National Council on Strength & Fitness Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a certified personal trainer through the NCSF?
To earn the industry leading NCSF Certified Personal Trainer credential candidates must take and pass
the NCSF Certified Personal Trainer examination. The NCSF offers several educational course
models and a variety of educational materials to choose from to assist
candidates preparing for the exam. Preparation course formats include workshop,
home study, and training school.
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Where and when is the exam offered?
Exams are given everywhere all the time! The NCSF uses state of the art
Prometric Testing centers to deliver the NCSF Certified Personal Trainer exam. There are nearly
400 locations across the US and Canada. Exams are administered by appointment for
your convenience. Click here to find an exam testing center closest to you.
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Where and when is the workshop course offered?
Workshops are conducted around the country and hosted by national fitness chains,
hospital based wellness centers, and colleges and universities. Workshops
are conducted on weekends from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
To find a workshop in your area visit the Workshop Calendar.
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Where and when is the Training School course offered?
Training Schools are currently offered through several colleges and universities throughout the
country. Typical classes meet twice per week in the evening
for eight weeks. To register you must contact the respective institution in which you want to
enroll.
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Who needs the NCSF credential?
Any individual associated with the promotion of health and fitness will benefit
from attaining the NCSF Certified Personal Trainer credential. Current NCSF
certified professionals include personal trainers, fitness directors,
nutritionists, registered dieticians, athletic trainers, physical therapists,
physical education instructors, nurses, chiropractors, massage therapists, and
fitness enthusiasts. NCSF Certified Personal Trainer’s are well-respected members in the personal
training industry and are employed in a variety of work settings including
national fitness chains, local fitness facilities, privately owned gyms,
personal training studios, hospital based wellness centers, and corporate
fitness facilities. Many certified trainers have also gone on to start their
own personal training businesses. Available jobs for qualified personal
trainers are plentiful. Possessing the right skills and personality can get you
a position in virtually any fitness training environment with the NCSF Certified Personal Trainer
credential.
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Who recognizes the NCSF credential?
The NCSF has worked extensively with virtually every national fitness facility
chain in the development, training and certification of current and future
fitness personnel. NCSF courses have also been peer reviewed and approved as a
continuing education provider by the National Athletic Trainers Association
Board of Certification, American Physical Therapy Association as well as the
Commission for Dietetic Registration - the credentialing agency for the
American Dietetic Association. No other personal trainer organization has earned as much recognition as the NCSF.
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How much do the programs cost?
Personal Trainer Workshop Course |
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Step-By-Step Lesson Plan
2-days of workshop instruction (16 hours)
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| $299.00 |
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* Price is subject to change
Personal Trainer Home Study Course |
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Step-By-Step Lesson Plan
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| $299.00 |
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* Price is subject to change
Personal Trainer Training School Course |
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32 Contact Hour Class
Class Syllabus
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| Based on Course Fees * |
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* Check with your school for course fee; course pricing may not include study materials or exam fee
(Taking an NCSF certification exam is not dependant on
purchasing NCSF study items or enrolling in an NCSF educational course.)
Examination fees are not included in the price of course registration.
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How can I register for a course?
Registration for a course is quick and easy. Once you have decided which
program option you would like to participate in you can register online
with any major credit card,
download an application
and mail it to the NCSF
with a check or money order, or contact an NCSF representative directly
at 800-772-NCSF(6273)
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What topics are covered within the courses?
The NCSF courses cover a wide variety of content to ensure that each candidate
is proficient in the many different disciplines of health promotion/fitness
training and is well prepared for the NCSF Certified Personal Trainer exam. Regardless of the program
option you choose, each course provides an in-depth education into all areas of
health, fitness, and personal training.
