Comprehensive Study Guide: ACSM Certified
Personal Trainer (CPT)
Health Sciences & Clinical Exercise Physiology (2025-2026 Edition)
I. Pre-Participation Health Appraisal & Screening
A systematic approach to identifying signs, symptoms, and risk factors for cardiovascular,
pulmonary, or metabolic disease.
• Informed Consent: A legal and ethical document ensuring the client is aware of
procedures, risks, benefits, and limitations. It is often paired with a liability release.
• PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire): The minimal standard for moderate-
intensity exercise screening. If a client answers "Yes" to any of the 7 questions, a medical
release from a healthcare provider is mandatory.
• Physician Referral: Required for high-risk clients. The referral should include the
physician’s name, diagnosis, and specific exercise prescription.
II. ACSM Risk Stratification & Factors
Clients are categorized into risk levels to determine the necessity of medical exams or
supervised testing.
Positive Risk Factors (+1 each)
1. Family History: MI, revascularization, or sudden death before age 55 (father/male 1st
degree relative) or 65 (mother/female).
2. Cigarette Smoking: Current smoker or quit within the last 6 months.
3. Hypertension: Systolic $\ge 140$ mmHg or Diastolic $\ge 90$ mmHg (measured on two
separate occasions) or on medication.
4. Dyslipidemia: LDL $\ge 130$ mg/dL, HDL $< 40$ mg/dL, or Total Cholesterol $\ge 200$
mg/dL.
5. Obesity: BMI $\ge 30$ or waist girth $>102$ cm (men) / $>88$ cm (women).
Personal Trainer (CPT)
Health Sciences & Clinical Exercise Physiology (2025-2026 Edition)
I. Pre-Participation Health Appraisal & Screening
A systematic approach to identifying signs, symptoms, and risk factors for cardiovascular,
pulmonary, or metabolic disease.
• Informed Consent: A legal and ethical document ensuring the client is aware of
procedures, risks, benefits, and limitations. It is often paired with a liability release.
• PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire): The minimal standard for moderate-
intensity exercise screening. If a client answers "Yes" to any of the 7 questions, a medical
release from a healthcare provider is mandatory.
• Physician Referral: Required for high-risk clients. The referral should include the
physician’s name, diagnosis, and specific exercise prescription.
II. ACSM Risk Stratification & Factors
Clients are categorized into risk levels to determine the necessity of medical exams or
supervised testing.
Positive Risk Factors (+1 each)
1. Family History: MI, revascularization, or sudden death before age 55 (father/male 1st
degree relative) or 65 (mother/female).
2. Cigarette Smoking: Current smoker or quit within the last 6 months.
3. Hypertension: Systolic $\ge 140$ mmHg or Diastolic $\ge 90$ mmHg (measured on two
separate occasions) or on medication.
4. Dyslipidemia: LDL $\ge 130$ mg/dL, HDL $< 40$ mg/dL, or Total Cholesterol $\ge 200$
mg/dL.
5. Obesity: BMI $\ge 30$ or waist girth $>102$ cm (men) / $>88$ cm (women).
