$599 NASM CPT exam fee

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.