ICF Coaching Exam Explained: Do you REALLY need to memorize everything?
Spoiler alert: Nope. You don’t need to become a walking textbook to pass the ICF exam.
In this short but info-packed video, I’m breaking down what the ICF Coaching Knowledge Assessment (CKA) is actually testing you on—because if you’ve been spiraling over memorizing every word of the Core Competencies or wondering if you need flashcards taped to your bathroom mirror, I’ve got some good news.
This isn't about regurgitating jargon. It's about thinking like a coach, embodying the skills, and understanding the spirit of the ICF model. In the video, I share:
The mindset shift that helped me (and my students) stop stressing and start understanding
How to prep in a way that feels grounded, not overwhelming
What I wish every coach knew before taking the exam
So if you're working toward certification—or just wondering what the exam process is like—this is your invitation to take a deep breath and simplify the path forward.
Your coaching brain > rote memorization. Always.
Let's dive in 🎉👇🏽
DOES THIS VIDEO RESONATE WITH YOU?
HERE ARE SOME WAYS I CAN SUPPORT YOU
💖 Born to Coach®️ Training Academy: Enrollment is officially open for our ICF accredited coach training program. We’ll teach you how to coach at the professional & transformational level and earn your certification & ICF credentials with us.
💖 Build Your Life Coaching Biz in 7 Days Course: With this self-paced online course and resource toolkit, you’re equipped with everything you need to officially get your life coaching business set up and confidently open your doors to an eager waiting list of high value clients.
💖 Reiki Level 1 Training & Certification: Ready to turn your hands into powerful healing tools? Join our online Reiki Level 1 Training & Certification Program and become a certified Reiki practitioner. Start your journey towards energy healing today!
💖 Download my FREEBIES:
💖 Buy My Book - Beyond the White Picket Fence: This book is designed for the woman who’s ready to break away from the soul sucking career, the toxic relationships, and everyday decisions that are keeping her trapped. She’ll learn how to create her own definition of freedom and design a life on her own terms…
Hey There! I’m Krista
A Retired Nurse Turned Professional Certified Life Coach, Spiritual Business Mentor, Hypnotherapist, World Traveler, Author & Mama to Lincoln.
I was born to be a coach and live a life beyond the white picket fence. I was never designed to struggle through a 9-5 job and sell my soul to the devil.
Now I work with heart-centered humans all over the world showing them how to become life coaches and start their own online businesses.
Hopefully one day I’ll get to work with you inside one of my coaching programs too. Because you deserve to have a life and career that brings you the ultimate freedom and flexibility so you can do the work you were born to do.
Xo,
Krista Kathleen, PCC