ACSM Study Guide & Practice Test [Prepare for the ACSM Exam] (2023)

FAQs

How do I prepare for ACSM certification? ›

Make sure to focus not only on the practice exam but also on each individual domain quiz, as they cover specific chapters and knowledge domains within each. Practice questions have been proven to help with studying for obvious reasons; they imitate the final ACSM certified personal trainer exam.

ACSM Exam Difficulty

The ACSM personal trainer cert test is not the most challenging exam in the fitness industry as that spot belongs to the NSCA CSCS certification exam, which is 63%. (If you take that test make sure to use our CSCS study guide and CSCS practice test so you pass it with no problem).

The ACSM-CPT® exam has a seat time of 150 minutes and consists of 135 items; of which 120 items are scored and 15 are non-scored. The percentages listed in Table 1 indicate the proportion of questions representing each performance domain.

Explanation of ACSM Exam Scoring

Specifically, all candidates are expected to meet the passing standard of a scaled score of 550 in order to receive a "Pass" on any respective ACSM certification exam.

Candidates may retake the exam fifteen (15) days following a failed attempt. Candidates may take the exam up to four times in a 12-month period.

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $95,500 and as low as $18,500, the majority of ACSM Personal Trainer salaries currently range between $35,500 (25th percentile) to $59,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $78,500 annually across the United States.

ACSM and CDC recommendations state that:

All healthy adults aged 18–65 years should participate in moderate intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes on five days per week, or vigorous intensity aerobic activity for a minimum of 20 minutes on three days per week.

new ACSM exercise preparticipation health screening pro- cess focuses on 1) the individual_s current level of physical activity, 2) presence of signs or symptoms of known cardio- vascular, metabolic, or renal disease, and 3) the desired exer- cise intensity, as these variables have been identified as risk modulators of ...

Your ACSM certification is valid for three years, after which you'll need to recertify or retake and pass the certification exam.

What are the 4 types of exercise defined by the ACSM? ›

With our six leading scholarly journals, ACSM offers access to cutting-edge research, translational science, relevant clinical reports and evidence-informed practical content for researchers, students, clinicians, those working to improve health outcomes, and health and fitness professionals.

While NASM focuses on program design, the ACSM has a distinct focus on the scientific process and improving movement through kinesiology. The best way to choose a certification program is to take into consideration your long-term career goals.

ACSM includes far more in-depth anatomy and exercises science knowledge than the ACE CPT, but fewer practical skills. The ACE Integrated Fitness Training® Model is easier to use with general fitness populations than the programming provided by the ACSM.

When it comes to personal training certification programs, The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) rank as top gold standard institutions. Both have a firm standing in the industry, and both have their unique value to the fitness community.

The academic eligibility requirement to take the ACSM-EP exam is a baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in exercise science, or equivalent.

The ACSM-CPT exam consists of 150 multiple choice items. 120 of these are scored while the other 30 are used as pretest questions and are not scored. You are given 165 minutes total to complete the exam. This exam is separated into four main performance domains and then into job tasks.

The highest salary for an athletic trainer is around $77,000 per year. These salaries often go to those with extensive experience in the field, with any one given employer, or those finding employment in an area where their talents are highly sought after.

Yes, making good money as a personal trainer is very viable. Even entry-level personal trainers can make upwards of $25 an hour, and easily up to $100 an hour if they are experienced.

What are the 5 fitness moves everyone should do? ›

The 5 movements you should perform are: push, pull, hip-hinge, squat, and plank. Each of these movements requires multiple joints and body systems to work together, and they are also incorporated in activities we do every day.

The Recommended Guidelines

The American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) recommendation for endurance athletes is to consume 5 – 7ml water per kilogram bodyweight in the four hours before exercise. This translates to approximately 340 – 477ml for a 150 lb. female and 455 – 636ml for a 200 lb. male.

“At 6 to 8 weeks, you can definitely notice some changes,” said Logie, “and in 3 to 4 months you can do a pretty good overhaul to your health and fitness.” Strength-specific results take about the same amount of time.

Physical limitation: The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR‐Q) questionnaire with seven questions was used to assess physical limitation. The PAR‐Q is used to determine any physical limitation and the need for medical evaluation prior to starting PA and exercise.

Notable trends include home exercise gyms debuting at No. 2 and outdoor exercise moving to No. 3. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) dropped to No.

Most sources agree on four essential elements – medical history, general medical examination, musculoskeletal evaluation, and athletic fitness. In addition to these major elements, other components can be included, for example, performance testing, body composition, and sport or athlete specific components.

An ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist^® (ACSM-EP) has a bachelor's degree or higher in exercise science and works with healthy clients and those with medically controlled conditions to establish safe, healthy and effective exercise and lifestyle behaviors.

7: What personal trainer certificate is most respected? The personal trainer certifications with an option for NCCA accreditation are the most respected in the industry. The NCCA is the gold standard for third-party personal training certifications. Some of these certs include, NASM, ACE, Fitness Mentors, and ISSA.

The ACSM Certification exam can be taken in-person at a Pearson VUE testing center, or take it online from the comfort of your own home, office or workplace!

What are the 5 S's of fitness? ›

5 S's of Fitness training; Stamina, Speed, Strength, Skill & Spirit!

Instead of completely scrapping my routine, I'll try and squeeze in a few bodyweight exercises—namely squats, planks, chair dips and pushups—throughout the day. These four moves give you a full-body toning and strength session in just a few minutes.

ACSM was the first organization to offer exercise professional certifications, and is considered the gold standard of the industry. Holding an ACSM certification means your peers and clients will recognize you as a leader in the exercise and fitness field.

Also, if you want to guarantee that you pass the exam, check out Trainer Academy for premium study materials. And that's all for the ACSM exam breakdown. It must be said that this is probably one of the most challenging exams you can ever take in the personal training field.

With an ACSM personal training certification, you'll gain various insights on fitness training, facilities, appropriate organizations, and job offerings. Within 10 to 12 weeks, you can become an ACSM-certified personal trainer.

The ACSM-CPT® exam has a seat time of 150 minutes and consists of 135 items; of which 120 items are scored and 15 are non-scored. The percentages listed in Table 1 indicate the proportion of questions representing each performance domain.

What should I expect when taking the exam? The examination for each level of certification is composed of multiple choice questions drawn from the Job Task Analysis found in the ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 11th Edition.

Soft Skills Trainer Certification Program at Indian Leadership Academy is the No#1 Train the Trainer Program in India (Google Search: Train the Trainer in India). It's a 7-day Instructor-Led Virtual certification program created to build a strong foundation for training and facilitation.

We have found that by consistently studying 10 to 12 hours per week, it is possible to complete your program in approximately three to six months.

How long does it take to study for ACE? ›

The learning experience is self-paced, typically taking 80-100 hours over 3-4 months and is centered around ACE University, our intuitive learning platform. In addition, you will have access to ACE Answers study support to assure you are well prepared for your certification exam.

Completing the course and obtaining the authentication may take you between 10 and 12 weeks, depending on your pace and the exam availability. Rest assured, the ACSM certification program is invaluable to your career as a CPT.

Your ACSM certification is valid for three years, after which you'll need to recertify or retake and pass the certification exam.

With our six leading scholarly journals, ACSM offers access to cutting-edge research, translational science, relevant clinical reports and evidence-informed practical content for researchers, students, clinicians, those working to improve health outcomes, and health and fitness professionals.