Home CertificationACSM Certifications Certified Personal Trainer

Three easy steps:

1.  Order Study Materials:

2.  Attend a Workshop (optional):

3.  Take the Exam:

Additional Information on the Certified Personal Trainer.

Minimum requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• 18 years of age AND
• Current Adult CPR certification that has a practical skills examination component (such as the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross)

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Scope of Practice

The ACSM Certified Personal Trainer^SM is a fitness professional involved in developing and implementing an individualized approach to exercise leadership in healthy populations and/or those individuals with medical clearance to exercise. Using a variety of teaching techniques, the ACSM Certified Personal Trainer^SM is proficient in leading and demonstrating safe and effective methods of exercise by applying the fundamental principles of exercise science. The ACSM Certified Personal Trainer^SM is proficient in writing appropriate exercise recommendations, leading and demonstrating safe and effective methods of exercise, and motivating individuals to begin and to continue with their healthy behaviors. 

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Recommended Competencies

• Demonstrate competence in the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) required of the ACSM Certified Personal Trainer^SM as listed on page 317 in the Seventh edition of ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription book.
• Adequate knowledge of and skill in risk factor and health status identification, fitness appraisal, and exercise prescription
• Demonstrate ability to incorporate suitable and innovative activities that will improve an individual's functional capacity
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively educate and/or communicate with individuals regarding lifestyle modification

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One Day and Three-day Certified Personal Trainer Workshops

One Day Workshop

The one-day workshops are designed for currently and previously certified personal trainers who feel confident in their basic knowledge of Exercise Physiology, Anatomy and Kinesiology.  This workshop will update you on ACSM and other pertinent industry guidelines as well as provide you with the opportunity to identify Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's) required for the ACSM Certified Personal Trainer^SM exam. The one-day workshop is worth 7.5 ACSM CECs and is offered on Sundays from 9am – 4pm.  Information to purchase exam vouchers for $30 off are available at the workshop through FRA.  Please click here to see workshop dates, locations and to register.

Three-Day Workshop

The ACSM Certified Personal Trainer workshop is ideal for those who would like a comprehensive review of the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) of the ACSM Personal Trainer.  Participation in the workshop is an excellent way to prepare for the ACSM Personal Trainer exam, or to earn CECs and refresh and enhance your knowledge after becoming certified.  If you do not have a health-related degree or prefer alternative or additional methods to self-study, the workshop is a great choice.  Material is presented in a classroom setting with a hands-on component to help you learn fundamental fitness assessments.   The workshop is delivered by ACSM’s partner Fitness Resource Associates (FRA).  The three-day workshop is worth 20.75 ACSM CECs and is offered Friday 1pm–9:30pm; Saturday 8am-5:30pm; and Sunday 9am–4pm.  Information to purchase exam vouchers for $30 off are available at the workshop through FRA.  Please click here to see workshop dates, locations and to register.

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