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Nasm-Pes-Testing-Programming60 questions
Nasm-Pes-Anatomy-Physiology52 questions
Nasm-Pes-Olympic-Lifting-Injury52 questions
Nasm-Pes-Nutrition-Psychology36 questions
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NASM PES Exam

100

Exam Questions

Multiple-choice

70%

Passing Score

NASM

90 min

Time Limit

NASM

$699-849

Course + Exam

NASM packages

3

Attempts Included

With course purchase

Open-book

Exam Format

Online proctored

The NASM PES exam has 100 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit and a 70% passing score. Content areas include: Anatomy and Physiology for Sport, Sports Performance Testing and Assessment, Integrated Training and Programming, Olympic Lifting and Injury Prevention, and Nutrition and Sports Psychology. Open-book online exam format with 3 attempts included.

About the NASM PES Exam

The NASM PES (Performance Enhancement Specialist) certification is designed for fitness professionals working with athletes to improve sport performance. The exam covers anatomy and physiology for sport, sports performance testing and assessment, integrated training and programming, Olympic lifting, injury prevention, sports nutrition, and performance psychology.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

90 minutes

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$699-$849 (NASM / PSI)

NASM PES Exam Content Outline

20%

Anatomy and Physiology for Sport

Muscular, cardiovascular, and skeletal adaptations to training; biomechanics; energy systems; muscle fiber types; hormonal responses

20%

Sports Performance Testing and Assessment

Fitness assessments, power testing, speed and agility evaluation, movement screening, interpretation of results

25%

Integrated Training and Programming

OPT Model phases 5-6 (Strength and Maximal Power), periodization, plyometrics, speed-agility-quickness (SAQ), sport-specific training

20%

Olympic Lifting and Injury Prevention

Olympic lifts (clean, snatch), landing mechanics, corrective exercise, overuse injury prevention, emergency procedures

15%

Nutrition and Sports Psychology

Sports nutrition, hydration, ergogenic aids, supplements, performance psychology, goal setting, motivation techniques

How to Pass the NASM PES Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 90 minutes
  • Exam fee: $699-$849

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NASM PES Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master OPT Model Phases 5 (Strength) and 6 (Maximal Power) — know the acute variables for sets, reps, intensity, tempo, and rest periods
2Understand muscle fiber types (Type I, IIa, IIx) and their characteristics related to sport performance
3Know the three energy systems: ATP-PC, glycolytic, and oxidative — and which sports rely on each
4Study Olympic lift progressions: hang clean → power clean → full clean; overhead squat → snatch balance → full snatch
5Learn common movement compensations and their corrective exercise strategies
6Understand plyometric intensity levels and appropriate volume prescriptions
7Review sports nutrition: macronutrient timing, hydration strategies, and ergogenic aids

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NASM PES certification?

The NASM PES (Performance Enhancement Specialist) is an advanced specialization for fitness professionals who work with athletes to improve sport performance. It covers sport science, performance testing, advanced program design using NASM's OPT Model Phases 5-6, Olympic lifting, injury prevention, sports nutrition, and performance psychology.

How many questions are on the NASM PES exam?

The NASM PES exam has 100 multiple-choice questions. You have 90 minutes to complete the exam and need 70% (70 correct answers) to pass. The exam is delivered online as an open-book format.

What are the prerequisites for the NASM PES exam?

NASM recommends having a NASM-CPT certification or equivalent personal training certification before taking PES. You must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. The course and exam bundle costs $699-$849 depending on promotions and package options.

What is the exam format for NASM PES?

The NASM PES exam is an online, open-book exam delivered through NASM's learning platform. You have 90 minutes to answer 100 questions. The exam includes 3 attempts with your course purchase. A passing score of 70% is required to earn the credential.

How does NASM PES differ from NASM CPT?

NASM CPT focuses on general population fitness, corrective exercise, and the full OPT Model (Phases 1-5). NASM PES is designed specifically for athletes and focuses on advanced training (Phases 5-6), sport performance testing, Olympic lifting, and sport-specific programming. PES builds on CPT knowledge.

What careers can NASM PES support?

NASM PES supports careers as a performance coach, strength and conditioning coach, sports performance specialist, or athletic trainer assistant. PES-certified professionals work with competitive athletes, sports teams, collegiate programs, and performance training facilities. This credential pairs well with CSCS for strength and conditioning careers.