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The CSPS exam has 110 questions and runs 2 hours 30 minutes.
These 10 free CSPS questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Certified Special Population Specialist blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
A client with emphysema becomes markedly breathless when pedaling faster, even though pulse-oximetry readings change little. The respiratory therapist attributes this to air trapping. Which abnormality explains that finding?
Correct answer: D - Reduced elastic recoil allows small airways to collapse during expiration.
At 5 p.m., a client with type 1 diabetes finishes 45 minutes of moderate cycling with a glucose reading of 138 mg/dL. At 2 a.m., a finger-stick check confirms a reading of 58 mg/dL. Meals and prescribed insulin doses were unchanged. In reviewing this event with the diabetes team, which exercise effect makes the delayed low glucose physiologically plausible?
Correct answer: C - Increased insulin sensitivity persists after activity, prolonging glucose uptake while injected insulin remains active.
For several months, a client has developed calf cramping after walking roughly the same distance. The discomfort resolves within a few minutes of standing still; sitting or bending forward is unnecessary. There is no swelling or pain at rest. The client also has a history of lumbar spinal stenosis. The symptom pattern is most consistent with:
Correct answer: B - Intermittent claudication from peripheral artery disease
After exercising in a warm pool, a client with multiple sclerosis notices the return of familiar blurred vision and foot dragging. Blood pressure is unchanged, and there is no fever. The symptoms fully resolve after 30 minutes of rest and cooling. What mechanism best fits this brief recurrence?
Correct answer: C - Heat-related slowing of conduction in already demyelinated pathways
A 19-year-old distance runner is being evaluated for recurrent tibial bone-stress injuries and five months without a menstrual period. She reports restricting food intake, but her body mass has remained stable and her BMI is 22 kg/m². She says, 'I cannot be under-fueled because I have not lost weight.' Her stable body mass is best interpreted as:
Correct answer: A - Compatible with low energy availability affecting reproductive and skeletal function
A 38-year-old man's lumbar-spine DXA report gives a T-score of -2.7 and a Z-score of -2.3. He has no history of fragility fracture. Which summary accurately conveys the finding without overstating the diagnosis?
Correct answer: A - Bone density is below the expected range for age; these results alone do not establish osteoporosis.
A six-minute walk assessment records 310 meters at baseline using a cane and 365 meters at follow-up using a newly prescribed rollator. The course, instructions, medication regimen, and oxygen conditions are unchanged. Which statement belongs in the progress summary?
Correct answer: D - More distance was covered with a different walking aid; the change cannot be attributed to training alone.
A client has completed cardiac rehabilitation after a myocardial infarction and continues to take metoprolol. The discharge exercise prescription specifies 50% of heart rate reserve. On the current dose, resting heart rate is 64 beats/min and a recent symptom-limited exercise test reached 144 beats/min. A test performed before metoprolol was started reached 176 beats/min. Which target implements the discharge prescription?
Correct answer: B - 104 beats/min
A breast cancer survivor has stable, treated arm lymphedema and clearance for supervised resistance exercise. For three weeks, she has used 1-kg weights with the affected arm and 3-kg weights with the unaffected arm, with controlled technique and no increase in swelling or heaviness. The affected arm now handles its load easily. Her goal is to carry groceries. How should training advance?
Correct answer: A - Increase resistance modestly and monitor the arm during and after training.
During arm cycling, a client with a T4 spinal cord injury develops a pounding headache and flushing above the injury level. Blood pressure is 134/80 mmHg; the usual resting pressure is 96/60 mmHg. Exercise has stopped, and a colleague is activating the emergency action plan. What should the CSPS do while help is being obtained?
Correct answer: B - Sit the client upright, lower the legs, and loosen restrictive clothing.
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