Certified Personal Trainer Level I

NCCA Accreditation of the W.I.T.S. CPT Level I Certification Program

Learn what is accredited, how to verify the program, and how certification differs from optional education and exam preparation.

The W.I.T.S. Certified Personal Trainer Level I certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

NCCA-Accredited CPT Level I Program Written Examination Practical Skills Examination

What NCCA Accreditation Means

NCCA accreditation evaluates a professional certification program against established standards for credentialing governance, examination development, administration, fairness, and ongoing program maintenance.

Accreditation applies to the CPT Level I certification program and its credentialing processes. It does not accredit or endorse a particular W.I.T.S. course, learning format, textbook, study guide, recording, or other preparation resource.

Independent Certification Governance

The W.I.T.S. Certification Council is the independent and autonomous governing body responsible for the Certified Personal Trainer Level I certification program.

The Council oversees the development, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation of the certification and recertification processes. Education and training functions are separate from certification decisions.

How to Verify the W.I.T.S. CPT Level I Accreditation

  1. Step 1 Open the official NCCA Accredited Certification Programs directory
  2. Step 2 Search for World Instructor Training Schools
  3. Step 3 Confirm the listing for the Certified Personal Trainer certification

View the official NCCA Accredited Programs directory

The official directory is the independent source for confirming the current accreditation status of the W.I.T.S. CPT Level I certification program.

Certification Is Separate from Education and Exam Preparation

Certification verifies that a candidate has met the published eligibility requirements and passed the examinations required for the W.I.T.S. CPT Level I credential.

W.I.T.S. education, training, courses, textbooks, study resources, recordings, and other preparation materials are optional. Candidates may prepare using educational materials of their choice.

Purchasing or using W.I.T.S. education or preparation resources is not required to register for the certification examinations and does not guarantee a passing score.

CPT Level I Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements in effect when they apply. Current published requirements include:

  • Minimum age of 18
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Current Adult CPR/AED certification that includes a qualifying hands-on skills assessment
  • Agreement to follow the W.I.T.S. Code of Ethics
  • Passing score on the CPT Level I written examination
  • Passing score on the CPT Level I practical examination

Candidates should review the current Candidate Handbook before applying because requirements, procedures, fees, and deadlines may change.

Written and Practical Certification Examinations

Candidates must pass both components of the CPT Level I certification examination process.

Written Examination

The written examination evaluates knowledge across the content areas defined by the certification program’s job analysis and examination blueprint.

Practical Skills Examination

The scenario-based practical examination evaluates applied competencies involving assessment, warm-up, flexibility, and upper- and lower-body exercise activities.

Examination specifications and procedures should be confirmed in the current Candidate Handbook.

Employer Requirements and Hiring Considerations

Hiring and credential-acceptance requirements vary by employer, facility, insurer, and jurisdiction. Candidates should confirm requirements directly with organizations where they intend to work.

Common considerations may include:

  • A current personal trainer credential from an accredited certification program
  • Current CPR and AED credentials
  • Demonstrated knowledge of safe exercise programming and client assessment
  • Employer-specific education, experience, background, or insurance requirements

W.I.T.S. does not guarantee acceptance by every employer or guarantee employment after certification.

Choose Your Next Step

Review the CPT Level I program, register for the certification examinations without purchasing training, or consult the Candidate Handbook for complete certification policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the W.I.T.S. CPT Level I certification program NCCA accredited?

Yes. The W.I.T.S. Certified Personal Trainer Level I certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

Does NCCA accreditation apply to W.I.T.S. as an organization?

No. NCCA accreditation applies only to the W.I.T.S. CPT Level I certification program. It does not apply to W.I.T.S. as an organization, its education or training, preparatory materials, or other credentials.

Is W.I.T.S. training required to earn the CPT Level I credential?

No. Candidates may register for the CPT Level I certification examinations without purchasing W.I.T.S. training, courses, textbooks, or preparatory materials. Candidates may prepare using educational materials of their choice.

Does using W.I.T.S. preparation material guarantee a passing score?

No. W.I.T.S. education and preparation resources are optional, and their use does not guarantee a passing examination score.

What examinations are required for CPT Level I certification?

Candidates must pass both the CPT Level I written examination and the practical skills examination, in addition to meeting the other published eligibility requirements.

How can I independently verify the accreditation?

Search the official NCCA Accredited Certification Programs directory for World Instructor Training Schools and confirm the Certified Personal Trainer program listing.

Will employers accept the W.I.T.S. CPT Level I credential?

Employer requirements vary. Some employers require or prefer a credential from an NCCA-accredited certification program. Candidates should verify current requirements directly with prospective employers.