N A S M - C P T
7 T H E D I T I O N
STUDY GUIDE
Hi there!
I’m coach Joe Drake, and I’m excited to welcome you to the Axiom Fitness Academy
NASM study guide. I created this guide because I’ve been helping trainers get
certified and forge successful careers in fitness since 2014 and I know how
intimidating the CPT exam can be.
As a NASM direct educational partner, I’ve also learned exactly what most aspiring
trainers need to know in order to pass the exam on their first try and I’ve mastered
teaching that information in a way that’s easy to understand. And, that’s exactly
what you’ll experience in this guide.
I’ve tried to make this resource as simple and focused as possible so you don’t
waste any time. Inside, you’ll find exactly how the test is broken down, my top
study tips, flashcards for all the key terms that you’ll likely see on the exam, and an
opportunity to join my free online study group where I can answer all your
questions.
The truth is that many people who are passionate about changing lives through
fitness will enroll in a home-study course and feel too overwhelmed to even take
the exam. That’s not ok with me because people need more coaches like you. In
fact, that’s why I started the Axiom Fitness Academy where we run courses that
not only help aspiring trainers get certified, but also lead them to long-term career
success.
While this guide has helped hundreds of people pass their NASM CPT exam on the
first try, please know that you don’t have to do it alone. We all need help along the
way and I’m here for you.
So, whether you need advice,
information, or you want to take one of
my industry-leading courses in-person
or online, feel free to reach out to me.
I promise I won’t let you down.
To your success,
Joe Drake
CEO and Co-Founder,
Axiom Fitness Academy
joe@axiomfitnessacademy.com
How to Maximize this Resource
The Axiom team put A LOT into this study guide for you, so
we want to make sure you know how to navigate it! This
means understanding how it's laid out, what all has been
included (additional links, etc.) and even how we think it
should best fit into your overall weekly study plans & routine.
STEP 1: Click below to watch this video
LEARN HOW TO:
Maximize this guide
Establish a schedule
Study smarter
Access BONUS links
and more!
STEP 2: Establish your plan of attack!
As a personal trainer, so much of helping clients achieve change comes down to
helping them to create a simple & realistic plan to execute on weekly. This is
EXACTLY what you need to do as well if you want to dominate the NASM-CPT in a
timely fashion. The students who thrive the most have a clear weekly plan.
You can see the graphic on the next page for a suggested weekly study schedule
that we have found works for most people - but in the end you need to make it
yours based on how quickly you learn new concepts and the time you have
available to commit to this course and experience.
Example Weekly Schedule
MON/TUES
WEDNESDAY
THURS/FRI
SATURDAY
2-3 Hours
reviewing book &
taking notes
1-2 hours
watching relevant
videos
Take practice
quizzes & work
on flashcards
Spend time
applying in the
gym w/ others
WEEKLY TIME COMMITMENT: BASED ON TIMELINE
Have a certain time frame in mind for completing the NASM program? Based on
the average students level of knowledge here are some estimated weekly time
commitments needed to truly learn the material & pass the exam.
6 Weeks
10 Weeks
16 Weeks
12 hours/week
focused studying
8 hours/week
focused studying
5 hours/week
focused studying
STEP 3: LEAN INTO THE AXIOM COMMUNITY!
We have included a "key resources" page at the end of this - but if you want access
to more of us then do yourself a favor and click here to join our NASM-CPT
Facebook Group. Then click here to gain access to our FREE 2 Week Mini-Course to
get your studies launched in the right direction!
Want more help?
Let's jump on a call!
15-30 minute video chat to talk
about your goals & create a
plan for success.
*CLICK the phone to schedule
WHAT TO EXPECT + KEY CONCEPTS
Keep in mind that although the NASM-CPT is one of the more
challenging exams in the industry (with just a 65% passing
rate) they want you to pass!
How do we know? Well, they tell you exactly how much of each content
domain is going to be on your exam - see below. This is huge if you want to
make sure you are allocating your study time appropriately. For your
convenience we have made a condensed visual for you on this page, but
continue reading on the following pages for more in-depth resources to guide
your learning process inside each of these chapters throughout the text.
