Free Practice Questions for NASM CPT Exam

The NASM CPT7 Study Guide states that one of the skeletal system’s core functions is to provide the rigid framework that supports the body and serves as levers for movement when acted upon by muscles. Specifically, “Human bones act as attachment sites and levers (rigid rods) to produce movement when muscles contract.” Muscles generate the force, but it is the skeletal structure—through the interaction of bones, joints, and connective tissues—that converts that force into purposeful motion. This lever system can be first-, second-, or third-class, with most human movements involving third-class levers. The other options describe the functions of different body systems: generating internal tension is the role of the muscular system, responding to external stimuli is primarily the nervous system’s role, and kinesthetic motor control involves integration between the nervous and muscular systems. Thus, the primary skeletal function relevant here is acting as levers in conjunction with muscle contractions to facilitate movement.

NASM lists the behind-the-neck lat pulldown as a contraindicated exercise for all clients due to the unnatural shoulder and cervical spine positioning it requires. Pulling the bar behind the head forces the shoulders into extreme external rotation and horizontal abduction, increasing the risk of impingement and neck strain. The guide recommends safer alternatives such as the front lat pulldown or pull-ups, which allow proper scapular movement and maintain neutral cervical alignment.

When working with overweight or obese clients, exercise positions should optimize comfort, breathing, and movement efficiency while minimizing orthopedic stress. NASM’s program design recommendations favor upright or incline positions for resistance training when possible, especially for those who may experience discomfort or breathing restriction in prone (face down) or supine (lying flat) positions. For a row, starting in a standing position—such as with cables, resistance bands, or a machine—allows the client to maintain spinal alignment, engage the core, and breathe freely, while accommodating a larger body mass. Side-lying and prone positions may be physically uncomfortable and limit range of motion for overweight individuals.

Stabilization-level reactive (plyometric) exercises in the OPT model are designed to improve neuromuscular efficiency, which NASM defines as the ability of the nervous system to coordinate muscles to produce force, reduce force, and stabilize in all planes of motion.

These exercises (e.g., squat jump with stabilization, box jump-down with stabilization) focus on proper landing mechanics, balance, and posture, rather than maximum power output.

While rate of force production (Option C) and amortization phase improvements occur in higher training phases, Phase 1 reactive training is about enhancing control and coordination. Prime mover strength (Option A) is not the primary goal here. Therefore, the correct answer is neuromuscular efficiency.

NASM’s scope of practice clearly states that personal trainers cannot diagnose medical conditions or prescribe treatments. When a client expresses symptoms such as persistent hunger and fatigue, which could indicate various medical issues (including but not limited to diabetes), the correct and ethical response is to refer them to a qualified healthcare professional.

Saying “That means you haven’t eaten enough today” (Option A) is speculative and assumes a cause without evidence. Suggesting a possible diagnosis such as “consistent with diabetes” (Option C) steps outside the trainer’s scope of practice. Recommending performance supplements (Option D) without first ruling out underlying health issues is inappropriate and potentially unsafe. By encouraging the client to consult a doctor, the trainer remains within scope, ensures client safety, and upholds professional responsibility.

Davis’s law is a principle in human movement science that explains how soft tissue adapts structurally to the stresses placed upon it. NASM describes it as “soft tissue will model along the lines of stress,” meaning that muscles, tendons, and fascia will align and reorganize based on the direction and type of physical forces they experience. This is important in corrective exercise because chronic poor posture, repetitive movements, or imbalances can cause soft tissue to remodel in a way that reinforces dysfunction. For example, if a muscle remains shortened for prolonged periods, collagen fibers may lay down in shortened patterns, limiting flexibility and altering joint mechanics. The other answer options describe different principles: poor neuromuscular efficiency (effect of chronic shortening), altered reciprocal inhibition (C), and the path of least resistance concept in movement compensation (D).