NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®) Exam Description
The NSCA-CPT® exam consists of 140 scored and 15 non-scored multiple-choice questions designed to test candidates' knowledge, skills and abilities in four main areas:
- Consultation with client/Assessment of fitness status
- Planning the training program
- Techniques of Exercises
- Safety, emergency procedures and legal issues
There are 25-35 questions with videos and/or pictures assessing cross-cutting skills across multiple areas.
To pass any NSCA certification exam, you must achieve a score of 70 or higher. More information on scaled scores is available in the exam assessment section.
In 2022, the pass rate for first-time test takers was 66%.
Summary of Examination Content (CPT®)
| Scope | Percentage on examination | Number of applications |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation with client/Assessment | 23% | 32 |
| Program planning | 32% | 45 |
| Exercise techniques | 31% | 43 |
| Safety and emergency procedures | 14% | 20 |
| Questions not evaluated (non-scored) | - | 15 |
Number of questions with videos/images (included in the total): 25-35
Examination Duration: 3 ore
Content by Area
Consultation with client/Assessment of fitness status
- Initial interview
- Medical history and health assessment
- Fitness assessment
- Review of nutrition basics
Planning the training program
- Goal setting
- Program design
- Adaptations to training
- Special populations
Technique of exercises
- Exercises with resistance machines
- Exercises with free weights
- Flexibility exercises
- Calisthenics and free-body exercises
- Sport/performance-specific activities
- Cardiovascular machines
- Cardiovascular activities without machines
- Alternative training activities
Safety, emergency procedures and legal issues
- Safety procedures
- Emergency response
- Professional, legal and ethical responsibility
Note: Questions Not Assessed
The NSCA-CPT exam includes 15 unassessed (non-scored) questions, used for "pre-testing" and possible future use. These questions, interspersed among the scored questions, do not affect the outcome of the exam or extend the time required to complete it.
This approach allows the NSCA-CPT exam development committee to ensure a standardized exam that is always up-to-date with the skills required in the industry.
For more details, see the NSCA Certification Handbook (PDF).