NASM CPT 7 Exam 2026 Questions and
Answers
Which of the following statements describes the abdominal skinfold location?
a. A vertical skinfold taken on the mid-axillary line at the level of the xiphoid
process (which is typically just below the nipple line)
b. A diagonal fold taken immediately superior to and in line with the natural angle
of the iliac crest (top portion of the hip bone), aligned with the anterior axillary line
c. A vertical skinfold taken 1 inch lateral to the umbilicus (belly button)
d. A horizontal skinfold taken 1 inch lateral to the umbilicus (belly button) -
Correct answer-A vertical skinfold taken 1 inch lateral to the umbilicus (belly
button)
What is the intended outcome of stage 2 training?
a. To introduce individuals to exercise and improve general health and fitness, or to
provide recovery following higher-intensity exercise sessions
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,b. To increase the capacity of the anaerobic energy system for high-level athletes
and fitness enthusiasts seeking improvements in anaerobic capacity and power
c. To increase the capacity of aerobic and anaerobic energy systems for clients
seeking further improvements in exercise capacity
d. To increase the workload (e.g., speed, incline) in a way that helps clients
exercise at higher intensities and achieve greater levels of aerobic fitness - Correct
answer-To increase the workload (e.g., speed, incline) in a way that helps clients
exercise at higher intensities and achieve greater levels of aerobic fitness
Which of the following exercises may increase inaccurate readings while utilizing
a wrist-worn heart rate monitor?
a. Medicine ball catch and pass
b. Stability ball plank
c. Suspended bodyweight crunch
d. Barbell squats - Correct answer-Medicine ball catch and pass
During a squat, which muscle group isometrically contracts to prevent unnecessary
thigh movement in the frontal plane?
a. Hip internal rotators
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,b. Hip abductors
c. Hip flexors
d. Hip extensors - Correct answer-Hip abductors
The deep longitudinal subsystem includes which of the following muscle groups?
a. Thoracolumbar fascia and contralateral gluteus maximus
b. Adductors (inner thigh) and hip external rotators
c. Adductors (inner thigh) and contralateral quadratus lumborum
d. Hamstrings and erector spinae - Correct answer-Hamstrings and erector spinae
Which muscle would be considered underactive, leading to the excessive forward
trunk lean during the overhead squat assessment?
a. Gastrocnemius and soleus
b. Rectus abdominis
c. Hip flexor complex
d. Gluteus maximus - Correct answer-Gluteus maximus
Which of the following best describes the role of micronutrients in the body?
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, a. They provide some calories, and they are required for the regulation of muscle
protein synthesis and glucose metabolism.
b. They are the primary energy source during short, high-intensity training.
c. They are the primary source of energy for all physiologic processes.
d. They regulate various metabolic processes, including energy metabolism. -
Correct answer-They regulate various metabolic processes, including energy
metabolism.
Which of the following muscles is primarily targeted when performing a biceps
curl exercise with the thumb up?
a. Brachialis
b. Biceps brachii
c. Brachioradialis
d. Triceps brachii - Correct answer-Brachioradialis
Horizontal adduction is most common during what type of movement?
a. Pushing
b. Pulling
c. Hip hinge
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Answers
Which of the following statements describes the abdominal skinfold location?
a. A vertical skinfold taken on the mid-axillary line at the level of the xiphoid
process (which is typically just below the nipple line)
b. A diagonal fold taken immediately superior to and in line with the natural angle
of the iliac crest (top portion of the hip bone), aligned with the anterior axillary line
c. A vertical skinfold taken 1 inch lateral to the umbilicus (belly button)
d. A horizontal skinfold taken 1 inch lateral to the umbilicus (belly button) -
Correct answer-A vertical skinfold taken 1 inch lateral to the umbilicus (belly
button)
What is the intended outcome of stage 2 training?
a. To introduce individuals to exercise and improve general health and fitness, or to
provide recovery following higher-intensity exercise sessions
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,b. To increase the capacity of the anaerobic energy system for high-level athletes
and fitness enthusiasts seeking improvements in anaerobic capacity and power
c. To increase the capacity of aerobic and anaerobic energy systems for clients
seeking further improvements in exercise capacity
d. To increase the workload (e.g., speed, incline) in a way that helps clients
exercise at higher intensities and achieve greater levels of aerobic fitness - Correct
answer-To increase the workload (e.g., speed, incline) in a way that helps clients
exercise at higher intensities and achieve greater levels of aerobic fitness
Which of the following exercises may increase inaccurate readings while utilizing
a wrist-worn heart rate monitor?
a. Medicine ball catch and pass
b. Stability ball plank
c. Suspended bodyweight crunch
d. Barbell squats - Correct answer-Medicine ball catch and pass
During a squat, which muscle group isometrically contracts to prevent unnecessary
thigh movement in the frontal plane?
a. Hip internal rotators
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,b. Hip abductors
c. Hip flexors
d. Hip extensors - Correct answer-Hip abductors
The deep longitudinal subsystem includes which of the following muscle groups?
a. Thoracolumbar fascia and contralateral gluteus maximus
b. Adductors (inner thigh) and hip external rotators
c. Adductors (inner thigh) and contralateral quadratus lumborum
d. Hamstrings and erector spinae - Correct answer-Hamstrings and erector spinae
Which muscle would be considered underactive, leading to the excessive forward
trunk lean during the overhead squat assessment?
a. Gastrocnemius and soleus
b. Rectus abdominis
c. Hip flexor complex
d. Gluteus maximus - Correct answer-Gluteus maximus
Which of the following best describes the role of micronutrients in the body?
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, a. They provide some calories, and they are required for the regulation of muscle
protein synthesis and glucose metabolism.
b. They are the primary energy source during short, high-intensity training.
c. They are the primary source of energy for all physiologic processes.
d. They regulate various metabolic processes, including energy metabolism. -
Correct answer-They regulate various metabolic processes, including energy
metabolism.
Which of the following muscles is primarily targeted when performing a biceps
curl exercise with the thumb up?
a. Brachialis
b. Biceps brachii
c. Brachioradialis
d. Triceps brachii - Correct answer-Brachioradialis
Horizontal adduction is most common during what type of movement?
a. Pushing
b. Pulling
c. Hip hinge
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