Introduction
The Personal Training Certification Test is the credentialing exam that must be passed in order to become a personal trainer. It is the culminating step before being certified to practice as a personal trainer and it assesses one’s knowledge and skills as a trainer. Passing this test validates expertise in the fitness industry with clients, exercise selection, nutrition, and safety techniques. With an understanding of this important credential it is now possible to determine where to take the Personal Training Certification Test.
Taking the Personal Training Certification Test can be done either at regional testing centers or through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Regional testing centers are typically affiliated with educational institutions such as colleges and universities while NCCA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to public protection and provides internationally recognized accreditation programs that certify organizations which meet certain standards of quality assurance. In either case, applicants should research their options thoroughly including course fees and study materials beforehand to be better prepared for success on the test.
Individuals who choose to take the test at regional testing centers will most likely need to register ahead of time online in order to secure an appointment for the test session. Those taking the certification exam at NCCA should call ahead for hours, cost information, and policies regarding continued education credits earned upon completion of the test or retakers looking for discounted re-takes.
Many consider obtaining their personal training certification one of highest accomplishments they can achieve professionally. Not only does certification provide additional credibility but it also shows dedication and commitment toward continuing education along with a knowledge base that aims towards better client success rates when under your instruction. With research and preparation, passing the Personal Training Certification Test first time around regardless of whether it is taken at a regional testing center or via NCCA can be easily achieved!
Different Types of Certification Tests
The Personal Training Certification Test is offered by a variety of organizations that specialize in certifying personal trainers. Depending on the organization, the test may be taken online or in person and generally covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, kinesiology and exercise science, nutrition, health coaching, program design, business development and professionalism. Some organizations offer ongoing education and continuing education courses to help maintain certification status. Examples of organizations offering the Personal Training Certification Test include ACE (American Council on Exercise), NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies), NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) and AFAA (Aerobic and Fitness Association of America). In addition to obtaining certification through an approved organization test, some states may also require that personal trainers pass their state-specific licensing exam in order to practice professionally.
Exam Preparation
If you plan on taking the personal training certification test, it’s important to prepare yourself properly. Preparing for the exam is a crucial part of the process, and there are certain strategies that can be especially helpful in order to ensure success. The following tips will increase your chances of succeeding when taking the personal training certification test:
1. Make sure you are thoroughly familiar with the main concepts in your subject area. Taking practice tests and studying course materials will help cement these concepts into your memory as you get closer to the actual exam date.
2. Plan a realistic study schedule and stick to it. This will help make sure that you’re motivated and on track in preparing for the exam. Balance study time with relaxation periods, but make sure you’re putting enough time into reviewing key concepts and content areas prior to testing day.
3. Utilize available resources such as online practice tests or reference materials if your program offers them. Test prep websites can also be extremely beneficial for identifying weak areas and potential problem spots for future exams.
4. Arrive early on the testing day and get comfortable before your exam begins as this may help reduce stress or anxiety during the exam process itself. It’s important to have a positive frame of mind going into it so you can focus on the material at hand instead of worrying about potential distractions or difficulties that might arise during testing time .
5. Ensure you have taken frequent breaks from studying each week leading up to the exam; this allows your brain to “reset” so that it’s ready to absorb more information when needed during test preparation sessions as well as during actual testing conditions
Location of Testing Centers
The Personal Training Certification Test can be taken at a variety of different testing centers. It typically depends on the certifying organization that you have chosen to take the test through. Some popular certifying organizations include ACSM, NASM, ACE and NSCA; these organizations have tests available at Pearson VUE testing centers or Prometric Testing Centers. Depending on the organization and your location, it may also be possible to set up online proctoring for taking the exam remotely from home or work. You should consult your chosen certification program’s website to find out where and how to take their specific exam.
What to Expect on Exam Day
When it’s time for the personal training certification test, you’ll need to be prepared by having the appropriate materials, location and ID. Prior to the exam day, you’ll have done homework and studied the online material and textbooks necessary to pass the certification. On exam day, you must first locate your testing site and plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your test is scheduled. Make sure to bring your current government-issued picture ID as proof of identification.
On the day of the exam, there will be specific rules that you are required to follow such as submitting cell phones or other electronic devices prior to taking the test. Failure to comply with these rules may result in dismissal from the testing room and a forfeiture of any fees paid. You will also submit a signed statement confirming that no outside help was received during or prior to completing the exam. Furthermore, a proctor will be present during your entire test session as an additional measure against cheating. Finally, when all instructions are complete, you’ll be able to begin taking your personal training certification exam. The exam typically takes up two hours or more depending on your skill level and understanding of personal training concepts. After completion of the exam, answers are submitted either electronically or through paper copies provided by your testing center on-site. Results can take anywhere from one week up to six weeks after submission for confirmation that you passed or failed your certification test.
Passing the Certification Test
The most important step to becoming a certified personal trainer is passing your certification test. Depending on the certifying body, you may be required to take either an in-person or online exam. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) offers both types of tests; however, ACE has eliminated its in-person exams in favor of online exams. The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) offer only online exams.
When taking an online exam, you’ll usually need to select a date and time slot from a list of available slots within the certifying body’s testing window. Most certification programs require that you complete your test within six months of enrolling for certification; so make sure you choose a convenient date before enrolling. Once registered, many bodies will send out information regarding how to access the exam portal and other test prep materials prior to your scheduled exam time.
In-Person Exams: If opting for an in-person option, most certifying bodies will have a list of partnered locations that administer their tests. Make sure to check ahead and call these locations, as some may have certain requirements such as appointment times or age limits that can vary depending on the location. Additionally, some of these sites may also charge a fee associated with taking the exam there.
Be prepared regardless which option you choose by reading over all information sent out prior your registering and selecting a date for testing day. Understanding both the format of the questions given and timing allotted for each section can help ensure success when taking your personal training certification test!
Post-Test Resources and Continued Education
Once you have taken the personal training certification test and successfully passed, there are many post-test resources to continue focusing on your career as a certified personal trainer. Depending on what certifying agency was used, additional continued education may be necessary in order to maintain one’s certification status. Some of these continuing education requirements range from taking practice exams to attending seminars about topics related to the personal training field. Additionally, certain certifying agencies may require renewal fees in order for trainers to remain certified year after year. Finally, reading industry magazines and books can also provide trainers useful information and advice they can incorporate into their sessions with clients. Doing so ensures that they stay current with the latest trends in the health and fitness industry while keeping their certifications valid over time.
Conclusion
Earning a personal training certification is a great way to unlock more career opportunities, gain credibility and respect in the health and fitness field, increase your knowledge, and differentiate yourself from other personal trainers. With a certification, you’re able to provide clients with safe, quality services that truly get them results. Earning your personal training certification requires hard work and dedication — but this pursuit will be incredibly rewarding in the end. Whether it’s helping clients feel better or giving back to the health and fitness community, the benefits of being certified are immeasurable. No matter what path you choose to take on your journey to become certified, make sure that you invest whole-heartedly into learning every aspect of becoming a professional personal trainer. With hard work and persistence, you will achieve success as a certified personal trainer.
Passionate about providing useful information to anyone with an interest in the field of Personal Training, I strive to pass on to our readers quality information and to answer any questions about Personal Trainers, the work they do and how to become one.
