
What is the best personal training certification program?
Others include:
- NCCPT. The National Council for Certified Trainers offers some excellent certifications that are NCCA accredited.
- IFPA. The IFPA offers several personal training certifications, including a master course. ...
- NESTA. ...
- NETA. ...
- NCSF. ...
- AFPA. ...
- Cooper Institute. ...
- ISTA. ...
- American Fitness Institute (AFI). ...
- Fitour. ...
How to study for the NSCA CSCS exam?
- Read chapters you note first and take notes on recommendations the NSCA uses
- Skim (only if you truly already know) the chapters you didn’t initially make note of
- Glance the whole book once you’ve covered each individual chapter 3-4 more times until you require little to no note taking
What personal training certifications are most respected?
- The most respected training certifications in the industry are NASM, ACSM, and NSCA.
- Although ACE is the second oldest exercise or fitness association in the country, they are still not as respected as the others.
- The main issue some insiders have with ACE is that it’s simply too basic and simplistic.
How do you become a certified personal trainer?
- In order to become a personal trainer, you will have to take a test. You cannot get a certification via experience.
- With the right training, a personal trainer can act as a motivator, dietician, a rehab technician and more
- One of the most important aspects of a personal training education is that you get educated through an NCCA program.

Is the NSCA CPT exam hard?
As with every personal trainer certification offered by the full range of organizations, the NSCA CPT exam is pretty tough. And that means you need to know your stuff, inside and out!
What is an NSCA certification?
NSCA-Certified Personal Trainers (NSCA-CPT®) are health/fitness professionals who, using an individualized approach, assess, motivate, educate and train clients regarding their personal health and fitness needs.
What is the difference between NASM and NSCA?
Founded in 1987, NASM is a for-profit organization while ACSM and NSCA are both non-profit. The NASM-CPT certification is by far the most popular choice for studying personal trainers.
How long does it take to study for NSCA CPT?
Step 1: PlanningExercise Science Related DegreeInternships or Practical ExperienceApproximate Length of TimeYesYes3 to 6 weeksYesNo3 to 6 monthsNoYes4 to 6 monthsNoNo6 to 9 months
How long is the CPT exam?
2-hourHow many questions are on the CPT exam and how long do I have to complete it? There are 120 test questions, in which 20 are research questions and do not count toward or against the final score. There is a 2-hour time limit and you must pass with a scaled score of 70 or better.
What is the CPT test like?
The NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®) exam is comprised of 140 scored and 15 non-scored* multiple-choice questions that tests candidate's knowledge, skill, and ability in the following four domains: Client Consultation/Fitness Assessment. Program Planning. Techniques of Exercise.
Is CPT a good certification?
The National Academy of Sports Medicine certification (NASM-CPT) is a leader in the fitness industry when it comes to personal training certifications. The NASM CPT offer in particular is a respected fitness certification for personal trainers.
Which one is better ACSM or NASM?
While the NASM-CPT exam has fewer questions than the ACSM-CPT exam, both are challenging and prepare you for work in the fitness industry. You are required to fulfill CEUs every two years for NASM, and every 3 years for ACSM. In the end, the better certification is the better certification for YOU!
What is better ace or NASM?
It all depends on your career path and goals. If you want to work with general populations, ACE will suffice. Whereas if you want to focus more on corrective exercise techniques, then NASM would be a better option.
Whats the difference between CSCS and CPT?
Basically, the CSCS focuses on helping athletes improve physical ability for a given sport, while the CPT usually works to enhance a person's total health and fitness levels.
What is the pass rate for NASM CPT exam?
How hard is the NASM test? Well, With the NASM exam pass rate being only 65%, and the retest fees being so steep, it's best to have proper direction in order to study the most important areas. I have made a free NASM study guide that can be located here.
How much does it cost to get ACSM certified?
Exam CostsACSM Member Candidates$279ACSM Non-Member Candidates$349Re-Test$175
How long is NSCA valid?
Three yearsNSCA recertification follows a three-year cycle, ensuring certified individuals stay on top of industry trends, technology, regulations, and laws. Three years also gives you enough time to gain continuing education units without causing significant disruption or difficulty.
Can you become a strength and conditioning coach without a degree?
While a graduate degree is not required, it's often needed to progress in this profession. Advanced degrees are becoming more common in the industry, and many jobs list a master's degree as a preferred qualification for applicants, according to the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
What can you do with a strength and conditioning certification?
A Strength and Conditioning Certification, regardless of which one, has the potential to open the door to many career opportunities. These may include personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, sports coach, physical therapist, teacher/researcher/professor, athletic trainer, and more!
