NASM CPT Assessment Practice Questions
Assessment makes up 8 of every 50 questions on a Tigertest NASM CPT practice test. Here are 10 of the 32 questions on it, each with the answer and the reason.
Updated by the Tigertest team. Based on NASM's CPT7 exam blueprint. Original questions, not affiliated with NASM; 50 per test with a 70% pass line.
1. Which screening questionnaire helps identify clients who need medical clearance before exercise?
- A.Borg CR10
- B.PAR-Q+
- C.RPE scale
- D.SMART form
Answer: B. The PAR-Q+ screens for conditions that call for medical clearance before starting or increasing physical activity. The RPE scale rates effort.
2. During the overhead squat assessment, the client's feet turn out. Which muscles are likely overactive?
- A.Anterior and posterior tibialis
- B.Rectus abdominis and the obliques
- C.Gluteus maximus and medius
- D.Soleus and lateral gastrocnemius
Answer: D. Feet turning out points to overactive soleus, lateral gastrocnemius and short head of the biceps femoris, with underactive medial gastrocnemius and medial hamstrings.
3. During the overhead squat, the knees move inward. Which muscles are likely underactive?
- A.Gluteus medius and maximus
- B.Latissimus dorsi and pecs
- C.Adductor complex and TFL
- D.Soleus and lateral gastrocnemius
Answer: A. Knee valgus suggests underactive gluteus medius and maximus with overactive adductors, TFL and biceps femoris short head.
4. During the overhead squat, the arms fall forward. Which muscles are likely overactive?
- A.Rhomboids and the rotator cuff
- B.Gluteus medius and maximus
- C.Latissimus dorsi and pectorals
- D.Middle and lower trapezius
Answer: C. Arms falling forward suggests overactive latissimus dorsi, teres major and pectorals, with underactive middle and lower trapezius, rhomboids and rotator cuff.
5. During the overhead squat, the low back arches. Which muscles are likely overactive?
- A.Transversus abdominis and multifidus
- B.Medial gastrocnemius and gracilis
- C.Hip flexors and erector spinae
- D.Gluteus maximus and hamstrings
Answer: C. A low back arch points to overactive hip flexors, erector spinae and latissimus dorsi, with underactive glutes, hamstrings and deep core muscles.
6. During the overhead squat, the client shows excessive forward lean. Which muscle is likely underactive?
- A.Anterior tibialis
- B.Hip flexor complex
- C.Lateral gastrocnemius
- D.Soleus
Answer: A. Excessive forward lean suggests overactive calves and hip flexors with underactive anterior tibialis, gluteus maximus and erector spinae.
7. From which view should a trainer check whether the feet turn out during the overhead squat?
- A.Overhead view
- B.Lateral view
- C.Posterior view only
- D.Anterior view
Answer: D. The feet and knees are checked from the front (anterior view). The lateral view is used for forward lean, low back arch and arms falling forward.
8. Rounded shoulders and a forward head posture describe which postural distortion pattern?
- A.Lateral pelvic tilt
- B.Upper crossed syndrome
- C.Lower crossed syndrome
- D.Pronation distortion
Answer: B. Upper crossed syndrome shows rounded shoulders and a forward head, with tight pecs and upper traps and weak deep neck flexors and lower traps.
9. An anterior pelvic tilt with an arched low back is typical of:
- A.Kyphotic posture
- B.Lower crossed syndrome
- C.Upper crossed syndrome
- D.Pronation distortion
Answer: B. Lower crossed syndrome shows an anterior pelvic tilt and increased lumbar curve, with tight hip flexors and erector spinae and weak glutes and abdominals.
10. Flat feet, knee valgus and externally rotated feet are typical of:
- A.Lower crossed syndrome
- B.Excessive supination syndrome
- C.Upper crossed syndrome
- D.Pronation distortion syndrome
Answer: D. Pronation distortion syndrome shows excessive foot pronation, knees moving inward and feet turning out.
Practice all 32 assessment questions, and the rest of the 200-question bank, in the free NASM CPT training sets. Questions you miss come back until you have mastered them.
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