FMS Level 1 study guide
FMS Level 1 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The FMS Level 1 credential certifies that a professional can administer the Functional Movement Screen - a seven-movement screen used to flag gross movement limitations and asymmetries before training or rehabilitation progresses. It is aimed at strength coaches, personal trainers, physical therapists, athletic trainers, chiropractors, and students entering those fields who want a shared, repeatable language for observing fundamental movement. The FMS Level 1 study guide has 10 sections and about 3,544 words.
01Functional Movement Screen background, purpose, and scoring philosophy
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a seven-pattern screening tool created by Gray Cook and Lee Burton. It is not a fitness test, a diagnostic exam, or a performance benchmark.
360 words, about 2 min02Deep Squat screening and scoring
The Deep Squat is the first of the seven FMS patterns. It is a bilateral, symmetrical test of hip, knee, and ankle mobility, thoracic extension, shoulder flexion, and core stability.
400 words, about 2 min03Hurdle Step screening and scoring
The Hurdle Step is a bilateral single-leg stance pattern. It tests hip and knee mobility, ankle stability, pelvic control, and core stability while stepping over a hurdle.
346 words, about 2 min04Inline Lunge screening and scoring
The Inline Lunge tests single-leg stance, hip and knee mobility, ankle stability, and trunk control in a split stance. Measure the tibia from the floor to the tibial tuberosity.
354 words, about 2 min05Shoulder Mobility screening and scoring
The Shoulder Mobility pattern tests bilateral shoulder flexion, extension, internal and external rotation, and scapular control. Measure hand length from the distal wrist crease to the tip of the middle finger.
348 words, about 2 min06Active Straight-Leg Raise screening and scoring
The Active Straight-Leg Raise tests hamstring flexibility, hip mobility, pelvic control, and core stability. The patient lies supine with arms at the sides, palms up, and head on the floor.
342 words, about 2 min07Trunk Stability Push-Up screening and scoring
The Trunk Stability Push-Up tests sagittal trunk stability, core control, and scapular stability. The patient lies prone with hands shoulder-width apart.
354 words, about 2 min08Rotary Stability screening and scoring
The Rotary Stability pattern tests rotary core stability, coordination, and control in a quadruped position. The patient is positioned with hips and knees at 90 degrees, ankles dorsiflexed, and shoulders over the hands.
346 words, about 2 min09Clearance tests and pain provocation rules
Clearing tests are pain provocation tests used with three FMS patterns. They are not scored as separate items.
348 words, about 2 min10Scoring interpretation, asymmetry, and movement pattern prioritization
The FMS total is the sum of the seven pattern scores, using the lower score for bilateral patterns. The total alone is not a diagnosis or a pass/fail result.
346 words, about 2 min