CPT NASM Certified Personal Trainer Exam Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)

In the single-leg squat assessment, inward knee movement (knee valgus) indicates a lack of frontal-plane knee stability, often caused by underactivity in the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and gluteus medius. The NASM CPT7 Study Guide identifies the VMO as a critical stabilizer of the patella and knee joint, especially in terminal extension.

Overactive muscles in this compensation often include the adductor complex and tensor fascia latae (TFL), which pull the knee inward. Strengthening the VMO and gluteus medius improves knee tracking, preventing valgus collapse. Therefore, VMO strengthening is essential for correcting this compensation.

Proper running form requires maintaining neutral alignment of the lower extremities to optimize stride efficiency and reduce injury risk. The NASM CPT7 Study Guide emphasizes the importance of joint alignment and tracking, particularly keeping the knees aligned with the toes during dynamic movement.

“Lean forward slightly during deceleration” (Option A) may apply in certain braking mechanics but is not a standard form cue for general running. “Head should move into extension” (Option C) would disrupt postural alignment and breathing efficiency. “Ankles should be plantar flexed” (Option D) applies only at specific phases of sprinting push-off, not as a general form cue. Therefore, the most universally applicable and safe auditory cue is “Keep the knees straight ahead.”

The YMCA 3-Minute Step Test is used to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness. In the NASM CPT7 Study Guide, clients who score average on this test should begin cardiorespiratory training at a target heart rate zone of 65% to 75% of their estimated maximal heart rate. This ensures they are challenged enough to stimulate cardiovascular improvement without causing undue fatigue or risk, aligning with Zone 1–2 intensities for aerobic base building .

NASM defines strength as the ability of the neuromuscular system to produce internal tension to overcome an external force. This is distinct from stability (ability to maintain postural control), endurance (ability to sustain a force for a prolonged time), and power (ability to produce force quickly).

Strength adaptations occur when muscles are challenged with sufficient resistance, leading to improved recruitment of motor units, greater muscle fiber size, and increased force production capacity. The focus is on maximal tension generation, not necessarily the speed of movement (as with power).

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation

SWOT analysis is a business-planning tool taught in NASM’s professional development section, designed to help trainers identify internal and external factors affecting their practice. NASM defines SWOT as:

Strengths: internal advantages like skills, education, or client rapport.

Weaknesses: internal limitations, such as lack of experience in a niche.

Opportunities: external possibilities for growth, like emerging markets or new certifications.

Threats: external challenges like competition or economic downturns.

This structured self-assessment enables personal trainers to strategically plan their services and marketing to leverage strengths, address weaknesses, capitalize on opportunities, and mitigate threats.

When working with overweight or obese clients, exercise positions should optimize comfort, breathing, and movement efficiency while minimizing orthopedic stress. NASM’s program design recommendations favor upright or incline positions for resistance training when possible, especially for those who may experience discomfort or breathing restriction in prone (face down) or supine (lying flat) positions. For a row, starting in a standing position—such as with cables, resistance bands, or a machine—allows the client to maintain spinal alignment, engage the core, and breathe freely, while accommodating a larger body mass. Side-lying and prone positions may be physically uncomfortable and limit range of motion for overweight individuals.

Beta-blockers are commonly prescribed medications for arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), as well as for conditions like hypertension and certain forms of heart failure. The NASM CPT7 Study Guide explains that cardiovascular disease includes “heart rate problems, and arrhythmias”, and medications such as beta-blockers help regulate heart rhythm by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart’s beta receptors. This results in a slower, more controlled heart rate and reduced workload on the heart.

In exercise settings, CPTs must be aware that beta-blockers lower both resting and exercise heart rates, which makes heart rate–based training zones less reliable; perceived exertion (RPE) or talk tests are recommended instead for intensity monitoring.

Other listed options—nitrates (for angina), diuretics (for fluid retention in hypertension/heart failure), and bronchodilators (for respiratory conditions)—do not serve as primary rhythm-control agents for arrhythmias. Thus, beta-blockers are the most accurate answer for this question.