AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

Which acronym describes effective goal-setting criteria?

1. SMART

2. FAST

3. GOALS

4. CHART

The correct answer is: SMART

The acronym SMART is widely recognized for its effective goal-setting criteria. Each letter in SMART stands for a specific characteristic that helps in creating clear and achievable goals: - **Specific**: Goals should be clear and specific, answering the questions of who, what, where, when, and why. This clarity helps individuals understand exactly what is expected and focus efforts effectively. - **Measurable**: It's important to quantify goals so that progress can be tracked. Measurable criteria provide tangible evidence of progress and accomplishments, helping maintain motivation. - **Achievable**: Goals should be realistic and attainable, considering the resources and constraints one faces. Setting achievable goals ensures that individuals are challenged but not set up for failure. - **Relevant**: Goals must align with broader objectives and aspirations, ensuring that they matter to the individual and contribute towards their overall success. - **Time-bound**: Establishing a deadline for goal completion fosters a sense of urgency and commitment, facilitating planning and prioritization of tasks. By adhering to the SMART criteria, individuals can significantly improve their likelihood of successfully achieving their fitness goals by clearly defining what they want to accomplish and how they will measure their success along the way. The other acronyms, while they may have their