NASM practice test: free CPT exam questions with explanations

Start with 5 free NASM CPT practice questions with explanations right now. Then take two timed tests of 60 questions in 60 minutes, the real pace of the NASM-CPT exam, split by its six domains: exercise science and nutrition, client coaching, assessment, program design and the OPT model, exercise technique and scope of practice. Every answer is explained and every heart rate, calorie and BMI calculation is worked out.

• 5 free questions
• 2 timed tests, 120 questions
• 60 questions in 60 minutes
• Formulas worked out
• Practice certificate PDF

What does the NASM exam consist of?

Sources: nasm.org support page on the number of questions, NASM Candidate Handbook (updated 9/2025), NASM FAQs, NASM exam-only page and administrative fees, checked 30 October 2026. A scaled score is not a percentage correct, so a MyLevel score is a guide, not a prediction of your NASM result.

The six NASM-CPT exam domains

Source: NASM Candidate Handbook, exam blueprint, checked 30 October 2026. Exercise technique (24%) and program design (20%) together are almost half of the exam.

What you practise on MyLevel

Every question is an original MyLevel question on general exercise science and the published NASM-CPT domains, with one correct answer, three wrong ones and a short explanation. All 22 calculations (calories from macronutrients, Karvonen and 220 - age heart rates, Tanaka, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, Mifflin-St Jeor, percent of one-rep max, volume and tempo, goal weight from body fat) were re-computed by script.

• The OPT model: the five phases from stabilization endurance to power, with their reps and loads as NASM describes them.
• Assessments: overhead squat compensations and the likely overactive and underactive muscles, upper and lower crossed syndrome, PAR-Q+ and when to refer.
• Coaching: stages of change, SMART goals, self-efficacy and motivational interviewing.
• Scope of practice: what a trainer does, and when nutrition therapy or an injury belongs with a dietitian or doctor.

Start with 5 free questions from five domains. The full pack costs $9.99, a one-time payment with no subscription and no time limit, and also unlocks every other MyLevel job test. Not useful? Full refund within 14 days.

How to prepare for the NASM CPT exam

• Meet the requirements first: NASM requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a current adult CPR and AED certification, which you show at check-in; you have 180 days from purchase to take the exam.
• Spend most time on technique and program design: together they are 44% of the exam. Know each OPT phase, the acute variables and how to cue the main exercises.
• Learn the assessment tables: for each overhead squat compensation, know which muscles are likely overactive and underactive and what that means for the program.
• Practise the numbers: 4, 4, 9 and 7 kcal per gram, 220 - age, the Karvonen formula and BMI come back in many questions.
• Practise under time: take a full 60-question test in one hour, read every explanation and retake your weakest domain until you score 70% or more, ideally 80%.

MyLevel is independent and not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). NASM and NASM-CPT are trademarks of their owner. All questions are original practice questions written by MyLevel on general exercise science and the published NASM-CPT exam domains, not real exam questions, and a practice score is not a NASM result or certification. The questions are exam practice, not medical or nutrition advice.

Sample question with explanation

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