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100+ Free SFG I Practice Questions

Pass your StrongFirst SFG I Kettlebell Instructor exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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What does the SFG I credential signify?

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: SFG I Exam

100

Snatch Test Reps

StrongFirst

5 min

Snatch Test Time

StrongFirst

6

Fundamental Lifts

StrongFirst

3 days

Event Length

StrongFirst

2 years

Credential Validity

StrongFirst

25-35%

Failure Rate

StrongFirst

The StrongFirst SFG I is a 3-day in-person kettlebell instructor certification covering six fundamental lifts (swing, get-up, clean, press, snatch, squat), a 100-rep snatch test in 5 minutes (men 24 kg / women 16 kg standard; varies by body weight, age, and gender), and teaching practicals. Pass-fail with a 25-35% failure rate. Credential is valid 2 years and costs about $1,295 per event. Candidates should already be pressing a pair of 24 kg (men) or 16 kg (women) bells for sets of 5 before they attend.

Sample SFG I Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your SFG I exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What does the SFG I credential signify?
A.StrongFirst Girya Level I — Russian kettlebell instructor certification
B.Strength Federation General Level I — barbell instructor
C.StrongFirst Gym certification for facility operators
D.Sport Fitness Generalist Level I
Explanation: SFG stands for StrongFirst Girya (Russian for 'kettlebell'). The SFG I is StrongFirst's Level 1 kettlebell instructor certification, founded by Pavel Tsatsouline.
2How long is the SFG I certification event?
A.1 day
B.2 days
C.3 days
D.5 days
Explanation: The SFG I is a 3-day intensive certification weekend covering the six fundamental kettlebell lifts, the snatch test, teaching practicums, and StrongFirst principles.
3Which six lifts are tested at the SFG I certification?
A.Swing, get-up, clean, press, snatch, squat
B.Swing, jerk, push press, snatch, long cycle, deadlift
C.Deadlift, swing, clean, jerk, snatch, windmill
D.Get-up, windmill, bent press, swing, snatch, sots press
Explanation: The six SFG I fundamentals are the kettlebell swing, get-up, clean, military press, snatch, and front/goblet squat. Mastery is tested in a technique skill test on day 3.
4What is the snatch test for a male SFG I candidate weighing 80 kg (under 100 kg)?
A.100 reps in 5 minutes with a 24 kg kettlebell
B.100 reps in 5 minutes with a 20 kg kettlebell
C.100 reps in 10 minutes with a 32 kg kettlebell
D.50 reps in 3 minutes with a 24 kg kettlebell
Explanation: Men weighing 68–100 kg (150–221 lb) must complete 100 snatches in 5 minutes with a 24 kg kettlebell. Reps from both arms count toward the total of 100.
5What is the snatch test weight for a female SFG I candidate weighing 70 kg?
A.8 kg
B.12 kg
C.16 kg
D.20 kg
Explanation: Women over 59 kg (130 lb) must complete 100 snatches in 5 minutes with a 16 kg kettlebell. Women up to 59 kg test with a 12 kg bell.
6How long is the SFG I credential valid before recertification is required?
A.1 year
B.2 years
C.3 years
D.5 years
Explanation: The SFG credential is valid for 2 years. Recertification requires passing the skill tests and snatch test again, typically at a User Course or recert event.
7Which of the following best describes the hardstyle swing?
A.A squat-pattern lift driven by knee extension
B.A hip-hinge lift driven by an explosive glute snap with passive arms
C.A continuous, smooth rocking motion to conserve energy
D.A shoulder-dominant lift powered by the deltoids
Explanation: The hardstyle swing is a hip-hinge dominant ballistic. The kettlebell is projected by an explosive hip extension and glute contraction at the top; the arms remain passive and connect the bell to the hips.
8At the top of a hardstyle swing, where should the kettlebell stop?
A.Overhead with arms locked out
B.Roughly chest height with arms straight and a strong plank-like position
C.At forehead height, arms slightly bent
D.At hip height, arms passive
Explanation: At the top of the hardstyle swing the bell floats to roughly chest/shoulder height with straight arms while the body forms a 'standing plank' — glutes, abs, and quads contracted, ribs down.
9Why are the lats actively engaged during a hardstyle swing?
A.To pull the bell higher than the chest
B.To 'pack' the shoulder and keep the bell close to the body during the backswing
C.To stretch the rotator cuff
D.To allow the arms to relax fully
Explanation: The lats stabilize and 'pack' the shoulder, keeping the arms connected to the torso and the bell close on the backswing. This protects the shoulder and improves power transfer.
10Which breathing pattern matches a single hardstyle swing rep?
A.Inhale at the top, exhale at the bottom
B.Inhale on the backswing, sharp exhale at the top
C.Hold the breath throughout the set
D.One full breath every three reps
Explanation: Biomechanical breathing match: inhale on the descent/backswing (eccentric/loading), short forceful exhale ('tsss') at the top of the swing when force is highest. This is power breathing.

