NASM-CPT Self-Study Course Syllabus

Course Introduction
Congratulations on taking the first step toward becoming a NASM Certified Personal Trainer!
Throughout this course, you will be provided with the necessary tools and resources to not only pass
your credentialing exam, but to ensure your success within the fitness industry. Welcome to the NASM
family!

Read Me First
Materials required for this course:
o NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training, 6th Edition
o NASM-CPT Exam

Contact Information:

For login issues or course/exam questions, contact: Member Services – 1-800-460-6276, option 2;
or email [email protected]

For technical support issues, email: Member Services – 1-800-460-6276 (Please

refer to the additional course information below
for common troubleshooting steps)

For scheduling the CPT certification exam, contact: PSI Exams Online – 1-833-537-1330

Module Resources and Activities Explained:

Within your NASM-CPT Guided Study course, you will be provided the necessary resources to pass your
NASM-CPT credentialing exam. Included below is the list of resources, what they entail, and tips on how
to get the most from each.

Module Resources What are they? Recommendations and Tips

-Read the learning objectives at
the beginning of each chapter to
The required readings can be found in identify important concepts.
your textbook or as a downloadable
PDF. They each have the same -Begin with reading all the
Readings
material and provide you the flexibility required chapters within the
of completing your readings at home module.
or on the go.
-Take notes on difficult concepts to
return to later.

Lecture Videos Each module will contain a series of -Watch and relate the key topics
NASM-CPT Self-Study Course Syllabus

videos focusing on key exam topics discussed to your readings,

that may be more difficult to activities, and quizzes.
understand. The number of videos
within each module will vary due to - Review the videos more than
the importance of the concepts once for concepts that you have
presented. difficulty understanding.
-Use the templates to apply what
These documents are to be used as you have learned from the
Downloadable study and reference material as you readings and activities.
Templates/Documents prepare for your exam. These can also
be used when working in the industry. -Memorize the downloadable
documents that provide tables.
-Provides you unlimited attempts
In each module, you will be provided a and will only take your highest
quiz that evaluates your knowledge of score.
Quizzes
key concepts. Each quiz has unlimited
attempts and a 10-minute time limit. -Questions align to key concepts in
your credentialing exam.
You will be provided a practice exam. -Simulates the time allowed during
It has been designed to simulate the the credentialing exam (120 min).
Exam time allotment for your NASM-CPT
credentialing exam. -Questions align to key concepts in
the credentialing exam.

NASM-CPT Certification Exam Details:

The NASM CPT Certification exam must be scheduled and taken at a PSI testing center. Details on
scheduling and registration requirements are located in the course.

The NASM CPT Certification exam is comprised of 6 Performance Domains, each making up a percentage
of the overall score.

Domain Section Percentage/Weight

Domain 1: Basic and Applied Sciences and Nutritional Concepts 17%
Domain 2: Assessment 18%
Domain 3: Program Design 21%
Domain 4: Exercise Technique and Training Instruction 22%
Domain 5: Client Relations and Behavioral Coaching 12%
Domain 6: Professional Development and Responsibility 10%

An overall score of 70% is needed to pass the exam. Only candidates who achieve a passing score on the
exam will be allowed to use the certification program credential. The minimum score needed to pass the
exam is published on NASM’s website, at www.nasm.org.

Certifications are valid for two (2) years and expire on the date provided on the certificate. NASM
Certified Professionals are required to keep their certification current through fulfilling continuing
education requirements every two (2) years. This is referred to as “recertification.”
NASM-CPT Self-Study Course Syllabus

The NASM exam will expire 180 days from date of purchase and will be subject to an extension/retest
fee if more time is required. Please review the Candidate Handbook located in the Terms and Conditions
section of the course for additional information.

NASM-CPT Self-Study Course Outline Checklist

The NASM-CPT Self-Study course consists of 21 modules designed to enhance your ability to pass the
NASM-CPT credentialing exam. Each content module provides resources that will help you understand
and retain the information in preparation for taking your exam and becoming a successful fitness
professional. The outline provided below breaks down each module to provide insight on the time
requirements and planning necessary to ensure your success.

It is strongly recommended you print out the syllabus and use the following course outline checklist to
monitor your progress throughout the course.

