CPTN Certified Personal Trainer (CPTN-CPT)

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 with either of the following options:
    • Option 1: Submit a signed Personal Trainer Log (PDF, 95KB)totalling 20 hours consisting of:
      • Shadowing a certified trainer up to a maximum of 5 hours of working with a client
      • Mentoring with a certified trainer up to a maximum of 5 hours of working with a client
      • Complete assessment and training of "clients" (consenting friends or relatives) for the remaining hours
    • Option 2: Submit a signed Personal Trainer Log (PDF, 95KB)totalling 20 hours consisting of:
      • Complete assessment and training 4-5 "clients" (consenting friends or relatives) for 5-4 hours
    • Option 3: Submit a completed institutional Degree/Diploma including official/unofficial transcripts in the Health Sciences or equivalent field (e.g. BKin, BPHE, BPhE, etc…). Please contact Education Services for approval.
  • 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 begin the CPTN-CPT certification process please read our Getting Started Guide to determine level of experience.

Description

The CPTN-CPT certification is recognized across Canada and abroad. The certification process consists of an online theory exam and an in-person practical exam. A distant practical option is given to candidates who are not located near an available practical assessor. International candidates can complete the entire certification process online.

Theory Examination Guidelines

The theory exam is online and consists of 120 random selected multiple-choice questions including true/false, matching, comprehension cases, and application based questions. It is 180 minutes (3 Hours) in duration and requires a grade of 75% or higher. Your score will be recorded and shown at the end upon test submission.

Topics Covered

Required Testing

  • Exam Duration: 180 minutes (3 Hours)
  • Grade: 75% or higher

Important: You must achieve a 75% or higher on the theory exam before proceeding to the practical exam. You will be e-mailed instructions for completing the practical assessment within 2 business days of passing the theory exam.

Practical Examination Guidelines

The practical exam is a demonstration of exercise techniques, communication skills, needs assessments and program progression. Practical assessments are a minimum of 60 minutes in duration and requires a grade of 75%. You will be given feedback from the qualified Practical Assessor. Information regarding how to schedule an appointment for an assessment will be e-mailed within 2 business days of passing the theory exam.

Topics Covered

Required Testing

  • Exam Duration: 60 minutes (1 Hour)
  • Grade: 75% or higher in each major component tested

Important: Your practical assessment results will be processed within 2-3 weeks of the assessment date. Please submit the required documents (First Aid and CPR, etc.) through online submission or e-mail to education@cptn.com.

Achievements

  • You will earn the distinction CPTN-CPT.

Planning for Certification Renewal

Your initial CPTN-CPT certificate is valid for one year from the date of issue before the end of the month.

All CPTN certified personal trainers are expected to keep relevant in terms of continuing education credits (CECs) with Online Courses, Workshops or Conferences and maintain their status through Certification Renewal.

You will be able to renew for 1-Year with CPTN-7 CECs or 2-Years with CPTN-14 CECs. One hour of continuing education equals 1 CPTN CEC. Certificates of completion for courses including current First Aid and CPR C/AED will be required for Document Submission at the time of renewal.

You are not limited to CPTN affiliated courses and can take related courses from other providers then Petition them for a total of 7 credits. If approved, courses can be submitted as a petitioned credit on the Certification Renewal form.

CPTN recommends trainers to renew certification prior to expiration date to obtain member rates. After the expiration date, member accounts are deactivated. Non-member rates and late certification renewal fees applies thereafter.

Registration