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Failed NASM Twice

by Sara
(Chicago, Illinois)

I just took the NASM exam for the 2nd time, missed it by 7 points, I studied for two months and still failed. The damned questions are very tricky and some I clearly did not know the answer to so I guessed.

I'm starting to believe that NASM just want our money and don't care if you pass or fail. I will re-study and try again in two weeks.

Comments for Failed NASM Twice

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You can Pass NASM
by: Katie - Admin

Hi Sara,

I know you must be really frustrated about now. But the NASM test can be conquered. I think you just need to better identify your weak areas so you don't keep missing the same questions over and over.

You should try taking our exam review course. The 8 day study planner will take you through all the topics covered on the exam. And with over 500 practice questions, chances are you will see some familiar questions on the NASM exam.

And we have a pass or don't pay guarantee. So you really don't have anything to lose.

More info here:
NASM Exam Prep Course

Good Luck!

Katie

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Finally Passed the NASM Exam
by: Anonymous

After two tries, I finally passed the NASM certification course. I purchased your study training guide and it was the key to my success. Thank you.

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about the NASM final exam
by: Anonymous

Hello,I just took my final exam a week ago and I know where you are coming from,it is hard,I passed it,I have to say this is my very first certification,no experience at all besides working out myself at the gym and helping some friends but I learn a lot with the NASM materials.

I have a full time job,a kid,and a mystery shopperjobas part time so I really apply myself finding the time to study,carrying around my backpack to study at my lunch break at work,to study at night after I put my son in bed,after I took the practice exam I did flash cards,I wrote down the questions I had incorrect and worked on that until I understood the chapter,

I took the practice exam maybe 3 or 4 times,even tho the questions are not the same at the final exam it helps,at work I watched the online couching series,and practice the exercises I learned at the gym,I hope this help.

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Not hard at all if you know the stuff
by: Joel at Equinox

I studied it for exactly 2 weeks and I passed it with flying colors, making sure you understand the Anatomy and everything behind will help you be successful,
the test is made to skim all those bluff trainers, You need to understand science in order to make great programs that actually achieve results so just study and try to understand what your actually reading..
Good luck

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Don't get caught in the negative hype
by: Anonymous

I just took the NASM CPT exam and passed it in half an hour. I was a little nervous goin in because of all the negative discussions. If you study to learn and comprehend the material rather than study just to pass a test you'll be fine. You need to know how and why everything works, not just a simple A,B,C or D answer to pass a test. If there wasn't a need to know how to use the knowledge, there wouldn't be a need to call it a "Fitness Professional" because you're no better off than a constant gym member with decent knowledge of exercises. Study continuosly and really take in the info and you'll be fine

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Support from NASM
by: Erin

Sara,

I am the Training and Development Manager for NASM and want to help you along in your journey to accomplish your CPT. Please feel free to send me your contact information at erin.malone@nasm.org so I can help you with this process. The exam certainly is not an easy one to pass, however I can offer some tips and advice that will assist you in the process.

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Read the questions carefully
by: Anonymous

This may help you a little:

Assuming you have read the "Essentials of Fitness Training" course book, and you have viewed the corresponding DVDs, the actual taking of the test requires multiple choice test-taking skills as you would for any such test.

First, don't get nervous or anxious. There is plenty of time. Some people here say they did the test in 30 minutes. Either they are exceptional test-takers or they are outright lying. To pass this test, go at your own pace.

Since the tests are administered by computer, it's actually easier than pencil and paper.

Start by only marking the answers that you are absolutely sure of. Leave the ones you have any doubt about. The computer program tells you which questions you have not answered yet so it's easy to go back.

Very often, the answer to one question you are sure of, will give you great clues to the answers of other questions you are not so sure of. So skipping makes sense.

Next, be very careful to READ THE WORDS in the question carefully, because most often, the words in the question repeat in the correct answer.

You will be given a pad and a pencil or pen to write on when you take the computer exam. Repeatedly write down the letters A.B.C.D. on the pad. When you puzzle over a question you don't know the answer to, draw a slash through the letter of one of the multiple choice answers that you know can not be even close to being correct.

Now you only have three choices for the answer. Let's say it's the letter B. "B" can't be correct. So now you look at A.C. and D. Read the question again. Look at the wording of the question carefully. Suddenly, it looks like say, letter "D" can't be right either.

