CPT Certification and Career Requirements
What Is CPT in Personal Training?
Certified personal trainers (CPTs) assess, develop, and implement exercise training programs for healthy individuals or those who are medically cleared to exercise. They also conduct fitness assessments and provide health coaching.
NSCA’s exam prep and study materials are extremely comprehensive, with a 2019 pass rate of 72%. Their nutrition curriculum also covers the fundamentals of dietary science for fitness settings.
Certification
Many fitness professionals consider getting certified to be a career-changing milestone. CPT certification shows employers you have the skills to help their clients achieve their health and fitness goals, while enhancing your job security and earning potential.
There are many programs to choose from when deciding on which personal training certification to earn. It is important to take time and find a program that fits your learning style. You may be more comfortable with digital coursework than traditional textbooks or a mix of both. Many programs also offer practice tests and quizzes which will give you a feel for the exam format.
Another important consideration is the specialized training areas covered by the different personal trainer certifications. For example, the NSCA certification covers corrective exercise, performance enhancement, strength coaching, and special population training for seniors. Other personal training certifications focus on specific training methods like kettlebells and youth fitness. Choosing the right one for your needs can make all the difference in your success as a professional personal trainer.
Education Requirements
Whether you’re interested in working at a gym or as an independent personal trainer, there are multiple CPT programs to consider. Each offers varying costs, curriculum requirements and exam details, so choose one that aligns with your interests and career goals.
Many CPT programs include study materials to help you prepare for the certification exam. These may include practice tests, videos, and interactive quizzes. This can help reduce stress come exam time and increase your chances of passing the certification exam on your first attempt.
ACE, ACSM and NSCA all offer comprehensive study and certification programs for those interested in becoming a CPT. These programs typically take between three and four months to complete, though those with prior educational qualifications and work experience can likely finish the program much sooner. NSCA also offers specialty certifications like the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, which is popular among professional athletes and physical therapists who work with injured clients.
Experience Requirements
Depending on your educational background, experience and other certifications you’ll need to take up to three to six months to complete your CPT program, study for the exam and receive your credentials. Trainer Academy has premium study materials available to help you make the process as easy as possible.
CPTs are health and fitness experts that assess, educate and train clients regarding their personal health/fitness needs and goals. They design and execute safe exercise programs as well as motivate and inspire client behavior change.
CPTs are expected to be creative and innovative when creating workout routines for one-on-one sessions or group fitness classes. They use a variety of different exercises and rely on their experience to find new ways to engage their clients to keep them motivated during the program. They also often work in conjunction with a medical professional to ensure their clients are safe during training. Keeping up to date on current fitness science, trends and techniques is critical for successful trainers.
Job Requirements
Many personal training programs have age requirements for participants. The age requirement is generally to be over the age of 18 by the time you sit for your certification exam.
All reputable CPT programs will require you to be certified in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED). These skills are vital to your fitness career, as the potential for physical emergencies can arise during client workouts.
Other job duties of a CPT include providing clients with safe and effective exercise programs to meet their health and fitness goals. They may also work with a team of other fitness professionals, such as nutritionists and wellness specialists. In addition, some CPTs manage or oversee fitness or recreation facilities and ensure that they are well-maintained. This includes coordinating staff and training new fitness instructors. CPTs often attend industry workshops and conferences to stay on top of the latest trends and research in fitness. They may even earn specialty certifications, such as group fitness or health coaching, to expand their horizons.
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