I received my certified personal trainer (CPT) certification though the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and hope to address all of your questions below. If you have any additional questions, feel free to ask away in the comments section of this post.
Let’s get to it!
NASM Certified Personal Trainer Exam Study Guide
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Why did you choose NASM?
I did a lot of research and spoke to a handful of personal trainers. In the end, I felt like NASM was highly respected in the fitness industry. I also liked that everything that I read said that the certification included a lot of science-heavy information and focused a lot on the function of the muscles. Since I had not taken a science class since my freshman year of college, I wanted to soak up this information and challenge myself a bit.
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What package did you purchase and how much did it cost?
NASM offers four different CPT bundles. At the time I took the exam, the bundles ranged in price from $599 to $999, but those numbers fluctuate. I purchased the NASM CPT Fourth Edition Pro, the second-cheapest option which provided me with access to online study resources, a text book and the exam. I paid $699.
The cheapest option at the time I took the exam was $599 and included only the exam, so if you choose that option, you would need to buy the book elsewhere. (I found it on Amazon for $62.) In my opinion, the extra $40 is worth it for the CPT Pro option since it provides access to online study resources (and a practice test) which I found quite helpful.
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How long did you study and what study methods did you use to help you memorize all of the information?
From the time you buy your materials, NASM gives you 180 days to study before you have to take the test (or you can pay $200 to reschedule it for a later date – ick!). I was actually locked out of the online learning center, so my test date was reset and I had a little longer than 180 days to study, but I’d guess that I studied for 100 of the 180 days. The final 30 days were “crunch time” where I fully immersed myself in the material and studied for several hours each day.
My studying was very sporadic at first as I started to make my way through the book, but I started to really focus my studying during the final two months. As I made my way through the book, I created a study guide for myself that included all of the vocabulary words, important charts and notes. It ended up being nearly 40 pages, but it was a valuable resource for me!
During the 30 days before the exam, I made notecards highlighting the areas that gave me trouble and studied them like crazy. I highly recommend using notecards.
Another thing that helped me immensely was physically going through the motions as I was studying. When I was memorizing information relating to postural distortions and the isolated functions of the muscles, I stood up, flexed my muscles and moved my body. Moving my body and muscles helped me retain the information much better than I would have had I simply looked at notecards.
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If you could go back and start studying from scratch, what would you do differently?
I would still read the entire book and make a study guide, but I would utilize the online e-learning center a lot more. I didn’t really use it that much until I was more than 75 percent of the way through the book and ended up going back and watching the videos and taking the online quizzes for every chapter. The videos were really helpful to me when it came to decoding some of the “science speak” that went right over my head in the second chapter.
I also followed NASM’s online study guide and would recommend it! When I was about halfway done studying, I found a “Syllabus” in NASM’s e-learning center and wish I would’ve seen that earlier! It provides a 75-day study planning guide that I think could be very beneficial to those looking for a little guidance.
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I am about to take the CPT test this month! Can you highlight the main areas that you studied or saw pop up on the exam?
Yes! I would highly recommend paying extra attention to the following material:
- Vocabulary in Chapter 2
- Golgi Tendon
- Muscles as Movers (Agonist, Synergist, Stabilizer, Antagonist)
- Vocabulary in Chapter 3
- Support Mechanisms of Blood
- Structures of a Respiratory Pump
- Three Metabolic Pathways (ATP-PC, Glycolysis, Oxidative)
- EPOC
- Three Planes of Motion (Sagittal, Frontal and Transverse)
- General Understanding of Muscle Action Spectrum
- Exercise Progressions (Push-up)
- Force Couples
- Pulse (Radial and Carotid)
- Target Heart Rate Training Zones
- Straight Percentage Method
- Blood Pressure (Systolic, Diastolic)
- Body Composition Assessments
- BMI, Risk of Disease
- Progression Continuum
- 3-Minute Step Test
- Postural Distortions (Shortened and Lengthened Muscles)
- Performance Assessments
- Vocabulary in Chapter 7 (Reciprocal Inhibition, Altered Reciprocal Inhibition, Autogenic Inhibition, Synergistic Dominance)
- Flexibility Continuum
- Chart on Page 183
- Warm Up
- FITTE
- Circuit Training
- Local Stabilization System
- Designing a Core Training Program
- Balance Training Programs (Balance Stabilization, Balance Strength, Balance Power) + Balance Training Program Design (pg. 249)
- Levels of Plyometric Training
- Kinetic Chain Checkpoints During Running
- SAQ Program Design
- Principle of Specificity (SAID Principle)
- Horizontal Loading, Vertical Loading, Peripheral Heart Action System
- Acute Variables
- Isolated Function of Muscles
- Training Hypertensive Clients
- Fitness Assessments for Pregnant Women
- Daily Requirements of Protein, Fats and Carbohydrates
- Adequate Water Consumption, Effects of Dehydration
- Calcium
- Stages of Change
- Active Listening
- SMART Goals
- READ
Phew!
