Question:

What can I expect on the certified personal trainer exam?

What can I expect on the certified personal trainer exam?

Once you have completed a certified personal trainer course at the Cortiva Institute, you'll need to take the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified personal trainer exam. The NASM exam has five main components: Assessment; Exercise Technique; Program Design; Nutrition; Client Relations & Administration; and Professional Practice & Responsibility.

The Assessment section of the NASM certified personal trainer exam is 25 questions. This section tests the certified personal trainer on identifying client training and fitness history. This includes understanding clients' medical history, fitness goals, current and previous medications, body composition, heart rate, posture, and movement observations.

The Exercise Technique portion of the NASM certified personal trainer exam covers the proper application and execution of exercises as critical success factors for client fitness programs. This also covers how the certified personal trainer performs their role as an educator in health and fitness, including nutrition and anatomy.

According to NASM, the Program Design section includes “ Developing comprehensive, progressive training and conditioning programs is fundamentally critical for the success of the Certified Personal Trainer. Comprehensive knowledge of functional anatomy, physiology, and the integrated training continuum are necessary.”

The Nutrition phase of the NASM certified personal trainer covers the ability to educate and develop balanced diets and nutritional needs as part of a fitness program.

The certified personal trainer must also be able to understand Client Relations and Administration. This portion of the NASM certified personal trainer exam includes balancing quality services, client needs, and the fitness program sales process.

Lastly, the certified personal trainer exam covers Professional Practice and Responsibility. This is important as this section covers regulations, legalities, and ethical considerations.