ICF ICF-ACC Practice Test Questions Answers

Option D is the worst because it unilaterally dictates the closure (summarizing) without client input, violating Competency 2.2 (partnership) and Competency 8.2 (collaborative closure). It breaches Ethics Section 2.2 (avoiding imposition) and undermines the client’s role in the process.

Option A assumes content but isn’t as rigid. Option B focuses on the coach but allows client response. Option C (best, see Question 25) empowers. D most severely disrupts the partnering dynamic.

ICF Competency 6 ("Listens Actively") involves "focusing fully on what the client is saying and not saying, understanding the meaning in context, and demonstrating that the client is heard." It prioritizes client-led dialogue and clarification over coach input. Let’s assess:

A. Asking to share a suggestion while the client is speaking to demonstrate the urgency of the issue: Interrupting shifts focus to the coach, undermining active listening (Competency 6).

B. Relating to the client’s struggles by mentioning similar struggles the coach has experienced: This risks redirecting attention to the coach, not fully hearing the client (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1).

C. Allowing the client to direct the discussion while the coach asks questions to learn more: This embodies Competency 6 by keeping the client central, using questions to deepen understanding and reflect listening.

D. Letting the client know the coach is listening and would like to share some recommendations: Offering recommendations shifts to action (Competency 8), not pure active listening.

Option C best reflects active listening, per ICF’s competency standards.

The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 3.1) defines a conflict of interest as "a situation in which a coach has a private or personal interest sufficient to appear to influence the objective exercise of their professional duties." It’s about the coach’s competing interests, not the client’s. Let’s analyze:

A. The client has so many interests that it becomes a challenge to identify clear coaching goals: This is a coaching challenge, not a conflict of interest per ICF’s definition.

B. The coach and the client cannot agree on what will serve as the client’s best interest during the coi: (Assuming "coi" is "coaching") This is a disagreement, not a conflict of interest involving the coach’s personal gain.

C. The coach serves one of their own interests that works against one of the client’s interests: This matches Section 3.1, where a coach’s personal agenda (e.g., financial gain) undermines client needs, requiring disclosure (Section 3.2).

D. The interests expressed by the client have the potential to work against the coach’s plan for the session: This is a misalignment of goals, not a conflict of interest tied to the coach’s personal benefit.

Option C best reflects ICF’s definition of a conflict of interest.

ICF Competency 8 ("Facilitates Client Growth") focuses on "transforming learning into action" through specific, realistic plans that support ongoing progress. Addressing barriers ensures sustainability (ICF Definition of Coaching). Let’s evaluate:

A. Distributing a survey to assess the client’s level of satisfaction with the coaching progress: This evaluates the process but doesn’t directly drive progress (Competency 8).

B. Working with the client to develop an action plan that acknowledges support and resource barriers: This aligns with Competency 8, empowering the client with a tailored, actionable strategy for continued growth.

C. Emphasizing some negative outcomes that could occur if the client does not reach their goals: Fear-based motivation contradicts ICF’s positive, client-led approach (Competency 5).

D. Sharing literature relevant to the client’s goals for them to review before the next coaching session: This supports learning but lacks the actionable focus of a plan (Competency 8).

Option B most likely helps the client progress, per ICF’s growth-focused framework.

Option D adheres to Competency 7.11, "Shares observations, insights, and feelings without attachment," by offering the experience as an option while preserving client autonomy (Competency 8.3). It aligns with Ethics Section 2.2 (non-imposition) and the ICF Definition of Coaching (facilitating, not directing).

Option A is directive, violating Competency 2.2. Option B seeks permission but assumes relevance. Option C shares without consent and suggests solutions, bypassing partnership. D best respects the client’s choice and process.