NASM-CPT Client Relations and Behavior Change 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which document outlines the scope of practice and ethical guidelines for a NASM-CPT?
- HIPAA compliance form
- NASM Code of Professional Conduct (Correct answer)
- Informed consent
- Health history questionnaire
Correct answer: NASM Code of Professional Conduct
The NASM Code of Professional Conduct defines the professional responsibilities, ethical boundaries, and scope of practice for certified trainers.
Question 2: A personal trainer suspects a client may have an undiagnosed medical condition. The BEST action is to:
- Prescribe a modified exercise program immediately
- Diagnose the condition using fitness assessments
- Refer the client to an appropriate medical professional (Correct answer)
- Ignore the concern if the client feels fine
Correct answer: Refer the client to an appropriate medical professional
Referring clients to qualified healthcare providers when a medical concern arises is within the trainer's scope of practice and ensures client safety.
Question 3: The Par-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire) is primarily used to:
- Design the specific workout program
- Screen clients for contraindications to exercise (Correct answer)
- Measure cardiorespiratory fitness
- Assess body composition
Correct answer: Screen clients for contraindications to exercise
The PAR-Q is a pre-participation screening tool that identifies clients who may need medical clearance before beginning an exercise program.
Question 4: Extrinsic motivation in exercise refers to:
- Exercising because it is personally enjoyable
- Exercising for external rewards such as praise or prizes (Correct answer)
- The internal drive to improve fitness
- Emotional satisfaction from movement
Correct answer: Exercising for external rewards such as praise or prizes
Extrinsic motivation is driven by external factors—rewards, recognition, or avoiding negative consequences—rather than personal enjoyment.
Question 5: Which of the following is the BEST example of a trainer respecting client confidentiality?
- Sharing client progress photos on social media with permission (Correct answer)
- Discussing a client's health history with a colleague in the gym
- Posting a client's weight loss numbers publicly as a marketing tool
- Emailing a client's fitness data to another gym without consent
Correct answer: Sharing client progress photos on social media with permission
Sharing client information only with explicit written consent, such as posting progress photos the client approved, respects confidentiality and ethical standards.
Question 6: Rapport building with a new client is BEST achieved by:
- Immediately assigning a rigorous program to demonstrate expertise
- Listening attentively, using the client's name, and showing genuine interest (Correct answer)
- Discussing competitor trainers' shortcomings
- Focusing exclusively on physical assessments in the first session
Correct answer: Listening attentively, using the client's name, and showing genuine interest
Rapport is established through attentive listening, personalizing communication, and demonstrating empathy and genuine interest in the client's goals.
NASM-CPT Client Relations and Behavior Change 2
Which document outlines the scope of practice and ethical guidelines for a NASM-CPT?