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ACSM CPT
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912+ ACSM CPT practice questions with explanations. Study modes, progress tracking, works offline.

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When assessing a client's stage, some of the questions you could ask are:
Correct — D. Always remember that your client may be struggling with finding ways to deal with exercise barriers. As a personal trainer, you can help eliminate those barriers.
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  1. ACSM CPT

    When assessing a client's stage, some of the questions you could ask are:

    Correct — D. Always remember that your client may be struggling with finding ways to deal with exercise barriers. As a personal trainer, you can help eliminate those barriers.
  2. ACSM CPT

    Which is not a major component of physical fitness?

    Correct — D. The major components of physical fitness include body composition, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and muscular strength and endurance.
  3. ACSM CPT

    To see how a client's heart responds to an increased exercise demand, which of the following test might be recommended?

    Correct — D. A Graded Exercise Test (GXT) is a diagnostic exercise testing that is usually performed in a hospital setting with a physician present.
  4. ACSM CPT

    Higher intakes of fiber are associated with lower incidence of:

    Correct — D. Fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate.
  5. ACSM CPT

    Hypoglycemia is best defined as low blood glucose levels of below 70 mg/dL. Symptoms include:

    Correct — C. The best way to remember the difference between 'hypo' and 'hyper' is hypo rhymes with 'low.' Be aware of these symptoms when training your client or doing an assessment test.
  6. ACSM CPT

    Which anthropometric assessment can be used to estimate desirable weight based on stature?

    Correct — D. Body width measurement can be used to estimate desirable weight based on stature. This method uses spreading calipers, sliding calipers, or an anthropometer at several designated sites on the body.
  7. ACSM CPT

    Measuring the waist and hip area is important. To determine the hip to waist ratio, divide the circumference of the waist measurement by the circumference of the hip measurement. This common physical measurement can be used to determine a person's level of <code>________</code>.

    Correct — D. The waist to hip ratio (WHR) is a measure of fat distribution that may help indicate overall health. For women, ages 18-59, the ideal WHR is below .87 while women over the age of 60, the ideal range is below .91.
  8. ACSM CPT

    After conducting body composition assessments on four clients, which produced measurements in the normal range?

    Correct — A. A male or female with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered in the normal range.
  9. ACSM CPT

    What term is used when several coronary artery disease risk factors occur concurrently and simultaneously with abdominal obesity?

    Correct — A. Metabolic syndrome is when several coronary artery disease risk factors occur concurrently and simultaneously with abdominal obesity. These risks increase chances of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
  10. ACSM CPT

    What does an implied consent form not provide?

    Correct — B. An implied consent form does not provide coverage for improper test administration due to accidental omissions. It does provide written documentation (evidence) that the client was informed about the test procedures and allows them to make a decision about participating in the testing.
  11. ACSM CPT

    An informed Consent Form should include:

    Correct — C. It is important to specify whether or not a physician's consent is required to start their training program or if it is the clien'ts responsibility to do so on their own.
  12. ACSM CPT

    Which is not part of the client - centered approach to coaching?

    Correct — C. The client - centered approach to coaching encourages building rapport with the clients, exhibiting empathy, and engaging in active listening. One important technique of this approach is to use open - ended questions to gather information which is important to the client.
  13. ACSM CPT

    What are the five As of counseling a client who has experienced a lapse in exercise motivation in order to prevent it from getting worse and becoming a relapse or total collapse?

    Correct — B. The five As of counseling a client who has experienced a lapse in exercise motivation in order to prevent it from getting worse are address agenda, assess, advise, assist, and arrange follow-up. These can help the fitness professional effectively understand the client’s lapse and get that client back on track with the prescribed fitness program.
  14. ACSM CPT

    TEF stands for:

    Correct — D. TEF is the amount of energy expended above RMR, as a result of digesting food for storage and use.
  15. ACSM CPT

    Walking on a treadmill with handrail support is a good mode of exercise for those with:

    Correct — A. The frequency of walking on the treadmill for those with osteoporosis is 2-5 days per week.
  16. ACSM CPT

    Vibration training should be used starting with <code>________</code>.

    Correct — C. The goal of vibration training is to improve the overall wellness, body composition and sports performance of an individual.
  17. ACSM CPT

    What is the best method for the client to determine their resting heart rate?

