The NASM personal trainer certification has continued to grow in popularity. And while its not considered the hardest of the personal trainer tests, the NASM exam is not easy. You are going to want to devote some serious time toward preparing for the test.
You need to get at least 70 out of 120 questions right to pass the exam according to NASM. But NASM mixes in 20 research questions that don't count but they also don't tell you which ones they are. So if you get 89 questions correct, and 20 of them were research questions, you would still fail.
NASM tell us that only 63% of candidates pass the exam. So don't take this one lightly. You will need to study smartly to avoid being in the 35% that fail the test and have to pay the $99 fee to take the exam again.
You've got a choice of study materials. You can purchase the official NASM study program that includes the textbook, videos, practice exam, study guide, webinar coaching series, online learning, iPod video, MP3 audio and the actual exam for $599. But if you can't afford to that, you can self-study and take the exam for $549. Not much savings so you are better off coming up with the extra cash.
There are also books and videos that might help with your preparation. Or any combination of these unofficial resources with the official NASM exam prep tools will work.
The section below gives our readers the chance to talk about their experience with the NASM exam. After you take your exam, remember to come back and tell us how you did and what worked for you!
Our readers submit some great tips about passing the NASM personal trainer certification exam. Read the tips and add your comments and ratings to each tip.
Just took and passed the NASM CPT Exam.





2/20/10 I just took the exam an hour ago and passed! Yay! I thought that since I made use of the comments from others on this site, that I too would pay ...
Passed NASM, But Wasn't As Easy As I Thought It Would Be!





I took the NASM exam for the first time today and passed.
I studied two months for this exam and took the pre-exam several times.
(CAUTION: The NASM ...
NASM Exam is easy if you study





I just passed the NASM Exam 1 hour ago.Out of the 120 questions I may have dropped 5 if that. I found it very easy, evidenced by the fact that it only ...
I passed 08/22/09, second time





This was the second time. I was nowhere near prepared the first time, (and I knew it) but I took the test anyway just so I would know what to expect. My ...
Passed on 1st Try





I just passed the NASM CPT on my 1st try.
It was certainly challenging - no doubt. But, I have 0 science background and no prior certifications. I ...
I passed the NASM-CPT 07/27/2009 1st Attempt!





I passed my NASM-CPT Exam yesterday 07/27/2009! I don’t have any previous experience in sport medicine or training, but have been working with a personal ...
Dont Rely on the NASM practice exam!!!!





Ok so i just took the exam the other day, and after reading everything on this site heres my take on everything.. But let me back it up for a minute first....
The Real Deal on the NASM test





I just took the test two days ago (May 27th, 2009) and passed. I personally felt like it was exactly like the practice test, maybe even a little easier....
NASM: don't take it lightly -BUT it can be passed





Honestly, this site is perfect for getting great advice and tips from those who have gone before regarding NASM.
I took it on Tuesday after about ...
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE NASM





first of all I have to say this website is the main key to passing the NASM. Whoever created this website was a genius. I spent over 1,000 dollars getting ...
NASM Study Tips





Hey, NASM is cool!
I'm going to give ya'll study tips since the nasm test is
"THAT HARDEST TEST YOU HAVE EVER TAKEN IN YOUR LIFE! OMg!!"
...nO, It ...
The Fat Burning Myth and a few other NASM Questions





Question for ya'll that have taken the Exam. Can someone please explain to me what exactly they want you to to concerning the fat burning myth? I understand ...
Anatomy in and out?





I am gearing up to take the NASM Exam. I have just started my studying, I don't have a background in fitness or science but am passionate about the field....
Just took the NASM exam for the second time and passed!!





Well today i took the test and i passed and it was fairly easy. the first time was really hard and i got a 69 out of 70 SO CLOSE! But this time i went ...
Second time didn't work either





Wow,,, Failed the first time with 61% and just took my second exam and failed 69%, thats the worst when 70 is a pass
Practice exam is nothing like the ...
JUST STUDY! I Passed NASM





First I want to say thank you to others who have posted their experiences - you really helped me!
I heard horror stories and how difficult the test ...
NASM exam not what I expected...





