Everything You Need to Know About the NASM Exam
Hey everyone. In this post, we are going to discuss in-depth what you need to know about the NASM CPT Certification exam. This detailed article will show you the breakdown of the NASM exam along with the details of different sections of the test. Here you will learn about the difficulty level of the NASM exam, the difference between practice tests and real exams, and much more.
Breakdown of NASM Exam
Currently, the NASM CPR exam comprises 6 different sections. 120 multiple-choice questions include each of these sections in a certain proportion. Here is a quick summary of the 6 sections along with the subjects they cover.
Section 1: This section comprises 17% of the exam and focuses on basic and practical science along with nutritional concepts. The section covers the first 5 Chapters along with Chapter 17 and 18. The section is designed to assess knowledge on the overall functioning of the human body, systems involved in movement and training along with their adaptations, muscular system, nervous system, skeletal system, endocrine system, cardiorespiratory system, and body energy. A test on kinesiology, biomechanics, etc. is also included. Questions also focus on subjects like movement terms, types of movement, planes of movement, muscular imbalance, kinetic chain dysfunction, etc.
Section 2: This section includes 18% of the NASM exam and covers chapters number 6 and 16. This section tests the client assessment skills of the candidate. The questions will be on various assessments related to training and exercise such as cardiorespiratory training, strength training assessment, muscular imbalance, overhead squat assessment, etc.
Section 3: This section involves program design and comprises 21% of the NASM Exam. The section is covered in Chapter 14 and some parts of Chapters 7 to 13. The questions focus on various training principles that are required to design a program for the client. It helps to assess the candidate's knowledge of acute variables such as training volume, tempo, rest periods, resistance, and intensity for different types of exercises based on the NASM OPT model.
Section 4: This section is about the technique and instruction of training. It comprises 22% of the exam and covers Chapter 15 and some parts of Chapters 7 to 13. The questions in this section help to assess the candidate's skill in flexibility training, core training, balance training, reactive training, SAQ training, and strength training. The section is designed to judge the candidate's ability to identify the training category for every exercise and also its relation to the NASM OPT model.
Section 5: This section involves Client relationship and behavioral approach. It comprises 12% of the test and is covered in Chapter 19. The section is designed to assess the candidate's knowledge of different types of coaching and communication strategies. It includes subjects like the expression of empathy, active listening, positive affirmation, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. It also includes the style of coaching, behavioral changes, SMART goals, etc.
Section 6: This section focuses on coaching responsibilities and professional development. It comprises 10% of the NASM exam and is covered in Chapter number 20. This section helps to assess a candidate's understanding of different training facilities, demographics, and ways to be a professional and a responsible trainer. It also includes marketing and sales strategies to run a successful business.
The difficulty level of the NASM Exam
The NASM certification test is often considered to be one of the most difficult ones in the industry for the past decade. It is because NASM is trying to increase the standard of their certified personal trainers.
Some of the stats below will give you a brief idea about the NASM exam difficulty level.
- The average qualifying rate is 65% for the last few years
- The qualifying rate was 67% in 2015
- In 2016, it went down to 61%
According to data released by NASM, 18,115 candidates passed the test while 9,550 failed during the period from August 2017 to 2018.
The NASM exam is also the most difficult to qualify compared to other CPT tests and is held as the gold standard in the fitness industry.
Different between practice test and real test
You will find several websites offering NASM practice tests. However, the truth is all these practice tests are designed by people who are not employed in NASM while the real test is set by NASM certified mentors. The NASM practice test is based on people's experiences after appearing for the real NASM test. The NASM real test is constantly modified by the authorities and it is never static.
As a result, you will find a huge difference between the NASM practice test and the NASM real test.
Even though NASM practice tests are not even close to the real one, they are still a great way to prepare oneself for the real NASM exam.
NASM exam enrollment period
NASM allows a period of 180 days from the date of purchase to submit your valid CPR/AED certification, decide a date for the test, and appear for the test.
NASM exam model
NASM test comprises 120 questions out of which 20 questions are based on research that doesn’t decide your final score. The exam duration is 2 hours and the passing score is 70%.
Taking the NASM Exam
Candidates must set an appointment date to take the test at the PSI test-taking facility. For this, the candidate needs their enrollment ID number. To set the exam date you need to call the PSI on this number-1-833-537-1330.
Eligibility criteria for NASM exam
The candidate must be a high school graduate or have equivalent qualifications. The minimum age limit is 18 years. Candidates must have CPR/AED certifications from recognized organizations such as the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, St. John Ambulance, etc.
NASM exam score
NASM never releases the score after you complete the exam. They simply let you know if you have qualified or failed in the exam.
Failing NASM exam
Failed candidates are allowed to retake the test for the second time and no cost. If the candidate doesn't have a retest voucher, the retest will cost around $199. The first retest is allowed after a week of completing the first exam. For the third attempt, a candidate has to wait for a period of 30 days from the second retest. If the candidate failed at the third attempt, the fourth attempt will be allowed only after a year of the third retest.
NASM exam certification and its validity
The NASM certification will be e-mailed to the qualified candidate within 4 to 6 weeks of completing the test. NASM certification is valid for 2 years after which recertification is required. For recertification, a candidate requires 2 CEU credits which is equivalent to 20 hours of education continuation.
Cost of NASM certification
NASM offers different packages at different pricing. The basic exam only package will cost you around $599 without any study materials.
Final thoughts
The NASM exam is considered one of the most difficult CPT exams in the industry. While some manage to ace it in the first attempt, there are many who qualified after many attempts. The standard that NASM maintains is definitely worth it. So, after this detailed breakdown, we hope you have a clear insight into the NASM exam and what you need in order to pass.