Question 1Energy systems and EPOC
A client jogs at a steady, conversational pace for 45 minutes. Which energy system supplies most of the ATP?
The NASM CPT passing score
You need a scaled score of 70 or better. Scaling adjusts for differences between exam forms, so 70 is not the same as 70% of questions right.
| 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 |
| Scored questions | 100 of the 120 |
What NASM says about scoring
- Exams are scored with a scaled score, so every form has the same passing standard of 70.
- Each exam includes 20 pretest questions that do not count and cannot be identified, so answer every question.
- If you do not pass, the score report gives your scaled score, the passing scaled score and your percentage in each domain.
Why a raw percentage is a guess
Because scores are scaled by form, nobody outside NASM can turn a count of right answers into a scaled score. Judge readiness by your share right across all six domains on full timed practice, weighted the way the blueprint weights them.
How to judge your readiness
- Sit full practice exams: 120 questions in two hours, spread by the blueprint weights.
- Fix the heaviest weak domain first. Exercise Technique carries 24% and Program Design 20%.
- Keep to about a minute a question and answer every one.
Try 3 questions
Question 2Goal setting
A client with medical clearance works on several goals. Which one is an outcome goal?
Question 3Training phases
In the OPT model, which phases make up the strength level?
Next step
Questions people ask
What score do you need to pass the NASM CPT exam?
A scaled score of 70 or better, the same standard on every exam form.
Is 70 a percentage?
No. It is a scaled score. Scaling adjusts for differences in difficulty between forms, so it is not the share of questions you answered correctly.
Do all 120 questions count?
No. 100 are scored and 20 are unscored pretest questions. You cannot tell which are which, so answer them all.