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. Joe Drake
CEO and Co-Founder,
To your success, 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
1-2 hours
Take practice
Spend time

reviewing book &

watching relevant
quizzes & work
applying in the

taking notes videos on flashcards 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
8 hours/week
5 hours/week

focused studying focused studying 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 subscribe to our YouTube channel where we

continue to add some of the best resources on the web.

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 10%

Chapters 1-2

Section 2 Client Relations & Behavioral Coaching 15%

Chapters 3-4

Section 3 Basic & Applied Sciences & Nutrition 15%

Chapters 5-10

Section 4 Assessment 16%

Chapters 11-12

Section 5 Exercise Technique & Training Instruction 24%

Chapters 13-20

Section 6 Program Design 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 in-

depth 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 on the concepts that matter most and are most

likely to be questions on the exam.

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)

Have application level knowledge of force-couple

relationships and the force-velocity curve (video

breakdown here)

Have basic understanding of the various

muscular subsystems (great resource link)

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

BONUS: Knowledge about motor learning is great,

but putting it into use takes understanding client learning

& communication styles.

Click to learn more!
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 Here you go!

If you want more direction when it

FREE comes to guiding your clients on

nutrition - we put together some

resources? "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 is also a simplified and shorter

video breakdown of 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 understand the difference

between static, active, & dynamic stretching techniques

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 - not just for exam, but this

section does a great job laying out cardio progression

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

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 & stretch-

shortening 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

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?

Connect with one of our experienced

advisors to ask any questions you have

about the industry or find out more about

our LIVE guided courses.

SPEAK TO AN ADVISOR!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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Axiom YouTube Resource Page

300+ FREE Flashcards

Axiom Fitness Academy Website

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Axiom Instagram

Trainer humor....just for fun

I decided to quit my

personal trainer job

because the weights

are just too heavy...

What?
No way!

"Yea I just put in my

too weak notice..."

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