Free NASM Practice Test
Original NASM-CPT questions for all six exam domains, every answer explained.
A client in Phase 2 performs a barbell bench press. Which exercise should follow immediately as the second half of the superset?
173 original NASM-CPT questions with explanations · 7 free drills: every domain plus a mixed set · 84% of candidates passed in 2025
NASM-CPT practice questions by domain
The domains and weights from NASM’s exam blueprint. Every domain has a free ten-question drill with an explanation after every answer; each drill’s first attempt is free. Our mock draws its 100 scored questions in these weights and adds 20 unscored questions, as on the real exam.
1. Basic and Applied Sciences and Nutritional Concepts (15%)
About 15 of 100 scored questions
Anatomy and exercise physiology, the nervous, muscular, skeletal, cardiorespiratory and endocrine systems, human movement science, energy systems and EPOC, macronutrients, micronutrients, hydration, energy balance and supplements.
2. Client Relations and Behavioral Coaching (15%)
About 15 of 100 scored questions
Rapport and communication, SMART, process and outcome goals, the stages of change, motivational interviewing, self-efficacy, behavior change strategies, barriers and social support.
3. Assessment (16%)
About 16 of 100 scored questions
The PAR-Q+ and health history, blood pressure and heart rate, body composition, static posture, the overhead squat and other movement assessments, cardiorespiratory and performance tests, and when to refer.
4. Program Design (20%)
About 20 of 100 scored questions
The OPT model and its five phases, acute variables, periodization, flexibility, cardiorespiratory, core, balance, plyometric and SAQ training, resistance training systems and special populations.
5. Exercise Technique and Training Instruction (24%)
About 24 of 100 scored questions
Setup and technique for flexibility, core, balance, plyometric and resistance exercises, cueing, the kinetic chain checkpoints, spotting, breathing, progressions and regressions, and signs to stop exercise.
6. Professional Development and Responsibility (10%)
About 10 of 100 scored questions
Scope of practice and referral, ethics and records, recertification, marketing, sales and client retention, equipment safety and emergency procedures.
Ready for the full exam?
120 questions in 2 hours, scored on the 100 that count, with a score by domain and an explanation for every answer.
Or start with a free 10-question drillThe NASM-CPT exam at a glance
The NASM-CPT exam has 120 four-answer multiple-choice questions in 2 hours, 100 of them scored. Practice each domain with free ten-question drills, then take a timed mock with the real question count, clock and blueprint weights.
- Questions
- 120 multiple-choice questions: 100 scored and 20 unscored pretest questions mixed in
- Time limit
- 2 hours, closed book
- Answer options
- Four-answer multiple choice, as NASM’s handbook states
- Domains
- Sciences and Nutrition 15%, Client Relations 15%, Assessment 16%, Program Design 20%, Exercise Technique 24%, Professional Development 10%
- Passing score
- A scaled score of 70 or higher. NASM does not publish the raw number of correct answers that equals 70
- Delivery
- Proctored by PSI at a test center or by live remote proctor, within 180 days of purchase
- Fee
- US$599 for the exam alone; the exam is also included in NASM’s study programs
- Retakes
- Wait 1 week after a first failed attempt and 30 days after a second; after a third, wait 1 year. NASM sells retests through Member Services and does not list the price on its exam page
- 2025 pass rate
- 84% (19,338 of 22,767 candidates)
What the NASM-CPT exam tests
- Exercise Technique and Training Instruction is the largest domain at 24%: setup and technique for flexibility, core, balance, plyometric and resistance exercises, cueing, the five kinetic chain checkpoints, spotting, breathing and when to regress or stop an exercise.
- Program Design (20%) is built on NASM’s OPT model: the five phases from Stabilization Endurance to Power, their sets, repetitions, tempo and rest, periodization, and modifications for youth, older adults, pregnancy, hypertension and diabetes.
- Assessment (16%) covers the PAR-Q+ and health history, blood pressure categories, BMI and waist-to-hip ratio, skinfold formulas, static posture distortions and the overactive and underactive muscles behind each overhead squat compensation.
- Basic and Applied Sciences and Nutritional Concepts (15%) and Client Relations and Behavioral Coaching (15%) cover anatomy, energy systems, macronutrients and supplements, the stages of change, SMART goals and motivational interviewing; Professional Development and Responsibility (10%) covers scope of practice, business and emergency procedures.
How to take the NASM-CPT exam
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent (or finish one within 90 days) and a current adult CPR/AED certification. NASM does not set a minimum age to sit the exam.
- Buy a NASM-CPT study program or the exam alone (US$599). You have 180 days from purchase to take the exam.
- Schedule through your NASM portal with PSI, at least 24 hours ahead, at a test center or by live remote proctor.
- Bring a government photo ID and your CPR/AED card. Sit the 120-question exam in 2 hours; the digital certificate appears within one business day of passing.
Common questions
How many questions are on the NASM-CPT exam?
120 four-answer multiple-choice questions in 2 hours. 100 are scored and 20 are unscored pretest questions mixed in; you cannot tell which ones are pretest questions, so answer every question.
What score do you need to pass the NASM exam?
A scaled score of 70 or higher. NASM converts your raw score to a scaled score so that every exam form demands the same ability, and it does not publish the raw number of correct answers that equals 70. Our mock shows your raw score on the 100 scored questions and your score by domain.
What is the NASM-CPT pass rate?
NASM’s published statistics show 19,338 of 22,767 candidates passed in 2025, 84%. The rate was 84% in 2024 and 82% in 2023. 94,192 people currently hold the NASM-CPT.
How much does the NASM-CPT exam cost?
The exam alone costs US$599, and it is included in NASM’s study programs. NASM sells retests through Member Services and does not list the retest price on its exam page; a retest is included with the CPT Premium Self-Study and All-Inclusive programs.
Can I take the NASM exam online?
Yes. PSI proctors the NASM-CPT exam at test centers and online by live remote proctor. The exam is closed book either way, and you must show a government photo ID and a current CPR/AED card.
What happens if I fail the NASM exam?
You can retake it after a one-week wait. After a second failed attempt the wait is 30 days, and after a third it is one year. If you fail, your score report shows your scaled score and your percentage correct in each of the six domains.
Are these official NASM questions?
No. NASM keeps its exam questions confidential. These are original practice questions written to NASM’s published exam blueprint and its CPT study guide, with four answer choices like the real exam and an explanation for every answer.
Ready for exam day?
120 questions in 2 hours, scored on the 100 that count, with a score by domain and an explanation for every answer.
Or start with a free 10-question drillMore personal trainer exam practice
One NASM and ACE personal trainer pass covers both mock exams. The NSCA-CPT has its own pages.
Exam format, fees, scoring and pass rates checked November 2026: NASM: Certified Personal Trainer exam information · NASM Candidate Handbook (updated October 2026) · NASM CPT exam blueprint (2019 job analysis) · NASM-CPT exam data statistics 2020–2025 · NASM: NCCA-accredited CPT exam-only registration.
Original independent practice questions written to NASM’s published exam blueprint; they are not NASM exam questions. NASM and NASM-CPT are trademarks of the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Academy of Sports Medicine.