CRC Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Why is it important to share personal recovery experiences? → To inspire and relate with clients
2. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Community Resources & Referrals for CRC professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
3. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Foundations of Coaching Practice? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
4. Education in recovery coaching focuses on: → Providing recovery knowledge and resources
5. Which method enhances a mentee’s learning? → Interactive learning strategies
6. Which model describes relapse as a process involving emotional, mental, and physical stages? → Gorski's CENAPS model
7. Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice when supporting a client with co-occurring disorders? → Independently diagnosing the client's mental health condition
8. SAMHSA's trauma-informed approach is built on six key principles. Which of the following is one of them? → Safety
9. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Crisis Intervention Skills? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
10. A recovery coach who uses trauma-informed practices will AVOID which of the following? → Retraumatizing clients by requiring detailed trauma disclosure
11. When a client relapses, the recovery coach's FIRST priority should be to: → Ensure the client's immediate safety and assess for medical needs
12. Which of the following is an example of a simple grounding technique a recovery coach might use? → Asking the client to name five things they can see in the room
13. Which coping strategy involves a client deliberately redirecting attention away from a craving using a neutral activity? → Distraction
14. How can a coach empower clients through education? → By providing useful tools and information
15. Urge surfing is a technique in which a client: → Observes a craving mindfully without acting on it until it passes
16. When a trauma survivor is triggered during a coaching session, the FIRST thing a recovery coach should do is: → Ground the client in the present moment using simple techniques
17. The principle of 'trustworthiness and transparency' in trauma-informed care means a recovery coach should: → Be clear and honest about processes, decisions, and expectations
18. Which trauma-informed principle involves recognizing clients as experts on their own lives and supporting their self-determination? → Empowerment, voice, and choice
19. A recovery coach working with a client who has a trauma history should avoid which of the following physical environments? → A windowless room with locked doors that may feel confining
20. Which of the following BEST describes 'secondary traumatic stress' as it relates to recovery coaches? → Emotional distress resulting from exposure to clients' traumatic experiences
21. Why is cultural competence important in recovery coaching? → It helps respect and address cultural differences.
22. The concept of 'euphoric recall' in relapse prevention refers to: → Remembering only the pleasurable aspects of past substance use
23. Which of the following is considered an internal relapse trigger? → Feeling resentful toward a family member
24. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Foundations of Coaching Practice, what should a CRC professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
25. What is the best course of action if a client discloses intent to harm someone? → Report it to proper authorities.
26. Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT) is considered most effective primarily because it: → Treats both conditions simultaneously with a coordinated team approach
27. A recovery coach practicing cultural humility when working with trauma survivors will: → Acknowledge that cultural context shapes how trauma is experienced and expressed
28. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Community Resources & Referrals, what should a CRC professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
29. The 'self-medication hypothesis' suggests that individuals with co-occurring disorders use substances primarily to: → Alleviate symptoms of an underlying mental health condition
30. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Motivational Interviewing Techniques? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances