NASM CPT guideExam, cost, and logistics
How to Schedule the NASM CPT Exam: PSI, In Person or Remote
NASM-CPT exams are booked through NASM's student portal and delivered by PSI at a test center or by live remote proctor. Here are the steps and the 24-hour rules.
Short answer
After you buy the NASM-CPT exam or a program, scheduling usually opens within one to two business days. In NASM's Student Portal, open Proctored Exams, find the exam under Unscheduled and click Schedule. That takes you to PSI's site, where you choose a test center or live remote proctoring and a time at least 24 hours away. PSI emails your confirmation. Changes also need 24 hours' notice, and a missed exam counts as a failed attempt.
Steps to book the NASM CPT exam with PSI
NASM sells the exam, and PSI, an independent testing company, delivers it. This sequence follows NASM's candidate handbook (updated 9/2025) and exam information page, checked on October 17, 2026.
- Buy the exam or a program. NASM creates your candidate profile at purchase. Make sure the name matches your government-issued photo ID exactly, with no nicknames. The 180-day testing window starts now.
- Request accommodations first, if you need them. NASM recommends getting approval before you register for a date and asks you to allow at least 30 days.
- Get your CPR/AED certification lined up. You must show a current card at check-in. The eligibility guide covers which providers NASM names.
- Wait for scheduling access. It typically opens within one to two business days of signing up.
- Start in the Student Portal. Open the Proctored Exams menu, go to the Unscheduled tab, choose the exam and click Schedule.
- Book on PSI's site. You are redirected to the Proctor Candidate website to choose in person or remote and pick a time. The appointment must be at least 24 hours away.
- Watch for PSI's email. PSI sends the confirmation with the date, time and, for test centers, the location.
Outside the United States, if your country is not available for online booking, NASM asks you to contact Member Services. The handbook warns that this route can take four to six weeks.
In person or live remote proctor for the NASM CPT
Both options use the same exam and the same rules on ID and CPR/AED. The differences are in the room.
| Factor | PSI test center | Live remote proctor |
|---|---|---|
| Where you sit | A PSI location | Your own private room |
| Equipment | Provided | A working webcam and microphone. NASM recommends running a system compatibility check before exam day |
| Security check | The proctor confirms you are on the roster, and you initial it | A room scan showing no papers on the desk or walls and no one else present |
| Leaving the room | Not allowed, though a proctor may make a strict exception. The clock keeps running | Not allowed unless an approved accommodation covers it |
| ID and CPR/AED card | Checked by the proctor | Checked by the proctor |
| If something closes | PSI reschedules at no charge when weather or another emergency closes the site | The handbook does not address remote technical problems |
Choose a test center if your home has no quiet room you can keep to yourself for two hours. Choose remote if travel is the bigger risk and your setup passes the system check. Booking availability for both depends on demand, so the handbook advises registering well in advance. The NASM CPT exam day guide covers check-in for each option.
The NASM 24-hour lines, worked through
Two 24-hour rules apply. You must book at least 24 hours before your chosen time, and you can cancel or reschedule only up to 24 hours before your appointment. After that line, the appointment cannot be changed.
Jordan, a fictional candidate, books a live remote exam for Thursday at 9:00 a.m.
| When Jordan acts | What NASM's rules allow |
|---|---|
| Monday afternoon | Change or cancel in the portal under Proctored Exams, Scheduled, Modify. Any new time must be at least 24 hours away |
| Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. | Still more than 24 hours out, so a change is allowed |
| Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | Less than 24 hours out. The appointment can no longer be modified |
| Thursday, arrives late | Not admitted. Must reschedule within 180 days of the original date and pay the Late Cancellation Fee |
| Thursday, does not show up | Exam fee forfeited. Treated as a failed attempt, so NASM's retest rules apply, including buying a retest |
Check the time and time zone in PSI's confirmation email so your own deadline matches theirs. The fees involved are listed in the NASM CPT cost guide.
When NASM waives a late arrival or missed exam
NASM may, at its sole discretion, waive the Late Cancellation Fee or forgive a missed exam for specific circumstances: serious illness of the candidate or an immediate family member, a death in the immediate family, a disabling traffic accident, a court appearance or jury duty, or an unexpected military call-up. You need to send a letter describing what happened, with supporting documents, postmarked within 10 business days of the exam date.
If NASM or PSI cancels the appointment, you can reschedule within 180 days of the original date without a rescheduling fee. The handbook adds that NASM gives no refunds in that situation and does not cover costs such as travel.
Fitting the booking inside the NASM 180-day window
NASM gives you 180 days from purchase to prepare, get your CPR/AED certification and take the exam. Program extensions can be bought from Member Services. A sensible plan books a date well before day 180, so a reschedule still fits inside the window. If you do need a second attempt, the NASM CPT retake guide explains the waiting periods.
Trust the source
Official sources
Exam policies can change. Use these primary sources for the most current details.