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Do you feel like the practice test was an accurate representation of the real test?
Yes. I found the official exam a bit more challenging, but the practice test is definitely a good representation. I also had three or four exact questions from my practice test on the official exam.
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Did you struggle to finish the test in the time given?
Not at all. I think I finished in 75 minutes. When you take the test you have the ability to “mark” questions that you find tricky, so you can go back at the end and look at them again. When I took the test, I answered all of the questions I felt confident about at first and then went back to check over the questions I marked and took more time answering them.
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Special NASM Offer
I received a call from NASM yesterday afternoon which initially freaked me out and made me think something went wrong with my test! As it turns out, Michael Golembewski called because one of you mentioned my name and PBF when you bought your CPT study materials! Mike then said that NASM is offering anyone who signs up and mentions my name or my blog a discount of at least 5 percent. (I think the discount may vary depending on what package you buy.) I just wanted to pass along the information because I know the certification isn’t cheap! To get the discount, you can call Mike (602-383-1263) or email him (Michael.Golembewski@nasm.org) and mention my name or Peanut Butter Fingers. Happy studying! Good luck!
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Congratulations on passing!
Hi, and thanks for taking the time to do this. I take my NASM test tomorrow!!!!!!!!!! Been studying so hard!!!
How did this study guide help you? Was it accurate? I’m studying for mine too!
Julie!
I know you posted this a LONG time ago, but this review was the thing that finally pushed me to decide to go with NASM. After reading your review, I emailed Michael Golembewski immediately to ask if he still would offer a discount for the exam package. Within minutes he emailed and called me to discuss the benefits of the certification and offer me a 20% discount off of my exam package. I was extremely surprised and excited! He made me feel extremely comfortable about conquering the materials to do well on the exam. If any readers out there are still considering taking their NASM PT exam, give Michael a call and he will be sure to answer any question you may have! Thank you Julie and Michael for beginning my NASM journey!!
I saw your post about getting a discount and sent him an email… and wow. He replied, then we chatted on the phone, and I got a great discount for this!! Thanks so much because this discount really saved me a good deal!
Thank you so much for this!! This just helped me confirm my decision to become certified through NASM!!
This was so helpful Julie thank you so much. I’m also interested in getting the NASM certification to become a personal trainer…was wondering if you had already studied this field prior in college? I’m trying to decide if I’m going to go back to school to take classes in the health filed or not because I realize that after I get certified, it would obviously look better when finding a job if I went to school for it as opposed to just getting certified. I’m not sure if it will be harder because I don’t have a degree..
hi stacie! i actually majored in public relations and advertising in college! all of the material was foreign to me (outside of the stuff i knew already from my personal interest in fitness). my goal with this certification isn’t to train clients right away, but if it is your goal, i’d definitely reach out to local gyms to inquire what they prefer. i know my gym said my certification was enough to hire me, should i want to train clients there.
Hi Julie,
Did you work full time when you were studying ? I have a full time job , am training for a couple of races in October,have a rigorous workout schedule, and have a family. My passion is to become a personal trainer ( actually switching careers ) but honestly do not know where I am going to find the time to do all that studying.
Congrats on passing the exam!! I am actually n the process of studying for mine. I’m a Certified Athletic Trainer and actually have my NASM-PES cert and decided to also get my CPT credentials. I love your blog!! Thanks for the exam prep tips! I have until the beginning of July when my 180 days are up.
Great information Julie! I passed yesterday and I wish I would’ve seen this post first!
I just emailed Michael, mentioned your blog and ordered my CPT course! I’m really excited to get started! Thank you for all your information on this, it was really helpful.
Julie,
I heard about you from a friend. My test is next week and haven’t used the online guide yet. I guess I will start now. I wanted to know if the test is all multiple choice (which I have done in practice) or if it includes other types of assessment forms? Also, when you passed how did they notify you and how long after the test did it take??
Hi Julie! I am studying for my CPT through NASM as well…and I am wondering if you’d ever consider sharing the study guide you created? Purrrty Please?
I just ordered my program for Michael and mentioned your blog. I got a great deal. I’m looking forward to all the help you have provided for studying. Thanks a lot.
hi dee! i actually compatative study for CPT through h NASM . It’s a good for us.
Hi mark! This is a great place where we want to comparative at all the over a comparative. so want are a new in CPT but this is a place for our self.
Julie,
I have heart from my friend thtat is a next promotion in the next extra time and delivered to the books.
