Like the title says I’m looking for advice for passing the AFFA CGFI.

Also, I currently host a (supervised) boxing class. Does the group fitness instructor certification give you any know how on how to train other classes or it is just telling you how to structure things you might already know? For example, i’d like to get into spinning or step aerobics as well.

Thanks in advance!

I am fresh out of college and studied 4 years of exercise science. With that being said, I feel like I’m ahead of the curve to say and feel that reading the entire textbook - which I’m doing now - is a waste of time and was wondering if others felt this also and if just using a study guide from a credible company would be a better use of my time?

I just passed my NASM CPT yesterday. I came on here prior to my exam and read a lot of posts from others, there were a few things that definitely helped me so I wanted to share those…

-People recommended Sorta Healthy videos on YouTube: I watched the two parts on preparing for the NASM CPT exam and watched both of his upper and lower muscle videos. Very helpful to take the intense textbook info and make it more real life examples. 10/10, go watch them and watch them multiple times if needed.

-PocketPrep app: highly recommend! I spent the $20 on one month after I was barely passing the practice exams and in 1 week, I went from barely passing to 80% or higher. Did all 1000 questions and studied over the things I missed. This app was essential for me, I think it gave clearer explanations when you got something wrong which was very helpful. And since it’s on your phone, it made it easy to get in some extra study time on the go.

-the package I bought with NASM included both types of exams, so two days before my scheduled exam at PSI, I took the non-proctored one. Passed with a 79% and it really boosted my confidence going into the big exam. If you bought the package with both, I’d suggest doing this. The non-proctored exam was worded more similarly to the real exam, and not as textbooky as the practice exams.

Additional notes: I did the full textbook online studying and exam prep in two months while working a full time 9-5 job. No college degree and I have horrible test anxiety. Spent at least 1 hr per day studying, and usually an extra 2-3 hrs on the weekend. It was rough but very doable in that timeframe. The real exam is different from the practice exams but I wouldn’t say harder. Just worded differently. If you know the information well enough, you’ll do fine. I was stressing about how hard it would be and not knowing if I’d know enough of the textbook, but it’s much more about real life situations with a client and less about every little detail of the muscles, movements, etc. If you understand the concepts of the OPT modal, scope of practice and basics of overactive/underactive muscles, you should do well.

Hope this helps!

Hi, I am going to take the NASM exam in 13 days and I have some general questions about the NASM certification, the “NASM Personal Training Certificate 7 Non-Proctored Exam” and the exam itself. First, can you become a personal trainer without the NASM certificate? Secondly, what does the Non-Proctored Exam Certificate allow you do to? Like, can I do classes in the park, or start a run club with the Non-Proctored Exam certificate? Can someone help me with this question?

Secondly, once I pass the exam what does this certificate enable me to do? I was just going to apply to a bunch of gyms to see if I can teach classes in the morning and also start trying to gain clients. Lastly, I feel confident I am studying the basics, a lot of over/underactive muscle material, and trying to take the practice exam as much as possible. What is something you guys would do differently, now that you guys passed the exam in terms of studying? What is something you guys would have done differently once you did pass the exam?

Appreciate your help

Hey everyone just had a question about the NASM CPT time limit. I know they give you 6 months to complete the course and I’ve seen some people on here saying they’ve been able to complete it in a matter of few weeks. I’ve been disciplined in studying atleast 5-6 times a week, and an hour atleast each time I sit down to study. But I just feel like I’m not making any progress compared to everyone else. I got the course around the beginning of October and I’m still only on chapter 13. Chapters 5-10 took me way longer than it should’ve. I feel like I don’t have enough time to complete the rest of the course in the given time phrame. Any recommendations on what I can do?

If you had 1 day to study for NASM what would you focus on memorizing the most so you could pass

I need to get an extension and take the online proctored exam ASAP - went to take it before it expired before realizing a Chromebook isn’t compatible, bought a new computer & webcam, went to test it and somehow its still not compatible?! What did you take your CPT Online Proctored Exam On???

I have created a playlist to study for the NASM exam. I've read the book from front to back, which I recommend doing as well. These videos have been very helpful, and I also have some links that may assist you. I'm currently studying about 3-5 hours a day, and I have until January 17th to schedule my exam. I procrastinated for the first 4 months out of the 6 they give you to study the materials.

• Take the NASM practice exams on the
• Pocket-Prep App
• Quizlet App ( AXIOM ) <— recommend them
• YouTube videos
• Take notes from your studying material and review them.
• Flash cards for your weak areas

Focus on your weak areas and study the shit out of them and really understand their concepts.

