Personal Trainer Exam Review
Questions and Answers
Which exercise would most likely be included in the load/speed training phase? - ANS-
Medicine ball lunge with a rotation
Which of the following is best matched to this client's preferred kinesthetic learning
style? (Dumbbell press on a ball) - ANS-Ask for permission to touch, then place hands
near the client's wrists to spot
Which of the following actions would be most appropriate for an ACE certified personal
trainer to take when enhancing rapport and helping a client adhere to exercise? - ANS-
Introduce the client to other members before or after the exercise session
An ace Certified Personal Trainer is working with a new client who has just been
cleared to return to exercise after an injury. The Personal Training senses the client's
distrust and skepticism. Which of the following actions is most appropriate? - ANS-
Shared educational and certification credentials and explain previous experience
working with post-injury clients
According to proper assessment sequencing, which assessment would be most
appropriate immediately after collecting resting vital signs (i.e., heart rate, blood
pressure, height, and weight) - ANS-Static posture
During the initial interview, a new client states that they want to begin an exercise
program due to a recent hypertension diagnosis. Which of the following health belief
model variables are most likely influencing this client's decision to begin exercise? -
ANS-Perceived seriousness and benefits
During the concentric phase of this exercise (push-up), which of the following best
identifies the joint action at the elbow? - ANS-Extension
A long-standing client whose goal is to increase power is unable to complete the hops
and bounds segment of their workout. Which of the following would be the most
appropriate regression? - ANS-Multidirectional jumps or hops
A new client has completed 66 total minutes of cardiorespiratory endurance training in
week 2 of their Base Training program. Which of the following is the most appropriate
duration for the third week of training? - ANS-72
,An ace Certified Personal Trainer has included the following guidelines for the chest
press exercise for their client.
First three weeks of a new program:
Mondays: 14- lb. (64kg) x 12 repetitions
Wednesdays 160 lb. (73kg) x 8 reps
Fridays: 180 lb. (82kg) x 4 reps
Followed by three weeks of:
Mondays: 155 lb. (70kg) x 12 resp
Wednesdays: 175 lb. (79kg) x 8 reps
Fridays: 195 lb. (89kg) x 4 reps
Which of the following best describes this program? - ANS-Undulating periodization
During the recent training session with a client, an ACE certified PT notices a frayed
cable on the cable pully machine. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?
- ANS-The ACE Certified Personal Trainer should notify the facility's management and
avoid the cable pully machine until it has been addressed
As an ace Certified Personal Trainer, why is an exculpatory clause important in a client
wavier? - ANS-It bars the client from seeking damages for injuries caused by the
inherent risk of activities and by the ordinary negligence of the PT and their employees
and agents
Which joint action is happening at the knee during the eccentric portion of the exercise?
- ANS-Flexion
A question-and-answer strategy is most effective with a client who prefers which
learning style? - ANS-Auditory
Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the body's adaptation to
exercise and physical activity? - ANS-Benefits gained from exercise are dose-related
A client is asking the ace Certified Personal Trainer to play music during an in-home
training session. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?
a. - ANS-Ask the client to provide the music
For an ace Certified Personal Trainer, what is the most effective advice for a client
regarding carbohydrate consumption and endurance events? - ANS-Carb consumption
should begin shortly after the initiation of exercise; consume 30 to 60 grams per hour in
small amounts in 15-to 20-minute intervals
A long-standing client was recently diagnosed with asthma and cleared to continue
exercising. Which of the following would be the most appropriate action for an ace
,Certified Personal Trainer to take? - ANS-Include a 10-to 15-minute warm-up consisting
of vigorous or interval-type exercise
An ace Certified Personal Trainer is working with a new client who needs consistent
feedback while performing a squat. Which of the following best reflects this client's
stage of learning? - ANS-Cognitive
A client (plaintiff) is pursuing legal action against an ace Certified Personal Trainer
(defendant) with claims of negligence. The client (plaintiff) is currently in an arm cast
stating they broke their arm during a recent training session. Which of the following
would not substantiate a charge of negligence in court? - ANS-The trainer (defendant)
provided confirmation of upholding the standard of care
When assessing an older client, which assessments should be completed first? - ANS-
Posture and flexibility
An ace Certified Personal Trainer is working with a client who is experiencing a strength
plateau in the chest press exercise. Which of the following exercises would be most
effective to include in place of the chest press? - ANS-Incline chest press
Which strength-training intensity range is most appropriate for a client with a muscle
hypertrophy goal? - ANS-67-85%, 1-RM
Use the RDA form the Institute of Medicine (IOM) which of the following is the most
appropriate protein intake for a 45-year-old male client who weighs 196 lb. (88.9 kg) and
consumes 2200 calories per day? (.8*88.9) - ANS-71 kg
Which of the following statements from an ace pct best represents a guiding style of
communication? - ANS-"You have already made some positive changes and are
exploring additional options. Of all the choices you have been considering, which do you
think you would enjoy the most?"