I studied forever for this test. Took the practice test every night for a week and the morning of the test also. I was scoring around 90% on it. I get ...
Not as hard as I'd assumed it would be





Hi All! I was scared to death when I went to take the NASM test this morning. First of all I have had four months to study. The most I was able to accomplish ...
NASM Tips while they're still fresh in my mind





I took the NASM exam this morning for the first time, and passed. So, while they are still fresh in my mind, I'll try to remember in some shape or form ...
Muscle groups for NASM exam





So, I read that the questions aren't too specific about the muscle groups and the actions they are responsible for. But that they are more general: "What ...
NASM CPT possible questions





Watch for the wording on the NASM questions, confusing sometimes. I took it twice and passed.
Some practice NASM questions:
remember 3 quarts or ...
NASM Exam No Worries





I used this site to get ready for the NASM, so I thought I would pay it forward so to speak. I just took the NASM today and passed. It really isn't that ...
NASM Study Tips - I found to be the best resource





I took the test today and passed. I agree with what most people have already posted, know the OPT model, know how the regressions and progressions for ...
NASM exam is not that hard





First off, don't worry...the exam is not all that hard. I had never worked in a gym before and studied 4 months for the test, but was a full time student ...
NASM Test





Just a warning for anyone taking the NASM examination. I aced the practice exam, knew everything that I had studied on, knew every single muscle and its ...
A long winded guide to the NASM testing experience





I recently took the NASM exam, I was not given an actual score only a pass or fail. It was my first time ever taking any CPT test and I passed.
The ...
Fooled by the NASM exam





I don't like to admit that I failed the NASM exam, even after get 100% on the practice exams. No matter how confident you might feel, there is always ...
FREAK OUT + Positive Thinking = Success! How I Passed the NASM Exam





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 ...
NASM Practice Test





The practice test sold by NASM was a total and completely waste of study time and money! It absolutely did NOT "mirror" their exam! I'm so pissed that ...
16 hours to my NASM Exam = FREAK OUT...think positive!





WHOA WAKE-UP CALL!!! NASM test questions are nothing like the study materials!
Alright, so I'll admit it...much to my dismay I flew through the NASM ...
Failed the NASM Exam





So I thought I was well prepared for the NASM exam after spending about an hour each day for about 4 weeks and following the NASM study guide, online practice ...
NASM study materials





I've been calling around to different gyms in Maryland and decided to go with the NASM cert. Hopefully that doesn't backfire in the end.I was actually ...
Taking the NASM exam this week





I am getting ready to take my NASM certification this week. I have a full time job, and just starting out in the PT business. I have been studying for ...
Don't bother with NASM!





I have a friend who failed the NASM exam three times...he insists it is very difficult and I told him it was all in his head. To inspire him I said I would ...
Similar to the NASM practice exam





I'm surprised that so many postings here insist the actual exam is completely different from practice tests. I found the opposite to be true. In fact, I'...
My NASM journey. Tips and advice I can offer





Well i began my journey in march and just completed it. The first time, I studied early on but got burned out and didn't study for a whole month until ...
Don't Rely on the NASM practice Test





I took the NASM test this week and if it was not for this site and the mention that the practice test wasn't on the test, I think I would have failed. The ...
NASM-CPT exam can be tricky





I took the NASM CPT exam on Tuesday and passed the first time. I received my study guide and book in August and have been studying off and on ever since....
I passed NASM





I self-studied for the exam and passed the first time. I didn't find it very difficult if you study all the materials and have been working as a trainer ...
NASM overrated




I'm currently studying for the NASM and have found this site useful. However, don't fool yourselves as to the quality of the NASM model. Most of us already ...
NASM has too many right choices




