NASM CNC Test Bank 2025/2026 – 500+ Fully
Answered Questions with Rationales for
Certified Nutrition Coach Students
Nutrition Science Basics
Q1. Which macronutrient provides the body with 4 calories
per gram?
A1. Carbohydrates
Rationale: Both carbs and protein provide 4 kcal/g, fat
provides 9 kcal/g.
Q2. The process of breaking down food into smaller
molecules is called:
A2. Digestion
Rationale: Occurs in the GI tract to prepare nutrients for
absorption.
Q3. Which organ is the primary site of nutrient absorption?
A3. Small intestine
Rationale: Villi and microvilli increase surface area for
absorption.
,Q4. Glycogen is stored in which two places?
A4. Liver and skeletal muscle
Rationale: Liver glycogen maintains blood glucose; muscle
glycogen fuels activity.
Q5. Which macronutrient is the body’s preferred source of
energy during exercise?
A5. Carbohydrates
Rationale: Carbs provide quick, efficient ATP for working
muscles.
Macronutrients
Q6. Which fatty acid is essential and must come from the
diet?
A6. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
Rationale: The body cannot synthesize them.
Q7. Protein is primarily responsible for:
A7. Tissue growth and repair
Rationale: Amino acids serve as building blocks for muscle
and enzymes.
Q8. Which carbohydrate is considered a complex carb?
A8. Starch
Rationale: Made of long chains of glucose molecules.
Q9. Fiber intake recommendations are:
A9. 25 g/day (women), 38 g/day (men)
Rationale: Promotes digestion and heart health.
,Q10. Excess dietary protein is primarily:
A10. Converted to glucose or fat for storage
Rationale: The body cannot store extra amino acids.
Micronutrients & Hydration
Q11. Vitamin D is unique because:
A11. It can be synthesized from sunlight
Rationale: Produced in skin when exposed to UV light.
Q12. Iron deficiency can cause:
A12. Anemia
Rationale: Iron is needed for hemoglobin and oxygen
transport.
Q13. Which vitamin is water-soluble?
A13. Vitamin C
Rationale: Water-soluble vitamins are not stored long-term.
Q14. Major electrolyte lost in sweat:
A14. Sodium
Rationale: Critical for fluid balance and nerve conduction.
Q15. General hydration recommendation:
A15. 3.7 L/day for men, 2.7 L/day for women
Rationale: Adequate Intake (AI) from food and fluids.
Energy Balance & Weight Management
, Q16. A calorie deficit of 3,500 kcal results in:
A16. ~1 lb of fat loss
Rationale: Based on energy balance principle.
Q17. Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is:
A17. Energy required to maintain vital functions at rest
Rationale: Largest component of daily energy expenditure.
Q18. NEAT stands for:
A18. Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis
Rationale: Calories burned through daily activity (e.g.,
walking, chores).
Q19. Thermic effect of food (TEF) is highest for:
A19. Protein
Rationale: Digestion of protein requires more energy.
Q20. Which strategy is most effective for weight loss?
A20. Sustainable calorie deficit with balanced diet
Rationale: Extreme diets reduce adherence and harm
metabolism.
Behavior Change & Coaching
Q21. Motivational interviewing emphasizes:
A21. Client-centered conversation to build autonomy
Rationale: Helps resolve ambivalence toward change.
Q22. SMART goals stand for:
A22. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
Rationale: Creates actionable and trackable goals.
Answered Questions with Rationales for
Certified Nutrition Coach Students
Nutrition Science Basics
Q1. Which macronutrient provides the body with 4 calories
per gram?
A1. Carbohydrates
Rationale: Both carbs and protein provide 4 kcal/g, fat
provides 9 kcal/g.
Q2. The process of breaking down food into smaller
molecules is called:
A2. Digestion
Rationale: Occurs in the GI tract to prepare nutrients for
absorption.
Q3. Which organ is the primary site of nutrient absorption?
A3. Small intestine
Rationale: Villi and microvilli increase surface area for
absorption.
,Q4. Glycogen is stored in which two places?
A4. Liver and skeletal muscle
Rationale: Liver glycogen maintains blood glucose; muscle
glycogen fuels activity.
Q5. Which macronutrient is the body’s preferred source of
energy during exercise?
A5. Carbohydrates
Rationale: Carbs provide quick, efficient ATP for working
muscles.
Macronutrients
Q6. Which fatty acid is essential and must come from the
diet?
A6. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
Rationale: The body cannot synthesize them.
Q7. Protein is primarily responsible for:
A7. Tissue growth and repair
Rationale: Amino acids serve as building blocks for muscle
and enzymes.
Q8. Which carbohydrate is considered a complex carb?
A8. Starch
Rationale: Made of long chains of glucose molecules.
Q9. Fiber intake recommendations are:
A9. 25 g/day (women), 38 g/day (men)
Rationale: Promotes digestion and heart health.
,Q10. Excess dietary protein is primarily:
A10. Converted to glucose or fat for storage
Rationale: The body cannot store extra amino acids.
Micronutrients & Hydration
Q11. Vitamin D is unique because:
A11. It can be synthesized from sunlight
Rationale: Produced in skin when exposed to UV light.
Q12. Iron deficiency can cause:
A12. Anemia
Rationale: Iron is needed for hemoglobin and oxygen
transport.
Q13. Which vitamin is water-soluble?
A13. Vitamin C
Rationale: Water-soluble vitamins are not stored long-term.
Q14. Major electrolyte lost in sweat:
A14. Sodium
Rationale: Critical for fluid balance and nerve conduction.
Q15. General hydration recommendation:
A15. 3.7 L/day for men, 2.7 L/day for women
Rationale: Adequate Intake (AI) from food and fluids.
Energy Balance & Weight Management
, Q16. A calorie deficit of 3,500 kcal results in:
A16. ~1 lb of fat loss
Rationale: Based on energy balance principle.
Q17. Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is:
A17. Energy required to maintain vital functions at rest
Rationale: Largest component of daily energy expenditure.
Q18. NEAT stands for:
A18. Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis
Rationale: Calories burned through daily activity (e.g.,
walking, chores).
Q19. Thermic effect of food (TEF) is highest for:
A19. Protein
Rationale: Digestion of protein requires more energy.
Q20. Which strategy is most effective for weight loss?
A20. Sustainable calorie deficit with balanced diet
Rationale: Extreme diets reduce adherence and harm
metabolism.
Behavior Change & Coaching
Q21. Motivational interviewing emphasizes:
A21. Client-centered conversation to build autonomy
Rationale: Helps resolve ambivalence toward change.
Q22. SMART goals stand for:
A22. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
Rationale: Creates actionable and trackable goals.