An ace Certified Personal Trainer is talking with a client who is in the precontemplation
stage of change. Which of the following strategies is most appropriate for the Personal
Trainer to use? - ANS-Utilize general sources, including media, internet, and brochures,
to increase awareness
An ace Certified Personal Trainer is unfamiliar with the culture of a new client. Which of
the following is the most appropriate action the Personal Training can take to increase
their cultural competence? - ANS-Request information from a fellow Personal Trainer
who has worked with clients of a similar background
Which of the following organizations publishes evidence based, best-practice exercise
guidelines for pregnant women? - ANS-American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists
, An ace Certified Personal Trainer is assessing a client's static posture and observes a
swayback posture. Which of the following muscles is most likely inhibited (lengthened)?
- ANS-Rectus femoris
An ACE Certified Personal Trainer is working with a postpartum client. Which of the
following exercises would be safest to include to reduce the risk of diastasis recti? -
ANS-Wide-stance squats with dumbbell
To stimulate the stabilization capacity of the rotator cuff muscles, which open-chain
exercise will activate the rotator cuff muscles without aggravating the tissue? - ANS-
Farmer carry
An ace Certified Personal Trainer is onboarding a new client. Included in the paperwork
is a statement that outlines the price for the training package. Which element of a
contract does the price best represent? - ANS-Consideration
An ace Certified Personal Trainer is designing a cardiorespiratory training program for a
client. Using the information below, which of the following best represents the
appropriate training heart rate? - ANS-160 bpm
Which is the first step an ace Certified Personal Trainer should take before starting an
online fitness training business? - ANS-Consult with an attorney to discuss any
requirements
Which is the most appropriate feedback response from an ace Certified Personal
Trainer for a client performing a chest press on an exercise ball whose form is failing
from not being on the ball all the way? - ANS-"Nice job bracing your core. Roll the ball
underneath a little more. Much better."
Which of the following best describes a potential instructional liability situation for the
ace Certified Personal Trainer? - ANS-Correcting a client's form by gently moving their
scapula into neutral
Which of the following scenarios best reflects the actions of a personal trainer serving
as an independent contractor at a fitness facility? - ANS-The Personal Trainer sets
pricing, has variable fees, and is paid by the service provided
Which of the following provides an effective, time-efficient, and safe training program for
a client who has time limitations? - ANS-Reduced-exertion high-intensity interval
training (REHIT)
During a training session, a client discloses feelings of depression to an ace Certified
Personal Trainer. What is the appropriate course of action? - ANS-Refer the client to a
qualified healthcare professional
Questions and Answers
Which exercise would most likely be included in the load/speed training phase? - ANS-
Medicine ball lunge with a rotation
Which of the following is best matched to this client's preferred kinesthetic learning
style? (Dumbbell press on a ball) - ANS-Ask for permission to touch, then place hands
near the client's wrists to spot
Which of the following actions would be most appropriate for an ACE certified personal
trainer to take when enhancing rapport and helping a client adhere to exercise? - ANS-
Introduce the client to other members before or after the exercise session
An ace Certified Personal Trainer is working with a new client who has just been
cleared to return to exercise after an injury. The Personal Training senses the client's
distrust and skepticism. Which of the following actions is most appropriate? - ANS-
Shared educational and certification credentials and explain previous experience
working with post-injury clients
According to proper assessment sequencing, which assessment would be most
appropriate immediately after collecting resting vital signs (i.e., heart rate, blood
pressure, height, and weight) - ANS-Static posture
During the initial interview, a new client states that they want to begin an exercise
program due to a recent hypertension diagnosis. Which of the following health belief
model variables are most likely influencing this client's decision to begin exercise? -
ANS-Perceived seriousness and benefits
During the concentric phase of this exercise (push-up), which of the following best
identifies the joint action at the elbow? - ANS-Extension
A long-standing client whose goal is to increase power is unable to complete the hops
and bounds segment of their workout. Which of the following would be the most
appropriate regression? - ANS-Multidirectional jumps or hops
A new client has completed 66 total minutes of cardiorespiratory endurance training in
week 2 of their Base Training program. Which of the following is the most appropriate
duration for the third week of training? - ANS-72
,An ace Certified Personal Trainer has included the following guidelines for the chest
press exercise for their client.
First three weeks of a new program:
Mondays: 14- lb. (64kg) x 12 repetitions
Wednesdays 160 lb. (73kg) x 8 reps
Fridays: 180 lb. (82kg) x 4 reps
Followed by three weeks of:
Mondays: 155 lb. (70kg) x 12 resp
Wednesdays: 175 lb. (79kg) x 8 reps
Fridays: 195 lb. (89kg) x 4 reps
Which of the following best describes this program? - ANS-Undulating periodization
During the recent training session with a client, an ACE certified PT notices a frayed
cable on the cable pully machine. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?
