Suppose you’re looking to make a career change and enter the fitness world. In that case, there are few better options than becoming an NSCA-certified personal trainer (NSCA-CPT). And the good news is that becoming certified is easier than ever before—so much so that many people take the certification course without ever stepping foot inside a gym. This blog post will explore the basics of what it takes to become an NSCA-certified personal trainer and give you an idea of just how beneficial this certification can be. By the end, you’ll better understand what it takes to successfully pursue this career path and be ready to start your journey toward becoming a CPT.
What is the NSCA-CPT certification?
The NSCA-CPT certification is a credential that personal trainers can earn to display their expertise and demonstrate their knowledge of the CPT standards. The CPT standards are internationally recognized fitness training benchmarks developed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). To qualify for the NSCA-CPT certification, personal trainers must complete an accredited CPT program and then pass a multiple-choice exam.
How to get certified
Getting certified as a personal trainer can be the most compensating thing you do for yourself. You will have a prestigious title and gain knowledge and skills that will make your work easier and help you better serve your clients.
There are many certification programs available, and each has its requirements. Here is a guide to getting guaranteed as a fitness coach through the Public Strength and Molding Affiliation (NSCA).
To be eligible for certification with NSCA, you must hold a current, valid professional personal trainer license from your state or country of residence. In addition, to be eligible to sit for the national examination, you must have completed an accredited program that meets NSCA certification standards.
For an accredited program, look online or contact your state’s commission on physical fitness or athletic training. Once you find an accredited program that meets NSCA certification standards, enroll in it.
Once you have completed the program and passed the national examination, apply for certification to NSCA. You will then need to provide proof of licensure (from your state or country of residence), evidence of completion of the accredited program, proof of passing the national examination, and pay the $60 application fee.
If accepted into NSCA’s certification process, you will receive a certificate confirming that you are now certified as a professional personal trainer through NSCA.
What are the requirements for the NSCA-CPT certification?
The Public Strength and Molding Affiliation (NSCA) has developed the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credential to certify individuals who have met the knowledge, skills, and abilities requirements. NSCA-CPT certification is awarded upon completing a rigorous application process that includes mastery of personal training, ethics, and safety principles.
To be eligible for NSCA-CPT certification, an individual must have a good education or work experience that includes at least three years of working with individuals in a fitness setting. In addition to meeting these general requirements, applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in the following areas: exercise science fundamentals, nutritional guidelines for athletes and personal trainers, resistance training techniques, corrective exercise techniques for injury prevention and progression, and business operations, including marketing and finance. The CPT credential is legitimate for a long time from the date of issuance.
To become certified as a CPT by NSCA, candidates must complete an online application form and required documentation such as a resume and Cover Letter of Interest. Candidates will then be required to take an online exam that covers all aspects of personal training knowledge. Once successful on the exam, candidates will be invited to submit additional documentation such as coursework/training certificates or licenses from professional associations, for example, the American School of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Finally, candidates must pass an ethics examination covering client confidentiality, financial responsibility, and insurance coverage restrictions. All completed applications and exams are then reviewed.
What are the benefits of becoming an NSCA-CPT?
Benefits of Becoming an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT)
The Public Strength and Molding Affiliation (NSCA) certificate as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) will provide you with many benefits. These include:
- Recognition from your peers and employers. Being certified by the NSCA will put you in a good position when seeking employment, as many organizations require CPT certification.
- Increased credibility within the fitness industry. Being certified by the NSCA will give you credibility when speaking about fitness training and rehabilitation.
- Increased knowledge and skills. Becoming certified as a CPT will allow you to learn more about strength training and conditioning techniques, increasing your ability to help people achieve their fitness goals.
How much cost to get a Certificate?
Affirmation from the Public Strength and Molding Affiliation (NSCA) is the gold standard in the fitness world. Becoming an NSCA-certified personal trainer (NSCA-CPT) can range anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500.
The main requirements for certification are completing an accredited program and passing a national assessment. However, other requirements vary depending on the program you choose. For example, many programs require hands-on experience working with clients or owning your own business before you can apply. Additionally, most programs require continuing education credits to maintain certification.
The bottom line is that getting certified as a personal trainer can be expensive. Still, the benefits of being credentialed are immense. Certification shows clients you have the knowledge and experience necessary to give them excellent care. It also gives you credibility when looking for employment as a trainer or in any related field.
What are the next steps after getting certified?
Once you have completed the NSCA-CPT certification program, you are ready to take your career as a personal trainer to the next level. Here are some critical steps:
- Registered with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The NSCA is the leading organization that certifies personal trainers and offers training and certification programs.
- Start advertising your services as a personal trainer. Use online resources like social media sites and classified ads to reach potential clients.
- Increase your knowledge and skills by continuing to attend NSCA-approved training courses and seminars. This will help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in personal training and ensure that your techniques are effective.
Conclusion
If you’re seriously looking to pursue a personal trainer career, you’ll need to become certified. The Public Strength and Molding Affiliation (NSCA) offers the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification program, which is the highest level of certification that an individual can receive. The CPT credential proves that you have mastery of the principles underlying personal training and can offer quality training within an accredited setting. Suppose this sounds like something you would be interested in pursuing. In that case, I encourage you to learn more about the NSCA-CPT certification program and find out if it’s right for you.
