The ICF Coach Knowledge Assessment Exam (CKA) is a required exam for anyone who wants to become an ICF-certified coach. The CKA is a multiple-choice exam that tests your knowledge of the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics. The exam is 155 questions long and takes three hours to complete.
How to Study for the CKA
There are a few tried and true methods you can do to prepare for the CKA:
- Review the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics. The ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics are the foundation of coaching. By reviewing these documents, you will gain a better understanding of what it means to be a coach.
- Take practice exams. There are a number of practice exams available online. Taking practice exams will help you get used to the format of the CKA and the types of questions that are asked.
- Get feedback from a coach. If you know a coach, ask them to give you feedback on your coaching skills. This feedback can help you identify areas where you need to improve.
What Resources to Use to Study for the CKA
There are a number of resources available to help you study for the CKA:
- The ICF website. The ICF website has a number of resources to help you prepare for the CKA, including the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics, practice exams, and a study guide.
- Books. There are a number of books available that can help you prepare for the CKA. Some of these books include:
- The ICF Coach Training Manual by Sue Johnstone
- The ICF Coach Handbook by Sue Johnstone
- The ICF Coach Certification Exam: A Comprehensive Study Guide by Michael K. Cheuk
- Online courses. There are a number of online courses available that can help you prepare for the CKA. Some of these courses include:
- The ICF Coach Training Program by the International Coaching Federation
- Canada Coach Academy provides you with all the resources, knowledge and expertise to excel on the CKA.
How to Create a Study Schedule
Once you have gathered your resources, it is important to create a study schedule. Your study schedule should be tailored to your individual needs and learning style. Here are a few tips for creating a study schedule:
- Set realistic goals. Don’t try to cram everything into one week. Instead, set realistic goals for yourself and break down the material into manageable chunks.
- Find a quiet place to study. You will need to find a quiet place where you can focus without distractions.
- Take breaks. Don’t try to study for hours on end without taking a break. Get up and move around every 20-30 minutes to avoid getting burned out.
- Reward yourself. When you reach a goal, reward yourself with something you enjoy. This will help you stay motivated.
How to Manage Your Time During the Exam
The CKA is a three-hour exam, so it is important to manage your time wisely. Here are a few tips for managing your time during the exam:
- Read the instructions carefully. Make sure you understand the instructions before you start the exam.
- Answer the questions you know first. Don’t spend too much time on questions you don’t know. Come back to them later if you have time.
- Eliminate the wrong answers. When you are unsure of the answer to a question, try to eliminate the wrong answers first. This will help you narrow down your choices.
- Don’t be afraid to guess. If you don’t know the answer to a question, guess. There is no penalty for guessing.
How to Stay Calm and Focused During the Exam
It is important to stay calm and focused during the exam. Here are a few tips for staying calm and focused during the exam:
- Take deep breaths. When you start to feel stressed, take a few deep breaths to calm down.
- Remind yourself of your goals. Remind yourself why you are taking the exam and what you hope to achieve.
- Take breaks. If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a short break to clear your head.
- Believe in yourself. You have prepared for this exam, and you are capable of passing it.
The ICF Coach Knowledge Assessment Exam is a challenging exam, but it is not impossible to pass. By following the tips in this blog post, you can increase your chances of success.
For coach mentorship, ICF approved certifcation programs such as Life & Wellness Coach Certification & Executive Coach Certification get in touch with Canada Coach Academy today!