March 9, 2015

NASM Exam

The National Academy of Sports Medicine Exam (NASM Exam) is a comprehensive and challenging assessment for men and women looking to enter this exciting and fast-paced field of health care. NASM certifies personal trainers, allied health professionals, and other fitness professionals. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must be at least 18 years old and must have a valid CPR/AED certification.


The content of the NASM Exam is divided into six performance domains: assessment (25 questions); exercise technique (25 questions); program design (25 questions); nutrition (10 questions); client relations and administration (10 questions); and professional practice and responsibility (5 questions). The exam also includes 20 research questions, which are used to develop future versions of the exam. It is impossible to identify these questions, though they do not contribute to the final score.

The raw score (the number of questions answered correctly) is placed on a scale of 1 to 100, with a minimum passing score of 70. A scaled score takes into account the relative difficulty of the exam version. Because the NASM Exam is administered by computer – the test is administered at special testing facilities around the country – scores are available immediately upon completion.

NASM Study Guide

Start learning how to be successful on your NASM exam. Our NASM study guide is guaranteed to help you get the results you deserve on your NASM test. Some test takers prefer to study using flashcards and so we have created the best CNOR flashcards that cover everything you need to know for the NASM exam. Note that using multiple study aids will help you maximize the benefit from your study time.

NASM Study Guide
NASM Flashcards

NASM Exam Practice Test

1. The hip joint is what type of joint?

a. Ball-and-socket joint
b. Hinge joint
c. Cartilaginous joint
d. Pivot joint

2. The primary function of the respiratory system is

a. Delivering nutrients to tissues in the body
b. Regulating the body’s pH level
c. Facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
d. Maintaining fluid volume to prevent dehydration

3. The type of stretching that requires assistance from a personal trainer is called

a. Dynamic stretching
b. Passive stretching
c. Ballistic stretching
d. Static stretching

4.All of the following are benefits of increased flexibility EXCEPT

a. Improved circulation
b. Increased range of motion
c. Improved coordination
d. Increased chance of muscle injury

5. The condition that involves rapid breakdown of muscle tissue due to too much exercise, which can potentially result in kidney failure, is called

a. Myoglobinuria
b. Rhabdomyolysis
c. Dialysis
d. Proteinuria

NASM Answer

1. A: The hip joint as well as the shoulder joint can move in all directions. They are ball-and-socket joints. A hinge joint can only move in one plane, such as with knee flexion and extension. A cartilaginous joint is a strong joint that is very slightly movable, such as intervertebral joints. A pivot joint is a joint in one plane that permits rotation, such as the humeroradial joint.

2. C: The respiratory system involves the lungs and is where the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide occurs. The cardiovascular system, which involves the heart and blood vessels, is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to all tissues in the body, regulating the body’s pH level to prevent acidosis or alkalosis, and maintaining fluid volume to prevent dehydration.

3. B: In passive stretching, a client remains relaxed, allowing a trainer to stretch the client’s muscles. Ballistic stretching, which involves a bouncing-like movement, can cause injury to muscles if not performed carefully. Static stretching involves movements that are deliberate and sustained. Dynamic stretching involves stretching muscles throughout their range of motion.

4. D: Flexibility training has a number of benefits, including increased circulation, increased range of motion, improved muscle coordination, and decreased future chance of muscle injury.

5. B: Rhabdomyolysis, caused when an individual exercises too excessively, results in muscle damage and breakdown. These breakdown products, which can include protein and myoglobin, then enter the bloodstream and have the potential to harm the kidneys. Kidney failure, and possibly death, can result. Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis can include muscle swelling, pain, and soreness. Myoglobinuria and proteinuria describe the conditions of having myoglobin and protein in the urine. However, they do necessarily reflect a cause. Dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure.

NASM Job Directory

Post Job on Indeed


NASM Exam Study Guide - Free Fitness Assessment Objectives

NASM Study Options

  1. Secrets of the NASM Personal Trainer Exam Study Guide: NASM Test Review for the National Academy of Sports Medicine Board of Certification Examination (click here)
  2. Official site (click here)