NASM FNS study plan

Define the scope of practice and professional boundaries of a nutrition coach, listing five situations that require referral to a registered dietitian or physician

Explain how the six classes of nutrients are digested, absorbed, and transported, and state the caloric yield of each macronutrient

Describe the role of the small intestine, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas in digestion, and identify the primary site of absorption for each macronutrient

Summarize the components and purpose of a nutrition assessment, including anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, and dietary intake data

Practice calculating BMI and estimating resting metabolic rate from height, weight, age, and sex using standard equations

Compare 24-hour recall, food frequency questionnaire, and food diary methods, and identify two strengths and two limitations of each

Interpret a sample lipid panel and basic metabolic panel, and flag values outside common reference ranges

Explain energy balance, including the components of total daily energy expenditure and how each contributes to daily burn

Describe how macronutrient distribution ranges are applied and calculate grams of carbohydrate, protein, and fat from a given calorie target

Identify signs of inadequate or excessive intake for key micronutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin D, and B12

Explain the stages of change model and give a coaching response appropriate to each stage

Demonstrate active listening and motivational interviewing techniques by writing reflective statements in response to three client scenarios

Identify the limits of a nutrition coach's scope when a client discloses a medical condition, eating disorder history, or medication use

Describe professional responsibilities including confidentiality, documentation, informed consent, and continuing education

Outline how to set SMART goals collaboratively with a client and build a follow-up schedule

Describe strategies for building rapport and adapting communication style across diverse client populations and health literacy levels

Explain the coach's role in supporting adherence, including self-monitoring, social support, and relapse prevention

Identify ethical boundaries around selling supplements, making medical claims, and using testimonials

Summarize the importance of interprofessional collaboration and when to refer out

Apply behavior-change theory to a client who has plateaued, and write a revised action plan

Describe the acute variables of training, including intensity, volume, rest interval, tempo, and exercise selection, and state how each is manipulated

Explain the five phases of the OPT model and the acute variables appropriate to each

Demonstrate proper form cues and common errors for the squat, hinge, push, pull, and lunge movement patterns

Describe warm-up and cool-down components and their physiological rationale

Identify regression and progression options for at least three common exercises

Design a two-week sample training program that applies OPT phase variables to a stated client goal

Explain how training volume and intensity should be sequenced across a mesocycle to manage fatigue and support adaptation

Describe how nutrition timing and macronutrient distribution can support training goals without exceeding scope of practice

Identify when a client's training or nutrition plan warrants medical clearance or referral

Evaluate a sample program for adherence to OPT variables and revise any mismatches

Map every domain to a personal list of weak topics and rank them by exam weight and confidence level

Complete at least 60 practice questions across all domains and log the rationale for each missed item

Re-teach the three weakest topics in writing, as if explaining them to a client

Review the scope-of-practice and referral rules until you can state them without notes

Recheck all calculations from weeks 1 and 2 for accuracy

Complete two timed full-length practice exams and compare scores by domain

Review every missed item from both exams and rewrite the underlying concept in one sentence each

Recite the scope-of-practice boundaries, referral triggers, and OPT phase variables from memory

Finalize a one-page summary sheet of formulas, ranges, and coaching models

Plan exam-day logistics and a final 48-hour review schedule