CPT EXAM BLUEPRINT
% of Exam
Section 1
Professional Development & Responsibility
Section 2
Client Relations & Behavioral Coaching
Section 3
Basic & Applied Sciences & Nutrition
Section 4
Assessment
Section 5
Exercise Technique & Training Instruction
Section 6
Program Design
10%
Chapters 1-2
15%
Chapters 3-4
15%
Chapters 5-10
16%
Chapters 11-12
24%
Chapters 13-20
20%
Chapters 21-23
MORE
DEPTH
INSIDE
Study Guide
Main Concepts
What to expect...
The complete NASM-CPT 7th Edition study guide that follows covers all of
the most important concepts from every single chapter (Chapters 1-23)
that you should have command of in order to dominate the exam. As you are
studying, don't forget to click any of the yellow underlined hyperlinks for more indepth video discussions and breakdowns that we included for you.
Anything in the content is fair game, but with a 900+ page textbook this document
should help to keep you focused. Oh and watch this little bonus video so I can let you
in on a little study secret :-)
Chapter 1: Modern State of Health & Fitness [Flashcards]
Global State of Health: have a general working knowledge
of info surrounding physical inactivity and it's
relationship to chronic disease (and ones discussed)
BMI: Understand how to calculate body mass index and
classifications included in table 1-1
Know the CPT's role in the allied healthcare continuum
Understand Scope of Practice (refer to here)
Full Chapter 1 Breakdown (video link here)
Chapter 2: Personal Training Profession [Flashcards]
Have a general working knowledge of employment
opportunities and common industry settings
Review NASM's guidelines for uncompromising
customer service
Be familiar with the sales process basics mentioned in
this chapter; prospecting - rapport - closing, etc.
Understand SWOT analysis and the 4 P's of Marketing
Be familiar with CEU Requirements (more info here)
Study Guide
Main Concepts
Section 2: Client Relations & Behavioral Coaching
Chapters 3 & 4 may only be 15% of your total exam, but they begin to span
topic areas that will have a major impact on your long term trajectory as a
personal trainer. Most of the certification covers physiology, but you can never separate
that from human psychology and the best coaches focus on mastering both in order to
help clients drive change.
This section is not hard in terms of material, but keep these areas in mind for ongoing
learning and reading beyond the CPT. As you gain more experience you will learn that
for many people the missing link lies in these concepts.
Chapter 3: Psychology of Exercise [Flashcards]
Know the main concepts surrounding motivation (intrinsic
vs. extrinsic) including common barriers
Have a working knowledge of the difference between
process and outcome based goals
Be able to differentiate types of social support (Table 3-2)
Know the psychological benefits of exercise
Understand the role this all plays for driving change in
clients. (video link here)
Chapter 4: Behavioral Coaching [Flashcards]
Be familiar with behavior change techniques (Table 4-1)
Be able to recall and apply the Stages of Change Model
including how to identify where clients are (info here)
Master content surrounding active listening and building
rapport (open questions, summarizing, affirmation, etc.)
Be able to recognize SMART goal setting
Have general understanding of behavioral strategies
such as; enhancing self-efficacy, planning, monitoring
Think about the role this all plays in initial sessions
Study Guide
Main Concepts
Section 3: Basic and Applied Sciences
Chapters 5-10 tend to be some of the most overwhelming content areas
for those studying for the NASM-CPT. The science and terminology can
seem overwhelming, but trust the process. Much of it just takes repetition - and this is
also what separates the gym rats from knowledgeable fitness pros like you! You need to
have a mastery of the human body and the major systems that make it all run. The
book does however dive even deeper into a level of explanation and mastery than you
likely need to know to pass the exam and thrive as a new trainer. So use the bullet
points and additional video links below to keep you focused in Section 3.
Chapter 5: Nervous, Muscular, & Skeletal System [Flashcards]
Define the Human Movement System (HMS) - integration of
the nervous, skeletal, & muscular system to control motion
Know the various components of the nervous system; CNS vs.
PNS, somatic vs. autonomic, & the 3 primary functions
Understand the role mechanoreceptors (muscle spindle &
golgi-tendon organ) play in proprioception
Want to deep dive into the Nervous System? See this video
playlist from our friends over at Crash Course
Have a basic working knowledge of the skeletal system, such
as primary roles and major bones of the body.
Don't get bogged down with memorizing bone types, just keep
in mind form follows function
Master knowledge surrounding the spine (segments)
Understand that bones serve as levers for muscles to pull
against and generate torque (rotational force)
Be able to recognize the structure of skeletal muscle, but don't
get bogged down with the complexity - know the basics.