Now you are down to two choices: A or C. So now go back and look at the words in the question one last time and then look at A and C and see which one of those most closely relates exactly to what the question is asking. Almost like magic, you know that it can't be say, "A", so the answer has got to be the only choice left: "B".

Your note pad will get covered in little A.B.C.D.s with slashes through them. But by the time you finish the exam, you can be sure that you have done the very best you can to answer the questions and I'll bet you pass!

So good luck and keep trying.

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Are the re-tests the same or harder?
by: Nicole

I took the test about a week ago and failed by 3 points. Are the re-tests harder or are they the same test?

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Failed NASM Test
by: Anonymous

I have an earned Ph.D. - I am a pretty good test taker. I read the book with many highlights and notes. I completed different study guides: 1) paperback that comes with your book; 2) One 12 page email sent from NASM with some study guidelines; 3) Another one that was online through NASM; 4) the questions at the end of the chapter; 5) I made 3 X 5 cards for everything on pg. 169 - Adaptations, muscles, overactive, underactive etc.

I studied long and hard...and failed.

In my opinion, it is unethical to have so many questions on the test that are INTENDED to trick or deceive the test taker. Unethical, because it feels like NASM is setting you up for the re-take with the fee.

I understand the true purpose of a test...to see how familiar and to what level you are familiar with the information. With a test that is already difficult, what is the purpose of the tricky, slick questions? To make students more knowledgable? ... or to try to obtain yet more $ for a new test retake?

I am studying again and will see what happens.

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Money making scam by a profit organization
by: Anonymous

I recently took the nasm exam and failed by a few points. It was ridiculous how much information on the exam i dont even remember reading in the book. The questions are very tricky and I do believe they set you up for failure just so they can suck more money out of you for a retest. I believe for fitness certifications a hands on test would make MUCH more sense rather than multiple choice.

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study, learn
by: Anonymous

First of all I would like to say that the exam isnt as bad as some people make it out. Just like any other form of education you have to study. Never memorize the contents of any text especially if its based on your career. The goal is to learn as much as possible and know how to apply these concepts in order to benefit yourself and most importantly the client. With that said I will comment on what I remember from the exam.

Things to know:
1.Dyastolic and Systolic Readings-
2.Overhead Squat assessment- tight(overactive) and weak(underactive) muscles. pg 169 very important
3.Percentages of protein,fat,fiber,carbs
4.How much water an individual should consume daily
5.Study all excercises and know what block of the OPT they belong in
6.Exam really stressed on stabilization with clients
7.Triple flexion and triple extension
8. All planes of motion..very important
9.Non directive, Directive questioning
10.Autogenic inhibition, SMR, Altered reciprical inhibition
11.Progress and Regress excercises
12.Stabilization and Movement muscles
13.Dorsiflexion and Plantarflexion
14.Know all training zones
15. All essential and non essential amino acids
Hope this helps someone out!!
There was several other topics covered on exam, however these are the most important ones I remember.
Also, some of the research questions actually came from the book. (NOT THAT IT REALLY MATTERS SINCE THERE NOT GRADED)
The CPT PRO package is what I purchased which came with text, study guide,mp3, and dvd. To be honest I could have done without everything except the text mainly because I have been around the gym and other physical activities my whole life. However I do realize everyone learns at a different level and I would highly suggest this package to anyone who hasnt had much experience with this environment.
Well im ready to head down the road to become an elite trainer!
To everybody else...Good luck with your test and your career!!!

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unethical final exam
by: Anonymous

Yes, I myself took the exam twice and did not pass. I do agree that the final exam offers tricky questions that seem to be intended to have the test taker fail so nasm can collect on retakes. I would not recommend nasm to anyone. There are plenty of other reputable certification programs out there to take that have more reasonable and ethical final exams.

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NASM is a Money Making For Profit Scam
by: Anonymous

NASM is a money making for profit scam of a certification! Most sport specific training centers (i.e., D1 and Velocity) will not hire you unless you have your CSCS by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. The NSCA is a reputable nonprofit organization which has been around for over 20 years! NASM's goal is to wipe out every reputable certification. Be very weary of this company! They don't care about you. They only want your money!