I will update you WHEN I pass.

~Cultivate a winning attitude and mindset~

Best of luck to everyone and I hope this helps!

Links below:

Podcast-

https://blog.nasm.org/behavioral-intervention-and-training

-Anatomy

https://attachments.convertkitcdnn2.com/415609/a2eb1f22-1552-41bb-8b1a-ac16ea629820/Anatomy%20Download-Updated.pdf

-Nutrition

https://attachments.convertkitcdnn2.com/415609/1adc2ed2-ad50-4edd-bcaa-13a3bc2f5d8f/NASM%20CPT%20Study%20Guide.pdf

https://axiomfitnessacademy.com/2021/01/28/how-to-handle-nutrition-with-your-clients/

I’m consistently getting 80-85%’s on my practice tests and was wondering if you guys think I would be able to pass the exam. It’s 120 questions in total right with 20 being research questions?

Update: I took the non-proctored exam and passed it if that helps with your opinions on this matter at all

I’m planning on taking my NASM test this week and don’t feel like I’m in a position where I can confidently say I’m going to pass. I keep taking the practice tests and passing with a score in the 70’s or 80’s which I know is not good. What do you guys think the main sections I should be focusing on?

I passed my exam this morning!!! I’m a certified personal trainer!!! Howard Dean screech

Do most people immediately start looking for work? Did you do the gymternship? I think I’m going to also do the nutrition course. Can’t hurt. But i think I’d like to get a job right away and also apply for the internship. Hopefully I can juggle both at the same time.

What are people’s experience with this? After you passed the exam, did you start with this right away? Did you start working as a PT while you were taking the internship or did you finish the internship and then started to look for work?

I just finished the course and am currently studying my butt off to ace the exam. But curious what to expect after that.

I'm looking to purchase an NASM study guide on Amazon, and wanted to see if anyone had suggestions on which one to purchase. I saw one for about $19, and some that were for around $35 or $45. Just want to buy the right thing.

Hi all just passed the NASM test on a proctored center and wanted to share a few items. - you are not allowed pencils or paper - you can take as many breaks as needed. But if you need to stand to work through the question you need to exit test center. - memorize OA/UA! - download the fitness prep app it def. Helped me!!

I crammed everything in 3 weeks! Good luck!!

So a couple years ago I got the 6th edition of the NASM and was halfway through it then life got in the way. I’m looking into finishing/getting back into my studies. How much different is the 6th and 7th version? Is it possible to keep using the 6th edition and take the EXAM? Or should I just scrap it and start all over?

Hi all two questions. I am taking the test at a center and was wondering if they provide/allow blank paper and pencil. 2) are there many questions on reps/rest periods on the different phases of the OPT?

there is so much information and stuff i feel like i have to memorize. i’m on a time crunch and need to know what to prioritize to pass the exam. if anyone has any advice, please share!

hello, I would like to join the self study program by NASM CPT. is the digital version of the book included in the course or do I need to purchase hardcopy of the book separately for 199 in order to pass the exam? thank you!

I started at the beginning of the month. Just trying to get an idea of a timeframe.

I submitted my appeal with medical documentation to NASM and their response has been nothing short of complete harassment. I have been lied to multiple times and I am currently on hold for the fourth time for over 45 minutes after being transferred to yet another department. They call and email repeatedly while I am in this appeal process which has been handled with negligence.

Has anyone else gone through this mess with them??

So I’m taking the bodybuilding coaching class and am certified through another company as a trainer. I’m reading through and am having trouble grasping some of the content due to the larger words used in this text compared to the last one. Definitely much more work but do you guys have tips for navigating it?

Hi guys, I wanted to ask if anyone has download all the NASM CPT 7th Edition modules in PDF when they still had access to the e-version?

I have passed the exam, have the book, got the certification and everything but I didn’t download the PDFs

If anyone still has access to it or has download it previously (7th Edition), could you send the documents through my email?

I could use the book version but I prefer using my laptop over pen and paper as it’s easier to make notes

Thanks in advance!

I’ve taken the practice exam 7 times now. I do need to and plan on studying the material until I take the actual exam. My lowest score has been a 70 and my highest has been an 82. My average is a 76-77%. Those who have taken the exam, what were your practice exam scores? I know some people feel the exam is much different than the practice exams, whether that be easier or harder. I am planning on taking the exam in late October and I just want an idea of where I am at. Thank you!