• 50 questions

AFAA Practice Test

Unofficial practice questions for the AFAA group fitness instructor exam, in the four domains of its blueprint.

Most joints in the adult body are freely movable and have a synovial membrane. What are these joints called?

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Exam mode: 30 questions, 30 minutes.

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). Bank checked October 7, 2026.

The real exam, as AFAA describes it

Questions
120
Time limit
120 minutes
Items
120 questions, each multiple choice with four answers. 20 are unscored pretest questions that cannot be told apart.
Content
Fundamentals of exercise science 27%; class design and planning 30%; class instruction and presentation 30%; professionalism 13%.
Passing score
A scaled score of 70 or higher, on a scale of 0 to 100.
Format
Computer-based.
To sit the exam
Current adult CPR and AED certification, shown before the exam.
Outline
AFAA-CGFI Exam Blueprint, from the practice analysis of 2020.

Checked October 7, 2026 against AFAA-CGFI Exam Blueprint and AFAA Candidate Handbook (updated 12/2025), Athletics and Fitness Association of America. Rules change, so confirm with the agency itself before your test.

AFAA's own exam information page

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All 50 questions

Fundamentals of exercise science 14

  • A horizontal plane divides the body into upper and lower parts. What is that plane called? SEER Training Modules, National Cancer Institute: Anatomical Terminology, Planes of the Body; blueprint Domain 1, k3
  • The hand lies at the far end of the forearm from the trunk. Which directional term means farthest from the trunk? SEER Training Modules, National Cancer Institute: Anatomical Terminology, Directional Terms; blueprint Domain 1, k3
  • How many calories does one gram of fat provide? USDA National Agricultural Library, Food and Nutrition Information Center: Frequently Asked Questions, How many calories are in one gram of fat, carbohydrate, or protein?; blueprint Domain 1, k4
  • In the federal activity guidelines' glossary, what is adaptation? Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Glossary, Adaptation; blueprint Domain 1, k6
  • Most joints in the adult body are freely movable and have a synovial membrane. What are these joints called? SEER Training Modules, National Cancer Institute: Articulations, whole page; blueprint Domain 1, k1
  • One MET is the rate of energy expenditure in which state? Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Glossary, Metabolic equivalent of task; blueprint Domain 1, k4
Show all 50 questions (44 more)

Fundamentals of exercise science, continued

  • What is external respiration? SEER Training Modules, National Cancer Institute: Introduction to the Respiratory System, whole page; blueprint Domain 1, k2
  • What makes an activity bone-strengthening, in the guidelines' glossary? Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Glossary, Bone-strengthening activity; blueprint Domain 1, k7
  • What typically attaches a skeletal muscle to a bone? SEER Training Modules, National Cancer Institute: Structure of Skeletal Muscle, whole page; blueprint Domain 1, k1
  • Where does the right ventricle pump blood? SEER Training Modules, National Cancer Institute: Circulatory Pathways, whole page; blueprint Domain 1, k2
  • Which chamber of the heart is the pump for the systemic circuit, which supplies the tissue cells of the body? SEER Training Modules, National Cancer Institute: Circulatory Pathways, whole page; blueprint Domain 1, k2
  • Which muscle group runs from the sacrum to the skull and extends the vertebral column to keep posture erect? SEER Training Modules, National Cancer Institute: Muscles of the Trunk, whole page; blueprint Domain 1, k1
  • Which structure sets the basic rhythm of the heartbeat and is called the pacemaker of the heart? SEER Training Modules, National Cancer Institute: Physiology of the Heart, whole page; blueprint Domain 1, k2
  • Which type of muscle is attached to bones and is under conscious, voluntary control? SEER Training Modules, National Cancer Institute: Muscle Types, whole page; blueprint Domain 1, k1