- ANS-The ACE Certified Personal Trainer should notify the facility's management and
avoid the cable pully machine until it has been addressed
As an ace Certified Personal Trainer, why is an exculpatory clause important in a client
wavier? - ANS-It bars the client from seeking damages for injuries caused by the
inherent risk of activities and by the ordinary negligence of the PT and their employees
and agents
Which joint action is happening at the knee during the eccentric portion of the exercise?
- ANS-Flexion
A question-and-answer strategy is most effective with a client who prefers which
learning style? - ANS-Auditory
Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the body's adaptation to
exercise and physical activity? - ANS-Benefits gained from exercise are dose-related
A client is asking the ace Certified Personal Trainer to play music during an in-home
training session. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?
a. - ANS-Ask the client to provide the music
For an ace Certified Personal Trainer, what is the most effective advice for a client
regarding carbohydrate consumption and endurance events? - ANS-Carb consumption
should begin shortly after the initiation of exercise; consume 30 to 60 grams per hour in
small amounts in 15-to 20-minute intervals
A long-standing client was recently diagnosed with asthma and cleared to continue
exercising. Which of the following would be the most appropriate action for an ace
,Certified Personal Trainer to take? - ANS-Include a 10-to 15-minute warm-up consisting
of vigorous or interval-type exercise
An ace Certified Personal Trainer is working with a new client who needs consistent
feedback while performing a squat. Which of the following best reflects this client's
stage of learning? - ANS-Cognitive
A client (plaintiff) is pursuing legal action against an ace Certified Personal Trainer
(defendant) with claims of negligence. The client (plaintiff) is currently in an arm cast
stating they broke their arm during a recent training session. Which of the following
would not substantiate a charge of negligence in court? - ANS-The trainer (defendant)
provided confirmation of upholding the standard of care
When assessing an older client, which assessments should be completed first? - ANS-
Posture and flexibility
An ace Certified Personal Trainer is working with a client who is experiencing a strength
plateau in the chest press exercise. Which of the following exercises would be most
effective to include in place of the chest press? - ANS-Incline chest press
Which strength-training intensity range is most appropriate for a client with a muscle
hypertrophy goal? - ANS-67-85%, 1-RM
Use the RDA form the Institute of Medicine (IOM) which of the following is the most
appropriate protein intake for a 45-year-old male client who weighs 196 lb. (88.9 kg) and
consumes 2200 calories per day? (.8*88.9) - ANS-71 kg
Which of the following statements from an ace pct best represents a guiding style of
communication? - ANS-"You have already made some positive changes and are
exploring additional options. Of all the choices you have been considering, which do you
think you would enjoy the most?"
An ace Certified Personal Trainer is talking with a client who is in the precontemplation
stage of change. Which of the following strategies is most appropriate for the Personal
Trainer to use? - ANS-Utilize general sources, including media, internet, and brochures,
to increase awareness
An ace Certified Personal Trainer is unfamiliar with the culture of a new client. Which of
the following is the most appropriate action the Personal Training can take to increase
their cultural competence? - ANS-Request information from a fellow Personal Trainer
who has worked with clients of a similar background
Which of the following organizations publishes evidence based, best-practice exercise
guidelines for pregnant women? - ANS-American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists
, An ace Certified Personal Trainer is assessing a client's static posture and observes a
swayback posture. Which of the following muscles is most likely inhibited (lengthened)?
- ANS-Rectus femoris
An ACE Certified Personal Trainer is working with a postpartum client. Which of the
following exercises would be safest to include to reduce the risk of diastasis recti? -
ANS-Wide-stance squats with dumbbell
To stimulate the stabilization capacity of the rotator cuff muscles, which open-chain
exercise will activate the rotator cuff muscles without aggravating the tissue? - ANS-
Farmer carry
An ace Certified Personal Trainer is onboarding a new client. Included in the paperwork
is a statement that outlines the price for the training package. Which element of a
contract does the price best represent? - ANS-Consideration
An ace Certified Personal Trainer is designing a cardiorespiratory training program for a
client. Using the information below, which of the following best represents the
appropriate training heart rate? - ANS-160 bpm
Which is the first step an ace Certified Personal Trainer should take before starting an
online fitness training business? - ANS-Consult with an attorney to discuss any
requirements
Which is the most appropriate feedback response from an ace Certified Personal
Trainer for a client performing a chest press on an exercise ball whose form is failing
from not being on the ball all the way? - ANS-"Nice job bracing your core. Roll the ball
underneath a little more. Much better."
Which of the following best describes a potential instructional liability situation for the
ace Certified Personal Trainer? - ANS-Correcting a client's form by gently moving their
scapula into neutral
Which of the following scenarios best reflects the actions of a personal trainer serving
as an independent contractor at a fitness facility? - ANS-The Personal Trainer sets
pricing, has variable fees, and is paid by the service provided
Which of the following provides an effective, time-efficient, and safe training program for
a client who has time limitations? - ANS-Reduced-exertion high-intensity interval
training (REHIT)
During a training session, a client discloses feelings of depression to an ace Certified
Personal Trainer. What is the appropriate course of action? - ANS-Refer the client to a
qualified healthcare professional