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It's No Scam
by: Brenda

I am an NSCA-CPT. I too have an earned PhD in a somewhat unrelated field--instructional design (the design of performance programs). My experience was in designing corporate programs, although instructional design theory is instructional design theory. My point is that I did not know physiology, anatomy, kinesiology... However, I know how to learn, how to structure an instructional program and did so for myself. I studied about 6 1/2 week, 3 hours per day and passed the NSCA with a scaled score of 81.

Some of us like to gloat when we pass our tests, even though we had an advantage. Some of us have related degrees, degrees in physiology, anatomy... Or some of us have other certifications that required prior related study. What I've told people is this, each discipline and each certifying agency has it own ways of doing programming and assessments, and they all use language differently and, therefore, you must eventually read the books and take the practice exams of your certifying agency. People who keep failing the test are doing so probably they do not have the way that NASM uses language down. Go back and read to understand what NASM means when it says certain things. With NSCA, I had to use ACTION's materials and Wikipedia first because NSCA was too academic for me. (NSCA assumes prior knowledge.) The materials are written for people who have with PhD's in related fields. However, I knew that when NSCA asked about metabolic "pathways" I needed to understand what it meant by pathway--not what NASM meant or what ACTION meant.

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NASM FAIL = JOKE
by: Anonymous

I have a college degree and am 30 years old. I passed test that I hated the content with flying colors my whole life. I studied this for the full amount of time. I studied the q & a cards. I know this book inside and out. I took the NASM practice test of 210 questions 3 hours before I went in today and MISSED 4 4! I'll say that again. I MISSED 4 OUT OF 210. Thats 206 out of 210 questions right. A 98% and I got a 66% on the actual test today. I have not been this upset in years. 1 because I failed at something I really studied at but most of all because it was BS! They try and trick you and I don't even know what to study!!!!??? I could not even comprehend the damn questions or even remember seeing half of it in the book. About half way through the test I realized I had been scammed and I just about took the monitor and smashed it on the floor. Now I am so far in I have to PAY MORE TO TAKE AGAIN...SURPRISE and I am half ashamed to be getting NASM CERTIFIED NOW BECAUSE OF THIS. Very upsetting. I know the material inside and out and its applications. Very Very Very upsetting. I will pass it for sure next time but now am very disappointed in the whole NASM system. The book is GREAT and what you learn is awesome but the test is BS.

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SCAM
by: Anonymous

The test is a money making scam. I know the book inside and out. I honestly don't even remember even seeing 1/4 of the shit they talk about on the test.
It is TRICKY, and worded to confuse NOT TO EDUCATE OR TEACH.

VERY UPSETTING COMING FROM A RESPECTED ORGANIZATION LIKE NASM.

I laughed when my buddy told me he had to take it 4 times. I now know why... $$$$$$$$

You could flip to any one of the 600 pages and I could answer your question. Got a 92% on the online practice test of 210 questions yet FAILED THE ACTUAL TEST.... Very upsetting, not in myself but the program itself.

MU Grad 2005 = not stupid.

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Failing the NASM
by: Jason

Sara,
I too failed the NASM twice and was very dissapointed. I don't know where you're located but in Houston there is a school that offers hands-on traing with the OPT model and helps prep you for the NASM called the Texas Academy of Sports Medicine. They offer a 300 hour course and after I finished my training with them I passed the NASM with flying colors!!!! Their website is www.txasm.com check it out!!!

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Passed the first time
by: Courtney

Hey guys I know some of you feel like you are missing out or being scammed, but NASM is a respected organization. I took a Functional training course in college and they linked us with the NASM, saying after passing the class we could take the exam. We are a D1 school and would not be associated with a money making scam. I took the test and passed it today, I was a little worried because I have been out of school for about a year now and just now decided to take the exam to be certified. You need to know basic anatomy and some nutrition percentages, RDA intake for calories, water, fat etc. The assessments and compensations as well as a few things about bushiness ethics.
good Luck everyone!!

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failed exam twice
by: Jessica

hey guys, been reading all of the comments left here and I have to admit that I too failed the exam again. I can honestly say that the first time was more of a lack of consistent studying, but the second time around I studied hard core! Even bought the materials from this site which cover a lot! but failed again. Its a tough exam and i'm contemplating on taking it again for the 3rd time.

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Passed the first time
by: TT

The exam is fair. NASM has practice exams that you can purchase, I found them very helpful.