About the SFG I Exam

Level 1 kettlebell instructor certification from StrongFirst. The SFG I is a 3-day in-person event culminating in a six-lift technique test and a 100-rep snatch test in 5 minutes. Failure rates run 25-35% even among prepared candidates, so build the press strength and snatch test capacity months ahead.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

3-day event (snatch test 5 minutes)

Passing Score

Pass/fail standards on six skill tests + 100-rep snatch test

Exam Fee

$1,295 (typical) (StrongFirst Inc. (founded by Pavel Tsatsouline))

SFG I Exam Content Outline

40%

Six Fundamental Lifts

Skill test of swing, get-up, clean, press, snatch, and front/goblet squat at SFG technique standard

30%

Snatch Test

100 snatches in 5 minutes with the candidate's category-appropriate bell

20%

Teaching, Cueing, and Safety

Practicals on demonstration, cueing, progressions, regressions, bailouts, and scope of practice

10%

StrongFirst Principles

Tension, biomechanical breathing match, joint mobility, irradiation, strength as a skill, narrow-and-deep philosophy

How to Pass the SFG I Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Pass/fail standards on six skill tests + 100-rep snatch test
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 3-day event (snatch test 5 minutes)
  • Exam fee: $1,295 (typical)

Keys to Passing

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

SFG I Study Tips from Top Performers

1Build the snatch test FIRST - aim to hit 100 reps in 5:00 at least 4 weeks before the event so you arrive with buffer
2Press strength is the silent killer - work the StrongFirst press programs (Right of Passage, Plan Strong) until your test bell is comfortable for sets of 5
3Drill the get-up daily with a shoe on the fist and a light bell - position quality, not load, is what is tested
4Practice coaching real people through swings and get-ups - the teaching practical is tested, not just your own lifts
5Memorize the SFG technique standards (rack position, lockout, plank-top swing, snatch hand insertion) - judges look for specific checkpoints

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the StrongFirst SFG I snatch test?

The SFG I snatch test is 100 kettlebell snatches in 5 minutes with a category-appropriate bell. Men 68-100 kg test with 24 kg; women over 59 kg with 16 kg; lighter, Masters (50-64), and Seniors (65+) categories use smaller bells. Seniors do 50 reps in 3 minutes. Reps from both arms count toward 100.

What are the six lifts tested at SFG I?

The SFG I tests the swing (10 reps per side), get-up (1 per side), double clean (5), military press (5 per side), double front squat (5), and snatch (5 per side). Each rep must meet StrongFirst hardstyle technique standards.

What does the SFG I cost and how long is the event?

The SFG I is a 3-day in-person event with tuition around $1,295 (varies by region and date). The credential is valid for 2 years, after which a recertification (skill test + snatch test) is required.

What are the SFG I prerequisites?

Candidates are expected to arrive with foundational proficiency. Men should comfortably press a pair of 24 kg kettlebells for multiple sets of 5; women a pair of 16 kg bells. Candidates should also be close to their snatch-test standard before the event. There are no formal academic prerequisites.

What is the SFG I failure rate?

StrongFirst publicly states a 25-35% failure rate even among well-prepared candidates. The snatch test and the strict technique standards on the six lifts are non-negotiable. Most candidates who fail miss the snatch test or commit a no-rep on lockout, rack, or get-up position.

Is the SFG I prep on this page as good as Pavel's books?

Our 100 free practice questions reinforce the same hardstyle principles taught in Enter the Kettlebell, Simple & Sinister, and at the SFG I event itself - tension, breathing, irradiation, the six lifts, and the snatch test standards. Pair it with hands-on practice and an SFG-certified coach. Every question has a detailed explanation, plus 10 free AI tutor interactions daily, all free forever.