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According to the AHNCC Scope and Standards, which behavior BEST distinguishes nurse coaching from traditional clinical nursing practice?
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Key Facts: NC-BC Exam
140
Total Exam Items
120 scored + 20 experimental
72%
Passing Threshold
of 120 scored items
89–93%
Pass Rate
AHNCC 2024–2025
60 hrs
Supervised Coaching
Eligibility requirement
$350–425
Exam Fee
AHNCC 2026
5 years
Certification Valid
Recertification cycle
The NC-BC exam has 140 items (120 scored) with a 72% passing threshold, offered year-round via CBT through C-NET. High pass rates (89–93%) reflect strong candidate preparation. Eligibility requires an active RN license, 2+ years RN practice, 60 CNEs in coaching competencies, and 60 supervised coaching hours. The exam tests holistic nurse coaching theory, motivational interviewing, behavior change stages, ICF competencies, wellness assessment, and professional ethics.
Sample NC-BC Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your NC-BC exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1According to the AHNCC Scope and Standards, which behavior BEST distinguishes nurse coaching from traditional clinical nursing practice?
2The Dossey-Hess Integrative Nurse Coach model identifies five components. Which component involves the nurse coach cultivating self-awareness and personal growth to enhance coaching effectiveness?
3A nurse coach uses open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summaries during a session. This set of skills is collectively known as:
4A client states, 'I know I should exercise, but I just can't seem to get started.' According to the Transtheoretical Model, this client is MOST likely in which stage?
5Which motivational interviewing technique involves the nurse coach making a statement that mirrors or paraphrases what a client has said to demonstrate understanding?
6A SMART goal for a coaching client should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and:
7Appreciative inquiry in nurse coaching is BEST described as:
8During a holistic health assessment, a nurse coach asks a client about relationships, spirituality, and work satisfaction in addition to physical health. This reflects which principle of holistic nursing?
9A nurse coach recognizes she is beginning to feel emotionally exhausted and less empathetic with clients. The MOST appropriate first action is to:
10Which action by a nurse coach BEST demonstrates coaching presence as described in the ICF Core Competencies?
About the NC-BC Exam
The NC-BC (Nurse Coach, Board Certified) credential from AHNCC validates advanced holistic nurse coaching competency. The 140-item CBT exam covers nurse coaching scope and standards, the Dossey-Hess Integrative Nurse Coach model, ICF Core Competencies, motivational interviewing (OARS, spirit, processes), the Transtheoretical Model, SMART goals, appreciative inquiry, strengths-based and whole-person wellness assessment, behavior change theory, coaching ethics (confidentiality, dual relationships, scope limits), and nurse coach self-care. Passing requires 72% correct of the 120 scored items.
Questions
140 scored questions
Time Limit
CBT year-round (time not publicly specified)
Passing Score
72% of 120 scored items (approximately 87 correct)
Exam Fee
$400–$525 (AHNCC / C-NET (Center for Nursing Education and Testing))
NC-BC Exam Content Outline
Nurse Coaching Foundations & Standards
ANA/AHNA scope and standards, NC-BC credential history and requirements, nursing vs. coaching role distinctions, Dossey-Hess Integrative Nurse Coach model, evidence base for nurse coaching outcomes
Coaching Relationship & Process
ICF Core Competencies (coaching presence, deep listening, powerful questioning, evoking awareness, direct communication), coaching agreement/contracting, session structure, evaluation and outcomes, group coaching basics
Behavior Change & Motivational Strategies
Motivational interviewing spirit and OARS, change talk vs. sustain talk, Transtheoretical Model stages (precontemplation through maintenance, relapse), SMART goals, appreciative inquiry 4-D cycle, self-determination theory, Bandura self-efficacy, identity-based change
Holistic Assessment, Ethics & Self-Care
Whole-person wellness assessment, Wheel of Life, cultural humility, spiritual well-being as a coaching domain, confidentiality and mandatory reporting, dual relationships, scope of practice limits, coaching vs. counseling boundaries, nurse coach self-care and reflective practice
How to Pass the NC-BC Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 72% of 120 scored items (approximately 87 correct)
- Exam length: 140 questions
- Time limit: CBT year-round (time not publicly specified)
- Exam fee: $400–$525
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
NC-BC Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NC-BC exam?
The NC-BC (Nurse Coach, Board Certified) is a specialty credential offered by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC). It validates advanced competency in holistic nurse coaching, including coaching relationship skills, motivational interviewing, behavior change theory, wellness assessment, and professional ethics for RNs practicing as nurse coaches.
How many questions are on the NC-BC exam?
The NC-BC exam contains 140 items: 120 scored questions and 20 unscored experimental items. Candidates must answer 72% of scored questions correctly (approximately 87 of 120) to pass. The exam is delivered via computer-based testing (CBT) year-round through C-NET.
What are the NC-BC eligibility requirements?
To sit for the NC-BC you need: (1) active, unrestricted U.S. RN license; (2) BSN+ requires 2 years full-time (or 4,000 part-time hours) RN practice within 5 years; ADN/Diploma requires 4 years (or 8,000 hours) within 7 years; (3) 60 CNEs in Nurse Coach competencies within 3 years; (4) 60 hours of supervised coaching experience with validation by a Certified Nurse Coach.
What is the NC-BC pass rate?
The NC-BC pass rate was 89–93% in 2024–2025 per AHNCC statistics, among the higher pass rates for specialty nursing certifications. Strong pass rates reflect that most candidates are well-prepared and come from approved coaching programs.
What content areas does the NC-BC exam cover?
The NC-BC covers four main areas: nurse coaching foundations and ANA/AHNA standards (~25%); coaching relationship and ICF Core Competencies including listening, powerful questioning, and evoking awareness (~30%); behavior change and motivational interviewing including TTM stages and SMART goals (~25%); and holistic wellness assessment, ethics, cultural humility, and self-care (~20%).
How long is NC-BC certification valid?
NC-BC certification is valid for 5 years. Recertification requires completing 100 contact hours of continuing education or professional development within the 5-year cycle, or retaking the exam. The retake fee if recertifying by exam is the current exam fee.
How should I prepare for the NC-BC exam?
Use The Art and Science of Nurse Coaching (Hess, Dossey, Southard et al.) and the AHNCC Core Essentials for the Professional Nurse Coach Role as primary references. Study motivational interviewing (OARS, spirit, change talk), the Transtheoretical Model stages, ICF Core Competencies, holistic wellness assessment, and coaching ethics. Practice with scenario-based questions across all content areas.