ACSM Certified Personal Trainer - 010-111 Exam Questions [2026]

QUESTION NO: 1
Which person would most likely experience intrinsic reinforcement?

A. Pete, age 27, who started his resistance training regimen to increase muscle mass one month ago. B. Alexis, age 49, who has been swimming for 6-months three times a week, to increase her cardiovascular endurance. C. Anna, age 54, who has a weight loss goal and has been walking three times a week for a month. D. Jane, age 30, who commenced her exercise program 2 weeks ago.

Correct Answer: B

QUESTION NO: 2
Which of the following indicates the correct order for a traditional periodization program for resistance training?

A. strength/power, peaking, recovery, hypertrophy B. hypertrophy, strength/power, peaking, recovery C. hypertrophy, peaking, strength/power, recovery D. strength/power, hypertrophy, recovery, peaking

Correct Answer: B

QUESTION NO: 3
What is the ACSM recommendation for an effective strength training program for a menopausal client?

A. 10-15 repetitions per set of moderate to vigorous intensity for 8-10 major muscle groups B. 6-10 repetitions per set of light intensity for 6-8 major muscle groups C. 8-10 repetitions per set at 75-80% 1 RM for 2-3 major muscle groups D. 8-10 repetitions per set at 50% 1 RM for 12-15 major muscle groups

Correct Answer: A

QUESTION NO: 4
The ACSM recommended exercise prescription for developing and maintaining muscular strength and endurance for health and fitness includes a minimum of:

A. 1-2 sets of 8-15 repetitions using 50-85% of the 1 repetition maximum (RM) for exercises that train the major muscle groups of the upper and lower body. B. 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions using 80% of the 1 repetition maximum (RM) for exercises that train the major muscle groups of the upper and lower body. C. 1 set of 8-12 repetitions using 8-10 exercises that train the major muscle groups of the upper and lower body. D. 2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions alternating days between upper and lower body exercises.

Correct Answer: C

QUESTION NO: 5
Which of the following exercises is contraindicated by the American College of Sports Medicine?

A. Trunk extensions B. Seated hip/trunk flexion C. Unsupported hip/trunk flexion D. Pelvic tilt

Correct Answer: C

QUESTION NO: 6
"I have been thinking about starting an exercise program, but there never seems to be enough time," is an example of which stage in the Transtheoretical Model?

A. Preparation B. Precontemplation C. Action D. Contemplation

Correct Answer: D

QUESTION NO: 7
Which of the following is the correct sequence of events when starting the process for exercise prescription for a new client?

A. Have the client perform a fitness assessment, obtain a medical history, give lifestyle counseling, interpret the data, prescribe exercise. B. Obtain a medical history, have the client perform a risk factor assessment, interpret the data, prescribe exercise, give lifestyle counseling. C. Obtain a medical history, have the client perform a risk factor assessment, administer fitness tests, interpret the data, prescribe exercise. D. Have the client perform a risk factor assessment, obtain a medical history, administer fitness tests, prescribe exercise and interpret the data.

Correct Answer: C

QUESTION NO: 8
The acronym IDEA includes which of the following steps to solve a problem?

A. Developing a list of solutions B. Analyzing the consequences C. Evaluating the client's response D. Identifying the client's response

Correct Answer: A

QUESTION NO: 9
Following a 12 week aerobic conditioning program, an individual running at a submaximal workload would be expected to have a(n) ______ circulating blood lactate level as compared to the value obtained at that same absolute workload prior to the conditioning program.

A. somewhat lower B. substantially higher C. somewhat higher D. equivalent

Correct Answer: A

QUESTION NO: 10
What is the correct spotting technique of the seated barbell shoulder press?

A. Keep hands in an alternate grip position close to the bar, and assist only when necessary. B. Keep hands in an alternate grip position on the bar. C. Keep hands underneath your client's elbows and assist only when necessary. D. Wrap your arms around and underneath your client's arms.

Correct Answer: A

QUESTION NO: 11
What is the term used to describe the body's ability to utilize oxygen during exercise?

A. Anaerobic threshold B. Lactate threshold C. Oxygen consumption D. Anaerobic capacity

Correct Answer: C

QUESTION NO: 12
Together, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine recommend that every US adult should accumulate _____ minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all days of the week.

A. 20 B. 60 C. 30 D. 15

Correct Answer: C