NBHWC Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which model of wellbeing, developed by Martin Seligman, is commonly applied in health and wellness coaching? → The PERMA Model
2. Within Martin Seligman's PERMA model of well-being, which element specifically refers to having a sense of belonging, support, and connection with other people? → Relationships
3. The VIA Classification of Character Strengths identifies how many core character strengths? → 24
4. Psychological capital (PsyCap) in coaching includes which four core components? → Hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism
5. Which of the following best explains nonmaleficence as it relates to ethics in coaching? → Do no harm
6. The body's physiological response to chronic, long-term stress is primarily mediated by the sustained elevation of which hormone? → Cortisol
7. If a health coach owns their own business and contracts with a third party to host their clients health information on their server, the coach must ensure that: → All of the above
8. In positive psychology, 'flow' is best described as: → An optimal state of complete absorption and engagement in an activity
9. According to foundational dietary principles, which macronutrient's primary function is to serve as the body's most readily available source of energy? → Carbohydrates
10. Which of the following is a foundational belief for establishing the rapport and coaching presence described by the NBHWC? → The client is whole, resourceful, and the expert on their own life.
11. A wellness coach uses a strengths-based approach primarily to: → Help clients leverage their existing positive qualities to achieve goals
12. Which of the following is recommended by my plate as part of healthy diet? → Limiting trans and saturated fats
13. When a coach helps a client reframe a setback as a learning opportunity, this technique aligns with which positive psychology concept? → Post-traumatic growth
14. When using the decisional balance tool, which of the following will most likely lead to change talk? → Describing the benefits of making a change
15. The concept of 'self-compassion' in wellness coaching involves: → Treating oneself with kindness and understanding during times of difficulty
16. What is the main purpose of familiarizing yourself with your client's health risk assessment? → To provide empathy, trust and greater understanding of their present life
17. Which of the following client statements is the strongest example of 'change talk'? → "I'm going to pack my gym clothes tonight so I can go to the gym before work tomorrow."
18. Gratitude practices in health and wellness coaching are supported by research showing they: → Increase positive emotions and life satisfaction over time
19. The primary ethical reason for a health coach to strictly adhere to their scope of practice is to: → Ensure client safety and prevent potential harm from unqualified advice.
20. Which of the following is the best example of a behavioral goal, as opposed to an outcome goal? → Bringing a healthy lunch to work four days a week.
21. A coach is creating a written coaching agreement. According to the NBHWC Code of Ethics, which element MUST be included? → The nature and limits of confidentiality.
22. A health coach MUST disclose a client or patient's protected health information in which of the following scenarios? → When the client or patient asks for it
23. According to positive psychology, which of the following represents a character strength rather than a skill? → Honesty and integrity
24. Which emotion regulation concept involves accepting negative emotions without judgment rather than suppressing them? → Mindful acceptance
25. The 'broaden-and-build' theory of positive emotions, proposed by Barbara Fredrickson, suggests that positive emotions: → Broaden awareness and build lasting personal resources
26. What is the primary risk of a coach overusing simple reflections or "parroting"? → The client may feel unheard or that the coach is not truly understanding them.
27. In the context of positive psychology coaching, 'flourishing' refers to: → Experiencing a high level of wellbeing across multiple life domains
28. In a coaching session, a client states, "I want to eat healthier, but my family brings junk food into the house all the time." This statement is an example of: → Ambivalence
29. A wellness coach encouraging a client to identify their 'signature strengths' is drawing on which tool? → The VIA Survey of Character Strengths
30. Which of the following is best for assessing visceral fat? → Waist circumference