Class design and planning 15

  • A stretch class sets its objective. How does the guidelines' glossary define flexibility? Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Glossary, Flexibility; blueprint Domain 2, k20
  • At what noise exposure, as an 8-hour time-weighted average, does OSHA require employers to run a hearing conservation program? Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Occupational Noise Exposure, Overview, Standards; blueprint Domain 2, k27
  • For a strength class, how hard do the guidelines say muscle-strengthening exercises should be performed? Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Chapter 4, Muscle-Strengthening Activity; blueprint Domain 2, k18
  • For the balance exercises in an older-adult class, which safety step does the National Institute on Aging give? National Institute on Aging: Three Types of Exercise Can Improve Your Health and Physical Ability, Balance exercises for older adults; blueprint Domain 2, k21
  • The guidelines name three components of aerobic activity. Which set is it? Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Glossary, Aerobic physical activity; blueprint Domain 2, k14
  • How does MedlinePlus say to cool down after exercise? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: How to avoid exercise injuries, Warm up and Cool Down; blueprint Domain 2, k17
  • What does a warm-up for a muscle-strengthening segment commonly involve, by the guidelines? Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Chapter 4, Warm-Up and Cool-Down; blueprint Domain 2, k16
  • What weekly range of moderate-intensity aerobic activity do the key guidelines give adults for substantial health benefits? Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Key Guidelines for Adults; blueprint Domain 2, task A, k19
  • When a class series gets harder over time, which three things does MedlinePlus say not to increase all at once? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: How to avoid exercise injuries, Listen to Your Body; blueprint Domain 2, task H
  • You are asked to plan an after-school program. How much moderate-to-vigorous activity should children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 get each day? Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Key Guidelines for Children and Adolescents; blueprint Domain 2, k12
  • You are drawing up a weekly cardio timetable. Across at least how many days a week do the guidelines say aerobic activity should preferably be spread? Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Chapter 4, How Many Days a Week and for How Long?; blueprint Domain 2, k14
  • You are writing the description of an interval class. How do the guidelines list high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the absolute scale? Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Chapter 4, Table 4-1; blueprint Domain 2, k12
  • You design a class series for adults who have been inactive. What approach do the guidelines give for inactive people? Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Key Guidelines for Safe Physical Activity; blueprint Domain 2, task G
  • You plan brisk walking as the movement prep before a jog-based class. When may warm-up time count toward the aerobic key guidelines? Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Chapter 4, Warm-Up and Cool-Down; blueprint Domain 2, task B, k16
  • Your class description promises "moderate intensity". On the absolute scale, what MET range is moderate? Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Glossary, Intensity; blueprint Domain 2, task A

Class instruction and presentation 15

  • A participant with diabetes becomes shaky, sweaty and unclear in her thinking mid-class. Which problem do these symptoms match on MedlinePlus? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Low blood sugar, Symptoms; blueprint Domain 3, task E, k42
  • A participant's lower back curves inward more than normal as she stands. What is the lumbar spine's inward curve called? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Lordosis - lumbar, opening definition; blueprint Domain 3, k39
  • By MedlinePlus, what share of maximum heart rate is the target for vigorous exercise? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Give your heart a workout, Track Your Target Heart Rate; blueprint Domain 3, k43
  • By the National Institute on Aging, aerobic activity should NOT cause which of these? National Institute on Aging: Three Types of Exercise Can Improve Your Health and Physical Ability, Aerobic exercises for older adults; blueprint Domain 3, task E, k42
  • In a warm room a participant has cool, moist skin, heavy sweating, dizziness and nausea. Which condition do these later symptoms describe? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Heat emergencies, Symptoms; blueprint Domain 3, k42
  • On an effort scale of 0 to 10, where does vigorous intensity begin? Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Glossary, Vigorous-intensity physical activity; blueprint Domain 3, k44
  • The same routine leaves one participant breathless and another barely working. Which kind of intensity takes a person's own fitness into account? Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Glossary, Intensity; blueprint Domain 3, task E
  • Two people do the same activity. By the guidelines, who is more likely to be injured? Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Chapter 2, Adverse Events; blueprint Domain 3, task F
  • What caution does MedlinePlus give about taking a pulse at the neck? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Pulse, How the Test is Performed; blueprint Domain 3, task H, k44
  • What first aid does MedlinePlus give for a person who may have heat illness? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Heat emergencies, First Aid; blueprint Domain 3, task I, k46
  • Which class format does the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists say to avoid in pregnancy because it may cause overheating? American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Exercise During Pregnancy (frequently asked questions), What exercises should I avoid during pregnancy?; blueprint Domain 3, task G
  • Which posture term describes a rounding of the back that leads to a slouching or hunchback posture? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Kyphosis, opening definition; blueprint Domain 3, k39
  • Which warning sign does the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists list as a reason for a pregnant participant to stop exercising and call her ob-gyn? American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Exercise During Pregnancy (frequently asked questions), What are warning signs that I should stop exercising?; blueprint Domain 3, task E
  • You lead an outdoor class in cold weather. How does the National Institute on Aging say to dress? National Institute on Aging: Exercising Outdoors: Safety Tips for Older Adults, Tips for exercising in cold weather; blueprint Domain 3, task I, k46
  • You teach participants to take a pulse at the wrist. Where do the index and middle fingers go? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Pulse, How the Test is Performed; blueprint Domain 3, task H, k44

