NSCA-CPT FAQs

The NSCA stands for the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a non-profit educational organization that has members in 52 countries. It is at the forefront of research into exercise practices and injury prevention.

CPT stands for "Certified Personal Trainer". CPTs are professionals who help individuals attain their fitness goals. Trainers do both exercise instruction and prescription. They assess each client's fitness level and help him or her to set reasonable goals. They then design an individualized fitness program for that client and help the client reach his or her goals by providing feedback and holding him or her accountable. A trainer generally accompanies a client around the gym and provides instant feedback and support when needed. In addition, many trainers try to educate their clients about other areas of wellness aside from exercise, including nutrition, health, alcohol consumption and the like. CPTs may work for a gym or fitness center or be self-employed. Certified CPTs are CPTs who are certified by an accrediting agency like the NSCA.

The NSCA-CPT exam consists of 155 multiple-choice questions, including some video based practical questions.

There are 155 multiple-choice questions on the NSCA-CPT exam.

You have 3 hours to complete the NSCA-CPT exam.

The NSCA-CPT exam is taken via a computer and is offered on a daily basis, year-round at testing sites across the United States and US territories. Information about testing dates and locations is available on the Pearson VUE web site.

A scaled score of 70 or higher is the passing rate of the NSCA-CPT exam.

The NSCA-CPT exam covers the following four domains:

• Client Consultation/Assessment
• Program Planning
• Techniques of Exercise
• Safety, Emergency Procedures and Legal Issues

The NSCA-CPT exam was developed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a non-profit educational organization that has members in 52 countries. It is at the forefront of research into exercise practices and injury prevention.

The NSCA-CPT exam is taken via a computer and is offered on a daily basis, year-round at testing sites across the United States and US territories. Visit the Pearson VUE website for exact testing dates and locations.

NSCA certification provides a unified, nationally verified and entry-level standard of care in the CPT profession for the safe and skilled practice of personal training in the U.S.

After taking and passing the NSCA-CPT exam, you may use the CPT initials to signify your credentials.

Potential NSCA examinees must meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply for the examination:

• You must be at least 18 years of age.
• You must hold a current adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) certificate with hands-on (in-person or virtual) skills check.
• You must have completed high school (or the equivalent).

NSCA-CPT exam candidates must wait 30 days to retake an exam from the most recent date the exam was taken. You may attempt an exam up to three times in a one-year period. After the third attempt and any subsequent attempts, you must wait one year from the most recent test date before attempting another exam.

You will receive your unofficial NSCA-CPT examination result at the test center immediately upon completion of the examination. You will also receive immediate access to your digital certificate in your MyNSCA account.

NSCA certification is valid for two years. In order to maintain current certification, NSCA certified professionals are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education biannually, which is equal to 2.0 continuing education credits (CECs).

Practice tests, such as Tests.com's NSCA-CPT Practice Exam, are a good way to study as it goes over the material you need to know while giving you a chance to practice your test taking skills. Additionally, study guides, text books, class notes, flashcards and videos are important study tools.  It is best to use a wide range of test prep to get the most comprehensive coverage of the subject matter.

Tests.com has worked with instructors in personal training to create an NSCA-CPT Practice Test to help you prepare for your NSCA certification exam. Tests.com's TestSim online interactive platform allows you to tailor tests to the subjects you want to study and to form tests to fit your study schedule. You can even simulate the actual NSCA exam by setting the number of questions and timer to the time period allowed for the actual test. Get experience reading multiple-choice questions and taking timed tests. Tests.com will help you pass your certification exam on your way to a successful career as a CPT. Click here for a free NSCA-CPT practice exam.