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The test is fine!
by: Alexander

All these people who are saying this is a money making scam are just mad because they didn't know the answers to the questions and they guessed. And then low and behold, they failed. If you read the book, every question is extremely easy and clearly stated in the text. I know its a huge book, but just try to get the gist of each section.
The reason I am writing this comment is because I read this page before I took my test and it freaked me out. But I just passed the test, and there was about 3 or 4 questions I felt I might have missed. I am a horrible test taker. I studied for a month and a half. I aced it.
Tips: things on the test are covered in great length in the book. Like postural distortion patterns, the OPT model and nutrition. Short brief sections dont worry about. Make some drawings to help you remember what all the muscles are called, that helped me a lot.
THERE ARE NO TRICK QUESTIONS. Quite frankly, they could have made it a lot harder and I still would have passed. Just study the important stuff and youll do fine! Dont listen to these whiners!

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The test is challenging, but not impossible.
by: I.P.R.

The NASM exam, just like with any other exam, will give you the results of you mastering the material. So many people go into the exam trying to use the answers they've taken on practice exams to dictate their level of competence when it come to the material. This is a big no-no. What you need to do to ensure you will pass is knowing the material by being able to explain terms and formulas without the use of any verbal, visual or auditory aids.

Here is what I did to pass. I made flash cards from the the flash cards packs that came with my package and went over them religiously. If I answered someone wrong, I would look up what I thought the answer was, and saw why it was incorrect. Then I took the right answer, looked it up and saw why it was the correct answer. I did the same thing with the practice exams, only difference is I took the answers that were not either correct or incorrect, and looked those up to see why they were not correct. Then I compared all the answers to see if there was any correlating factors between all of the answers.

Before I started working on any exam related studying, I read the book back to front about 3-4 times. I made sure I knew every facet of that book until I could repeat it verbatim. I went through the glossary and highlighted a lot of the terms that were discussed in detail throughout the book. It sounds like a lot, but if you use the 75 day study guy given to you, you will be able to conquer it. Just take your time, and don't move on until you complete understand what you've just read.

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Just passed today on first try
by: Anonymous

I found the exam to be pretty easy. I was done in ~30 minutes. There were several questions from the NASM practice exam, and from an app I purchased for my iPad.

I took the eCourse, plus had previously taken an Anatomy and Physiology course, which helped some.

I didn't do a whole lot of studying, maybe a few hours per day for about a week.

The lady at the testing site said the pass rate where I took the test is about 50% on the first try.

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no job offers
by: Anonymous

I passed the test first try. it was kind of tough but not terrible. The only problem is that in my area no jobs at all. no one seems to care that I have a nasm cert. I even suggested working for free at a few gyms for experience and still nothing. most of the trainers around me have a degree and a cert. I should have done my research first and saved myself some cash and 9 weeks of time.

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Second try, trying to decide on a 3rd
by: Anonymous

I just took the NASM test for the 2nd time and failed! Very discouraging. The second one was a lot harder than the first, there were very few if any questions on the 2nd that were on the first.
I even took the E teach course from NASM and probably only about 50% of what we studied was on the second test. There were questions I had never seen or read or heard, I even thought at one point they had crossed me over to the wrong testing subject. So I am about 10 pts off unless I can figure out this thing , not sure if I am going for a 3rd test. This is getting really expensive.
Tim

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try our prep course
by: Katie - Admin

Getting over that last 10 point hurdle is frustrating (and expensive as you note).

I highly encourage you to try our prep course for NASM. It is only $32 and we offer double your money back guarantee. We can do this because we have a high NASM pass rate.

Don't give up!

Katie

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you win some you lose some
by: ashley

Today was very difficult. I took the NASM test for the 2nd time and failed again. I did better than my first test but I still failed. I have studied my butt off, but to little avail. I'm not used to NOT doing well so this has been very humbling...I plan to push forward and take the test again in two weeks. It was comforting to find this page and see that I'm not the only one performing poorly on the test but complacency isn't my thing! So best of luck to everyone, I'll let you guys know when I make it to the other side of the fence.

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Too much!!
by: Anonymous

These certification's [which are really licenses that allow one to
work in a commercial fitness environment or on their own] are mandatory. Certifications "hopefully" verify that the trainer is equipped, educated, and fully insured to undertake the task of taking a person under their leadership - [their instructions or
methods] while even when one knows exactly what they are doing there is ALWAYS possibility of injuries or worse happening.

