Steps to Become a Certified Personal Trainer
Certification Process Made EasyPICK YOUR PACKAGE
Exam Only
The exam is included in the Standard and Premier Package options. Upon enrolling, you will receive a welcome email with your NFPT ID to begin creating your online account. All digital education resources and test scheduling instructions will be available immediately after your account has been created.
PREP FOR YOUR EXAM
- Immediate access to digital study material
- Average prep time, 60-90 days
- 5 exam content areas:
Principles of Human Anatomy – 20%
Principles of Human Physiology – 19%
Fitness Components – 23%
Training Program Development, Implementation and Modification – 33%
Professionalism and Communication Skills – 5%
Test candidates typically spend 60–70 hours studying over a 2-3 month period to get ready for the exam, but you can schedule the exam anytime within 1 year of your enrollment date. The NFPT education material will prepare you to understand the principles of human anatomy, physiology, fitness components and training methods as well as how to develop, implement and modify goal-oriented training programs for your clients.
PASS YOUR EXAM
Schedule your CPT exam any time, within 1 year of your enrollment date, through one of our Test Centers or in the comfort of your home through our Remote Testing option. Same day testing is possible with the Remote Testing option.
Taking Your Exam
- 120 multiple choice questions
- Closed book
- 2 hour time limit
- 750/1000 to pass
- Instant test results
As soon as you complete the exam, you may print your instant test results. When passing the CPT exam, your digital certificate will be available through your NFPT Account within 1-2 business days and a hard copy certificate (for framing) will arrive by mail within 7-10 business days. Hard copy certificates are only available in the US and Canada. If needed, a re-test can be purchased.
START TRAINING
- Create your trainer listing through your NFPT Account, you earned it, get noticed!
- Visit the NFPT Blog to access health/fitness education articles to grow your fitness knowledge (FREE education resource)
- Add to your credential by taking fitness courses, your clients will be glad you did!
- Add liability insurance
You now hold the NFPT-CPT credential and have a wealth of resources, through your NFPT Account, to help launch your career. We encourage you to check out the NFPT Blog for advice on how to kick start your new career, while also gaining valuable knowledge on health/fitness topics that relate to your clients specifically. However you choose to build your career, NFPT is here to support you during this step of the certification process. You worked hard to attain your Personal Trainer Credential; let us help you continue to grow and thrive. Keep that credential active and move the fitness industry forward!
STAY CERTIFIED
Two Requirements
- $85 Annual Membership Fee
- 2.0 CECs – FREE
CEC Suggestions
- FREE NFPT Self Tests and Fitness Flops – NFPT Trainers Only
- NFPT Online Courses
- ANY health/fitness/business credential – No Petition fees
- Emergency response courses: CPR/AED/First Aid
- Proof of liability coverage
- College transcript showing health, fitness or business classes
- Write for the NFPT Blog
- Attend health/fitness trade shows, workshops, or seminars
Renewing your certification is a two part process, which consists of an $85 Annual Membership Fee and submission of Continuing Education Credits (CECs); this is the last step of the certification process. All NCCA accredited certification organizations require completion of CECs for recertification, but NFPT Trainers get theirs absolutely FREE!
We have plenty of free Self Tests and Fitness Flops available, and there will always be enough to complete through your NFPT Account to meet the full 2.00 credit requirement each certification year. If you’d rather renew for a two-year cycle, you can work ahead and submit two Annual Membership Fees and 4.00 CECs. Note: 10 credit hours are required each year, 1 hour = 0.20 credits.
If you’d like to strengthen your skill set, while earning credits doing it, you can also choose from the many Specialty/Fitness Courses NFPT has to offer…extra credentials are a great way to add to your trainer tool belt! When you invest time in a fitness learning course/activity, like those in the suggested list, we will award credit for that learning assessment…without a petition fee! You simply upload the added credential to your NFPT Account. You can just do the free options, complete other fitness courses, or do a combination of both to reach your credit requirement.
You are not required to purchase the education material to sit for the Certified Personal Trainer exam. If you feel you already possess the knowledge, becoming of a Personal Trainer, then you can proceed with the purchase of the Exam Only option. Upon enrollment, a welcome email will arrive so you can begin creating your account to access the exam scheduling instructions.
