Sample Questions

NASM CPT Sample Questions

6 practice questions with complete answer explanations.

Sample Questions

Question 1corrective-exercise

During an overhead squat assessment, a client's knees cave inward (valgus). Which muscle is most likely overactive?

A.Adductor complex / TFL✓ Correct

B.Gluteus medius

C.Vastus lateralis

D.Tibialis anterior

Explanation

Knee valgus = adductors and TFL pulling the knee in. Inhibit these; activate glutes.

Question 2opt-model

A new client with no training history should begin in which OPT phase?

A.Phase 1 — Stabilization Endurance✓ Correct

B.Phase 3 — Muscular Development

C.Phase 5 — Power

D.Phase 2 — Strength Endurance

Explanation

All clients start in Phase 1 to build stabilization base before progressing.

Question 3exercise-physiology

The primary energy system used during a 100-meter sprint is:

A.ATP-PC (phosphocreatine) system✓ Correct

B.Glycolytic system

C.Oxidative system

D.Both glycolytic and oxidative equally

Explanation

100m sprint = 10 seconds = ATP-PC system. Glycolytic kicks in after ~10–30 seconds.

Question 4posture

A client has an anterior pelvic tilt. Which muscle is most likely underactive?

A.Gluteus maximus✓ Correct

B.Hip flexors

C.Erector spinae

D.Latissimus dorsi

Explanation

Anterior pelvic tilt: overactive = hip flexors + erector spinae; underactive = glutes + abs.

Question 5muscle-physiology

Which type of muscle contraction occurs when a muscle lengthens while producing force?

A.Eccentric✓ Correct

B.Concentric

C.Isometric

D.Isotonic

Explanation

Eccentric = muscle lengthens under load (e.g., lowering a weight). Concentric = shortens. Isometric = no movement.

Question 6scope-of-practice

A client asks for advice on a low-calorie diet for rapid fat loss. The CPT's appropriate response is:

A.Provide general nutrition education within scope and refer to a registered dietitian for specific diet plans✓ Correct

B.Design a 1,200-calorie meal plan since this is within CPT scope

C.Decline to discuss nutrition as it's outside CPT scope entirely

D.Recommend a commercial diet program

Explanation

CPTs can provide general nutrition education but cannot prescribe specific meal plans — that's an RD's scope.

Test-Taking Tips

1.The OPT model is the backbone of everything — know all 5 phases with reps, sets, tempo, and rest times.
2.Memorize the overhead squat compensation table: knee valgus/varus, forward lean, arms fall, low back arch.
3.Use NASM's official textbook (7th ed.) and supplement with NASM Edge app quiz questions.
4.Create flashcards for overactive/underactive muscle pairs — they show up constantly.
5.Watch YouTube breakdowns of the OPT model by trainers like Jonathan Ross or NASM's own videos.
6.Take the official NASM practice exam ($49 extra) — it closely mirrors the real test format.

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