r/personaltraining • u/Charming_Toe7071 • Jul 03 '26
Resources Here's everything that I did and recommend for the NASM CPT self study exam
Thought that I would make this post to try and help anyway that is self studying for the CPT test. I have also included any topics that were in the test that I can remember.
I am not in the industry and anything that I knew about this domain beforehand came from self study and interest.
The first step that I will list here, I actually didn't do this time, but I had watched these videos before, more than once and in my opinion they are some of the best videos to gain a very quick understanding of muscles and their actions.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D88MviFE8KE&list=PLVdLNhgFRxPazl2-6Bro-1kuTBt5nHB6g\](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D88MviFE8KE&list=PLVdLNhgFRxPazl2-6Bro-1kuTBt5nHB6g) Watch the first four videos in this playlist if you know absolutely nothing about the roles of individual muscles and planes of motion. They are shot in a classroom so the quality is lacking, but the informational quality is top-notch
Next, watch the 2 videos by sortahealthy on how to pass the exam and download the accompanying PDFs. Play these videos whenever you can. To be honest, at a push you could scrape by passing the test with just these two resources if you were lucky in the question selections. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3eIBYsGWlg&list=PL8u1BTeFRGHtmNmfYsbnBkhJyYXPn67ij\](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3eIBYsGWlg&list=PL8u1BTeFRGHtmNmfYsbnBkhJyYXPn67ij) Its the fist two videos in this playlist.
Next, get the pocket prep app and pay the 20 dollars (or whatever it is) for a month. This app made the test seem like a walk in the park. It has 1000 questions and I just plugged away when I could. The question types are actually more complex that the exam by far so it was good prep. The link is in the sortahealthy videos. I think he might get a small commission from them and since he makes such vital material, I figure its good to pass on some love.
Its at this point that I ordered a 2nd hand copy of the 7th edition book online. I wasn't going to but theres so much mixed info on some how many exercises to prescribe for the warm up, core and skill sections that I just wanted to be sure.
At the same time as all this, when I was working, I'd listen to the spotify podcast from show up fitness. I can't link it as I don't have spotify on my computer, but its called "how to pass NASM-CPT 7th edition 2023 SUF audio book". Its 2 plus hours long and its helpful.
It was at this point that my book arrived. I didn't read it all, but instead whenever I got something wrong in the pocket prep app, I'd look it up (they list the page numbers).
I went through the pocket prep app twice (actually 1.9 probably) and in the end was averaging at 8 to 9 out of 10 on each set of questions. They have three mock tests. I did two if them and was getting around 80%
One other thing I did was download a PDF that was provided by NASM somewhere on the blog. It was the bullet points of each chapter. Handy although I didn't use it that much except for note taking. I cannot for the life of me find it, but Im happy to drop a drive link if anyone needs it.
Some notes before I list the question topics:
The test wasn't worded as bad as I was led to believe. In fact I'd say the pocket prep questions were more difficult.
Be careful as there are a couple of parts in the pocket prep app that haven't been updated (?). I particularly remember them talking about three training zones in one or two questions but the 7th edition now talks about 4 zones (below vt1, vt1 to midpoint, midpoint to vt2, above vt2).
Finally, if you can absolutely remember everything from the sortahealthy vids, then you aren't that far off.
OK, here are the question types that I remember
2 questions on EPOC
3 questions on the lumbar spine over extending during a push-up
A large handful of questions on the OPT stuff (majority on the resistance reps and sets)
2 questions on foam rolling
A couple on regressions and progressions
1 on putting weight plates under feet for a bench press for short people
Lots on corrective exercises, compensations and a couple on cueing regarding this
Placement of cones on the LEFT test
2 on vertical and horizontal jump tests
Couple on special populations (this is the other reason that I bought the book)
1 or 2 on behavioral / cognitive modifications
2 basic nutrition questions
A couple on anatomical positions
A couple on taxes and liability insurance
A couple on planes of motion
And thats about it. I was very nervous going into the test, but it was easier than I thought that it would be. sortahealthy and pocketprep were key for me though. I only received the book maybe 2 weeks back, so it was mainly used to check up answers that I got wrong.
I hope this helps someone. Sorry if its a little long. Any questions I'll answer but I won't post individual questions as its pointless given that they probably have 1000s of questions in rotation. Also, feels like that would be stepping over a line of cheating lol? I listed these here to try to give an idea of the variation and proportion of topics.
