will shape their own approach
18. How can coaches help clients stay motivated? → Celebrating small achievements
19. A client repeatedly deflects personal accountability by blaming external circumstances. The most appropriate coaching response is to: → Use a powerful question to redirect focus to what the client can control
20. Which questioning technique helps a client explore their deeper 'why' behind a surface-level goal? → The '5 Whys' technique
21. 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
22. What is 'appreciative inquiry' in the context of coaching? → A strength-focused approach that explores what is working well to generate positive change
23. Which communication technique involves the coach summarizing the client's words to confirm understanding before moving forward? → Paraphrasing
24. 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
25. What does Martin Seligman's PERMA model stand for in positive psychology? → Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment
26. What is a powerful coaching question? → What could you do differently?
27. In holistic life coaching, 'environmental wellness' refers to: → The impact of one's physical and social surroundings on overall well-being
28. 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
29. 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
30. Which model best represents a holistic approach to wellness in life coaching? → The wheel of life model addressing multiple life dimensions simultaneously