ACSM CPT Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

Question 1

An informed Consent Form should include:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

A and 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.

Question 2

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

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Assessing with yes or no questions. 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.

Question 3

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?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Address agenda, assess, advise, assist, arrange follow-up. 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.

Question 4

TEF stands for:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Thermic Effect of Food. TEF is the amount of energy expended above RMR, as a result of digesting food for storage and use.

Question 5

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

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

osteoporosis. The frequency of walking on the treadmill for those with osteoporosis is 2-5 days per week.

Question 6

Vibration training should be used starting with ________.

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

low-intensity, low frequency settings and short sessions. The goal of vibration training is to improve the overall wellness, body composition and sports performance of an individual.

Question 7

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

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Check their heart rate three mornings in a row, and take the average. 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.

Question 8

The ________ tracks the development of a client's grip strength.

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Handgrip Dynamometer. 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.

Question 9

Strength training can be accomplished by using:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

all of the above. Using your own body weight by doing push-ups, pull-ups, lunges and squats is also considered resistance training.

Question 10

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 ________.

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

abdomen. 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.

ACSM CPT Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

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