Professionalism 6

  • A participant asks you to work out what is wrong with her painful hip. By AFAA's published scope of practice, what does a group fitness instructor do? AFAA Candidate Handbook (updated 12/2025), Group Fitness Instructor: Scope of Practice, Introduction; blueprint Domain 4, task C, k51
  • In a negligence claim, what does the standard of care usually ask? Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School: Wex, standard of care, definition; blueprint Domain 4, task D, k52
  • In adult CPR as MedlinePlus describes it, how many chest compressions are given before 2 rescue breaths? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: CPR - adult and child after onset of puberty, First Aid; blueprint Domain 4, task G, k55
  • Loud music is an occupational hazard for instructors. What does OSHA say about hearing loss from loud noise? Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Occupational Noise Exposure, Overview, Health Effects; blueprint Domain 4, task F, k59
  • To help prevent overuse injuries in your own teaching week, what does MedlinePlus advise? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: How to avoid exercise injuries, Cross Train; blueprint Domain 4, task F, k59
  • You plan to record a class set to popular songs and post it online. What does the U.S. Copyright Office say about using another artist's music? U.S. Copyright Office: What Musicians Should Know about Copyright, Using Someone Else's Work; blueprint Domain 4, task A, k47 and k54

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the four domains of the AFAA-CGFI Exam Blueprint of the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (https://2494739.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2494739/AFAA/AFAA%20CGFI%20Exam%20Blueprint/AFAA%20CGFI%20Exam%20Blueprint.pdf, linked from https://www.afaa.com/courses/exam-information, read 2026-10-07): Fundamentals of Exercise Science 27%; Class Design and Planning 30%; Class Instruction and Presentation 30%; Professionalism 13%. The bank holds 14, 15, 15 and 6. Every fact was read on 2026-10-07 in a public source named under the question: the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (odphp.health.gov), MedlinePlus (medlineplus.gov), the SEER Training Modules of the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute on Aging, the USDA National Agricultural Library, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, OSHA, the U.S. Copyright Office, Wex at law.cornell.edu and the scope of practice in the AFAA Candidate Handbook. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

This free AFAA practice test follows the AFAA-CGFI exam blueprint, with 50 questions of our own across its four domains. It is unofficial practice, not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA).

Read the full guide

The four domains

Fundamentals of exercise science is 27% of the blueprint, class design and planning 30%, class instruction and presentation 30% and professionalism 13%. The bank's 14, 15, 15 and 6 questions follow those shares. Blueprint read October 7, 2026.

A timed run

AFAA gives two hours for 120 questions, a minute each. Exam mode asks 30 questions in 30 minutes.

Sources

Muscles, joints, heart and lungs are answered from the National Cancer Institute's anatomy modules, class design from the federal Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, and posture and warning signs from MedlinePlus.

Questions and answers

Is this AFAA practice test free?

It is free and needs no account. Each answer comes with the reason and the name of the public source, so you can open the source and check it.

Are these AFAA's own practice questions?

No. AFAA's own practice exams come with its course packages, and nothing here is drawn from them or from its study guide. These AFAA practice tests are our own bank, and a good score here is no promise about the real exam.

How many questions are on the AFAA group fitness exam?

120, each with four answer choices. 20 of them are unscored pretest questions that look like the rest, according to AFAA's candidate handbook.

What score passes the AFAA certification exam?

A scaled score of 70 or higher on a scale of 0 to 100, according to AFAA's candidate handbook. A scaled score is not the percent right, so no pass mark is shown on this page.

Is this an AFAA group exercise practice test?

Yes. AFAA's certificate is the Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and its blueprint also calls the job a group exercise professional. This bank follows that one blueprint.

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