ISSA/NCCPT CPT EXAM PREP
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100% PASS
Plyometric Jump Phases - ANS There are three phases: the eccentric (landing), amortization
(transition), and concentric (jumping) phases.
Eccentric Phase - ANS The controlled lengthening of a muscle, such as when lowering a
weight or landing from a jump.
Amortization Phase - ANS The brief transition period between the eccentric and concentric
phases where the body stabilizes.
Concentric Phase - ANS The shortening of the muscle, which is the 'pushing' or 'pulling' part
of the movement, like jumping up or lifting a weight.
Long-term Training Program - ANS A periodized structure, often progressing from general
fitness to sport-specific and high-intensity work, sometimes categorized as Base, Build, and
Specialty phases.
Base Phase - ANS Often the initial phase of a program, focusing on building a foundation of
general fitness, endurance, and strength with lower intensity and higher volume.
Build Phase - ANS This phase increases the intensity and volume of the training to build more
specific strength and muscle.
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,Specialty/Peak Phase - ANS The final phase focuses on high-intensity training with very low
volume, preparing the client for their specific goal or event.
Behavioral Change Stages - ANS Preparation, Action, and Maintenance, to help clients make
and sustain new habits.
Nutrient Timing Phases - ANS These refer to how a client fuels their body around training,
with phases like Energy, Anabolic, and Growth to support muscle recovery and glycogen
restoration.
Capillaries - ANS Tinv blood vessels located within the muscle fiber, play a crucial role in
facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Type I fibers - ANS Contain a significant number of capillaries, allowing for an efficient
delivery of oxygen to the working muscles.
Type II fibers - ANS Have a lower count of capillaries compared to Type I fibers.
Mitochondria - ANS Often known as the cell's 'powerhouse,' are responsible for converting
energy derived from carbohydrates and fatty acids into usable energy for the cell.
Myoglobin - ANS A protein found in the liquid of the muscle fiber, serves the specific purpose
of attracting and temporarily storing oxygen.
Mechanoreceptors - ANS Enable individuals to perceive touch and sensations such as
pressure, and monitor limb and muscle movement through proprioception.
Androgenic-anabolic steroids - ANS Imitate the effects of testosterone in the body which can
enhance strength and promote muscle growth.
Misuse of steroids - ANS Often misused by athletes and are prohibited by all major athletic
organizations.
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,Benefits of steroid use - ANS There are potential benefits associated with steroid use.
Health risks of steroids - ANS There are serious health risks associated with steroid use.
Common side effects of steroids - ANS Include acne, hair loss, and difficulty sleeping.
What does the principle of specific adaptation to imposed demands (SAID) state? - ANS The
body adapts to the specific demands placed upon it.
What is neuromuscular specificity? - ANS It refers to the use of different exercise speeds and
patterns to enhance neuromuscular efficiency.
What type of exercises are necessary for developing strength? - ANS Exercises with heavier
loads in a stable environment.
What is required for power development in exercises? - ANS Exercises with lower loads and
high-velocity contractions.
How does neuromuscular specificity relate to exercise performance? - ANS It emphasizes that
different exercise speeds and patterns can improve neuromuscular efficiency.
What is the most probable outcome if a client allows their elbows to lower and move forward
during the back squat exercise? - ANS The client will drop the barbell.
Why do raised elbows create support for the barbell during a back squat? - ANS They form
support with the rear deltoids and trapezius muscles.
What effect does raising the elbows have on barbell stability during a back squat? - ANS It
assists in pressing the barbell against the support to maintain stability.
3 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, Can a client lift a greater load if their elbows drop down during a back squat? - ANS No, it is
more likely that less weight can be lifted.
What is the incorrect assumption about the upper back when elbows drop during a back squat?
- ANS That the upper back will round; it is more likely to increase curvature.
What grip should a spotter use when assisting with the shoulder press or flat bench press? -
ANS A closed, alternated grip.
What is a closed, alternated grip? - ANS A grip where one hand is in a pronated grip and the
other hand is in a supinated grip, with thumbs wrapped around the bar.
What is a pronated grip? - ANS An overhand grip with palms facing down.
What is a supinated grip? - ANS An underhand grip with palms facing up.
Why is the alternated grip recommended for spotters? - ANS It offers the most secure option
for controlling the bar.
What role does a spotter play during a lift? - ANS The spotter helps with lift-off, returns the
bar to the rack, and assists if the lifter struggles.
What is a false grip? - ANS An open grip where the thumbs are placed on the same side of
the bar as the fingers.
Which muscle action is the most effective for muscle hypertrophy? - ANS Eccentric
Why is eccentric muscle action effective for hypertrophy? - ANS It leads to the most muscle
damage.
