ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

How long should the Queens College Step Test be performed for?

1. 2 minutes

2. 3 minutes

3. 5 minutes

4. 10 minutes

The correct answer is: 3 minutes

The Queens College Step Test is designed to assess cardiovascular fitness and is specifically performed for a duration of three minutes. This time frame is chosen to elicit a consistent heart rate response, which is essential for evaluating an individual's aerobic capacity. During the test, the participant steps up and down on a 16.25-inch high platform at a specific cadence, allowing for a controlled assessment of their heart rate response to a standardized exercise intensity. The use of three minutes strikes a balance between providing enough workload to gauge cardiovascular response accurately while not being excessively strenuous, which might impact the reliability of the results. After the completion of the three-minute stepping period, the participant’s heart rate is measured, typically taken one minute after finishing the test. This timing allows for the determination of how well the heart and lungs are functioning and can provide insights into the individual’s fitness level. The other durations presented, such as two, five, or ten minutes, do not align with the established protocol for this specific test.