Be able to explain the basics of Sliding Filament Theory
Understand the difference between Type I & Type II fibers
Study Guide
Main Concepts
Chapter 6: Cardio, Endocrine, & Digestive System [Flashcards]
Understand the 2 components of the cardiorespiratory
system and functions of each (heart, vessels, lungs)
Know the difference between cardiac & skeletal muscle and
how heart pumps blood through the body.
Be able to explain the mechanisms of breathing & primary
muscles involved.
Have a basic knowledge of the endocrine system but don't spend
time memorizing all of the glands involved - just function
Understand the role of insulin & glucagon on glucose levels
Hormones to be familiar with & understand are:
Cortisol, testosterone & estrogen, growth hormone
Know how sleep & exercise impact hormone levels
Truthfully we don't recommend spending much time on
the digestive system. It's interesting, but unlikely to
show-up on your exam & we also feel that it's not on
our priority list when it comes to being a great trainer.
For those curious though - here's more for you!
Chapter 7: Human Movement Science [Flashcards]
Understand and be able to apply kinetic chain concepts
(importance of kinetic chain) & (stable vs. mobile joints)
Memorize anatomical terminology (Table 7-1)
Have application level knowledge of planes of motion
(video breakdown here)
Understand the various muscle contraction types
(simplified breakdown here)
Study Guide
Main Concepts
Chapter 7: Human Movement Science [continued]
Understand the various roles of muscles as movers:
agonist, antagonist, synergist, stabilizer
Know the difference between open & closed chain
movements (video breakdown here)
Understand terminology surrounding muscle balance
(reciprocal inhibition, stretch-shortening cycle, etc)
Watch this Chapter 7 Summary Video for insight on
exactly what to master.
Have basic understanding of the various
muscular subsystems (watch this video)
Understand the how our musculoskeletal
system operates as a system of levers and be
able to apply knowledge of torque
Be able to recognize various lever systems in
the human body (1st, 2nd, 3rd class)
Understand the concept of motor learning
and how you can use internal & external
feedback to improve neuromuscular
efficiency
STRESSED? Don't worry...this chapter does it to almost
everyone. Click below to connect with us and talk more
about getting help.
Please help me!
Study Guide
Main Concepts
Chapter 8: Exercise Metabolism & Bioenergetics [Flashcards]
Have a basic understanding of how the Law of
Thermodynamics relates to energy breakdown
Know the relationship between exercise intensity & fuel use:
body shifts from fats to carbs as you go from low-to-high
intensity. (in-depth video breakdown)
Understand the role each macronutrient plays in energy
production and have recognition level understanding of the
individual pathways (beta oxidation, kreb cycle, etc.)
Be able to apply knowledge of the 3 primary energy systems;
ATP-PC, Glycolytic, Oxidative (Table 8-1)
Know all of the factors that contribute to total daily energy
expenditure; RMR, Activity Thermogenesis, Thermic effect of
food (click here for breakdown of NEAT & role it plays)
Chapter 9: Nutrition [Flashcards]
Have a general understanding of Scope of Practice
Know the primary macronutrients as well as their energy
density (kcals per gram)
Know the primary roles of each macro (pro, cho, fat) in
the human body as well as primary concepts for each.
Don't get up in the information on digestion & absorption
or chemical compound structure
Chapter 10: Supplementation [Flashcards]
Have a basic understanding of the rationale for supplement use as well as
guidelines and responsible use. Strive for a basic level of knowledge with
common supplements but don't bother memorizing this information
Chapter will not only be unlikely to appear on exam, but not primary role of
entry level CPT - but clients will ask so strive for being a resource!
NUTRITION COACHING
BONUS CONTENT
So here's the deal...
Concepts surrounding nutrition aren't likely to make up a major portion of your
exam, but you likely know how important it's going to be for client results. A lot
of new personal trainers struggle to figure out where nutrition coaching fits
into the limited time they have with clients every week - so beyond helping you
pass the NASM exam we wanted to provide some direction and battle tested
strategies on how to best approach nutrition with your training clients.
READ MORE HERE!
Want more
FREE
resources?
Here you go!
If you want more direction when it
comes to guiding your clients on
nutrition - we put together some
"done for you" forms that make it
easy to teach your clients about
healthy habits and eating for their
goals.
Get Access!
Study Guide
Main Concepts
Section 4: Assessment
Chapters 11-12 dive into all of the possible subjective & objective
information you may want to gather on clients as you are getting started.
