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ACSM-EPFree Certified Exercise Physiologist practice test
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10 real ACSM-EP practice questions with instant answers and explanations — no account, no credit card, no email. Score yourself, then unlock the full bank of 600 questions whenever you’re ready. The ACSM-EP passing score is 550 / 800 scaled.
What is the primary purpose of pre-participation health screening before beginning an exercise program?
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All 10 ACSM-EP questions & answers
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Q1. What is the primary purpose of pre-participation health screening before beginning an exercise program?
Correct answer: A. To identify individuals who may need medical clearance or referral before increasing physical activity
Pre-participation screening is used to identify individuals who should seek medical clearance, referral, or further evaluation before starting or increasing exercise, not to diagnose disease.
Q2. Under the ACSM risk stratification model, an asymptomatic client with two or more cardiovascular disease risk factor thresholds is classified as which risk category?
Correct answer: B. Moderate risk
Asymptomatic individuals with no known cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease but two or more CVD risk factor thresholds are classified as moderate risk.
Q3. One MET represents a resting oxygen consumption of approximately:
Correct answer: C. 3.5 mL/kg/min
One metabolic equivalent (MET) is defined as approximately 3.5 mL of oxygen consumed per kilogram of body weight per minute, the average resting VO2 for a seated adult.
Q4. The sit-and-reach test is primarily used to assess:
Correct answer: D. Flexibility of the hamstrings and lower back
The sit-and-reach test is a field measure of hamstring and lower back flexibility.
Q5. Per current ACSM risk factor thresholds, a resting blood pressure reading that counts as a positive cardiovascular risk factor is one confirmed on at least two separate occasions of:
Correct answer: A. Systolic >=130 mmHg or diastolic >=85 mmHg
ACSM risk factor criteria classify systolic blood pressure of at least 130 mmHg or diastolic of at least 85 mmHg, confirmed on two separate occasions, as a positive risk factor (or being on antihypertensive medication).
Q6. Which body composition assessment method is generally considered a reference (criterion) standard against which field methods such as skinfolds are validated?
Correct answer: B. Hydrostatic (underwater) weighing or DXA
Hydrostatic weighing and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) are considered reference/criterion methods used to validate less direct field techniques like skinfolds and BIA.
Q7. Before performing a 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) strength test, an exercise physiologist should ensure the client:
Correct answer: C. Completes a specific warm-up and practices proper lifting technique on the test movement
A proper warm-up and familiarization with correct technique reduce injury risk and improve the validity of 1-RM testing.
Q8. A client walks on a level treadmill at 3.5 mph (approximately 93.8 m/min). Using the ACSM walking metabolic equation (VO2 = 0.1 x speed + 3.5, in mL/kg/min at 0% grade), what is the estimated VO2?
Correct answer: D. 12.9 mL/kg/min
VO2 = (0.1 x 93.8) + 3.5 = 9.38 + 3.5, which is approximately 12.9 mL/kg/min.
Q9. A waist circumference measurement that places a male client at increased health risk according to ACSM guidelines is:
Correct answer: A. Greater than 102 cm
A waist circumference greater than 102 cm (40 in) in men (88 cm/35 in in women) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
Q10. During a graded exercise test, which of the following is an ABSOLUTE indication to terminate the test?
Correct answer: B. A drop in systolic blood pressure of 10 mmHg or more from baseline despite an increase in workload, accompanied by other signs of ischemia
A sustained drop in systolic BP of 10 mmHg or more with increasing workload, accompanied by other evidence of ischemia, is an absolute indication to stop a graded exercise test; without accompanying ischemic signs it is only a relative indication.
Exam facts and objectives sourced from the official ACSM certification page. Last reviewed June 2026.
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