Upon completion of any of the offered NCSF courses you will be well
prepared to take the NCSF Certified Personal Trainer exam. Upon successful passing of the exam you
will have earned the title of Certified Personal Trainer by the NCSF and your
credential will display the title of NCSF Certified Personal Trainer. You will possess the skills and
abilities to:
- Screen and evaluate clients for safe participation in exercise and physical
activity
- Determine health, fitness, and performance criteria through comprehensive and
practical evaluation techniques
- Analyze current fitness status and make appropriate determinations for necessary
program components
- Design complete exercise programs to meet individual client's needs
- Establish diet and behavior modifications that meet the specific and changing needs
of your clients
- Deliver exercise prescription and testing for desired bodyweight, flexibility,
strength, endurance, cardiorespiratory function, as well as preventive
gerontology
- Calculate ideal body weight and body composition utilizing multiple body fat
analysis techniques
- Calculate metabolic rate, determine individual caloric needs, and make necessary
caloric adjustments for proper caloric balance
- Incorporate multifaceted training techniques into exercise program models
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Can I register to take the certification exam without taking an NCSF course?
Candidates do not need to participate in an NCSF course to sit for the
NCSF Certified Personal Trainer exam. Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements can
register for an exam whenever they feel they are ready.
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What types of questions are on the exam?
The National Council on Strength and Fitness certification exam is a 125
question multiple-choice formatted assessment tool. Each candidate will be
tested in the following areas as they relate to fitness: Functional Anatomy; Exercise
Physiology; Health and Physical Fitness, Screening and Evaluation; Nutrition; Weight Management; Exercise Prescription;
Training Instruction; and Special Populations. A minimum passing score of 70%
is required for the NCSF Certified Personal Trainer status to be granted.
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Take a sample test
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What will I receive after I pass the certification exam?
Upon successful completion the NCSF Certified Personal Trainer examination you will be sent a complete
certification package. Included in your package will be a
certificate suitable for framing, which indicates that you have met the
certification standards set forth by The National Council on Strength and
Fitness and have earned the title of NCSF Certified Personal Trainer. You will also receive an
accompanying wallet sized professional membership card, and CEU information.
This package will be forwarded to you within 3-5 business days of passing the NCSF Certified Personal Trainer
exam.
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Can I enroll in the Home Study course and then switch to a workshop?
If at any time during the completion of the NCSF Home Study Course you
decide you would like to participate in an NCSF Workshop contact the NCSF to
enroll and you will be sent out the appropriate workshop materials. There is
only a $75.00 fee to add the workshop course.
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How long is my certification valid?
Certification is valid for 2 years from the date you successfully pass the NCSF Certified Personal Trainer
certification exam. In order to maintain certification, you must accumulate ten
continuing education units (CEU's).
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How do I maintain my certification?
Continued education is a critical aspect to maintaining an updated knowledge
base in any profession, and personal training is no different. NCSF certified
personal trainers are respected members in the fitness training profession due
to the high competencies they possess and professional standards to which they
are held. In order to maintain this standard, NCSF certified personal trainers
are required to accumulate ten continuing education units (CEU's) over a
two-year period and comply with the NCSF Code of Ethics for professional
practice. Certified trainers can accumulate CEU's a variety of ways, but they
are primarily earned through attendance in fitness related classes, workshops,
training seminars, conventions, or completion of approved distance learning
education programs. The CEU's do not have to be earned solely through the NCSF
however; the event or program must be approved by the NCSF Board of Continuing
Education for the event to qualify towards the 2-year, ten CEU requirement. A
list of NCSF Approved Providers is located in the CEU booklet which you will
receive with your certification documents.
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Will the NCSF help me with job placement?
The National Council on Strength and Fitness
provides its members with unparalleled employment assistance after they become
certified. Utilizing a wide array of national professional contacts, facility
management from around the country lists their available career positions
with in the NCSF Career Center. The NCSF Career Center provides
you with access to hundreds of employment opportunities from the industries most
respected facilities. Whether you are looking to relocate or are looking
for a better job in the area, the NCSF will help you get the job that is right
for you.
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How long does it take to get my results?
Each certification candidate will know whether or not they passed immediately
after completing the exam. During the check out process a proctor at the examination
center will provide you with a score report. Your score report is
automatically forwarded to the NCSF. Should you meet the minimum passing score
of 70% your official certification documents will be forwarded to you within 3-5 business days.
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