100+ Free FSEM DipExM Practice Questions

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Sample FSEM DipExM Practice Questions

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

1According to current UK NHS guidance for adults aged 19–64, what is the recommended weekly target for moderate-intensity aerobic activity?

A.At least 150 minutes of moderate activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity

B.At least 60 minutes spread over the week

C.At least 300 minutes of light activity only

D.At least 30 minutes once per week only

Explanation: UK CMO/NHS adult guidance recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or an equivalent combination. Adults should also do muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days and reduce sedentary time.

2UK physical activity guidance for adults recommends muscle-strengthening activities that work major muscle groups on how many days each week?

A.At least 1 day

B.At least 2 days

C.At least 5 days

D.Every day without exception

Explanation: NHS/CMO adult guidance advises strengthening activities for all major muscle groups on at least two days a week, in addition to the aerobic volume target. Strength work can occur on the same or different days as aerobic activity.

3Which statement best reflects the talk test for moderate-intensity aerobic activity?

A.You can sing comfortably throughout the activity

B.You cannot say more than a few words without pausing

C.You can talk but not sing

D.Breathing rate does not change

Explanation: Moderate intensity typically raises heart rate and breathing so that conversation is possible but singing is difficult. Vigorous intensity usually prevents saying more than a few words without pausing for breath.

4In population epidemiology, which groups are typically at increased risk of physical inactivity?

A.Only elite athletes during off-season

B.Only children under five years

C.Only people living in rural areas

D.People with socioeconomic disadvantage, disability, and some long-term conditions

Explanation: Physical inactivity risk is multifactorial. Socioeconomic disadvantage, disability, older age, and many long-term conditions are associated with lower activity participation; clinicians should identify higher-risk populations and individual drivers of inactivity.

5Which measurement approach typically captures habitual free-living activity with less recall bias than a single 7-day questionnaire, but may miss water-based activity?

A.Waist-worn accelerometer or activity monitor

B.Self-report IPAQ alone without devices

C.Maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test only

D.Resting ECG only

Explanation: Device-based monitors such as accelerometers objectively capture movement patterns and reduce recall bias compared with questionnaires, though they have limitations (for example swimming, cycling cadence, or non-wear). Questionnaires and CPET answer different clinical questions.

6Physical inactivity contributes most directly to population burden of which group of conditions?

A.Only acute fractures from contact sport

B.Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers

C.Only rare genetic myopathies

D.Only occupational overuse tendinopathies

Explanation: Physical inactivity is a major modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and poorer mental health. Exercise medicine emphasises prevention and treatment roles of activity across health systems.

7Which set best exemplifies multifactorial determinants that can reduce physical activity participation?

A.Only VO2max percentile

B.Only resting heart rate

C.Sociocultural norms, environment, biomedical limitations and behaviour

D.Only shoe brand preference

Explanation: FSEM Subject 1 expects understanding that barriers and facilitators are sociocultural, biomedical, environmental and behavioural. Addressing only one domain often fails to change population or individual activity levels.

8WHO global recommendations for adults emphasise regular aerobic activity plus which additional component?

A.Complete avoidance of all resistance training

B.Mandatory daily maximal interval training

C.Replacement of all walking with bed rest after age 40

D.Muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week

Explanation: WHO adult recommendations align with UK practice in combining aerobic volume targets with muscle-strengthening on two or more days weekly, while also advising reduced sedentary behaviour. They do not require daily maximal HIIT for all adults.

9A clinician wants a quick screen of whether an adult meets aerobic guidelines. Which approach best applies guideline knowledge in clinic?

A.Estimate weekly moderate/vigorous minutes and strengthening days against CMO targets

B.Ask only about competitive sports participation

C.Order CPET for every inactive patient before any advice

D.Advise complete rest until a specialist SEM clinic review

Explanation: Applying guidelines clinically means comparing reported or measured activity against CMO targets (aerobic minutes and strengthening days) and exploring barriers. CPET is selective; inactivity alone does not mandate specialist rest advice.

10Sedentary behaviour advice in UK adult guidance primarily encourages people to:

A.Replace all sitting with continuous vigorous exercise only

B.Reduce time spent sitting or lying and break up long periods of inactivity

C.Sit continuously for recovery after any walking

D.Ignore sitting time if weekly gym sessions occur

Explanation: UK adult guidance explicitly advises reducing sitting/lying time and breaking up long inactive periods, in addition to meeting aerobic and strengthening targets. Meeting gym targets does not fully offset risks of prolonged sedentary time.