I have taken the NASM test multiple times and have yet to pass. It seems that when asked about which muscles are tight, they offer 4 choices and 3 out ...
NASM STUDY FLASH CARDS




I AM BEGINNING TO STUDY FOR THE NASM EXAM, SOMEONE MENTIONED FLASH CARDS FOR STUDYING.
MY QUESTION IS ARE THEY WORTH BUYING?
NASM Exam is challenging



The exam is challenging for anyone who has not been working as a trainer or been certified elsewhere. Or at least I found that to be the case. I just took ...
Just finished the NASM exam



I just finished taking the NASM exam this morning.
The sample questions were helpful such as protein for endurance athlete, diastolic blood pressure,...
READ THE HIGHLIGHTS!


Sept 19th 2009 I took and passed the NASM CPT the first time in 32 mininuts! But I studied for 120 days and I hit it hard!
Is it easy? NO
Is it Hard?...
Eurpoean View on the NASM Exam
Not rated yet
I came from Europe to do this exam here. It was easier to do it this way instead of doing it in there. I did my CPR/AED course here too 5 days prior to ...
Passed on the 1st Attempt
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I just got through taking the NASM exam a few hours ago and I passed on the first attempt. In all honesty, it wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would ...
Brand new NASM CPT 1/7/10
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Hello all. Well, I just passed the NASM exam today on my first try. Without having had a background in fitness (except for working out) and after speaking ...
NASM - Special Populations
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For those of you who have taken the NASM-CPT Exam: do you recall how many, if any, questions were regarding the 'special populations' part of the chapter(...
Passed on first try today!
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I didn't love the NASM study materials, and did not use the DVDs at all. Read the book 4 times cover to cover, made notes, index cards, etc. It doesn't ...
NASM: It's an easy exam if you study....Here are some things you must know
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From the beginning, all I've heard about this test is how hard it is and how so many people don't pass NASM the first time...so of course I freaked out....
Passed NASM 10/26/2009- 1st Attempt!!
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I PASSED... easy!! I previously read many people complaining of how the practice exam is not helpful in gauging your knowledge but I can honestly say that ...
Passed the NASM exam - 1st try
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I passed the NASM CPT exam yesterday on my first try. Want to thank everyone on this site for keeping me motivated during my studies. During my first ...
Put Simply - Follow the NASM Essential Study Tips
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I took the test this past Wednesday 7/29 and passed. It took me six weeks to study for it. I 'll have to say it was not easy material to digest being that ...
I thought I passed
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I took the nasm exam for the second time today. The first time was pretty hard, and my study time was'nt so great so I scored a 58. I gave myself four ...
First Time and PASSED!
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After reading many forum posts about how hard the exam is I completely freaked myslef out! I took the exam yesterday for the first time and passed. I wouldn'...
Put in effort, and you will pass
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First things first, you have to study. I feel like this is something you have to put effort into in order to pass. I purchased the NASM course a year and ...
Passed NASM this morning-some tips
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Hi all,
Just want to say that the tips on this site from other people were the biggest help for me, so I thought I would share my own. I took the test ...
Took the NASM Exam and passed!!!
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I just walked in from taking the exam for the 1st time and PASSED (Took me 59 mins to complete the exam). The 1st thing I wanted to do is get on the website ...
Passed the first time! Here's what I did.
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First of all, I want to thank the guys and girls who posted on this site because it gave me some valuable info to incorporate in my study regimen prior ...
NASM Prepping!
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Hi Katie and all,
I came to your site via a google search for "NASM practice test".
This is being posted as a before and after.:)
My name ...
NASM-CPT took less than 3 weeks
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I just passed the CPT exam on Saturday the 28th of March. I found it harder than the practice test, but not really difficult. I do not have a degree ...
Helpful NASM Tip
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After taking the online practice quiz for the second time I made a connection that I had wish I realized earlier (since I am taking the test today). When ...
Passed on first shot!
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I just finished up taking the NASM Exam. My thoughts below:
I found the test to be both easy and difficult. In that I mean a lot of the questions I ...
Ok, here's what you do for the NASM Test
