ACSM CPT UPDATED Exam Questions
and CORRECT Answers
When should a personal trainer administer a PAR-Q to a client - CORRECT ANSWER -
before the fitness evaluation
A personal trainer is conducting a 12 min walk test. Approx. 10 minutes into the test, the client
reports they are starting to feel discomfort in their chest. The client indicates that they would like
to continue. Which of the following is the most appropriate recommendation? - CORRECT
ANSWER -Suspend the test
During the preparticipation screening, a client presents the following
Physical activity: jogs 2-3 times per week at 70% of HRR for 20 minutes
Current medication: high blood pressure medication
Health history:
-A physical examination was conducted 10 months ago.
- Family physician cleared the client to exercise at that time.
Goal: Participate in a marathon for the first time in 6 months.
Which is appropriate to perform next? - CORRECT ANSWER -Select and administer an
aerobic endurance test when the client is ready
Necessary paperwork to be completed by the client prior to the initial client interview -
CORRECT ANSWER -1. ACSM exercise Pre-participation health screening questionnaire
2. PAR-Q+
3. Medical clearance form (be sure to include HIPPA)
,4. Trainer-Client contract
5. Organizational policies and procedures
Components and prep for initial consultation - CORRECT ANSWER -1. Use new client
intake form to qualify client
2. Assess compatibility, goals, scope, style, and schedule
3. Exchange contact information (including emergency contact) and identify schedule
preferences
4. Discuss medical considerations and limitations, assess risk and need for MD release form
5. Schedule initial client consult
6. Provide service intro package
risk factors for cardiovascular disease - CORRECT ANSWER -Being overweight
Physical inactivity
Smoking
High blood pressure
Diabetes mellitus
Inflammation
Signs and symptoms of chronic cardiovascular, metabolic, and/or pulmonary disease -
CORRECT ANSWER -- pain, discomfort (or other anginal equivalent) in the chest, neck,
jaw, arms, or other areas that may result from ischemia
-Shortness of breath at rest or with mild exertion
- Dizziness or syncope
- Orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
-Ankle edema
-Palpitations or tachycardia
-Intermittent claudication (pain in muscle that occurs with an inadequate blood supply)
- Known heart murmur
, -Unusual fatigue or shortness of breath with usual activities
S.M.A.R.T. - CORRECT ANSWER -Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely
goal setting - CORRECT ANSWER -connecting goals to deeper motivation; adopt a being
curious attitude; ask clients what they are willing to do; create manageable weekly goals between
sessions; focus on what's working
social support - CORRECT ANSWER -Participation of similar niches
Community-based programs
Appropriate music and intensity level
Fun
Socioeconomic Model - CORRECT ANSWER -
Readiness to Change Model - CORRECT ANSWER -1. Precontemplation -->
Contemplation
2. Contemplation --> Preparation
3. Preparation --> Action
4. Action --> Maintenance
Social Cognitive Theory - CORRECT ANSWER -1. Individual's emotion, personality,
cognition, biology
2. Individuals behavior (past and current achievement)
3. Individual's Environment (physical, social, cultural)
* All interact to influence future behavior
* Center of SCT is self efficacy
and CORRECT Answers
When should a personal trainer administer a PAR-Q to a client - CORRECT ANSWER -
before the fitness evaluation
A personal trainer is conducting a 12 min walk test. Approx. 10 minutes into the test, the client
reports they are starting to feel discomfort in their chest. The client indicates that they would like
to continue. Which of the following is the most appropriate recommendation? - CORRECT
ANSWER -Suspend the test
During the preparticipation screening, a client presents the following
Physical activity: jogs 2-3 times per week at 70% of HRR for 20 minutes
Current medication: high blood pressure medication
Health history:
-A physical examination was conducted 10 months ago.
- Family physician cleared the client to exercise at that time.
Goal: Participate in a marathon for the first time in 6 months.
Which is appropriate to perform next? - CORRECT ANSWER -Select and administer an
aerobic endurance test when the client is ready
Necessary paperwork to be completed by the client prior to the initial client interview -
CORRECT ANSWER -1. ACSM exercise Pre-participation health screening questionnaire
2. PAR-Q+
3. Medical clearance form (be sure to include HIPPA)
,4. Trainer-Client contract
5. Organizational policies and procedures
Components and prep for initial consultation - CORRECT ANSWER -1. Use new client
intake form to qualify client
2. Assess compatibility, goals, scope, style, and schedule
3. Exchange contact information (including emergency contact) and identify schedule
preferences
4. Discuss medical considerations and limitations, assess risk and need for MD release form
5. Schedule initial client consult
6. Provide service intro package
risk factors for cardiovascular disease - CORRECT ANSWER -Being overweight
Physical inactivity
Smoking
High blood pressure
Diabetes mellitus
Inflammation
Signs and symptoms of chronic cardiovascular, metabolic, and/or pulmonary disease -
CORRECT ANSWER -- pain, discomfort (or other anginal equivalent) in the chest, neck,
jaw, arms, or other areas that may result from ischemia
-Shortness of breath at rest or with mild exertion
- Dizziness or syncope
- Orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
-Ankle edema
-Palpitations or tachycardia
-Intermittent claudication (pain in muscle that occurs with an inadequate blood supply)
- Known heart murmur
, -Unusual fatigue or shortness of breath with usual activities
S.M.A.R.T. - CORRECT ANSWER -Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely
goal setting - CORRECT ANSWER -connecting goals to deeper motivation; adopt a being
curious attitude; ask clients what they are willing to do; create manageable weekly goals between
sessions; focus on what's working
social support - CORRECT ANSWER -Participation of similar niches
Community-based programs
Appropriate music and intensity level
Fun
Socioeconomic Model - CORRECT ANSWER -
Readiness to Change Model - CORRECT ANSWER -1. Precontemplation -->
Contemplation
2. Contemplation --> Preparation
3. Preparation --> Action
4. Action --> Maintenance
Social Cognitive Theory - CORRECT ANSWER -1. Individual's emotion, personality,
cognition, biology
2. Individuals behavior (past and current achievement)
3. Individual's Environment (physical, social, cultural)
* All interact to influence future behavior
* Center of SCT is self efficacy
