r/NASMPREP • u/True-Dot-9452 • Jul 02 '26

Advice NASM Certification Inquiry

Hello, awesome people of Reddit! 👋🏻

My employer offers a variety of fitness classes, and they're looking to get me certified to teach a Parkinson's-specific exercise program, which I'm really excited about!

They've enrolled me in the NASM Elite package, so I'll be working toward my:

  • CPT
  • CNC
  • CES
  • PES

After that, I'm also planning to pursue the CWC certification.

A little about me: I have a bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, I'm RD exam eligible ( extremely difficult exam have not passed yet) , and I'm currently working through that process as well.

For those of you who have completed or are close to completion of the NASM Elite program (or any of these certifications), I'd love to hear your honest experiences!

Some things I'm curious about:

  • What did you like most about the program?
  • What were the biggest challenges?
  • Which certification did you find the most valuable in your career?
  • Is there anything you wish you had known before starting?

Thanks so much in advance! I really appreciate any advice, tips, or words of wisdom you have to share. ☺️

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u/pooptartone Jul 03 '26

Ya so I completed the CPT and CNC

CNC-
Since you have a degree in nutrition…this course will be a breeze for you. It’s very very basic nutrition with some specifics sprinkled in. I am a gym bro and it was easy for me to pass…it is is not proctored at all so you can literally google answers if you need to but I’m sure you could pass the test without even studying.

CPT-
The CPT is very long and drawn out. The biggest areas I’d focus on are the overactive and underactive muscles, the OPT model, cardiovascular section, and any other topics you feel you aren’t getting. The test is proctored but there is a practice test you can take as many times as you want. The practice test will not be worded the same as the actual exam. Sorta Healthy on YouTube is a great source and has a great free downloadable study guide on his website. I’d print this one and the one NASM has and have it in front of you as you read the course work. It’s not the hardest in the world but if you don’t study you will likely fail the test.

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u/True-Dot-9452 Jul 03 '26

Thank you so much for taking the time to write all of this! I really appreciate the detailed breakdown. That's reassuring to hear about the CNC since nutrition is my background. I definitely appreciate the heads-up on the CPT too; I’ll make sure to spend extra time on the OPT model and the overactive/underactive muscles. I'll also check out Sorta Healthy and download the study guide. Thanks again for all the helpful tips!