LATEST ACSM CERTIFIED EXERCISE
PHYSIOLOGIST (EP-C) CERTIFICATION
EXAM | Q&A WITH RATIONALES
1. What is the primary function of the cardiovascular
system during exercise?
A) Produce red blood cells
B) Deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and
remove metabolic waste products
C) Digest food
D) Regulate body temperature only
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The cardiovascular system transports
oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and removes carbon
dioxide and metabolic waste.
2. Which of the following is the normal resting blood
pressure range for a healthy adult?
A) 90/60 mmHg or lower
B) Less than 120/80 mmHg
C) 140/90 mmHg or higher
D) 160/100 mmHg
,Correct answer: B
Rationale: Normal BP is <120/80 mmHg; elevated
120-129/<80; hypertension ≥130/80 or ≥140/90.
3. Which of the following is the correct formula for
calculating maximal heart rate (HRmax) using the
Tanaka equation?
A) 220 - age
B) 208 - (0.7 × age)
C) 206.9 - (0.67 × age)
D) 200 - age
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Tanaka formula (208 - 0.7 × age) is more
accurate than 220 - age; used for HRmax estimation
in clinical populations.
4. The FITT principle stands for:
A) Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type
B) Force, Inertia, Tension, Torque
C) Flexibility, Injury, Treatment, Therapy
D) Food, Intake, Taste, Timing
Correct answer: A
,Rationale: FITT principle: Frequency (how often),
Intensity (how hard), Time (duration), Type (mode of
exercise).
5. Which of the following is a sign or symptom
suggesting cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic
disease that requires medical clearance before
exercise?
A) Mild shortness of breath after climbing stairs
B) Chest pain (angina) at rest or with exertion,
syncope (fainting), or dyspnea at rest
C) Muscle soreness after exercise
D) Fatigue after a long day
Correct answer: B
Rationale: ACSM guidelines list major
signs/symptoms: chest pain, dyspnea at rest,
syncope, ankle edema, palpitations, intermittent
claudication.
6. Which of the following is the primary purpose of the
pre-participation health screening (Physical Activity
Readiness Questionnaire - PAR-Q+)?
A) To determine athletic ability
, B) To identify individuals who may need medical
evaluation before starting an exercise program
C) To measure body fat percentage
D) To assess muscular strength
Correct answer: B
Rationale: PAR-Q+ screens for contraindications to
exercise; identifies those needing physician
clearance.
7. Which of the following is the correct method for
calculating heart rate reserve (HRR) using the
Karvonen method?
A) (HRmax - HRrest) × intensity + HRrest
B) HRmax × intensity
C) 220 - age
D) 208 - (0.7 × age)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Karvonen formula: THR = ((HRmax -
HRrest) × %intensity) + HRrest; accounts for resting
HR.
PHYSIOLOGIST (EP-C) CERTIFICATION
EXAM | Q&A WITH RATIONALES
1. What is the primary function of the cardiovascular
system during exercise?
A) Produce red blood cells
B) Deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and
remove metabolic waste products
C) Digest food
D) Regulate body temperature only
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The cardiovascular system transports
oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and removes carbon
dioxide and metabolic waste.
2. Which of the following is the normal resting blood
pressure range for a healthy adult?
A) 90/60 mmHg or lower
B) Less than 120/80 mmHg
C) 140/90 mmHg or higher
D) 160/100 mmHg
,Correct answer: B
Rationale: Normal BP is <120/80 mmHg; elevated
120-129/<80; hypertension ≥130/80 or ≥140/90.
3. Which of the following is the correct formula for
calculating maximal heart rate (HRmax) using the
Tanaka equation?
A) 220 - age
B) 208 - (0.7 × age)
C) 206.9 - (0.67 × age)
D) 200 - age
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Tanaka formula (208 - 0.7 × age) is more
accurate than 220 - age; used for HRmax estimation
in clinical populations.
4. The FITT principle stands for:
A) Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type
B) Force, Inertia, Tension, Torque
C) Flexibility, Injury, Treatment, Therapy
D) Food, Intake, Taste, Timing
Correct answer: A
,Rationale: FITT principle: Frequency (how often),
Intensity (how hard), Time (duration), Type (mode of
exercise).
5. Which of the following is a sign or symptom
suggesting cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic
disease that requires medical clearance before
exercise?
A) Mild shortness of breath after climbing stairs
B) Chest pain (angina) at rest or with exertion,
syncope (fainting), or dyspnea at rest
C) Muscle soreness after exercise
D) Fatigue after a long day
Correct answer: B
Rationale: ACSM guidelines list major
signs/symptoms: chest pain, dyspnea at rest,
syncope, ankle edema, palpitations, intermittent
claudication.
6. Which of the following is the primary purpose of the
pre-participation health screening (Physical Activity
Readiness Questionnaire - PAR-Q+)?
A) To determine athletic ability
, B) To identify individuals who may need medical
evaluation before starting an exercise program
C) To measure body fat percentage
D) To assess muscular strength
Correct answer: B
Rationale: PAR-Q+ screens for contraindications to
exercise; identifies those needing physician
clearance.
7. Which of the following is the correct method for
calculating heart rate reserve (HRR) using the
Karvonen method?
A) (HRmax - HRrest) × intensity + HRrest
B) HRmax × intensity
C) 220 - age
D) 208 - (0.7 × age)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Karvonen formula: THR = ((HRmax -
HRrest) × %intensity) + HRrest; accounts for resting
HR.