I also followed NASM’s, this the time for maintain our or others physic, for more physical efficiency. it also provide itself physical trainner certificate and it is the fast growing career.
I am taking the exam this wednesday. I had a few set backs and was wondering if anyone took it recently and would be able to help me over skype or even through email… frank.concs@hotmail.com
I take the test in exactly 6 days from today and I want any advice that can help me get thru these 6 days without cutting my wrist ? 🙂 I have a pretty good understanding of most of the material but I’m just super nervous. Is there anything that you could recommend I do to brush up on everything in the next 6 days ?
Hurrah! After all I got a web site from where I can actually obtain helpful information concerning my
study and knowledge.
Thank you for this! I take my exam July 2!! Looking at my stack of note-cards (exceeding 450 – yikes)!!
i was just wondering how the test is set up. Is it multiple choice or something different?
multiple choice!
Hi! Love all your info, so helpful! I am taking my test this Monday, June 24…What does EPOC stand for in your ‘Things to know’ section?
Thanks!!
Ashley
Hello there! This post could not be written any
better! Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
He continually kept talking about this. I’ll forward this post to him. Fairly certain he’ll have a great read.
Many thanks for sharing!
Hi PBF!
Thanks so much for your article on the NASM CPT exam!
I’ve booked in to do the online e-teach course for the certification in August once my 3 kids are back at school. I’ve already started studying though as I got my book and completely freaked out at how detailed the course material is! I did a Business degree 10 years ago so this is a totally new area for me, and it’s been awhile between exams!!
I appreciate your notes on the exam content. I plan on ticking off each item once I feel confident in knowing it!
Thanks again. Really love your website!
C2theP
Hi,
Thanks for the article. I had a small question. Does the exam have all the questions that are multiple choice type/matching/true-false type or there are written questions too? I ask because it is a little easier to select the right/wrong answer when they are in front of you. Otherwise one has to cram up a lot. I came across this website for practice test and they have written questions in which we have to provide definition for the terms they ask..I though that would be pretty hard to remember the whole thing:
http://quizlet.com/9649664/test/?written=on&matching=on&mult_choice=on&tf=on&prompt-with=1&limit=188
Can you please advise on this please. Are there gonna be written questions (where we have answer or define terms with no options to select from?)_
Ash
It’s in fact very complex in this active life to listen news on Television, so I just use world wide web for that purpose, and take the latest news.
What a material of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable familiarity on the topic of
unpredicted feelings.
Any specific advice for success with flahscards?
We’re they more useful to you for vocabulary purposes or general topic information?
Thanks for the tips PBF, or Julie, which ever you prefer. I am hoping to take my NASM in about two weeks. And, good job on your website.
take care
Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe that this amazing site needs far
more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the advice!
Thanks SO much for sharing this info about the CPT test! I’m studying for it now and it’s been so helpful! Thank you also for your contact and discount info for Michael-I contacted him through the number in your blog and he gave me a huge discount and helped me a ton! (If you’re thinking about taking the test-you should call him!) He also helped me bundle my CPR and AED certs with my CPT exam and I’m gonna be certified in no time!
Hi Leanna how much was your discount? I am really thinking about doing the certification as well but the price scares me a little. Thank you!
Hey Diana!
The prices totally scared me too, but it’s definitely worth it for a great certification. I saved about $100 off the regular price of the Self-teach study package. I added the CPR/AED cert. onto that which was about another $30 and then it cost me $10 for shipping all the supplies to my house. But I only got those savings through talking to Michael so I’d give him a call if you’re interested!
Hi there! I just wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for the great information you have here on this post.
I will be returning to your blog for more soon.
thanks a bunch!! your my LIFE SAVER 😉
facebook me if you would like! allyson haglund 🙂
was the test multiple choice?
I’ve having some problems finding a few definitions/explanations. If anyone could tell me on what pages to find them (in the most current book) I would really appreciate it.
Exercise Progression (Push Ups)
Straight Percentage Method
Progression Continuum
3-Minute Step Test
SAQ Program Design
Exercise Progression (Push Ups)
Straight Percentage Method-PAGE 111
Progression Continuum
3-Minute Step Test- PAGE 120
SAQ Program Design-PAGE 273-280
Thank you so much for your insight! I was a bit overwhelmed in my last week of studying and then found your post. I went down the list of topics you posted from the exam and checked them off as I reviewed them, just passed my NASM CPT test an hour ago! Thank you for breaking it down for me and getting me in check before the test!
This is fantastic and should be a big help studying for the exam. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Julie-
How many questions are on the exam?
Thanks for this post! I was just directed to it from another site: http://prayersandapples.com/i-passed-my-nasm-personal-trainer-exam/ and this is super helpful as I’m studying for NASM and getting into the “crunch mode” portion! 🙂