NSCA-CPT | NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer
The NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT) is the most comprehensive certification on the market, demonstrating your solid scientific foundation to elevate fitness, health, and wellness. As an NSCA-CPT, you’ll apply evidence-based principles and empower clients to achieve their lifestyle goals through lasting behavior change.
Your personal training journey begins with the NSCA-CPT. Your reward? A career that changes lives, fulfills your purpose, and positions you among our elite community at the forefront of fitness.
Register for the NSCA-CPT Exam
Before registering, review the exam requirements and study for the exam.
What Does an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer Do?
Becoming an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer unlocks unparalleled career freedom and flexibility. Your NSCA-CPT opens doors to diverse training environments — from commercial gyms and performance centers to corporate wellness programs, the healthcare continuum, or running your own business. Equipped with in-demand skills to design tailored training programs and apply evidence-based research, you can specialize your services to optimize outcomes across environments, populations, and ability levels.
The NSCA-CPT is ideal if: you’re deeply committed to fitness, driven to know the “why” behind every exercise, and dedicated to uplifting lives through long-term client relationships.
What Jobs Are Available for an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer?
The NSCA-CPT is often preferred or required for roles such as:
- Personal Trainer, Certified Personal Trainer, and Lead, Head, or Senior Personal Trainer
- Fitness, Lifestyle, or Health and Wellness Coach
- Group Fitness Instructor or Lead Group Fitness Instructor
- Wellness Program Coordinator or Consultant and Corporate Wellness Specialist
- Director of Personal Training, Group Fitness, or Fitness Operations
Find NSCA-CPT personal training jobs near you on the NSCA Job Board.
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Holding the CSPS demonstrates your advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) in these domains:
- Client Consultation and Assessment
- Program Planning
- Techniques of Exercise
- Safety, Emergency Procedures, and Legal Issues
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Professionals from other fitness, health, and wellness-related domains can also benefit from the NSCA-CPT, including:
- Active Aging and Senior Fitness Specialists
- Behavioral Health and Wellness Specialists
- Chronic Disease Prevention Specialists
- Nutrition and Wellness Coaches
- Public Health and Community Wellness Coordinators
- Rehabilitation and Recovery Specialists
- Sports and Recreation Coordinators
- Tactical Fitness and Resilience Specialists
- Workplace Health and Employee Wellness Managers
- Youth Fitness and Physical Activity Coordinators
Why Choose NSCA-CPT Certification
Pioneering Excellence
The fitness industry is crowded with quick, unregulated certifications built on “bro science”— wasting your money, damaging your credibility, and putting client safety at risk. The NSCA-CPT is different. Grounded in our pioneering research, we developed the NSCA-CPT in 1993, the first personal training certification to earn NCCA accreditation. Earning this credential confirms you uphold the highest industry standards and train with integrity.
Trusted by the Best
Top commercial gyms, performance facilities, corporate wellness programs, and healthcare networks know that NSCA-CPT pros rise above your average “fitfluencers.” They count on your problem-solving skills and advanced expertise to craft custom training programs, support the continuum of care, and meet unique client needs — all while delivering measurable results.
Highest Earning Power
Beyond standing out for premier roles, a previous independent survey revealed NSCA-CPTs have the highest average salaries compared to competing NASM, ISSA, or ACE certifications — making it a smart investment. What’s our secret? Earning your NSCA-CPT certification takes unmatched grit and dedication, setting you apart from the start and elevating your earning potential.
NSCA-CPT Requirements & Fees
NSCA-CPT Certification Requirements
You must meet the following requirements to sit for the NSCA-CPT exam:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a high school diploma (or equivalent)
- Have a current CPR/AED certification
NSCA-CPT Exam Registration Fees
| Fee | |
| Member Exam Registration | $300 |
| Non-member Exam Registration | $435 |
Exam preparation materials are not included with registration.
NSCA Membership
Save $135 on your NSCA-CPT exam and join NSCA’s elite network of fitness professionals. Unlock exclusive discounts from exam prep to events, free continuing education, and unmatched support as an NSCA Member.
Which NSCA Certification Is Right for You?
Compare desired populations, types of training, eligibility requirements, and more across NSCA's five industry-leading certifications.
How to Earn Your NSCA-CPT
Step 1: Review the Exam Description
Explore the Detailed Content Outline (DCO), see how the NSCA-CPT exam is scored, view pass rates, and more
Step 2: Study for the NSCA-CPT Exam
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, discover how to study for the NSCA-CPT exam using our detailed preparation guide.
Step 3: Register for The NSCA-CPT Exam
Ready to schedule your NSCA-CPT exam? Learn about test center locations, retakes, foreign language options, and more.
Exam Preparation Resources
NSCA Certification Handbook
Learn what it takes to earn and maintain your NSCA certification, including NSCA-CPT sample questions and recertification.NSCA Resources & Study Materials
Purchase our NSCA-CPT platinum or essential collections, NSCA-CPT textbooks, study guide, or quizzes and practice test.NSCA-CPT Exam Prep Live Clinics
Explore NSCA-CPT concepts and their real-world applications in an engaging online environment.
Stay Certified & Build on Your NSCA-CPT
Maintain Your Certification
Once you hold the NSCA-CPT, renewal means staying current through lifelong learning. Earn qualifying continuing education units (CEUs) and recertify every three years to build your skills and advance your career.
Earn NSCA’s Prestigious CSCS®
If you hold a bachelor's degree, consider earning the CSCS. The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® can open up elite sports performance jobs. Earning a second NSCA certification also qualifies for CEUs.
Disclaimer: The NSCA-CPT exam is based upon the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to safely and effectively work as a personal trainer. These KSAs are developed following a job analysis and are used to create the NSCA-CPT Detailed Content Outline (DCO). To support individuals seeking certification as a personal trainer, the NSCA has developed several optional preparatory materials. The NSCA does not require, provide, or endorse any specific study guides, preparation materials, or review courses. Candidates who choose to use and/or purchase NSCA preparatory materials are not guaranteed a passing score on certification exams offered by the NSCA.
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