Hi Jen,

 

Here are ten sample questions from the ACE Personal Trainer Sample Test (1999).  The answers are at the end.  I would include more but I type kinda slow (and sorry for any typos).  I took the exam on April 30 and passed.  Got my certificate about a week ago.  Now I need to get liability insurance and some clients!  I'd like to be independent rather than work for a club.  Prepare the best you can, paying special attention to working with clients with risk factors (heart disease, pregnant, etc).  I stressed over memorizing the names of muscles, but there was very little of that on the test.  A lot of the questions I found were "tricky", maybe not intentionally, but more than one answer seemed appropriate and you just have to choose the best one.  Memorize the calculations (bodyfat/lean tissue percentage, caloric percentages, heartrate, etc.) because there will probably be at least one question for each.  I prepared with the older manual (and study materials) and was still able to pass even though there were questions I knew were only covered in the 2003 manual.  I'm not sure if there are variants of the exam or if you'll be taking the exact same test I did.  In any case, study hard and good luck on your exam!  Let us know how you do.

 

1) Which rotator cuff muscle abducts the arm?

 

 A. Infraspinatus

 B. Supraspinatus

 C. Subscapularis

 D. Teres minor

 

2) Your client is training for a 10K race.  During training he generally runs between 45 and 60 minutes at 65 percent maximal VO2.  What are the primary energy substrates used by your client?

 

 I. Amino acids

 II. Creatine phosphate

 III. Glucose

 IV. Fatty acids

 

 A. I and II only

 B. I and IV only

 C. II and III only

 D. III and IV only

 

3) The BEST example of an attending behavior (nonverbal) during an exercise session would be:

 

 A. Kneeling next to your client to better observe a leg extension exercise

 B. Facing your client while simultaneously doing a squat exercise

 C. Demonstrating the correct range of motion for an upright row

 D. Indicating by touch which muscle should be contracting during a tricep extension exercise

 

4) A potential client has borderline hypertension, a family history of coronary heart disease, and elevated blood cholesterol levels.  As their trainer, you should:

 

 A. Have the cllient and spouse sign a waiver of any claim for any injury.

 B. Offer to train the individual, but request the advice of a more exeperienced trainer.

 C. Advise the client to obtain a physician's recommendations for physical activity.

 D. Offer the client a modified exercise program.

 

5) The MOST EFFECTIVE program for an overweight individual wishing to reduce body-fat percentage is to:

 

 A. Walk at a moderate brisk pace for 40 to 60 minutes per day, four to five days per week and perform an overall strength-training program two to three days per week

 B. Jog at least 5 mph for 20 to 30 minutes per day, three days per week and supplement his/her diet with lipotropic agents

 C. Jog/walk at least 4.5 mph for 30 minutes per day, three days per week

 D. Train for one hour, four to five days per week on a progressive-resistance weight-training program

 

6) A walker creates a caloric deficit by walking 3 miles, five times per week.  Assuming a 100-calorie-per-mile caloric expenditure, how many weeks would it take to lose 10 pounds?

 

 A. 7

 B. 16

 C. 20

 D. 23

 

7) The use of a weight-lifting belt in strength-training exercise:

 

 I. Provides noticeable improvements in strength

 II. Increases intra-abdominal pressure

 III. Increases support to the lumbar spine

 IV. Decreases blood pressure

 

 A. I and II only

 B. I and III only

 C. II and III only

 D. II and IV only

 

8) When working with a physician-cleared client who is 70 years old with borderline hypertension, which of the following precautions should you take?

 

 I. Avoid the Valsalva maneuver

 II. Lower resistance and increase repetitions

 III. Encourage isometric exercise

 IV. Monitor blood pressure regularly

 

 A. I and III only

 B. I and IV only

 C. I, II and IV only

 D. I, III and IV only

 

9) A comprehensive risk-management review should include all of the following EXCEPT:

 

 A. Identification of risk areas

 B. Identification of appropriate corrective actions

 C. Evaluation of specific risks in each area

 D. Advice on diagnosing simple injuries

 

10) A client's current program consists of 30 to 45 minutes of walking, four to five times per week.  In order to facilitate bodyfat loss, which of the following is the MOST appropriate modification to his program?

 

 A. Increase walking duration to a minumum of 45 minutes, five to six times per week

 B. Maintain walking program, add strength-conditioning component of eight to 15 repetitions at 70 percent maximum resistance

 C. Decrease walking duration, add strength-conditioning component of three to six repetitions at 80 percent maximum resistance

 D. Discontinue walking program and add strength-conditioning component that concentrates on muscle building with pyramid sets

 

 

ANSWERS

 

1)   B

2)   D

3)   A

4)   C

5)   A

6)   D

7)   C

8)   C

9)   D

10) B