ACSM-CPT Practice Test

If you are seeking certification as an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), you will have to take the ACSM CPT exam to assess the practice-related knowledge you will be expected to use in this professional field.

Click “Start Test” above to take a free ACSM-CPT practice test, and check out our premium-quality ACSM-CPT test prep resources by clicking the links below!

Eligibility

To be eligible for this exam, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old
• You must have earned your high school diploma (or an equivalent)
• You must have earned your adult CPR/AED certification

Exam Outline Review

The ACSM-CPT exam contains 135 multiple-choice questions, and you will be given a time limit of 2.5 hours. The questions are designed to evaluate you on three cognitive areas: recall, application, and synthesis:

• Recall: Recall or recognize specific information
• Application: Comprehend, relate, or apply knowledge to new or changing situations
• Synthesis: Analyze and synthesize information, determine solutions, or evaluate the usefulness of a solution

The exam is split into four performance domains:

I. Initial Client Consultation and Assessment (25%)

The questions in this domain are grouped into their respective cognitive areas as follows:

Recall

• Providing documents and clear instructions to a client in preparation for an initial interview

Application

• Interviewing a client to gather and provide pertinent information prior to fitness testing and program design
• Evaluating behavioral readiness
• Developing strategies to optimize exercise adherence
• Developing a plan and timeline for reassessing physical goals, fitness, and related behaviors

Synthesis

• Reviewing and analyzing client data to identify risk, formulate plans of action, and conduct physical assessments
• Assessing the components of health- and skill-related physical fitness to establish baseline values, set goals, and develop individualized programs

II. Exercise Programming and Implementation (45%)

The questions in this domain are grouped into their respective cognitive areas as follows:

Recall

• Reviewing a client’s goals, medical history, and assessment results to determine an exercise prescription
• Obtaining client feedback to ensure exercise program satisfaction and adherence

Application

• Selecting exercise modalities to achieve the desired adaptations based on a client’s goals, assessment results, medical history, and available resources
• Determining initial FITT exercise principle base on a client’s goals, medical history, and assessment results
• Reviewing the proposed program with a client
• Demonstrating exercises
• Teaching a client how to perform each exercise

Synthesis

• Monitoring a client’s technique and response to exercise
• Recommending exercise progressions to improve or maintain a client’s fitness level

III. Exercise Leadership and Client Education (20%)

The questions in this domain are grouped into their respective cognitive areas as follows:

Recall

There are no recall questions in this domain.

Application

• Optimizing participant adherence by using effective communication, motivational techniques, and behavioral strategies

Synthesis

• Educating clients using scientifically-sound resources

IV. Legal and Professional Responsibilities (10%)

The questions in this domain are grouped into their respective cognitive areas as follows:

Recall

• Adhering to ACSM Certification’s Code of Ethics
• Following industry-accepted professional, business, and ethical standards
• Respecting copyright laws by obtaining permission before using protected materials and any form of applicable intellectual property
• Safeguarding client confidentiality and privacy rights unless formally waived

Application

• Collaborating with healthcare professionals and organizations to create a network of providers who can assist in maximizing the benefits and minimizing the risk of an exercise program
• Implementing a comprehensive risk management program that is consistent with the industry standards of care

Synthesis

There are no synthesis questions in this domain.

Registration

To register for this exam, you must create an online ACSM account and an online Pearson VUE account. Using these accounts, you will be able to register for an exam appointment and pay the examination fee.

ACSM-CPT Exam Fees

Membership	Exam Fee
ACSM member	$299
Non-member	$399

 

Test Day

In-person Testing

On exam day, you should arrive at the Pearson VUE testing center 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled exam time. This will give you enough time to complete the check-in process.

Once you arrive, you will be asked to sign in and present your photo ID to the proctor. You will be photographed and asked to sign a roster and other rule forms. Personal items (cell phone, wallet, keys, accessories, etc.) are not allowed in the testing room, so they should be left at home or placed in a secure locker outside the testing area.

Just before the exam starts, you will be given a brief tutorial on the testing system and will be asked to sign an NDA.

Remote Testing

Before the day of the exam, you should ensure your equipment meets the minimum requirements. You must have a desktop or laptop with a webcam and microphone, and you should take your exam in a private workspace. The exam cannot be taken on mobile devices, smartphones, or tablets. The technical requirements are detailed on Pearson’s website.

On the day of your exam, you will be asked to show the remote proctor your testing space and submit a valid form of photo ID. The proctor will walk you through the examination process after the check-in process is complete.

How the Exam is Scored

Your ACSM-CPT exam score is determined by using a scaled scoring system. This system takes the number of questions you answered correctly, which is called your “raw score,” and converts it to a numerical score on a scale from 200 to 800. A minimum scaled score of 550 is what you need to pass the exam.

Retaking the Exam

If you fail the exam, you may retake it after a mandatory 15-day waiting period. You will be able to take the exam up to four times in a 12-month period. You will not need to resubmit your eligibility documents for each retake, but you will need to pay the $199 retesting fee.

FAQs