The CPTN-CPT Certification - Getting Started Guide
We Welcome You to Take Your First Steps
Whether you're exploring a career in personal training or looking to formalize your knowledge and skills, the CPTN-CPT certification provides a structured, professional pathway – from your first steps to certification and beyond. The following guide outlines the steps, requirements, and what to expect as you begin.
Who is Eligible & What You Need
To start the CPTN-CPT certification process, you must meet these basic requirements:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Hold a current First Aid (Standard or Emergency) certification.
- Hold a current Adult-Child-Infant CPR/AED certification.
- Provide proof using a Personal Trainer Log (PDF, 95KB) of at least 20 hours of relevant practical experience, or hold a degree/diploma in a Health Sciences field (e.g. Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, Physical Education, etc.).
For practical experience, you have flexible paths:
- Shadow or assist a certified trainer.
- Shadow a CPT for a max of 5 hours of working with a client
- Mentoring with a CPT for a max of 5 hours of working with a client
- Work with consenting friends or family for training practice.
- Train 4-5 "clients" for 5-4 hours
- Present academic credentials instead of practical hours.
- Present completed degree/diploma in the physical sciences (Kinesiology, Exercise Phys., Physical Education, Health-Wellness and Fitness)
How to Get Started – Step by Step
1. Assess Your Starting Point
- New to fitness? Begin with the optional workshop: The Art & Science of Personal Training workshop. It's designed to ground you in foundational knowledge before the formal certification process.
- Already have a relevant degree/diploma or previous personal trainer distinction? You can skip the workshop. Instead, order the manual The Art & Science of Personal Training: The Essentials (4th Edition) Manual – as this is the primary study text for exam content.
2. Study the Material & Practice
- Use the Essentials manual to learn the theory.
- Take advantage of Practice Exams if you want to build confidence before the real exam.
3. Take and Pass the Theory Exam (75% required)
- Once you register and pay, the Theory Exam begins. Results are shown immediately.
- If you don't pass, you can retake it – just wait at least 24 hours before retrying.
4. Complete the Practical Exam (also 75% required)
- After passing the theory portion, you'll receive instructions (within ~2 business days) for completing the practical exam.
- Resources such as training-videos and program-design templates are provided to help you prepare.
- CPTN practical assessment are offered in a remote/distant practical option. You can complete the practical assessment no matter where you are in the world.
5. Submit Documents & Receive Certification
- Upload all required documents (proof of CPR/First Aid, experience log or transcripts, exam results) via the Document Upload page or email as directed.
- Once everything is approved – congratulations! You become a certified CPTN-CPT trainer.
Certification Validity & Renewal
- The initial CPTN-CPT certificate is valid for one year from the date of issue.
- To renew, certified trainers must complete Continuing Education Credits (CECs):
- 1-Year renewal – 7 CECs
- 2-Year renewal – 14 CECs
- CECs can be obtained through CPTN-approved online courses, workshops, or conferences – or via other recognized providers submitted via petition.
- At renewal, proof of updated CPR/First Aid and CEC completion must be submitted.
Elevating Your CPTN-CPT Status to new heights
Getting CPTN-CPT certified shouldn't be the final step in your evolution as a trainer. We encourage you to go further with your certification status by specializing, and go beyond certification by challenging yourself to be better each year as you continue to grow. We encourage you to strive for the summit of your education journey by meriting your certification status–we dare you to be excellent!