This is relevant and important content from an exam perspective [16% of questions]
and really dives into some of the well known movement assessments NASM is known
for. Focus on being familiar with all of the potential assessments included, but focus
most of your time on the dynamic movement assessments (especially the OHS) when it
comes to preparing for your exam.
Chapter 11: Health/Wellness/Fitness Assessment [Flashcards]
Be able to explain the purpose of assessments as well as how
they relate to identifying contraindications
Be familiar with the PAR-Q+ as well as other subjective &
objective questions to ask new clients (download forms here)
Have recognition level knowledge of assessments; heart rate,
blood pressure, circumference, bodyfat methods, etc.
Have basic knowledge of cardiorespiratory assessments; VO2
max, Rockport Walk Test, YMCA Step Test, & Talk Test
Chapter 12: Movement & Performance Assessments [Flashcards]
Understand how to perform static postural assessment
and what to look for (detailed breakdown)
Be able to recognize Pes Planus, Lower Crossed, and
Upper Crossed Syndromes
Develop comfort performing the Overhead Squat
Assessment and recognize issues (detailed breakdown)
Understand what to look for and potential overactive &
underactive muscles for the single-leg squat assessment
as well as the push/pull assessments
Browse performance assessments and have general
knowledge of what they test for - don't go deep on
Study Guide
Main Concepts
Section 5: Exercise Technique & Instruction
Now for the fun stuff! Chapters 13-20 give us the opportunity to take
your newfound knowledge of human systems and start to bring it all
to life in the gym. This sections begins with a focus on the OPT model as it's not only
what makes NASM unique in their approach, but is also the filter we will use to look at
programming and progression. Study the variables that make-up each phase of the
OPT model and from an exam prep standpoint make sure to review example exercises
and progressions in each Chapter! NASM has some odd names for certain exercises
and you'll want to be sure to know what moves they are referring to on the exam.
Chapter 13: Integrated Training & OPT Model [Flashcards]
Understand basic benefits of each
component of the integrated training
model (flexibility, cardio, core, etc.)
Have a STRONG working knowledge of
the OPT Model and acute variables for
each phase (detailed video breakdown)
Here are also the top mistakes trainers
make in applying the OPT Model
Chapter 14: Flexibility Training Concepts [Flashcards]
Know what factors impact flexibility as well as the role it may
play in developing muscular imbalances
Refer to the flashcards link above to master some important
terms in this chapter like altered reciprocal inhibition,
synergistic dominance, & neuromuscular efficiency
Be able to explain the roles that muscle spindles & golgi
tendon organs play in regulating flexibility
Review chapter examples and watch this practical video for
examples of the different types of flexibility training
Study Guide
Main Concepts
Chapter 15: Cardiorespiratory Fitness Training [Flashcards]
Know the general guidelines for cardiorespiratory training
including activity recommendations [Table 15-1]
Have a basic recall understanding of how to assign
exercise intensity - such as Tanaka & Karvonen Formulas
Understand how the Talk test relates to VT1 & VT2
Spend additional time reading the Stage Training content &
example workouts they give - watch this video we made to
bring it all to life!
Chapter 16: Core Training Concepts [Flashcards]
Know what muscles make-up the local and global core
systems [Table 16-1]
Be able to recognize the difference between bracing &
drawing in and how to coach both engagement methods
Understand the 3 levels of core training progression and
review the example exercises given for each of these at the
end of the chapter
When it comes to core stability training - checkout this video
we did on Dr. Stu McGill's Big 3 for some practical ideas
Chapter 17: Balance Training Concepts [Flashcards]
Balance training centers around challenging our ability to
maintain center of gravity over our base of support
Understand the difference between static, semi-dynamic,
and dynamic balance challenges [video here]
Understand impact of balance training on injury, rehab, &
performance mentioned in this chapter
Review [Table 17-4] and be familiar with the 3 levels of
progression & examples given on pages 557-567
Study Guide
Main Concepts
Chapter 18: Plyometric (Reactive) Training [Flashcards]
Know the 3 phases of plyometric exercise & stretchshortening cycle and be able to apply [Table 18-1]
Get familiar with plyometric training guidelines
[Table 18-2]
Understand the difference between the 3 levels of
plyometric progression and review the example
movements given on pages 579-588
Chapter 19: Speed, Agility, Quickness [Flashcards]
Have a basic understanding of the difference between
training for speed (vs.) agility (vs.) quickness [video here]
Browse discussion of SAQ for non-athletic populations &
the examples given for youth, weight loss, & seniors
Don't give this chapter tons of study time - but do review
[Table 19-3] for some basic program design direction
because these training styles are fun for many but do
bring increased injury risks if not programmed well.
