How to Pass the NASM Exam
Updated: November 2021
The NASM personal trainer certification has continued to grow in popularity. And while its not considered the hardest of the personal trainer tests, the NASM exam is not easy. With a pass rate hovering around 50% for first time takers, you are going to want to devote some serious time toward preparing for the test.
Passing the NASM Exam?
There are 120 questions on the exam. You must complete the exam within 2 hours.
You need to get at least 70 out of 120 questions right to pass the exam according to NASM.
But NASM mixes in 20 research questions that don't count toward your passing score. This can be stressful because they don't tell you which questions are research questions. So theoretically it is possible to fail the exam even if you get 89 questions correct.
NASM tell us that only 50% of candidates pass the exam on the first try. So don't take this one lightly. You will need to study smartly to avoid failing the exam and have to pay the $199 fee to take the exam again.
Time Limits
It is important that potential NASM CPT candidates understand that the NASM exam must be taken within 180 days of enrollment. Previously that time limit was 120 days, but was changed due to some of the problems this short time caused some people.
Nevertheless, if it is not possible to complete the exam in the stated amount of time, it is possible to get an extension of 90 days by paying an additional fee of $75. For this reason, it may be better to hold off on enrolling until the time is right.
Preparing for the NASM Exam
The NASM exam is broken down into these categories:
Subject |
Number of Questions |
Assessment |
25 |
Exercise Technique |
25 |
Program Design |
25 |
Nutrition |
10 |
Client Relations |
10 |
Professional Practice & Responsibility |
5 |
Research Questions |
20 |
TOTAL |
120 |
You've got a choice of study materials. You can purchase the official NASM study program that includes the textbook, videos, practice exam, study guide, webinar coaching series, online learning, iPod video, MP3 audio and the actual exam starting at $629. But if you can't afford to that, you can self-study and take the NASM CPT 4th exam for $599. Not much savings so you are better off coming up with the extra cash for the study materials.
A word of warning... don't rely completely on the NASM practice exam. You can read a lot of discussions below about how the NASM practice exam is not a realistic preview of what the real exam is like.
You should plan on taking our Exam Prep Course. With over 750 practice questions for only $32.95, it is a great insurance policy against having to pay $199 to take the NASM exam again. Also because our NASM pass rates are so high, we offer a pass or don't pay guarantee that gives you double your money back if you fail the NASM exam.
by Katie Donnelly
Have You Taken the NASM Exam?
The section below gives our readers the chance to talk about their experience with the NASM exam. After you take your exam, remember to come back and tell us how you did and what worked for you!
NASM Exam Insider Tips
Our readers submit some great tips about passing the NASM personal trainer certification exam. Read the tips and add your comments and ratings to each tip.
NASM-CPT in 1 week!!! Not rated yet Ok, firstly I have to say that I DO NOT recommend doing it this in the slightest but, I had an opportunity to become a personal trainer at a private gym …
Failed twice Not rated yet Hello,
I scored 90% percent on the exam that came with the study material and needless to say I failed. I studied harder and missed it by 3 points …
NASM, 8 years later Not rated yet I took in 2007, passed ...never trained and didn't do my CEU's and expired.
In 2012, I re purchased,- and do to a death in my family- never touched …
Just passed NASM exam! Not rated yet Well, I studied a lot but to tell you the truth the test is nothing like what you study for. They worded things different and really had to read carefully …
NASM Exam 4th Edition Reviews Not rated yet I will tell you that it is brutal. Please study all of the topics listed in the NASM outline guide.
Find all of the practice test questions you can …
Kudos to Katie, website owner!! Not rated yet Hi Katie! and all readers!
Katie, I really hope you post this message on the site as I have to give you BIG TIME KUDOS!!
For anyone out there who …
Pass the NASM Exam Not rated yet I passed the NASM CPT exam yesterday on my first try. Want to thank everyone on this site for keeping me motivated during my studies. During my first … Click here to write your own.
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