CPTN Certified Group Fitness Leader (CPTN-CGFL)

Certification Requirements

Candidates must achieve the following within 6 months of passing the theory exam:

  • Be age 18 or older.
  • Hold current First Aid (STANDARD or EMERGENCY) certification.
  • Hold current Adult-Child-Infant CPR C/AED certification.
  • Provide proof of minimum practice experience
    • Submit a signed Group Fitness Class Log (PDF, 112KB) totalling 15 hours consisting of:
      • Attending 5 hours of group fitness classes with a certified Group Fitness Leader that consist of at least three different class formats (e.g. hi/lo, step, bootcamp)
      • And 10 hours of team teaching or solo teaching for the remaining hours
  • Complete and pass all required practical assessments as directed in the instructions provided.
  • Submit all required documents using our Document Upload page or e-mail to education@cptn.com.

Getting Started

To become a CPTN Group Fitness Leader follow these three simple steps below:

1. Ensure You Meet the Requirements

  1. Ensure that your First Aid and CPR/AED status are current or that you are scheduled to take a course.
  2. Register for and complete the Group Fitness Leader for Personal Trainers live/virtual workshop OR the Group Fitness Leader On-Demand course.

2. Review for the examination

Review the material in the course text and notes taken from the workshops. All the theory exam questions originate from material covered in the course text and the workshops.

3. Write the Certification Theory Exam

When you feel confident of your acquired knowledge you can write the theory exam online on the Examinations page.

Description

The CPTN Group Fitness Leader distinction is designed for future group leaders. This certification course provides the skills required to teaching a variety of group fitness classes, whether it is in a large facility studio or in-house boutique small group training.

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Theory Examination Guidelines

The theory exam will cover the following areas related to Group Fitness Leadership training. The theory exam format is 80 random selected multiple-choice questions. It is 120 minutes (2 Hours) in duration and the passing grade is 75% or higher.

Topics Covered

  • Health, Wellness and Fitness
  • Exercise and Physiology
  • Anatomy
  • Music, Fundamental Choreography and Cueing
  • Cardiorespiratory Training
  • Designing Muscle Conditioning
  • Flexibility
  • Injuries
  • Modifications for Group Exercise Classes
  • Informed Consent Forms

Practical Assessment Guidelines

The Certified Group Fitness Leader candidates must complete a practical assessment that shows leadership in a group fitness class setting with a minimum of 45 minutes in duration. A minimum grade of 75% is required to pass. You will be given feedback from a CPTN-trained Practical Assessor. Candidates may choose between hi/lo, step or boot camp. Group Fitness Leader candidates are expected to follow the standard guidelines when leading the class i.e. the class must consist of a warm-up, cardiovascular component, muscle endurance, stretch and relaxation.

Topics Covered

  • Presentation and coherence in knowledge of training principles
  • Safety
  • Acute training variables
  • Appropriateness of class design suited for all abilities

Required Texts

  • CPTN, (2024). CPTN Group Fitness Leadership (4th Edition) Manual. CPTN.

Required Testing

  • Duration: 120 minutes (2 Hours) / 60 minutes (1 Hour)
  • Grade: Theory Exam – 75% or higher / Practical Exam – 75% or higher in each major component tested

Achievements

  • You will earn the designation CPTN-CGFL.

Registration

  • View the Workshops page for upcoming courses and Examinations page for required testing.