ACSM Certified Personal Trainer Exam

Who is Eligible?

All candidates must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Hold a high school diploma or GED at minimum
• Have adult CPR/AED certification

During the online application process, you will be expected to prove the above information. You will also need to pay for exam at that time. ACSM members can take it for $279, while non-members will be charged $349.

When and Where Can I Take it?

When your application has been processed, you will be allowed to schedule your exam. Exams are taken through Pearson VUE.

Tests can be scheduled year-round online. A complete list of available dates, times, and locations will be made offered to you when you are scheduling. There are over 5000 computer-based testing sites located worldwide. You can choose the one that is most convenient for you.

What Will I Need?

Because the tests are administered by a computer, you have no need to bring any personal items with you. This includes any electronic devices, pencils, study materials, and/or calculators. All personal items will not be allowed in the testing area.

You will need to arrive at least 30 minutes early for your exam to make sure you have the proper amount of time to sign in and register. Those who arrive late will not be allowed to take the exam and will forfeit all fees paid up to that point.

To sign in you will be expected to bring at least one form of valid identification with you. This must contain your full name that matches your application information, your signature, and a recognizable photo. If information is missing, you may be asked to produce another form of ID.

What to Expect?

The ACSM-CPT exam consists of 150 multiple choice items. 120 of these are scored while the other 30 are used as pretest questions and are not scored. You are given 165 minutes total to complete the exam.

This exam is separated into four main performance domains and then into job tasks. A brief overview and the percentage of questions in each domain can be found below.

• Initial Client Consultation and Assessment 25%
  • Preparation for initial interview
  • Interview of the client
  • Review and analysis of client data
  • Evaluation of behavioral readiness
  • Assessment of health and physical fitness components
  • Development of training plan

• Exercise Programming and Implementation 45%
  • Reviewing client goals and history
  • Selecting exercise modalities
  • Determining FITT-VP Principle
  • Reviewing and beginning proposed plan with client
  • Monitoring client’s performance
  • Recommendation of exercise improvements
  • Obtaining client feedback

• Exercise Leadership and Client Education 20%
  • Using communication and techniques to better performance
  • Educating client with scientific resources

• Legal and Professional Responsibilities 10%
  • Networking with health care professionals
  • Developing a risk management program
  • Adhering to ACSM Certification’s Code of Ethics
  • Following industry accepted standards
  • Respecting copyright laws
  • Safeguarding client information

How is it Scored?

At the end of the exam, you will be given a score report which includes your pass/fail status and your scaled score.

If you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certification through the mail shortly after you have taken the exam. Those who have failed may schedule to retake the exam. There is a fee of $175 to do so.

How to Prepare?

Mometrix wants to help you achieve your career goals by preparing you for this exam. We provide an all-inclusive study guide and set of flash cards to make sure you know everything you need to. Included in these amazing test prep tools are some sample questions. These are designed to be formatted and worded exactly how you will find them on the actual exam.

Making sure you are prepared for this exam is important to your future success. Let us help you get where you need to be.