4 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100% PASS
Plyometric Jump Phases - ANS There are three phases: the eccentric (landing), amortization
(transition), and concentric (jumping) phases.
Eccentric Phase - ANS The controlled lengthening of a muscle, such as when lowering a
weight or landing from a jump.
Amortization Phase - ANS The brief transition period between the eccentric and concentric
phases where the body stabilizes.
Concentric Phase - ANS The shortening of the muscle, which is the 'pushing' or 'pulling' part
of the movement, like jumping up or lifting a weight.
Long-term Training Program - ANS A periodized structure, often progressing from general
fitness to sport-specific and high-intensity work, sometimes categorized as Base, Build, and
Specialty phases.
Base Phase - ANS Often the initial phase of a program, focusing on building a foundation of
general fitness, endurance, and strength with lower intensity and higher volume.
Build Phase - ANS This phase increases the intensity and volume of the training to build more
specific strength and muscle.
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,Specialty/Peak Phase - ANS The final phase focuses on high-intensity training with very low
volume, preparing the client for their specific goal or event.
Behavioral Change Stages - ANS Preparation, Action, and Maintenance, to help clients make
and sustain new habits.
Nutrient Timing Phases - ANS These refer to how a client fuels their body around training,
with phases like Energy, Anabolic, and Growth to support muscle recovery and glycogen
restoration.
Capillaries - ANS Tinv blood vessels located within the muscle fiber, play a crucial role in
facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Type I fibers - ANS Contain a significant number of capillaries, allowing for an efficient
delivery of oxygen to the working muscles.
Type II fibers - ANS Have a lower count of capillaries compared to Type I fibers.
Mitochondria - ANS Often known as the cell's 'powerhouse,' are responsible for converting
energy derived from carbohydrates and fatty acids into usable energy for the cell.
Myoglobin - ANS A protein found in the liquid of the muscle fiber, serves the specific purpose
of attracting and temporarily storing oxygen.
Mechanoreceptors - ANS Enable individuals to perceive touch and sensations such as
pressure, and monitor limb and muscle movement through proprioception.
Androgenic-anabolic steroids - ANS Imitate the effects of testosterone in the body which can
enhance strength and promote muscle growth.
Misuse of steroids - ANS Often misused by athletes and are prohibited by all major athletic
organizations.
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,Benefits of steroid use - ANS There are potential benefits associated with steroid use.
Health risks of steroids - ANS There are serious health risks associated with steroid use.
Common side effects of steroids - ANS Include acne, hair loss, and difficulty sleeping.
What does the principle of specific adaptation to imposed demands (SAID) state? - ANS The
body adapts to the specific demands placed upon it.
What is neuromuscular specificity? - ANS It refers to the use of different exercise speeds and
patterns to enhance neuromuscular efficiency.
What type of exercises are necessary for developing strength? - ANS Exercises with heavier
loads in a stable environment.
What is required for power development in exercises? - ANS Exercises with lower loads and
high-velocity contractions.
How does neuromuscular specificity relate to exercise performance? - ANS It emphasizes that
different exercise speeds and patterns can improve neuromuscular efficiency.
What is the most probable outcome if a client allows their elbows to lower and move forward
during the back squat exercise? - ANS The client will drop the barbell.
Why do raised elbows create support for the barbell during a back squat? - ANS They form
support with the rear deltoids and trapezius muscles.
What effect does raising the elbows have on barbell stability during a back squat? - ANS It
assists in pressing the barbell against the support to maintain stability.
3 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, Can a client lift a greater load if their elbows drop down during a back squat? - ANS No, it is
more likely that less weight can be lifted.
What is the incorrect assumption about the upper back when elbows drop during a back squat?
- ANS That the upper back will round; it is more likely to increase curvature.
What grip should a spotter use when assisting with the shoulder press or flat bench press? -
ANS A closed, alternated grip.
What is a closed, alternated grip? - ANS A grip where one hand is in a pronated grip and the
other hand is in a supinated grip, with thumbs wrapped around the bar.
What is a pronated grip? - ANS An overhand grip with palms facing down.
What is a supinated grip? - ANS An underhand grip with palms facing up.
Why is the alternated grip recommended for spotters? - ANS It offers the most secure option
for controlling the bar.
What role does a spotter play during a lift? - ANS The spotter helps with lift-off, returns the
bar to the rack, and assists if the lifter struggles.
What is a false grip? - ANS An open grip where the thumbs are placed on the same side of
the bar as the fingers.
Which muscle action is the most effective for muscle hypertrophy? - ANS Eccentric
Why is eccentric muscle action effective for hypertrophy? - ANS It leads to the most muscle
damage.
4 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
