The National Council for Certified Personal Trainers Certified Personal Trainer (NCCPT-CPT) certification has been developed by the NCCPT Certification Board to recognize those individuals who have demonstrated competent knowledge and skills needed to perform as personal trainers in the fitness industry. The NCCPT- CPT certification program, accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA) is a key indicator to fitness employers and other potential fitness clients that the trainer has proficiency to provide competent training in fitness. Individuals who earn the NCCPT-CPT credential have demonstrated knowledge of the professional domains that encompass the tasks and knowledge required of a personal trainer in the fitness profession. By passing the NCCPT CPT examination, professionals can display their aptitude in each specialized knowledge area of fitness training.
The NCCPT-CPT certification exam program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). This accreditation demonstrates compliance with the Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs. These Standards ensure the NCCPT-CPT exam program has a valid and reliable process for exam development, implementation, maintenance, and governance. NCCA is a division of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE).
Candidate Eligibility Criteria (qualifications needed to be able to sit for the exam)
Exam candidates must be at least 18 years of age prior to applying to take the certification exam. Candidates must also show proof of a valid CPR card to sit for the exam. The NCCPT recommends that you adequately prepare before attempting your exam. You can find a list of open resources you can utilize to prepare here: open resources.
What you need to bring with you on the day of the exam
You must be at least 18 years of age to take the exam.
You must show proof of a valid CPR certification (CPR card or certificate of completion). Please visit the ISSA CPR page for more information on CPR.
A government issued photo ID (such as a driver's license, passport, military ID, etc.) is required to take the exam. For more information go to the NCCPT Candidate Handbook. Please make sure the name on your government issued photo ID matches the name in your student portal. The testing center will check this.
Exam confirmation code received in the appointment summary received
after you schedule your exam.
Registration
Candidates have up to 12 months from the date of purchase to sit for the exam. For more information, view the Candidate Handbook.
What's On The Exam
The NCCPT NCCA accredited certification exams are 140 multiple choice questions. 125 questions are graded (scored on the exam) and 15 questions are field items (pre-test, not scored on the exam).
View a list of the exams
Exam Results
A pass or fail result will be provided upon completion of the administrated exam. Only candidates who achieve a passing score on their final exam(s) will obtain the certification and may use the designation for the certification they passed.
Exam & Credential:
NCCPT-Certified Personal Trainer - NCCPT-CPT
NCCPT-Certified Group Exercise Instructor - NCCPT-CGxI
NCCPT-Certified Yoga Instructor - NCCPT-CYI
NCCPT-Certified Strength Training Specialist - NCCPT-CSTS
NCCPT-Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor - NCCPT-CICI
View candidate handbook here for more information.
For a list of the exam(s) content click here.
Canceling or Rescheduling the Exam
When cancelling or rescheduling your exam, the following timetable applies. Any proctoring fees are paid directly to our third-party testing partner, Prometric.
Cancellation and Rescheduling Rules:
30 days or more before the test date >> no fee is charged
5 to 29 days before test date >> $25 fee is charged
Less than 5 days before test date, or Failure to appear for scheduled test, or Arrival more than 30 minutes after the scheduled start time for the test (admission refused) >> Full test delivery fee for the canceled/rescheduled test
All NCCPT NCCA accredited certifications must be tested using our selected third-party proctoring company, Prometric.
You have two hours to complete the final certification exam. The exam is NOT open book/open notes.
Other than purchasing the exam, there are no prerequisites to take the exam(s). The NCCPT recommends that you adequately prepare before attempting your exam(s) the first time. We will even provide you with a list of open resources you can utilize to prepare.
Special Accommodations Requests - NCCPT complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and other applicable laws and regulations. The NCCPT will review and accommodate requests from qualified candidates with a diagnosed disability for accommodations to take a Final Exam if the request is reasonable, does not fundamentally alter the examination or jeopardize exam security. Once approved, the NCCPT will then inform Prometric. The candidate can then make final arrangements with Prometric. Prometric will then charge additional fees based on the candidate's special needs. Special accommodations may need to be properly documented and/or proper evidence provided by a physician, health care professional or government agency, Proctors should make every effort to assist in the accommodation and examination needs of candidates with disabilities. If a candidate appears to be having difficulty taking an examination, the Proctor should inquire if there is anything that can be done to improve the candidate's examination experience. Actions such as adjusting the contrast of the monitor, adjusting the chair height, or adjusting the screen angle should be undertaken immediately. To request a special accommodation, contact the NCCPT for assistance at 877-355-1640 and/or submit this form to support@nccpt.com.