FREAK OUT + Positive Thinking = Success! How I Passed the NASM Exam

by Shawn
(Chicago, IL, USA)

In my previous post I had just recovered from a 'FREAK OUT' session and I was determined to think positive. Fortunately, the effort and thought process paid off and I walked out relieved that the NASM exam was over.

1. Call the test center you'll be testing at and ask them general questions about the venue. Are the testing rooms typically cold/hot? Will other tests be going on at the same time? Get as much information as possible so on test day there are no surprises...I ROASTED in my test center.

2. Plan to use the full 2 hours. The online practice test is only 100 questions and the real exam is 120, so do the math during your practice tests and determine approximately how long it's going taking you. Budget your time to leave about 45 minutes to review all of your answers.

3. You're going to be a personal trainer right? Trainers design training plans together right? As soon as you schedule your test date, work backwards and plan out your study and practice sessions. 2-3 days before your test, stop studying and start testing.

4. Spend time absorbing the chapter on nutrition.

5. Know the OPT Model as if it were your own resume. Master regression/progression of exercises as well as OPT Phases.

6. Be confident. My exam used 'best possible answer' phrasing to the point of exhaustion. The trick is that they split the information given in the book. For example, What is the average heart rate of an adult? a.) 65, b.) 70, c.)75, d.)80

And 2 more tips for good measure...

7. Review your CPR/AED materials

8. Read carefully and then read it again. The NASM exam throws in curve balls by using phrases such as 'will require'. For example there was one question that really stumped me that when something like, "Choose the best possible answer. What is the first step when a person will require CPR". Depending on whether you read/decipher 'will require' there were two right answers i.e. if the person will require CPR you've already done step 1, so step 2 was the 'best possible answer'.


Best of luck on your exam!