What would happen if a sales person took the responsibility of
training a client [because the trainer that works there was off that
day], thus putting the client on a treadmill without any knowledge of that person's medical history and minutes later that person suffers a heart attack?

Here's my problem. A tennis instructor does not have to be
certified, does not have to learn about bone structure, muscles,
tendons,ligaments, joints, cardio, etc,.. and the person he/she trains could suffer a heart attack, could have pelvis and hip
issues,could pull a hamstring all while under the instructor's supervision. The instructor more than likely wouldn't even have
previously asked about health related issues. The focus would be on the racket, ball, and net.

In the event something suddenly went wrong for the client...
chances are the tennis instructor will call the paramedics and wait
with his/her client till help arrives. I am pretty sure the instructor would not be asked to show certification from Nasm etc. to the paramedics.

So Nasm along with the other PT Certiifications are basically
middlemen or parasites. They keep taking from their students.
Once you pay for the course, then the lengthy test…THAT SHOULD
BE IT. Even driver licenses don't need renewal for five years.
Why renewal every two years for personal training cert???
Must be $$$$$$

A personal trainer is NOT a doctor. It is up to the individual who
enrolls in a gym or fitness center to know their limitations, to
know whether or not they should even be on a treadmill.
The same person who could enroll with a trainer could also decline
when asked- thus train his/herself. The gym or fitness center will not send them away saying we are responsible for how you use/misuse the equipment here we just can't take that chance.

The fitness center will not tell an obese person that since they declined one of their trainer specials, that they cannot set foot on a treadmill. On the contract from the fitness center it will state:
Not responsible for medical problems or injuries that occur from misuse or negligence using our facilities equipment. [Or it will state something similar.]

I do agree a trainer needs to be educated. I don't agree that this
business with certifications and credentials should be an on going
thing…renewal, latest bulletins/resources that keep the trainer
literally paying so he/she doesn't "stagnate." The fat cats keep getting rich. They continually take money out of the pockets of their own students who have previously purchased their courses paid for their certifications….. yet they will keep on paying!!!

Bottom line: Course and Certification cost. That is it!
You are now a certified personal trainer. Payment should NOT
be an ongoing thing!!!!

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Passed NASM very easily
by: AJISH

Had reached the exam center late but they admitted me in.The PSI center reduced 2 hr exam to 1 hr as i was stuck in traffic but by Jesus grace i cleared the exam.Exam was challenging but got 89 as scaled score

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NASM tricks you!
by: Anonymous

TEST is bull****
I feel like NASM tries hard to trick you, that's their way of making it seem like nasm so challenging. Learning from the book is good stuff makes you feel like you're becoming more knowledgeable about fitness then you take the test and its frustrating to know they set you up for failure. I know i will become a great trainer, I already train people and their results are phenomenal. This test doesn't reflect if you're ready to train or not, just simply a certificate now.

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Frustrated and feeling unsupported
by: Mary

I paid for a more expensive study guide than what I could actually afford. The way the study guide is set up is deceptive and distracted, rather than helped, me be prepared for the actual exam. I can't afford a $200 re-test and although NASM says that trainers should take ownership of complaints, I have felt very little support from NASM in helping me come up with a solution. When I read about a guarantee for passing or you don't pay, I am even more frustrated because that was not discussed with me. I feel I would have done much better had I simply reviewed the book on my own and not have allowed myself to be pressured in to paying more for ineffectual study guides. Plus, I would have had the extra $200 if I had still not passed. I failed by 3 points and after requesting help, really feel like NASM is not a good company to work for since they won't even assist someone who already invested a large amount of money and time to wanting to be part of their organization. If there is another solution, I would be happy to hear it. This was supposed to help me get ahead financially and instead, it's just put me back even further.

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frustrated
by: Katie

Hi Mary

There are some bogus study guides out there.

That is why we created our own study guide. We also have a pass or don't pay guarantee so you are not punished if you don't pass. We are confidant that you will!

Sorry you had this setback, but keep trying.