    Correct — C. The best method for the client to determine their resting heart rate is to check their heart rate three mornings in a row, and take the average. This can be performed using the radial or carotid pulse.
  18. ACSM CPT

    The <code>________</code> tracks the development of a client's grip strength.

    Correct — C. Have your client grip the dynamometer with their dominant hand - applying as much pressure as possible. Record the maximum reading. Repeat three times, using the highest value to assess your client's performance.
  19. ACSM CPT

    Strength training can be accomplished by using:

    Correct — A. Using your own body weight by doing push-ups, pull-ups, lunges and squats is also considered resistance training.
  20. ACSM CPT

    Proper breathing is important during strength training and aerobic activities. As a trainer, you should teach your clients to breathe diaphragmatically - which means through the <code>________</code>.

    Correct — D. Inhaling and exhaling properly is important during exercise. For example, an individual should inhale as they begin a movement and exhale on the effort of the movement. Think of "E" for effort and exhale.
  21. ACSM CPT

    The BOSU ball is an inflated rubber hemisphere attached to a solid plastic surface. The name is an acronym for <code>________</code>.

    Correct — D. It refers to the ability to use the device with either side up for a stability challenge in many exercises.
  22. ACSM CPT

    How behaviors and choices relate to health by considering costs and benefits is known as what model?

    Correct — A. The Transtheoretical Model of Health Behavior Change considers costs and benefits of behaviors and choices with regard to health. This model combines strategies of several other theories to explain the path toward making decisions to change health habits.
  23. ACSM CPT

    What correctly describes some of the differences between normal running gait and normal walking gait?

    Correct — A. Some of the differences between normal running gait and normal walking gait include greater balance and range of motion, increased rotary action, and stride length. There is also an additional phase during the gait cycle called the flight phase, during which neither foot is touching the ground.
  24. ACSM CPT

    When the body is using oxygen when exercising, it is undergoing <code>________</code>.

    Correct — C. Aerobic exercise is usually long in duration, but low in intensity such as walking or biking.
  25. ACSM CPT

    It is important to understand what fitness improvements clients hope to achieve and to clarify what clients mean by:

    Correct — D. Have clients verbalize their goals, both for them and you. It is important for personal trainers to have an understanding of how to set goals and be able to work with their clients around setting goals.
  26. ACSM CPT

    Which description correctly defines Line of Gravity?

    Correct — C. Line of Gravity is the downward direction of the force of gravity on an object, which occurs vertically, toward the center of the earth.
  27. ACSM CPT

    The short term effects of exercise include:

    Correct — C. The long term effects of exercise include a maintenance of weight loss, prevention of disease and increased mobility.
  28. ACSM CPT

    To make up for weak hip extensors, the <code>________</code> take over the work during an abdominal workout, increasing their risk for injury due to excessive strain, which was originally meant for the glutes.

    Correct — C. To make up for weak hip extensors, the hamstrings take over the work during an abdominal workout, increasing their risk for injury due to excessive strain, which was originally meant for the glutes. It is possible to correct muscle imbalances and posture problems. A foam roller, medicine ball and even a tennis ball can be done before or after a workout, focusing on the muscles causing posture problems and imbalances.
  29. ACSM CPT

    Which condition is characterized by the modifiable risk factors of poor oral health, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and high dietary trans fat?

    Correct — C. Cardiovascular disease is a condition characterized by the modifiable risk factors of poor oral health, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and high dietary trans fat. Oral health and diet of high trans fats are thought to be emerging risk factors, while dyslipidemia (high cholesterol counts) and metabolic syndromes are more traditional risk factors.
  30. ACSM CPT

    Appropriate precautions can minimize the risks of exercise during pregnancy, including:

    Correct — D. Most recreational pursuits are appropriate for all pregnant women, and moderate levels of exercise are encouraged until the third trimester.
Sample questions

ACSM CPT sample questions

Tap any question below to reveal the answer and a plain-English explanation.

ACSM CPT What correctly describes some of the differences between normal running gait and normal walking gait?

A. Running requires greater balance, range of motion, increased rotary action, and stride length ✓

B. Running requires greater range of motion, but decreased forward incline and rotary actions

C. Running requires greater balance, range of motion, and increased rotary action while maintaining the same vertical ground reaction force

D. Running requires greater balance, range of motion, and increased rotary action, but decreased stride length

Correct — A. Some of the differences between normal running gait and normal walking gait include greater balance and range of motion, increased rotary action, and stride length. There is also an additional phase during the gait cycle called the flight phase, during which neither foot is touching the ground.

