The NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) certification is designed for professionals who work one-on-one with their clients in a variety of environments, including YMCAs, schools, health/fitness clubs and clients' homes. The exam thoroughly tests the knowledge and skills that are necessary to successfully train active and sedentary physically healthy individuals, as well as the elderly and obese.

"The NSCA has the premier certification for blending exercise science principles with the practical application in its nationally-accredited certification program. The tradition of challenging and distinguished examinations has been continued with the NSCA-CPT program." J. Henry Drought, CSCS, *D; NSCA-CPT, *D Owner Personal Trainers' Strength & Conditioning Consulting Boston, Massachusetts

Personal trainers with specialized expertise may also be involved in training clients with orthopedic, cardiovascular and other chronic conditions. Although no formal post-secondary course work is required, candidates are expected to have a good knowledge of biomechanical concepts, training adaptations, anatomy, exercise physiology, program design guidelines and current position papers pertaining to special populations.

To qualify for the NSCA-CPT examination, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Current CPR certification is also a requirement. If you do not have current CPR certification, you can still register for and take the NSCA-CPT examination. The NSCA Certification Commission will not release your exam scores until we have received documentation of your valid CPR certification.

Since the NSCA-CPT program's inception in 1993, it has quickly become internationally recognized and respected. Today, nearly 5,000 professionals hold this prestigious certification.

To achieve certification as an NSCA-CPT, candidates are required to pass a challenging three-hour written examination that includes 140 multiple-choice questions focusing on client consultation/assessment, program planning, exercise techniques, safety, emergency procedures and legal issues. Thirty-five questions correspond to a videotape, which assesses knowledge primarily in the areas of exercise techniques, functional anatomy and fitness testing protocols.

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