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I just took the exam... this site came in really handy... I kinda put off studying till last night... its not recommended but thats just the way Ive always ...
Relax... Much of What You Need is Here
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I took the NASM exam this afternoon (12Nov08) and passed without difficuly. The tools to my success were the NASM online practice exam, the posts on this ...
NASM Retest
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Truly, its my own fault. I began studying at a very chaotic time and after getting through chapter 12, i realized i did not retain any of the information....
Was very nervous but passed NASM Test
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I took the NASM test today for the first time and passed. Here is what i did to prepare the test.
1. Read the book twice ( things started coming together ...
NASM Test: Not bad at all
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I just took the NASM test this morning. Let me tell ya I was nervous. It really was not as hard as I thought it was going to be. I got to the site around ...
Difficulty: 6/7 on a scale of 1 to 10
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Ok, I took the test this morning for the first time and passed. I have been reading the comments on this site and a lot of them are correct. On the NASM ...
Time and Dedication is all you need. . .
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Time and Dedication is all you need. . .to pass this exam. From reading the posts regarding the NASM exam, I was under the impression that it was quite ...
Thanks Katie!
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Your site helped me to pass my NASM test. it was so helpful for me, not a good test taker, to practice practice practice and familiarize myself with the ...
NASM Exam was way too easy... very disappointed
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I read horror stories on this site about how hard the test was so i studied REALLY hard for a month and finally took the test. When i got to the testing ...
NASM exam was easier than I thought.
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I took the NASM exam 2 days ago and honestly didn't think it was that bad. The earlier posts were very helpful in regards to the types of questions the ...
Passed NASM Test
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You can do it! Be confident and relaxed. There is a feature that allows you to flag any question you are not sure of. This is a nice feature in that ...
2 vital things I did to pass NASM-CPT
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I just took the NASM exam this morning and passed on the first time. I read a lot of the comments on this site and was a little nervous due to a lot of ...
NASM is easy if you study, Hard if you don't
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I have never had a certification, but have been involved in the fitness industry for years. From what I have seen NASM is the safest and is very effective....
Do not take the NASM test lightly.....
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I am a CPT with NASM and work in a small one on one studio in my home town. I have several certifications but NASM is the one that I am currently most ...
Watch the NASM DVDs, Take the Practice Exams
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I just took and passed the NASM exam after 2 weeks of studying. I don't have a background in health or exercise science, so I needed those two weeks. All ...
Just passed the NASM exam!
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First off, whoever created this site is awesome because it helped me so very, very much. The exam was hard and not hard all at the same time. I passed ...
Study Guides For Sale Didnt Help
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I was very nervous and unsure about taking the test. I had purchased a "study guide" from a website that I found on google, and after printing it out,...
NASM exam not that hard
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I'm surprised at the general review for this exam. I found it rather perfunctory and not that in depth or hard. The study materials are pretty straight ...
Study, Study and Study Again. I Passed First Time
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The NASM Exam was very similar to the practice questions although only very few of the practice questions were on the test. Follow the breakdown of the ...
Overstudied for NASM exam
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I just took the NASM exam about 30 minutes ago and it was not hard at all. I had no experience with training before taking the exam and I'd be surprised ...
I passed NASM and It was exactly what I expected
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I watched the NASM DVD segments in 2 days. Skimmed through the text in 2 days and did the workbook in 2 days.
I think if you learn the highlighted ...
Know the OPT Model In and Out to Pass the NASM exam
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It was not as hard as it seems ...Just make sure you know the OPT model in and out.
Use the NASM daily study guide
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I literally just took the exam today and passed. This was my first attempt. I found the book, study guide and CD-ROM lectures invaluable to my passing ...