Earning Your Credential

To earn your Certified Personal Trainer certification, the only requirement is passing the NASM-CPT examination. Please be advised that the exam expires 180 days from the date of your purchase of the program. Be prepared to provide proof of a valid CPR/AED certification at the time of your test. Do not procrastinate and make sure you complete your CPR/AED certification well ahead of time.

Below are instructions for registering for your NASM-CPT examination. Depending on which option you selected at the time of purchase, your NASM-CPT examination will either be live remote proctoring or in-person proctoring.

 

Step 1: Print and Review

  • Please review the NASM Certification Candidate Handbook for information regarding testing procedures.

Step 2: Register

To schedule your exam online, navigate back to your NASM | AFAA Student portal.

  1. Navigate to the “Proctored Exams” section of your student portal.
  2. Within the Unscheduled Tab, locate your CPT7 Exam and click the “Schedule” button. This will take you to the PSI Scheduling platform.
  3. Within the scheduling process, you will be able to:
    1. Select your preferred Exam Delivery Mode of Test Center (in-person) or Remote Online Proctored.
    2. Choose the date, time, and location (if applicable) for your exam appointment
  4. After successfully booking your exam appointment, you will receive a Confirmation Email from PSI with the appointment details.

To modify an existing appointment online, navigate back to your NASM | AFAA Student portal.

  1. Navigate to the “Proctored Exams” section of your student portal.
  2. Within the Scheduled tab, choose the exam appointment you wish to modify and click the “Modify” Button.
  3. You will be redirected to the PSI Scheduling platform where you will be able to make the necessary changes. Note: If you are rescheduling your exam, you will be required to schedule your new desired exam appointment at least 24 hours in advance.
  4. After successfully rescheduling or cancelling your exam appointment, you will receive a Confirmation Email with the details of the change.

Test Centers outside of the United States: If the country in which you are looking to schedule your in-person exam is unavailable for registration online, please contact NASM Member Services at 800-460-6276 option 3 for assistance. Please note this process can take between 4-6 weeks.

Step 3: What You Need

  • At the time of your test, you will be required to show proof of a valid, current, government-issued photo ID and current, valid Emergency Cardiac Care (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification.*

*CPR/AED certifications are accepted from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, American Safety and Health Institute, St. John Ambulance, Emergency Care & Safety Institute or Emergency Medical Technician. Before taking your CPR/AED from another provider, please contact NASM.

Final Exam Information:

  • Passing Score: 70 (scaled score) or better
  • Format: Computer-based
  • Questions: 120 multiple-choice
  • Time Limit: 2 hours
  • Exam Expiration: 180 days from date of purchase
  • Earning a CPR/AED certification is required prior to taking the NASM-CPT examination.
  • Section 1. Professional Development and Responsibility (Chapters 1 and 2)
    • 10% of the CPT exam
  • Section 2. Client Relations and Behavioral Coaching (Chapters 3 and 4)
    • 15% of the CPT exam
  • Section 3. Basic and Applied Sciences and Nutritional Concepts (Chapters 5 to 10)
    • 15% of the CPT exam
  • Section 4. Assessment (Chapters 11 and 12)
    • 16% of the CPT exam
  • Section 5. Exercise Technique and Training Instruction (Chapters 13-20)
    • 24% of the CPT exam
  • Section 6. Program Design (Chapters 21-23)
    • 20% of the CPT exam​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Refer to the NASM Certification Candidate Handbook for more detailed information.