NASM certification vs certificate
NASM offers a closed-book, proctored exam for its NCCA-accredited Certified Personal Trainer certification and an online, open-book Personal Trainer Certificate exam. Check the exam name in your NASM account before booking or buying preparation material.
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Compare NASM’s two exams
| Topic | Accredited CPT certification | Personal Trainer Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Testing conditions | Closed book and proctored by PSI, at a centre or online where available. | Open book, unproctored, and online only. |
| Length | 120 questions in two hours. | 100 questions in three hours. |
| Award | NASM Certified Personal Trainer certification. NASM identifies this programme as NCCA-accredited. | NASM Personal Trainer Certificate. |
| What to check | Use this path when the employer or insurer specifically requires an accredited certification. | Ask the employer or insurer whether it accepts this certificate for your role or policy. |
| TestCertify coverage | The TestCertify NASM-CPT kit covers the CPT7 accredited proctored exam. | Use NASM’s instructions for the certificate exam. |
Confirm the exam before you prepare
Start with NASM’s exam information and your own account. NASM says gyms and health clubs often require or prefer NCCA accreditation. Check the exact requirement with the organisation that will assess your credential. If your booking is for the accredited exam, the TestCertify NASM-CPT guides and sample ZIP can supplement NASM’s candidate materials.
Frequently asked questions
Is the NASM certificate exam proctored?
NASM describes the online Personal Trainer Certificate exam as unproctored and open book.
Which option does TestCertify cover?
The kit covers the NCCA-accredited, proctored NASM-CPT certification exam using CPT7.
Where should I check which exam I booked?
Confirm the exam name in your NASM account and use NASM’s official exam information to verify the delivery and requirements.