Chapter 20: Resistance Training Concepts [Flashcards]
Understand General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) and the
role it plays in programming and intensity over time
Be able to apply the SAID principle & understand how
you might apply the different types of specificity
Revisit the OPT model as it relates to resistance training
(video explanation here)
Have memorization level knowledge of acute variables
and suggestions relative to OPT Model Phase [Table 20-3]
Review the various resistance training systems [Table 20-5]
Review NASM's progressions & examples on pages 636-671
Study Guide
Main Concepts
Section 6: Program Design
This section is focused on your methods of bringing it all together &
creating intelligent training programs for clients. It's one thing to be
able to cue someone to perform exercises (valuable skill) but it's another to have a
bigger picture plan for the training journey you are taking them on over the next 3-6
months. This is a big chunk of what you will actually be doing as a personal trainer delivering training so pay attention! From a test prep standpoint spend the most time
on Chapter 21 concepts in order to truly become a master of the OPT Model.
Chapter 21: The OPT Model [Flashcards]
Keep Figure 21-1 in mind when it comes to
understanding programming principles
Have a basic understanding of the
programming terminology macrocycle/mesocycle/microcycle
Be able to differentiate between a linear and
undulating periodization approach
Practice using the OPT workout template
pictured here and be able to explain the
reasoning behind the order of operations
Be able to recognize NASM's 6 fundamental
movement patterns
Be able to match the acute variable ranges
with various levels of the OPT model
(pg. 688-711)
TRAINING BONUS: Want to learn how to deliver
the ultimate training session? The bonus video below
takes a simplified approach towards delivering killer
training sessions every time!
CLICK HERE
Study Guide
Main Concepts
Chapter 21: The OPT Model [continued]
We do not advocate reading the book cover to cover as an effective study tactic (rarely
is) but we do believe that you should read and take notes over pages 688-711 in the 7th
edition textbook. NASM has done a great job here giving you a detailed picture of what
to focus on and progress inside of each aspect of the training session relative to each
phase of the OPT model. We have also included the table below from your text as it's
one that should serve as a great study tool in preparing for the exam and doing well
with programming questions on the exam relative to the NASM OPT Model.
[Table 21-3]
Study Guide
Main Concepts
Chapter 22: Exercise Modalities [Flashcards]
Pay attention to the discussion of risk-to-reward
ratio that pertains to choosing the right tool and
exercises for each client. Safety over novelty!
Browse and review some of the pros/cons
presented for each of the modalities in the book less likely to be tons of exam questions, but they
cover the most common tools you may use and
introduce some less known ones (ViPR, Terra-Core)
Chapter 23: Health Conditions & Special Pops [Flashcards]
This chapter covers A LOT of ground (youth, older
adult, obesity, diabetes, etc.) so don't be overwhelmed
with full memorization - not necessary here
Read (specifically the Tables) each of the special
populations to identify the trends that show up in most
of their exercise recommendations - less volume, less
intensity, and a more patient approach towards
progression overall
This chapter is easy to get caught up on trying to
memorize every single exercise guideline table - but
don't spend too much time here relative to the entire
text. Not because it's not important, but in the real
world you will be able to refer back to this information
when the client situation arises.
You Finished
What's Next?
There's no right or wrong way for you to go from here, but the important part is
that you take action! If you have been using this weekly alongside your study guide
(gold star for you) then it means scheduling your exam.
If you're browsing down to this section of our study guide and are in the beginning
stages....or maybe struggling with the study process - you aren't alone!
We speak to dozens of students every week who are thinking about or have already
registered with NASM and are immediately overwhelmed. It's a lot of information to
retain, not to mention actually feel confident using it with clients once your done.
We wanted to create this resource to be as helpful and comprehensive as possible but this is exactly why the Axiom Fitness Academy and our courses exist.
To help amazing people like you harness your potential as a coach & trainer and
tackle the first step in your journey of getting certified.
FEEL A LITTLE LOST? WANT HELP?
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advisors to ask any questions you have
about the industry or find out more about
our LIVE guided courses.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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