About the FSEM DipExM Exam

The FSEM UK Diploma in Exercise Medicine (DipExM / DipExMed) assesses knowledge and clinical application of exercise medicine in health and disease for multiprofessional candidates (doctors, physiotherapists, nurse practitioners and other AHPs). The official syllabus covers seven subject areas: physical activity guidelines and epidemiology; physiology of exercise and nutrition; physical activity in long-term conditions; special groups; behaviour change; risks and contraindications; and a systems approach. Successful candidates may apply for Diplomate Membership of FSEM and use the DFSEM(UK) post-nominal after membership ratification. Maximum of six attempts; held normally once yearly.

Assessment

One written examination of 180 single best answer (SBA) questions delivered as two 90-minute papers on the same day with a 15-minute comfort break. Remotely invigilated online; all candidates sit at the same UK time. Assesses knowledge and clinical problem-solving in exercise medicine relevant to UK primary and secondary care. It is not a stand-alone licence to practise Sport and Exercise Medicine.

Time Limit

180 minutes total (two papers of 90 minutes) plus a 15-minute comfort break between papers.

Passing Score

No fixed percentage. Combined paper marks are standard-set each diet using a modified Angoff method against a competent community-practitioner standard; the pass mark therefore varies by sitting.

Exam Fee

£296 for all FSEM UK diplomas at the time of verification (subject to annual review). Confirm the current fee on the FSEM website before applying. (Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK (FSEM))

FSEM DipExM Exam Content Outline

12%

Physical Activity Guidelines and Epidemiology

Population trends, determinants, barriers, WHO/UK CMO guidelines, measurement tools and NCD prevention.

18%

Physiology of Exercise and Nutrition in Health and Disease

Energy pathways, intensity, adaptations, training, environments, tests, disease physiology and medications.

22%

Physical Activity in Long Term Conditions

Benefits, prescription, contraindications, barriers and screening across major chronic disease groups.

12%

Special Groups and Considerations

Disability, pregnancy/postpartum, children and young people, and older adults.

14%

Behaviour Change Theories

Motivational interviewing, self-efficacy, goals, relapse prevention and supportive service design.

14%

Risks and Contraindications

Risk assessment, red flags, further investigation, overtraining and energy deficiency.

Systems Approach

Global systems recommendations, clinical service design for PA, and governance.

How to Pass the FSEM DipExM Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: No fixed percentage. Combined paper marks are standard-set each diet using a modified Angoff method against a competent community-practitioner standard; the pass mark therefore varies by sitting.
Assessment: One written examination of 180 single best answer (SBA) questions delivered as two 90-minute papers on the same day with a 15-minute comfort break. Remotely invigilated online; all candidates sit at the same UK time. Assesses knowledge and clinical problem-solving in exercise medicine relevant to UK primary and secondary care. It is not a stand-alone licence to practise Sport and Exercise Medicine.
Time limit: 180 minutes total (two papers of 90 minutes) plus a 15-minute comfort break between papers.
Exam fee: £296 for all FSEM UK diplomas at the time of verification (subject to annual review). Confirm the current fee on the FSEM website before applying.

Keys to Passing

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

FSEM DipExM Study Tips from Top Performers

1Map revision to the seven official FSEM syllabus subjects and prioritise clinical application (guidelines in long-term conditions, special groups, and risk assessment) rather than isolated physiology facts.

2Learn UK CMO/NHS physical activity targets for adults, older adults, children and pregnancy, including muscle-strengthening and sedentary-behaviour advice, because many SBAs test guideline application.

3Practise motivational interviewing and behaviour-change scenarios (readiness, self-efficacy, goal type, relapse prevention) because Subject 5 is heavily applied rather than theory-only.

4Use BASEM revision materials and the FSEM reading list (including Brukner & Khan Volume 2 and exercise physiology texts) as self-directed preparation; the diploma itself is examination-only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FSEM Diploma in Exercise Medicine?

It is the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK's postgraduate diploma examination assessing knowledge and clinical application of exercise medicine in health and disease. It is relevant to UK primary and secondary care but is not a stand-alone qualification to practise as a Sport and Exercise Medicine clinician.

How is the DipExM exam formatted?

The examination consists of 180 single best answer questions over 180 minutes, delivered as two 90-minute papers on the same day with a 15-minute comfort break. It is held online with remote invigilation at a single UK time for all candidates.

What is the pass mark and how much does it cost?

There is no fixed percentage pass mark; FSEM uses modified Angoff standard setting each sitting and combines marks from both papers. All FSEM UK diplomas currently cost £296, subject to annual review—confirm on the FSEM website before booking.

Who is eligible and what post-nominals apply?

Eligible candidates typically include doctors registrable with the GMC or Irish Medical Council, physiotherapists (CSP/HCPC), nurse practitioners, and other allied health professionals—confirm eligibility with FSEM if unsure. Successful candidates may apply for Diplomate Membership and, after ratification, use DFSEM(UK).