NASM CPT In-Depth

The Market
Today there are more than 300 certifications available to sports medicine, performance enhancement, and fitness professionals. But only the NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification uses the Optimum Performance Training™ (OPT™) method, making it the gold-standard for health and fitness professionals. 

The Demand
Accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the NASM-CPT certification is the preferred choice for hire and career advancement by the top health clubs, such as: 

• 24Hour Fitness 
• Bally Total Fitness  
• Gold’s Gym  
• Lifetime Fitness 
• Town Sports International  

NASM fitness trainer certification means the most to sports professionals, club owners and fitness department managers because it requires comprehensive knowledge of human movement science, functional anatomy, physiology and kinesiology, as well as functional assessment and program design.

The Knowledge
Through the NASM-CPT you will acquire this knowledge, and new skills to help you become a certified personal trainer and apply the information right away. With the NCCA-accredited NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Certification you learn how to master: 

• Goal-specific program design for optimal results  
• Developing and modifying exercises in a safe and effective manner that is adaptable to any client  

Our CPT preparation course is designed for entry-level to seasoned fitness professionals looking to advance their careers and discover the power behind Optimum Performance Training^TM (OPT^TM).

You will learn the scientific rationale, teaching tools and the practical experience necessary to perform assessments, create individualized programs and progress your clients to their goals.

You will also learn human movement, exercise science, nutrition, and behavior modification, as well as how to build clientele and increase revenue. 

The Career: Getting Started
An exciting career as an NASM certified personal trainer (CPT) is just a click or a phone call away. NASM offers several CPT packages to meet a variety of learning styles and preferences.

For anyone new to the industry, we recommend the CPT Premier, which includes the Introduction to Personal Fitness Training online course, Textbook, Study Guide, DVD, Exam, and Live Workshop.

For trainers new to the National Academy of Sports Medicine, we recommend the CPT Plus, which includes the Textbook, Study Guide, DVD, Exam, and Live Workshop.

Please note special International Enrollment Information for International Candidates.

Join the top professionals in the field and become an NASM certified personal trainer today.

CPT Requirements

To become an NASM CPT, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• NASM exam enrollment must be paid in full
• Must have current Emergency Cardiac Care (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification

You must have a passion for health and fitness and helping others live healthier lives!

The NASM CPT Exam

1. Please print and review the NASM-CPT Certification Candidate Handbook (PDF, 327K) for information regarding testing procedures.

2. Register for exam by calling PSI/LaserGrade at 1-800-211-2754 (USA & Canada) or Schroeder Measurement Technologies (SMT)/IsoQuality Testing (International) to confirm a date, time and location for your exam.
   • You will be eligible to schedule your exam three (3) business days after enrollment with NASM.
   • Click here to find a PSI/LaserGrade location near you.

3. Bring to testing center
• Valid, current Photo ID; and
• Current, valid Emergency Cardiac Care (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator  (AED) certification from:
• American Heart Association
• American Red Cross
• American Safety and Health Institute
• St. John Ambulance
• Emergency Care & Safety Institute
• Emergency Medical Technician

Upon completion of the exam, you will be given a score of pass or fail. To protect the integrity of the exam, test questions and answers will NOT be available following the test.

If you pass the exam, you will be able to print a temporary certificate from your Member Page after three to five business days. An official certificate will be mailed to you within four weeks of passing the exam.

If you do not pass the exam, you can call NASM-BOC three or more business days after taking the exam to purchase a retest. The retest fee is $99 and allows an additional 120 days to take the exam.

If you need to reschedule your exam appointment, you must call PSI/LaserGrade with more than 24 hours notice or you will be charged a $50 late cancellation fee. If you do not show for an exam appointment, you will be charged a $150 no show fee.

Need Special Accommodations? (PDF, 56K)

Establishment of NASM-CPT Passing Score (PDF, 30K)

NASM-CPT Aggregate Score Information (PDF, 59K)

CPT Recertification

What is the purpose of recertification?
The purpose of the recertification program is to ensure that qualified professionals maintain entry level guidelines by participating in approved continuing education programs. Continuing education programs are intended to promote continued competence, development of knowledge and skills, and enhancement of professional skills and judgment beyond the levels required for entry-level practice. Continuing education activities must focus on increasing knowledge, skills and abilities as defined in the Job Analysis Study, 1st edition (2004).

How often do I need to recertify?
To support NASM’s commitment to protect health and safety, the NASM CPT credential must be recertified every two (2) years. This ensures that NASM CPT professionals are current with the best-practice guidelines and the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities described in the most recent Job Analysis Study.

How do I recertify?

1. Complete the CPT Recertification Application (PDF, 769K) | CEU Petition Application (PDF, 132K) 
2. Include documentation of continuing education courses (e.g., copies of CEU certificates of completion). A total of 2.0 NASM-approved CEU’s are required for the CPT and CGT.
3. Include a copy of the front and back of your adult CPR and AED certification (online CPR and AED certifications are not accepted).
4. Include the recertification fee of $99 plus a $30 late fee if the application is up to three months late.
5. Mail all items prior to your certification expiration date to:
   
   NASM-BOC
   26632 Agoura Rd
   Calabasas, CA 91302

If you cannot find an answer to your question on this website, please feel free to contact the Board of Certification (NASM-BOC) at (800) 460-6276, Option 3.

NASM CPT Recertification Acceptance Policy (PDF, 42K)

International NASM CPT Recertification

What is the purpose of recertification?
The purpose of the recertification program is to ensure that qualified professionals maintain entry level guidelines by completing a recertification examination. The examination has been developed to test minimum level competency and to ensure that all of our credential holders are maintaining a knowledge level that protects the health and safety of the public they serve. 

How often do I need to recertify?
To support NASM’s commitment to protect health and safety, the International NASM CPT credential must be recertified every two (2) years.

Recertification Downloads:

• International NASM CPT Recertification Policy (PDF, 44K)
• International NASM CPT Recertification Application (PDF, 44K)