PN Level 2 study guide

PN Level 2 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

The Precision Nutrition Level 2 Certification is described by its provider as an exclusive yearlong nutrition and lifestyle coaching master class, aimed at professionals with a deep commitment to excellence who want advanced education plus hands-on practice. Each student is mentored one-on-one by a Precision Nutrition Master Coach across 12 months of immersive study and practice. The curriculum combines daily habits and lessons with real-world, real-client problem solving built on a behavior-change coaching method the company says it has used with over 150,000 clients. Enrollment opens twice a year, in April and October, and Level 1 graduates can join a presale list up to six months ahead. Presale registrants may pay 2,625 once or 262.50 per month for 12 months; those not on the presale list pay $349 per month for 12 months. Graduates can claim continuing education credit with several organizations, including ACE (2.0 CECs), ACSM (20 CECs), CDR (16 CPEUs), CPTN (14 CECs), NASM (1.9 CEUs), and PTA Global (24 CECs). Topics on this exam: Behavior-change coaching method and One-on-one mentorship and real-client problem solving. The PN Level 2 study guide has 2 sections and about 627 words.

Behavior-change coaching method

This domain tests whether you can apply a client-centered, evidence-informed coaching process rather than handing out meal plans. The exam samples motivational interviewing, stages-of-change, self-determination theory, habit formation and relapse prevention in realistic coaching dialogues. Core rules: Match your approach to readiness. In precontemplation, raise awareness and build alliance; in contemplation, explore ambivalence; in preparation, co-create a concrete plan; in action/maintenance, reinforce self-efficacy and relapse-prevention skills.

296 words, about 1 min 02

One-on-one mentorship and real-client problem solving

This domain tests mentoring other coaches and reasoning through complex, messy client situations: stalled progress, adherence gaps, scope-of-practice boundaries, ethical dilemmas and documentation. Expect case vignettes where you must choose the next best coaching or mentoring move. Core rules: Mentor by building capability, not dependency. Ask reflective questions, use the SBI model (Situation–Behavior–Impact) for feedback, and let the coach generate solutions before you offer yours.

331 words, about 2 min

More study resources for PN Level 2

Practice questionsA client says, "I know I should walk every morning, but I keep hitting snooze." Which coaching response best reflects the PN behavior-change principle of building on the client's own motivation rather than prescribing a fix?
FlashcardsPrecontemplation stage. Stage in which the client is not yet considering change and typically does not see the behavior as a problem; coaching aims at raising awareness rather than prescribing a program.
Cheat sheetTranstheoretical model stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance; relapse is a return to an earlier stage, not a failed stage, and stage-matched tasks differ at each one.
Key termsAutonomy support. A coaching stance in which the practitioner offers choices, explains rationale, and avoids controlling language so the client feels ownership of the change rather than pressure from the coach.
Study planMap the full behavior-change coaching method domain into a one-page outline of its major sub-areas and note where your knowledge is weakest.
Common mistakesCandidates study the theory chapter and rehearse definitions, so under time pressure they default to 'teaching about' the method rather than 'applying' it, because describing is easier to produce than a concrete coaching move.
Exam-day guideBring the exact ID type and name spelling your registration requires; a mismatch between the name on your ID and your registration is a common reason for being turned away.