What is NASM, and how much does the NASM exam cost?
What is NASM, and how much does the NASM exam cost?
$599 NASM CPT exam fee
$999 – $2,999 NASM CPT exam fee + online course
NASM exam cost
The NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam costs $599 for the base exam fee. NASM also offers several CPT exam bundles ranging from $999 to $2,999 that include their official online self-study course, the exam fee, and additional features or specializations.
| Factor | Fee |
|---|---|
| Exam fee | $599 |
| Exam retest fee | $199 |
| Extension fee | $199 |
| No-show penalty fee | $50 |
| Late cancellation penalty fee | $50 |
| Exam re-grade fee | $75 |
| Certification renewal fee | $99 |
| Exam fee & self-study course | $999 – $2,999 |
What is NASM certification?
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certification is an industry-recognized credential for fitness professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. The NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credential is highly regarded as one of the best options for personal trainers.
The NASM CPT exam is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), a nationally recognized third-party agency whose mission is to ensure the public's health and safety.
NASM Certified Personal Trainer exam content
The NASM CPT exam covers a wide range of knowledge and skills needed to master the art of personal training and safely and effectively work with clients. The table below shows a breakdown of the domains of knowledge found in the exam.
| Domain | Percentage of exam |
|---|---|
| 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% |
| Professional Development and Responsibility | 10% |
NASM Certified Personal Trainer exam options
NASM offers two versions of their exam—one proctored and NCCA-accredited and the other non-proctored and non-accredited. Regardless of which option you choose, you must take the exam within 180 days of your enrollment date and achieve a score of 70% or better to pass.
| NASM Personal Trainer Certificate | NASM Certified Personal Trainer |
|---|---|
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How to study for the NASM CPT exam
NASM sells several bundles featuring their online self-study course and other add-ons, with prices ranging from $999 to $2,999. The self-study course includes videos, an exercise demonstration library, quizzes, a practice exam, a mobile app, and more. All NASM CPT exam bundles include one exam voucher, and some bundles also include a retest voucher.
NASM also offers a free online NASM-CPT Exam Study Guide.
Other providers also offer study guides, courses, and apps to help you prepare for the NASM CPT exam:
Axiom Fitness Academy offers a live, interactive, 10-week online course for $899.
International Personal Trainer Academy offers a free online NASM Study Guide.
PT Pioneer offers a free online NASM Study Guide.
Fitness Mentors offers a free online NASM CPT Study Course, along with an NASP CPT Study Mentorship program for $19.99 per month.
The Pocket Prep app costs $10.99 to $20.99 per month and features study tools and practice questions.
Can you take the NASM exam without taking the course?
Yes, you can take the NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam without taking the course if you meet the eligibility requirements. However, the exam is considered difficult due to the amount and depth of information covered, so a structured study program is highly recommended.
NASM CPT exam FAQs
How hard is the NASM CPT exam?
The NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam is considered one of the more difficult fitness certification exams, covering a vast and comprehensive range of topics. However, the difficulty depends on your own background and how well you prepare for the test.
The pass rate for first-time exam takers is 79% for the proctored, NCCA-accredited Certified Personal Trainer exam and 90% for the non-proctored, non-accredited Personal Trainer Certificate exam.
How long does NASM certification take?
NASM certification takes 4 to 12 weeks on average, depending on the student's background knowledge, study time, and individual aptitude.
How long does NASM certification last?
NASM certification must be renewed every 2 years. To recertify, you must earn 2 continuing education units (CEUs) in every two-year period, including 1.9 CEUs from NASM-approved coursework and 0.1 CEUs from the mandatory CPR/AED certification. You must also submit your renewal application and pay a $99 renewal fee.
NASM also offers a Recertify for Life program for $399, which allows you to avoid the biennial $99 renewal fee and includes discounts on other courses and products. However, you are still required to complete the necessary CEUs and submit your renewal application before each two-year deadline.
How many questions are on the NASM CPT exam?
The number of questions on the NASM exam depends on which version of the exam you take:
The non-proctored, non-accredited, open-book NASM Personal Trainer Certificate exam has 100 questions.
The NCCA-accredited, proctored NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam has 120 questions.
Is the NASM exam an open-book test?
NASM offers two versions of the exam. The non-accredited, non-proctored NASM Personal Trainer Certificate exam is open-book. The NCCA-accredited, proctored NASM Certified Personal Trainer exam is not open-book.
Can you take the NASM exam online?
Yes, you can take the proctored or non-proctored version of the NASM exam online.
Can you retake the NASM Certified Personal Trainer exam?
Yes, you can retake the NASM CPT exam. However, you'll be subject to a waiting period before being allowed to retest:
If you don't pass the exam on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after 1 week.
If you don't pass the second attempt, you can retake the exam after 30 days.
If you don't pass the third attempt, you must wait 1 year before attempting the exam again.
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