Here is the course: https://www.starting-a-personal-training-business.com/personal-trainer-certification-course.html

- Katie

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NASM screwed me over / failed exam
by: CD

I just recently took my NASM exam and had purchased the guided study program (which i spent in total almost 1000$ on..) and I did not pass my NASM exam by 9 points.

I was told I would get refunded for the guided study program if i didnt pass and i also noticed the comments down below about the No Pass Refund but since i only completed 94% of the guided study instead of 100% of it they will not refund me. I think this is extremely ridiculous and unfair because the activities that i left blank were case study questions that were of no help to me (i attempted them).

i am a college student who is still paying off the NASM itself and the fact that no one can do anything for me is pretty disappointing. I would love to retake the exam but they told me they are unable to waive the retake fee or give me any time of help which honeslty sucks. i cant afford an extra 200 dollars on top of trying to pay off the NASM itself and the fact that i will have to wait months to retake this exam now is depressing.

I feel like NASM just cares about making money and does not actually care about their customers. Anywhere else would have given me some type of discount or refund to help me in my situation but they refuse to help me after i studied my ass off and already paid so much money for their program that is already overpriced.

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The Nasm test has nothing to do with course you purchase
by: Anonymous

I was very diligent in learning the material. The online course does not help you at all in taking the test. The quiz questions and final exam questions at the end aren't even worded in the same way. Even in grad school I learned that if you want people to lear you have to speak in the same terms and expressions that the student will be tested. I missed by 3 points. I"m so pissed and disappointed. I'm done with NASM. Not retaking. Not buying any more from them. I feel like they only wanted my money.

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None of the material from the book is in the tests.
by: Anonymous

I have degrees in exercise science and an MBA and also other exercise certifications and I think they are a scam too. I got around a 66 percent as well on my final attempt. On all the practice tests I did very well and knew the information very well and barley any of it was on the exam. They do set you up for failure. Its like 200 dollars or more to take the exam. So they suck you in to jeep retaking it and to purchase additional study materials.

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It was difficult
by: Anonymous

Today I failed the Course Study Final Exam, missed it by 7 points. I'm okay with it. Odd how money or needing to purchase more study material to pass is always behind the method of getting better or learning more. I'm going to see if I can get my refund. This is ridiculous. 89 questions I haven't seen before on the practice tests I have taken which needed to be done to pass. I'm happy to read that everyone that passed the exam in 30 minutes are well ahead of the game, and those that needed to take it twice or more, I know the feeling.

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Bad Experience
by: Anonymous

Love the comments people are leaving about how the test is easy once you buy the exam guide and flash cards. The point is that you pay for the course, and if you get high scores on the exams then it points to the fact that you know the inofrmtaion. Why should anyone have to buy extra study guides? My wife is the student here, and made very high scores on the practice exams, not as high on the final. So she requested to know what she got wrong and was told that she was not allowed to see the exam and which questions she had errored on in order for her to "find the information" herself. Uh, I did a traditonal undergrad and less traditional MFA, but in neither location was I ever told I cold not see the results of my tests or papers. Quite the opposite in fact. This is supposed to be a school. The mentors were hardly available to my wife, and at one point she had a replacement mentor who never even responded to her email questions. I gor the feeling that these people "teach" in the looseset sense of the word Nd have other jobs doing something elsewhere. My wife took the test twice and missed on her second try by one point. One point. The testing center proctor said they haven't seen anyone pass their NASm exam on the first try, either, and it seems awfully damn convenient that the cost of the first test is included in the tuition, but after that the cost is not. This feels like a scam for sure. And don't try getting in touch with anyone,because they rarely call you back. You have to act like kind of an ass in order to get a response. Very poor customer sevice, very poor educationL methodology. I hate that we are giving them more money so my wife can get her certification, but what are you going to do? she has spent the last six months sutdying her ass off.

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scam
by: jeff diaz

Instead of NASM it should be SCAMSUM, these people are terrible and of no help, online classes which you must use is attached to faulty software and when you ask they claim ignorance, go to ACE instead if you want a GOOD certification, I lost $1600 to these thieves...

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NASM is a Joke
by: Anonymous

I just took my test today low and behold I failed as well! Off by 3 points. I read the entire book twice, 80% or higher on all end of chapter tests, as well as all practice exams. I made flash cards, and studied every morning prior to work, my lunch breaks, and 3 hours every night after work. I took all of the end of chapter, and practice quizzes approximately 5-10 times each in the 2 weeks prior to my exam date. I printed them out and reviewed constantly.