ACSM CPT When the body is using oxygen when exercising, it is undergoing <code>________</code>.

A. anxiety

B. none of the above

C. aerobic exercise ✓

D. decreased body tension

Correct — C. Aerobic exercise is usually long in duration, but low in intensity such as walking or biking.

ACSM CPT It is important to understand what fitness improvements clients hope to achieve and to clarify what clients mean by:

A. Interpreting what they mean

B. Improving appearance and being fit

C. Feeling better and being stronger

D. A and B ✓

Correct — D. Have clients verbalize their goals, both for them and you. It is important for personal trainers to have an understanding of how to set goals and be able to work with their clients around setting goals.

ACSM CPT Which description correctly defines Line of Gravity?

A. The point around which body weight is equal on all sides

B. The point of intersection of the three body planes

C. The point of exact center around which the body freely rotates ✓

D. The area of contact between the body and the supporting surface

Correct — C. Line of Gravity is the downward direction of the force of gravity on an object, which occurs vertically, toward the center of the earth.

ACSM CPT The short term effects of exercise include:

A. Endorphins not being released

B. Increased energy, reduced stress and better sleep

C. A and B ✓

D. An increased metabolism

Correct — C. The long term effects of exercise include a maintenance of weight loss, prevention of disease and increased mobility.

ACSM CPT To make up for weak hip extensors, the <code>________</code> take over the work during an abdominal workout, increasing their risk for injury due to excessive strain, which was originally meant for the glutes.

A. Shoulders

B. Quadriceps

C. Hamstrings ✓

D. Knees

Correct — C. To make up for weak hip extensors, the hamstrings take over the work during an abdominal workout, increasing their risk for injury due to excessive strain, which was originally meant for the glutes. It is possible to correct muscle imbalances and posture problems. A foam roller, medicine ball and even a tennis ball can be done before or after a workout, focusing on the muscles causing posture problems and imbalances.

ACSM CPT Which condition is characterized by the modifiable risk factors of poor oral health, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and high dietary trans fat?

A. Diabetes mellitus

B. Obesity

C. Cardiovascular disease ✓

D. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea

Correct — C. Cardiovascular disease is a condition characterized by the modifiable risk factors of poor oral health, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and high dietary trans fat. Oral health and diet of high trans fats are thought to be emerging risk factors, while dyslipidemia (high cholesterol counts) and metabolic syndromes are more traditional risk factors.

ACSM CPT Appropriate precautions can minimize the risks of exercise during pregnancy, including:

A. increased blood circulation

B. decreased oxygen supply

C. thermoregulatory changes

D. all of the above ✓

Correct — D. Most recreational pursuits are appropriate for all pregnant women, and moderate levels of exercise are encouraged until the third trimester.

What is on the exam

About the ACSM CPT test

ACSM CPT Exam Prep 2026 helps you pass with 912+ realistic practice questions, each with a clear explanation.

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ACSM CPT test FAQ

Is the ACSM CPT hard?
The ACSM CPT is very passable when you study with realistic practice questions. Most people only find it tricky because the wording is unfamiliar. Practise in the real question format until you score consistently above the pass mark and you'll walk in confident.
How many questions are on the ACSM CPT?
The exact number depends on the version of the ACSM CPT you sit. ACSM CPT Exam Prep 2026 Test includes a large bank of practice questions covering every topic, plus full-length mock exams set up to mirror the real test format and pass mark.
Can I practise the ACSM CPT for free?
Yes. You can practise a free sample of ACSM CPT questions on TheoryPractice in your browser, with answers and explanations. A web unlock adds the full question bank and unlimited timed mock exams for this exam.
Does ACSM CPT Exam Prep 2026 Test work offline?
The web practice works in your browser. If you prefer offline study, use the downloadable PDF or the mobile app where available, then return to the web version for timed mock exams and progress tracking.
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How many ACSM CPT questions are there?
This bank covers 30 ACSM CPT practice questions, each with a plain-English explanation for the correct answer.
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Yes — the sample questions on this page are free to practice. Unlock the full bank and timed mock exams when you're ready to go further.
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