ACSM-CPT® exam — Information & Free Practice
US · Examination information
200 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required
ACSM-CPT® exam
- Provider
- Pearson VUE
- Format
- Computer-based, proctored examination at a testing center or through live remote proctoring (OnVUE).
- Exam questions
- Total questions: 135; Scored questions: 120; Unscored questions: 15; The total includes the scored and unscored questions.
- Time limit
- 150 minutes seat time
- Passing score
- 550 on the 200–800 scaled-score scale; the required raw number correct varies by form.
Examination outline
Initial Client Consultation and Assessment (25%)
- Prepare client documents and interview instructions
- Interview the client before testing and program design
- Analyze client data, risks and physical assessment needs
- Evaluate behavioral readiness and exercise adherence strategies
- Assess health and skill-related fitness and establish baselines and goals
- Plan reassessment of fitness, goals and related behaviors
Exercise Programming and Implementation (43%)
- Review client information and determine exercise prescription
- Select exercise modalities for client goals and resources
- Determine initial frequency, intensity, time and type of exercise
- Review the program and demonstrate and teach exercise
- Monitor technique and exercise responses and modify as necessary
- Recommend exercise progressions
Exercise Leadership, Client Education and Client Engagement (22%)
- Optimize adherence through communication, motivation and behavioral strategies
- Educate clients about basic wellness using scientifically-sound resources
- Obtain client feedback for satisfaction and adherence
Legal and Professional Responsibilities (10%)
- Collaborate with health professionals, practitioners and organizations within their scopes
- Implement risk management, emergency action and injury prevention
- Comply with legal, ethical, professional and confidentiality standards
Examination sources
- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer Exam Content Outline
page 1, title, effective statement and opening paragraph; complete Table 2 on pages 2–12
- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer Exam Content Outline
page 1, Table 1, full table
- ACSM Personal Trainer certification page
Step One: Download the Exam Content Outline; current linked outline
- ACSM certification examination update
opening paragraph and editor's note
- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer Exam Content Outline
page 1, Overview
- ACSM Candidate Handbook
page 8, How the Passing Score Is Set
- ACSM Candidate Handbook
page 18, Score Reports
- ACSM Candidate Handbook
page 10, ACSM Exam Application & Registration Process
- ACSM Candidate Handbook
page 12, Testing Environment Options, option 1
- ACSM Personal Trainer certification page
Become an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, step 3
Related license preparation
This examination may be required or accepted as an alternative, depending on the license and application pathway.