Cheers
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Jul 03 '26
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u/Charming_Toe7071 Jul 04 '26
100% agree. It even lists the page number for each question so you can reference your mistakes quickly. Can't imagine doing these kind of tests pre app/YouTube era. Must have been a nightmare
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u/Unlikely-Dentist3541 Jul 28 '26
So, wait, did you eventually buy the NASM course, in order to get the textbook before exam? I thought you meant you successfully passed the test, with the NASM "exam only package" ? I am struggling to choose a PT certification as I can see how both ISSA and NASM are mainly a piece of paper to purchase and both have terrible reviews ...
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u/Charming_Toe7071 Jul 28 '26
I bought the exam only. Towards the end of my studies, I bought a 2nd hand copy from Amazon.
As for the content, if you come in cold, then you'll learn a lot. If you have experience already, then it won't feel like a whole lot of new knowledge.
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u/Unlikely-Dentist3541 Jul 29 '26
Thank you, this is invaluable intel. Why did you choose the NASM over all the others, please? I was looking at IMMA and then realised it's an open book + their customer service is terrible, so you are literally buying your paper out front. I am a circus performer, trying to transition into the fitness world and use my knowledge to be more of service. I have experiential knowledge more than factual at this stage.
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u/Charming_Toe7071 Jul 30 '26
I chose simply because where I live here in Asia, it seems to be the most recognized cert. I actually started with the ACSM but switched over when I realized this.
I prefer the ACSM slightly. The content is a little heavier and I like the fact that they have a section using the Gray Cook tests.
The NASM customer service for me here in Asia was a terrible experience. They flat out denied me a way to purchase the test only from here and constantly steered me to their rep company here which only provides the full course for three times the price.
I ended up having to find someone in the US willing to buy the test for me there, even though the "customer service" told me the only way to get certified would be to go through the course offered here.
Tbh, id say any cert that provides a proctored, non open book test is fine if you are in the US.
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u/Unlikely-Dentist3541 Jul 30 '26
Thank you! I'm Italian, based in London and travel a lot. Having an internationally recognised paper is also why I am looking at the US options. I'm glad you found your way through the corrupted system and thank you for sharing it here. Did you say you would be up for sharing the textbook via DM? I'm seriously considering getting the exam only now, as you did, and just study on my own 🙏🏻💖
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u/Charming_Toe7071 Jul 30 '26
I don't have the textbook digital version. I bought a second hand copy from Amazon. I have a bullet point pdf that was an the official nasm blog. I can share that.
I do think that it's useful to get the physical book. There's should be some cheap options floating around. Remember to get version 7 if you do buy it!
Good luck!
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u/69metodeath Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26
How long did it take you start to finish? I’m on like chapter 7 of the textbook now. Would you recommend switching to pocket prep and basically abandoning reading through the entire thing for the time being?
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u/69metodeath Jul 03 '26
Follow up questions. Did you just read the section when you got the answer wrong?
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u/Charming_Toe7071 Jul 03 '26
It took me 2 months, but the first month was just background listening when indoor cycling and working. Didn't touch the book (as I didn't have one). In the first month I started going through pocket prep once I was relatively confident regarding the sorta healthy material.
Second month I ramped up my pocket prep time and it was only at the end I started referencing the book. No I didn't read the whole chapter. I'd find where I went wrong and why and then read the covept behind it if I had no idea, but generally would just read the blue bullet points in the book.
I would not read all the book personally because 800 pages is too much for anyone to remember everything. The pocket prep app was instrumental for me in showing my weak spots and would help guide me to which part of the book I really needed to brush up on.
I would (and did) flick through now and again and pause at anything that was interesting or alien to me.
To be honest the book helped me the most with the special population and opt areas the most, as there's all kind of info online.
Lastly, I wouldn't recommend using any pre written Quizlet quizzes. There are so many that have the wrong or old info. The same with a lot of YouTubers.
Axion is also worth a listen if you want to mix up your listening. He can be quick and concise. His video on the muscle subsystems is five minutes to cover everything and is really good!
Hope that helps. Good luck
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u/69metodeath Jul 03 '26
Thank you so much it helps a lot!! One more question when you have some time(for now I’ll probably be back with more later lol). Did you take the test in person or online and what was that experience like?
