Question 1Heart rate and blood pressure
A client's resting blood pressure is 142/88 mm Hg. Which category does this fall in?
The NASM CPT pass rate
NASM publishes its exam statistics: in 2025, 19,338 of 22,767 candidates passed, or 84%. The rate has been 82% or higher since 2023.
| Questions | 120 (100 scored, 20 unscored pretest) |
|---|---|
| Time | 2 hours |
| Passing score | Scaled score of 70 |
| Delivery | PSI test center or live remote proctor, closed book |
| Passed in 2025 | 84% |
| Current NASM-CPTs | 94,192 |
Pass rate by year
| Year | Candidates | Passed | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 22,767 | 19,338 | 84% |
| 2024 | 24,341 | 20,463 | 84% |
| 2023 | 32,226 | 26,613 | 82% |
| 2022 | 36,112 | 24,343 | 67% |
| 2021 | 37,065 | 23,383 | 63% |
| 2020 | 31,385 | 23,324 | 74% |
What the number means for you
- About 15% of candidates did not pass in 2025, so preparation still matters.
- Your own odds depend on your score across the six domains. The free diagnostic shows it in about 15 minutes.
- Fix the weakest heavy domain first, then sit a full timed practice exam.
If you do not pass
The wait before a retest is one week after a first failed attempt, 30 days after a second and one year after a third. Retests are bought from NASM Member Services; NASM does not list the retest fee on its site.
Try 3 questions
Question 2Cueing
Which squat cue directs the client's attention outside the body?
Question 3Scope of practice
A client's physician says she needs medical nutrition therapy for her kidney disease. Who is authorized to provide it?
Next step
Questions people ask
What is the NASM CPT pass rate?
84% in 2025: 19,338 of 22,767 candidates passed, by NASM's exam data statistics. It was also 84% in 2024 and 82% in 2023.
How soon can I retake the NASM exam?
One week after a first failed attempt, 30 days after a second, and one year after a third or later.
How long is the certification valid?
Two years. Recertifying takes 2.0 CEUs (20 contact hours), a current CPR and AED card, the application and the fee.