I must say the test was absolutely NOTHING like the practice tests that NASM gives you. I called today and have to wait a week for my second test so we shall see how that goes.

I will not refer NASM to anyone! This program sets you up for failure, not success. It is unfortunate how many people have fallen for their false advertisements. Me being one of them!

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Exam
by: Anonymous

I can’t believe how many people are complaining about NASM being a scam, just out to make money on people failing the exam. If you fail and don’t retest, they don’t make any more money. If you pass, NASM will continue to make money off of you as long as you are certified with CEC’s, and resert fees. It cost a lot more to purchase the Corrective Exercise Specialist or PES exam than it cost to retest, So it only makes sense that they want you to pass. But I am sure they want you to understand the material,

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Just about over NASM
by: Kristen

I started this program this August, 2018. I have studied by reading the book, practice tests, quizzes, practice exams, activities for each chapter, flash cards... everything!!! First time I failed it by 7 points. I just recently took it again this week and failed it by 2 points!!! I was so frustrated. What more can I do? I'm already paying for this program, I paid $100 for the first re-take, and now I have to pay another $100 for my third try! I'm just about over NASM all together! Everything they offer you to help with studying and passing their exam costs more money! I'm going to take it once more, which will be my third try and if I fail it again then I'm going to go through a different program. I feel like I'm wasting my time and money at this point!!!!

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I passed it and it was EASY
by: Anonymous

I just took the NASM exam and it wasn't that hard at all. I came across this website before taking this exam and I was freaking out. I even thought to myself I will fail it for sure since everyone is saying it is too difficult. I promise you the exam wasn't that hard at all. I found the practice exams were harder than the actual exam. Study the study guide provided, and you will pass. I am not a good test taker nor good at studying, and yet I managed to pass it. I bet you will do amazing. I purchased the 9 days study guide from this website and it was a waste of money so don't even bother.

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Know how to apply the knowledge
by: Anonymous

The NASM exam was not that bad. I feel knowing how to apply what you learn will be important. I studied for a week but I already knew and understood most of the Anatomy in the book as I took an Anatomy and physiology class. I would suggest to read to understand rather than memorizing answers to the practice exam. some questions can be similar but with different wording like instead of saying "Knee caving in" they might say "knee Valgus". Know how the OPT model works they might ask a simple question about maybe tempo or they might have a situational question with key words at times it feels like they test some English words but is not that bad. Some questions are really tricky but they might just be the research questions.

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Eeekk
by: Anonymous

Reading everyone comment here kind of makes me nervous to even go through the program. I’m going into week 5 of a NASM.
Now I’m second guessing myself. And I don’t really have funds to keep paying and re taking the test. I guess wish me all the luck. I will study hard and give my best.

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Expensive Program and You practically teach yourself
by: Anonymous

I failed the first exam by 6 points and have my retake in less than 5 days. I noticed that the practice exams and NASM final exam was quite different from PSI's exam needed to get certified. Some of the questions that I had on my exam were not even in the book, nor discussed in the NASM modules. All in all, I've learned a lot but am discouraged that it is pretty much a program that you pay a lot for only to teach yourself and have little direction.

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FAILED FIRST ATTEMPT
by: @GINAFITLIFE

I TOOK THE EXAM, FAILED BY 3 POINTS. I ALSO BELIEVE THERE WERE QUESTIONS THAT WERE DEFF WORDED HORRIBLY AND INFORMATION WAS NOT IN THE BOOK I HONESTLY WAS ONLY CONFIDENT ON ABOUT 40 QUESTIONS.... I SPECIFICALLY REMEMBER ONE QUESTION ASKING WHAT A MALES HEART RATE SHOULD BE AND THE OPTIONS WERE 65,75, 90, 100.. IN THE BOOK SAID 70 FOR MALES 75 FOR FEMALES. LIKE WHAT?! LOL
I STUDIED DAILY, PASSED MY FINAL PRACTICE EXAM WITH FLYING COLORS SO I WENT IN SUPER CONFIDENT.

TO EVERYONE WHO RETESTED... WAS IT ALL NEW QUESTIONS? IF YOU HAVENT RETESTED WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TRYING TO GET ANOTHER CERT?