Completion
Module Title Module Instructions
Checklist
CPT Terms and Complete the CPT Terms and Conditions before
Conditions beginning your NASM-CPT Self-Study Course.
Watch the Welcome to NASM-CPT video
Review the Course Syllabus
Getting Started Review the Candidate Handbook
Review the Frequently Asked Questions document
Download the Study Guide
Module 1: The Read Chapter 1
Scientific Rationale for Watch the Module 1 Lecture Videos
Integrated Training Complete Review Quiz 1
Read Chapter 2
Module 2: Basic Read Appendix D
Exercise Science Watch the Module 2 Lecture Videos
Complete Review Quiz 2
Module 3: The Read Chapter 3
Cardiorespiratory Watch the Module 3 Lecture video
System Complete Review Quiz 3
Module 4: Exercise Read Chapter 4
Metabolism and Watch the Module 4 Lecture Video
Bioenergetics Complete Review Quiz 4
Read Chapter 5
Module 5: Human
Watch the Module 5 Lecture Videos
Movement Science
Complete Review Quiz 5
Read Chapter 6
Module 6: Fitness Watch the Module 6 Lecture Videos
Assessment Review with the Assessment Templates
Complete Review Quiz 6
NASM-CPT Self-Study Course Syllabus

Read Chapter 7
Read Appendix A
Module 7: Flexibility
Download the Assessment Templates
Training Concepts
Watch the Module 7 Lecture Video
Complete Review Quiz 7
Module 8: Read Chapter 8
Cardiorespiratory Review Appendix A
Fitness Training Watch the Module 8 Lecture Videos
Concepts Complete Review Quiz 8
Read Chapter 9
Module 9: Core Review Appendix A
Training Concepts Watch the Module 9 Lecture Video
Complete Review Quiz 9
Read Chapter 10
Module 10: Balance Review Appendix A
Training Concepts Watch the Module 10 Lecture Video
Complete Review Quiz 10
Read Chapter 11
Module 11: Plyometric
Review Appendix A
(Reactive) Training
Watch the Module 11 Lecture Video
Concepts
Complete Review Quiz 10
Read Chapter 12
Module 12: Speed,
Review Appendix A
Agility, and Quickness
Watch the Module 12 Lecture Video
Training Concepts
Complete Review Quiz 12

Read Chapter 13
Module 13: Resistance Review Appendix A
Training Concepts Watch the Module 13 Lecture Videos
Complete Review Quiz 13
Read Chapter 14
Module 14: Integrated
Review the OPT Programming Templates
Program Design and
Watch the Module 14 Lecture Videos
the OPT model
Complete Review Quiz 14
Module 15: Read Chapter 15
Introduction to Exercise Watch the Module 15 Lecture Video
Modalities Complete Review Quiz 15
Module 16: Chronic Read Chapter 16
Health Conditions and Watch the Module 16 Lecture Video
Physical or Functional Complete Review Quiz 16
Limitations
Read Chapter 17
Module 17: Nutrition Watch the Module 17 Lecture Videos
Complete Review Quiz 17
Module 18: Read Chapter 18
NASM-CPT Self-Study Course Syllabus

Supplementation Watch the Module 18 Lecture Video

Complete Review Quiz 18
Module 19: Lifestyle Read Chapter 19
Modification and Watch Lecture Videos 19
Behavioral Coaching Complete Review Quiz 19
Module 20: Developing Read Chapter 20
a Successful Personal Watch the Module 20 Lecture Video
Training Business Complete Review Quiz 20
Module 21: Exercise Read Appendix E
Science Updates Complete Review Quiz 21
There are no requirements within this module.
Personal Training
However, use these PT resources to practice and
Resources prepare for your NASM-CPT Exam.
There are no requirements within this module.
However, the use of the NASM-CPT Study Guide is
NASM-CPT Study Guide
vital to your success and ability to pass the
credentialing exam.
Complete Practice Exam
Review the Test Taking Tips
End-of-Course
Complete the End-of-Course Survey
Schedule your NASM-CPT credentialing exam with PSI

Additional Course Information

Please also refer to the FAQ link in your CPT Self-Study course for more Frequently Asked Questions.

How long is each module?

Your CPT Self-Study course does not have a specific weekly time frame or schedule. However, beginning
on the date of purchase, you will have 180 days to prepare for and take your NASM-CPT credentialing
exam.

Do we need to perform math on the test? Do I need to memorize the formulas from the book?
Math is not necessary for the course or the NASM-CPT credentialing exam. The only formula you will
need to know is “220 – age” to easily determine estimated maximum heart rate.

What if I have technical issues and cannot hear or see information in the course?
It is your responsibility to make sure your computer/device is up-to-date and able to run your CPT Self-
Study course. If you are having difficulties, please try the following steps:
1. Restart your computer/device.
2. Try a different web browser (Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are recommended).
3. Check if you have the latest version of Adobe Flash Player, and update your system if not.
4. Clear cookies & cache (directions below).
5. Check your download speeds (e.g., using speedtest.net or a similar service); if your speeds are
currently low it can impact your video playback.
NASM-CPT Self-Study Course Syllabus

6. If you are using an iPad/tablet, they do not always support Adobe Flash and you will need an app
such as Puffin to enable you to see items using Adobe Flash on your device.

How to clear cookies & cache by browser:

Mozilla Firefox
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/delete-cookies-remove-info-websites-stored
Chrome
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647?hl=en
Internet Explorer
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/delete-manage-cookies#ie=ie-11
Safari
http://support.apple.com/kb/ph5049