So you want to be a certified physical trainer (CPT)? Congratulations! It’s a great career choice. But before you can start helping people regain their mobility, you need to pass a physical training exam.
This can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. In this blog post, we will share some tips and tricks that will help you ace the exam and become certified!
What Is a Certified Physical Trainer and What Do They Do?
A certified physical trainer is a professional who helps people regain their mobility after an injury or surgery. They work with patients to develop a treatment plan that includes exercises and other activities that will help them recover.
CPTs also work with healthy individuals who want to improve their fitness level or prevent injuries. They may design workout programs, teach classes, or provide one-on-one training sessions.
What Certifications Are Available To Become a CPT?
There are two types of certification that you can earn to become a CPT: certified physical trainer (CPT) and licensed physical trainer (LPT).
- The CPT certification is the entry-level certification. To earn this certification, you must pass the PT exam.
- The LPT certification is the advanced-level certification. To earn this designation, you must have at least five years of experience as a PT and pass an additional exam.
If you’re just starting, your best bet is to focus on passing the PT exam so that you can earn your CPT certification. Once you have that, you can start working towards your LPT certification by gaining experience and studying for the additional exam.
What will the ACE-CPT mean for my physical training certification?
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) offers the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credential. This is a voluntary certification that is not required to practice as a personal trainer. However, many employers prefer or require their PTs to be certified, so it may be beneficial to earn the ACE-CPT credential in addition to your CPT or LPT.
To earn the ACE-CPT credential, you must pass an exam and meet other requirements. For more information, visit the ACE website. And make sure to acquire an ACE practice test for the best exam preparation.
Do Certifications Need To Be Renewed?
Yes, most PT certifications need to be renewed every two to four years. The renewal process typically includes completing continuing education credits and paying a fee.
How to Pass Your CPT certification.
Now that we’ve reviewed what a CPT is and what they do, let’s take a look at some tips that will help you ace your different certification exams.
- Get plenty of rest the night before the exam. You want to be well-rested so that you can focus on the material.
- Eat a healthy breakfast on the day of the exam. This will give you energy and help you concentrate.
- Review the content areas that will be covered on the exam. Familiarize yourself with the material so that you feel confident going into the exam.
- Take practice exams. This will help you get an idea of what to expect on the actual PT Exam.
- Relax and take your time. While this is timed, you don’t want to rush through the exam and make careless mistakes.
More FAQs About Becoming a Physical Trainer.
Q: How much does it cost to become a physical trainer?
A: The cost of becoming a physical trainer varies depending on the type of certification you earn. The PT exam fee is $495 for members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and $645 for non-members.
Q: What are the prerequisites to becoming a physical trainer?
A: There are no prerequisites to becoming a physical trainer. However, many PTs have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physical therapy, exercise science, or a related field.
Q: How long does it take to become a physical trainer?
A: The time it takes to become a physical trainer depends on the type of certification you earn. For the CPT certification, you must pass the PT exam. The PT exam is a four-hour, multiple-choice exam.
Q: How many continuing education credits do I need to renew my physical trainer certification?
A: The number of continuing education credits (CECs) required to renew your physical trainer certification varies by certifying organization. For example, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) requires 20 CECs every two years for certified personal trainers.
Q: What are some common physical trainer certifications?
A: Some common physical trainer certifications include the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) from the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Closing Thoughts.
Now that you know how to become a certified physical trainer, you can start helping people achieve their fitness goals. Just remember to study for the PT Exam and you’ll be on your way to becoming a CPT in no time.
Do you have any other tips for becoming a certified physical trainer? Share them in the comments below. Good luck!