FEEL FREE TO FOLLOW MY INSTA AND MSG ME ON THERE IM DYING TO KNOW IF YOU PASSED THE 2ND ATTEMPT AND HOW YOU STUDIED...

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Read Each Question Carefully - I Passed, but They Didn't Tell Me My Score
by: Anonymous

Here's my thoughts. I am probably older than most of the people here and haven't been to school for years and I passed the first time.

The test is different than the practice tests. There are a lot of questions I didn't remember seeing from my other practice tests that I easily passed. I too was wondering where did these questions come from.

You have to read the questions carefully and think for a moment before you answer. You can't rush. Make sure you understand exactly what you are being asked. Also, as some have mentioned, see if the same words are in the answer as the question at times and you will be good.

For those who knew their score, I asked what my score was when they said I passed and they told me they only say pass/fail, so not sure if people here are lying, or the place I went to didn't disclose it for some reason.

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Passed first try
by: Tekva

The trick really is to live this stuff until the day of your exam. Mostly know OPT thoroughly, know exercises and cues and for heaven's sakes, KNOW the muscle imbalances for static postures, overhead squat test. A little tip is to pay special attention to the businesss section and how to relate to clients. From what I am reading, a lot of people skip or skim those chapters. Don't. Study hard and you will pass.

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ACE CERTIFIED NASM FAILED
by: LA TRAINER

I am ACE certified. Over 10 years of practical experience in Personal and group fitness training. Also I am a bachelor and nerd
I have learned the latest NASM book system 7th edition by heart and passed all tests with 100% rate.
I took NASM ONLINE PROCTOR exam and failed. I believe NASM is a scam:
- first of all non of the questions had connection to the book nor practice tests
- very tricky and slicky questions
- 90% of the questions were from biology/microbiology/chemistry which you will never find in the book.
Now I am receiving calls from NASM pushing me to buy a retest for $200.
Conclusion: NASM is a total scam
PS: non of my trainers colleges passed nasm test. Some of them even tried 3 times

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TOTAL HYPE. B.S. TOTALLY
by: Anonymous

I HAVE BEEN PHYSICALLY FIT MY ENTIRE LIFE AND THOUGHT IT TO BE FUN TO BECOME A CPT.
I PURCHASED THE PROGRAM AND TOOK OVER 30 PRACTICE EXAMS WITH RESULTS OF 92% EVEN 100%
CHAPTER TESTS 100% ATLEAST 30 TIMES ON ALL 23 CHAPTERS....
I FAILED TWICE, 1 TIME WITH A PROCTER IN AFRICA AND ANOTHER TIME AT AN INPERSON SITE.
BOTH SCORES 66! THE INFORMATION AND LAYOUT OF THE REAL EXAM IS A TOTAL JOKE...
I ONLY UNDERSTOOD A MAXIMUM OF 30 % OF THE QUESTIONS. SAD GIG $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
IM IN THE HOME IMPROVEMENT SALES AND GREW UP SELLING SIDING AND WINDOWS.. NASM IS NOT AN HONEST COMPANY PERIOD. SO FRUSTRATING TO HEAR THESE B.S. STORIES OF COMPLETING IN 30 MINUTES... SADLY A BIG JOKE

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MATERIAL
by: Anonymous

NASM HAS TO HAVE BETTER ACCESS TO THE ORIGIANAL EXAM QUESTIONS. AND THIS EXTRA 20 QUESTIONS IS A JOKE.... COME ON NASM, GET WITH IT

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NASM study material is useless
by: Anonymous

I failed twice in a year looked up and even purchased material to study, nothing I studied is on the exam - its like seeing something completely new so the material they provide is useless. I got a 69 both times. And I have worked in a gym and learned a lot about anatomy also have a Batchelor Degree in something else so I dont know I have given up on them. But still pursuing a CPT from different company. I feel your pain and frustration

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I agree - rip off
by: Pat Q

I was just taking the online exam and after all the rigamarole of panning the entire room with my web cam they terminated my test halfway through because I didn't stare at the computer screen the whole time but looked away for a second here and there. I explained that I have vision problems and I have to look away from the screen and come back and re-focus and they didn't care. To be 68 and accused of cheating is so outrageous. My course ends tomorrow so I am just out of luck, I guess. But they have my money.

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