What does a strength and conditioning specialist do?
General Job Description: The Strength and Conditioning Coach is responsible for establishing and maintaining a strength and conditioning program for all sports, with the three major goals of improving athletic performance, reducing athletic injuries, and teaching lifelong fitness and movement skills.
What is NSCA?
NSCA stands for National Strength and Conditioning Association. It is a non-profit health and fitness professional organization established in the...
How do I get NSCA CPT certified?
Go on their websiteSelect the certification of your choiceRegister for your examChoose a locationTake the exam after registration and before it exp...
How do I become an NSCA Strength and Conditioning Specialist?
The process of registering for the exam is similar to the NSCA-CPT, it is the requirements that differ.You are required to have a Bachelor's degree...
What is NSCA's contact information?
NSCA is located at 1885 Bob Johnson Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, Colorado, United States.For generation inquiries, you can send an email to;...
What is NSCA CPT exam?
The NSCA-CPT exam contains non-scored questions that are being "pretested" or evaluated for future use. Including this type of question allows the NSCA-CPT Exam Development Committee to collect meaningful information about new questions that may appear as real scored questions on future exams.
What is pretesting on NSCA CPT?
Pretesting is an accepted testing practice that creates a statistically sound standardized exam and allows candidates to receive scores that are based only on previously used ("tried") questions.
How many questions are asked in the NSCA CPT exam?
The NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®) exam is comprised of 140 scored and 15 non-scored* multiple-choice questions that tests candidate's knowledge, skill, and ability in the following four domains:
What is the NSCA CPT digital package?
The NSCA CPT Digital package is here to help people become familiar with the style of questioning and the scope of the materials included in the certification exam.
What is the NSCA?
The NSCA is one of the top organizations in the industry, up there with NASM and ACE, but they are known more for their Strength and Conditioning certification.
How much does it cost to take the NSCA CPT exam?
NSCA CPT exam cost differs; If you are a member, the certification costs $300, and for Non-members, it costs $435 to take the exam.
How long does NSCA certification last?
NSCA certification lasts for three years after that you are required to recertify. To recertify you are to complete NSCA Continuing Education Units (CEU). These CEUs have different categories you can choose from. When you have gotten the required CEUs, you can then submit your credentials for recertification.
What is NSCA certified?
All NSCA certified fitness professionals are well-trained health/fitness professionals. Their job is targeted at using an individualized approach to evaluate and motivate clients. They also train and educate these clients with respect to individual personal health and fitness requirements.
What is the minimum score required to pass the NCSA?
NSCA certification exams are conducted on computers all year round at accredited Pearson VUE test centers all over the world. The maximum possible score is 100; however, a candidate must score a minimum of 70 in order to pass the NCSA exam.
How many questions are asked in the NSCA?
NSCA has, quite possibly, the most challenging test in the entire fitness industry. The test contains 155 multiple choice questions in a format designed to be answered within 3 hours. Among the 155 questions, you have 15 experimental questions.
What is the NSCA CPT exam?
The NSCA-CPT certification exam is not based on memorization and recall of information from textbooks and materials but is an assessment of your knowledge, skills, and ability to be a Personal Trainer. The NSCA's textbook and official resources are optional tools that can help you prepare for the exam.
Is experience required for NSCA CPT?
While experience is not required to sit for the exam, exposure to the activities of the profession through observation or an internship is recommended. Register for the NSCA-CPT Exam.
Does the NSCA require study guides?
The NSCA does not require, provide, nor endorse any specific study guides, preparation materials, or review courses. Candidates who choose to use and/or purchase NSCA preparatory materials are not guaranteed a passing score on certification exams offered by the NSCA. NSCA Official Resources.
What is NSCA certification?
NSCA certifications are for dedicated, knowledge-hungry, hardworking strength and conditioning professionals. When you have an NSCA credential on your resume you elevate yourself. You become the standard that employers seek when hiring strength and conditioning positions. NSCA certifications can help differentiate you from ...
What is a NSCA certified personal trainer?
NSCA-Certified Personal Trainers (NSCA-CPT) are health/fitness professionals who, using an individualized approach, assess, motivate, educate and train clients regarding their personal health and fitness needs. Certified personal trainers design safe and effective exercise programs, provide the guidance to help clients achieve their personal health/fitness goals, and respond appropriately in emergency situations. Recognizing their own area of expertise, a personal trainer will refer clients to other health care professionals when appropriate.
What is a TSAC-F?
Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitators (TSAC-F) apply scientific knowledge to physically train military, fire and rescue, law enforcement, protective services, and other emergency personnel to improve performance, promote wellness, and decrease injury risk.
What is a CSPS?
Certified Special Population Specialists® (CSPS®) are fitness professionals who, using an individualized approach, assess, motivate, educate, and train special population clients of all ages regarding their health and fitness needs, preventively, and in collaboration with healthcare professionals. Special populations include those with chronic and temporary health conditions.
What is CSCS in sports?
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance .
What is NSCA CPT?
The NSCA CPT is the general approach to fitness as offered by this agency. It’s a solid certification to have in terms of what you will learn and the recognition it gives you. The CSCS is where things get more in-depth, some would say the most in-depth.
What is NSCA CPT training?
NSCA CPT training protocols encourage clients to gain a practical understanding and comprehension of the training methods administered.
What does CPT stand for in fitness?
The CPT (Certified Personal Trainer (if you were wondering “what does CPT stand for?”) from NSCA is a popular choice for people with a more in-depth passion for exercise science. This cert gives its trainers a general well-rounded approach to fitness and exercise science.
What does CSCS stand for?
The CSCS or certified strength and conditioning specialist (in case you were wondering what CSCS stands for) is a powerhouse when it comes to credentials.
What is the CPT exam?
The CPT exam is designed around the principle of Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSA).
What is the National Strength and Conditioning Association?
The National Strength and Conditioning Association or NSCA is one of the most reputable and trusted certifying agencies around. They’ve been around since 1985, so you can bet they have built up a strong database of well-researched knowledge.
How many premium tiers are there for CPT?
The study material for the CPT is available in 3 premium tiers.
How long do you have to wait to retake the NSCA CPT?
If you fail the NSCA CPT exam, you are able to take a retest. Note, however, that you have to wait a period of three months before you can retake the test but there are no limits to the number of times you can attempt to pass. And of course, a retest is going to cost you.
How many price points are there for the NSCA exam?
Depending on whether you are an NSCA member or not, the exam has two price points.
How many questions are asked in the NSCA exam?
The NSCA exam consists of 140 questions on which you will be scored. Note, however, that there are an additional 15 non-scoring questions that the NSCA use for evaluation purposes for future certification exams. The exam is three hours and to pass it, you will need a score of 70 or more.
How many people passed the NSCA exam in 2018?
In 2018, NSCA says 77% of the candidates taking the exam, passed. Now you probably saying that’s good right? Well, 77% is a pretty high percentage but let’s break it down a little more.
How long does it take to get a NSCA certification?
Instead, this will be mailed to you by the NSCA and you should have it within a period of four to six weeks.
How old do you have to be to get a CPR certificate?
Well, to start with, you need to be 18 years old. You also need to have a high school diploma or the equivalent thereof. Last, but not least, you would need to have completed or plan to complete a CPR/AED course. Note, you do not need the certification for the CPR/AED course when signing up for the NSCA CPT course.
Do you have to be recertified for NSCA?
Like all other fitness organizations, the NSCA requires that those candidates who have passed the C PT exam and are therefore qualified NSCA CPT practitioners are recertified from time to time.
What is NSCA certification?
NSCA certifications are for dedicated, knowledge-hungry, hardworking strength and conditioning professionals. When you have an NSCA credential on your resume you elevate yourself. You become the standard that employers seek when hiring strength and conditioning positions. NSCA certifications can help differentiate you from ...
What is NSCA TV?
Introducing NSCA TV, where you get instant access to educational videos and original strength and conditioning content. Subscribe now to watch clinics, conferences, career videos, and member-generated content. Sign up for a month-to-month, annual subscription or get access with an NSCA Membership.
When is the 2022 NSCA conference?
January 6 - 8, 2022 Expand your coaching horizons and help drive the profession forward at the 2022 NSCA Coaches Conference. This one-of-a-kind event brings top coaches from around the world together to learn new skills, discuss relevant research, and build enriching relationships.
Intro to the NSCA Study Materials
Before we get started, you will need the official textbook from the NSCA to study for their exam.
FREE NSCA Practice Test: 2nd edition textbook 2021
This NSCA practice exam is formatted the exact same way that the real exam will be. NSCA Breaks up their study material into four separate domains. Here are the relative percentages of exam questions for the 4 main categories of study.
NSCA Study Tips
The NSCA Study guide that is found on this page was never meant to replace the full 2nd edition of the textbook. It was simply meant to be a supplemental study tool while you are going through the full textbook as I recommend you do.