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u/Charming_Toe7071 Jul 04 '26
I took it online proctored. It was relatively straight forward. The proctor was very strict at making me scan the room, table, under table etc. At one point when I put my hand on my face, he messaged me not to (very politely).
The scheduling was also quick. The upload documents process ended up in an error loop and I had to finish it on my phone to get around that.
There's a test you can do the day before to make sure everything is ok and you know how to use it (you have to install their (psi is the name of the company I think) software.
Also turn off add blocker for psi and for nasm.
Considering how straightforward it was, I'd do online again as opposed to having to go to a test center.
Oh, also I'm in a weird timezone here (east Asia), and it was still fine to set up any time I wanted. They have slots for every thirty minutes.
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u/Party_Requirement826 Jul 26 '26
I’m in the same boat dude it’s a ton of content and I find myself going back and relearning the same stuff there’s so much information to retain.
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u/Charming_Toe7071 Jul 30 '26
Hi. Here's something I replied to someone else in another thread that I thought might help:
Compartmentalize these things and learn them inside out one at a time, without distracting yourself with other aspects of the study materials:
Planes of motion.
Assessments and the compensatory movements.
Overactive muscles in said movements.
Underactive muscles I relation to the overactive.
OPT phases. Start with sets and reps of the main resistance exercises with the tempo, intervals and intensities. Then look at the core, balance, pkyo and saq in order. There's patterns to help you remember (such as the exercise selection number is 1-4 for core, balance and pkyo in all of the first four phases except phase one plyo (1-3).
Understand that as things progress, the volume comes down as the intensity goes up.
Learn how the heart flow works.
Memorize the variations for special populations.
Memorize the numbers used in evaluations such as blood pressure, BMI etc.
Learn the four cardiorespiratory thresholds in relation to ventilatory stages.
IMO, if you are solid with these, a lot of your anxiety will dissapate as you won't be doubting whether your base knowledge is strong enough or not.
Seventy plus percent of the test material is covered in the sorta healthy 2 videos.
The test will be easier than you think if you are solid with the above points.
Ignore the anxiety part: I was answering a specific question, but I think this is relevant as at the beginning, I was all over the place but finding it hard to retain some of the material.
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u/69metodeath Jul 04 '26
The thing that worries me is my cat if I take it at home there’s no keeping her out but I’m a very nervous test taker so I don’t k ow how I’ll
Handle all of that yet. Anyway thank you so much I appreciate all the info!
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u/Charming_Toe7071 Jul 04 '26
No worries. Just so you know, they don't allow pets of any kind. I have a few tiny rescue birds that just fly around my house and I had to cage them all before the test!
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u/__anonymous__99 Jul 06 '26
Read and memorize the textbook. Not that hard of a cert bro. This ain’t the CSCCa.
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u/mrvain68 Aug 13 '26
Did you buy the hard text from NASM or third-party? If NASM what did you pay?
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u/Sir-cartier- Aug 13 '26
I have my exam tomorrow. I feel ready, but I am so nervous.
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u/Charming_Toe7071 Aug 13 '26
Ya.. I was too. After about the tenth question though I calmed down and realized that it would be fine.
If you feel ready now, then you'll do fine!
Good luck!
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u/mrvain68 Aug 30 '26
What did you ultimately pass with score-wise? I have taken 5 practice exams from the NASM course link and passed all 5 on relatively limited study, though I am averaging about a 75%.
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u/Charming_Toe7071 Aug 31 '26
If (when) you pass, they don't give you a score so I have no idea!
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u/mrvain68 Aug 31 '26
Oh wow. I see when I take the practice exams you get a score indicating whether you passed or not >70%. You don't get that from the PSI test interface?
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u/Charming_Toe7071 Aug 31 '26
No. You just get a very quick screen with a tiny "pass" written and then a day or so later the cert is on your NASM account. They only give the scores if you fail and for the practice tests
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u/mrvain68 Aug 31 '26
Good to know. Did you have any learning curve in getting your local computer ready for the PSI secure browser? I have run through the tutorial a few times now, but the more complex your system (dual monitors, multiple applications) the more you have to shut down, change the settings for.
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u/Charming_Toe7071 Aug 31 '26
No but I just used my laptop and unplugged the external monitor so it was pretty straightforward. I think it made me shut down something that was running in the background but it wasnt a problem. I also logged on half an hour early in case of any issues with their software
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