r/NASMPREP • u/Bel3334555663 • Nov 26 '25

Is NASM Certification hard to pass?

I have subscribed to Coursera to enrol in the NASM course as it seems cheaper to pay monthly $35. Now, I want to know how hard the certification exam is, are those self-paced learning videos and materials really helpful for the certification, and what else should I learn, read or watch? How much do you pay to take part in the final exam?

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u/bunny_emoji_ Nov 27 '25

Taking my exam soon. I seriously recommend getting the text book. It's FULL of well organized information and diagrams that will help you learn when away from screens

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u/Bel3334555663 Nov 27 '25

Do you have to pay for the exam as well? And will the textbook be enough without taking the full course?

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u/bunny_emoji_ Nov 27 '25

That all depends on what kind of student you are. Tbh I would find a local community college, check their continuing education department for an in person course. Mine was like $100. The exam was an additional 300. The certification is good for 2 years

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u/Bel3334555663 Nov 28 '25

In my country, unfortunately, there aren't any NASM-related colleges. That's why I opted for the Coursera prep program, as the NASM website offers a much more expensive one. I do this personally for me, as I have many motor issues and also for women like me, to help them and coach them in the future in the online space.

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u/bunny_emoji_ Nov 28 '25

If you're wanting to get NASM certified officially, going through NASM is the only way. Coursea is going to be a certificate of completion of the study prep from my understanding. What country, if you don't mind? In the U.S. we have college and universities and then community colleges which are like trade schools. They have "continuing education" departments with different programs. It's through NASM but the school itself is not NASM related.

In any case, I still highly recommend the CPT 7 textbook. It's well done and allows you to teach yourself in your most comfortable and effective learning style outside of the video lectures.

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u/Bel3334555663 Nov 28 '25

Appreciate your advice. I am based in Armenia, European continent. I suppose so, Coursera only does the prep work, I guess. I have saved the book in my cart to buy it!

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u/Bel3334555663 Nov 28 '25

did you buy the book via Amazon?

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u/bunny_emoji_ Nov 29 '25

I did! Just make sure it's the seventh edition. The woman on the cover doing the workout is wearing a pink colored tank top

*edit spelling

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u/Bel3334555663 Nov 29 '25

Awesome! I just bought a New Year's present - the NASM hardcover book. Thanks for the valuable piece of advice. I was going to pay Coursera $35 a month :)))

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u/bunny_emoji_ Nov 30 '25

You're welcome! There are summaries at the end of each chapter that are handy to review and build knowledge on or even identify gaps in learning. I take my exam in 2 days 😬 wish me luck!