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NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) Certification Exam
The NASM-CPT is the NCCA-accredited certification examination of the National Academy of Sports Medicine for entry-level personal trainers, built on the NASM Optimum Performance Training (OPT) Model.
Official exam siteJump to prep options ↓
Questions120 questions (100 scored plus 20 unscored pretest items)
Testing time2 hours
ScoringScaled passing score of 70 or higher
Exam feeUSD 599 one-time exam-only registration (no preparation materials); retest/extension fee USD 199; bundled CPT programs that include the exam typically run USD 999–1,399 per NASM's cost-comparison page
Prep options
Study resources for NASM-CPT
Independent prep
Courses and study resources
Exam overview
What to know before choosing your prep
- Who runs it
- NASM
- Category
- Fitness
- Current version
- CPT 7th edition (CPT7) exam blueprint, updated February 2021 from the 2019 job analysis
- Where it applies
- United States — national
- Exam languages
- English, Spanish
- Score scale
- 0–100 scaled score
- Testing provider
- PSI
- Format
- Four-answer multiple-choice, closed book; proctored by PSI in person at a testing facility or online via live remote proctor
- Availability
- By appointment through PSI (in-person or live remote proctor); appointments at least 24 hours in advance; exam must be taken within 180 days of purchase
- Results
- Digital certificate and digital badge available in the NASM Customer Portal within one business day of passing
- Remote testing
- Available
Exam structure
120 four-answer multiple-choice items, closed book, across six performance domains: Basic and Applied Sciences and Nutritional Concepts (15%), Client Relations and Behavioral Coaching (15%), Assessment (16%), Program Design (20%), Exercise Technique and Training Instruction (24%), and Professional Development and Responsibility (10%).
Where rules vary
U.S. NCCA-accredited certification; the handbook notes in-person PSI testing is also possible outside the U.S. and the credential is marketed as recognized internationally
Eligibility
High school diploma or equivalent (or within 90 days of completion) and current Adult CPR and AED certification; no minimum age required by NASM
Retake policy
Waiting periods of one week after the first failed attempt, 30 days after the second, and one year after the third or subsequent attempt; retest purchased through NASM Member Services for USD 199 (retest included with CPT Premium Self-Study and CPT All-Inclusive programs)