Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Certification

Review the certification requirements, register for the examinations, or choose optional W.I.T.S. education and exam preparation.

NCCA Accredited Written and Practical Exams Online, Virtual Instructor-led, or College-based Hybrid

The W.I.T.S. Certified Personal Trainer certification program evaluates the knowledge and practical skills required for entry-level personal training practice. Candidates may register for the certification examinations without purchasing W.I.T.S. training or may choose optional education and preparation resources.

Learn Your Way

Choose an optional W.I.T.S. education and preparation format based on your schedule and learning preferences. These options are not required or preferred routes to CPT certification.

Not sure which path fits? Contact student services.

studentservices@witseducation.com

Self-paced Online: How it works

Access: 24/7 access for 4 months

You will move through the program in a clear self paced sequence: Limited Special CPT Online Test Voucher ($490 value)

  • Complete lesson modules covering assessment, exercise technique, and program design
  • Practice coaching skills using guided drills and checkpoints
  • Prepare for the national written exam with structured review
  • Prepare for the practical exam with skill-focused practice guidance

Support is available if you need help understanding concepts, navigating requirements, or planning your completion timeline.

Examinations:

This optional education package includes a voucher for the W.I.T.S. CPT written and practical certification examinations. Candidates may also register for the examinations separately without purchasing W.I.T.S. training.

View CPT exam-only registration

*Grant availability to the all access path includes access to all the course content, fully covered with the grant. The number of grants available is limited. The exam voucher is sold separately. Details about the exam voucher are provided when you sign up.

Optional Study Resource

Fitness Professional's Handbook with HKPropel Access

Edition: 8th Edition
ISBN: 9781718217829
Price: $109
Paperback eBook

This textbook is available as an optional study resource and is purchased separately. Candidates are not required to purchase or use this textbook and may prepare for the certification examinations using educational materials of their choice.

Knowledge and Skills Addressed in W.I.T.S. Training

These are educational outcomes of optional W.I.T.S. training. Certification is awarded only after a candidate meets the eligibility requirements and passes the required certification examinations.

Assess clients safely

Apply appropriate assessment tests to understand a client’s current health and fitness status and to inform safe programming decisions.

Coach core exercises with proper technique

Demonstrate and coach stretches and exercises using free weights, machines, tubing, and bodyweight, with safe progressions for different client needs.

Apply biomechanics and exercise physiology in practice

Understand essential human movement principles and exercise physiology, and communicate effectively during hands-on coaching and training activities.

Complete national written and practical exams

Prepare for national testing through written knowledge and practical skill application aligned to the CPT scope of practice.

FAQs

Is W.I.T.S. training required for CPT Level I certification?

No. Candidates may register for the certification examinations without purchasing W.I.T.S. training, courses, textbooks, or preparatory materials.

Can I register for the CPT examinations without purchasing training?

Yes. The CPT exam-only option allows eligible candidates to register for the written and practical certification examinations without purchasing W.I.T.S. education or preparation resources.

Are W.I.T.S. preparation materials required or preferred?

No. Candidates may prepare using educational materials of their choice. W.I.T.S. training and preparation resources are optional.

Which W.I.T.S. certification program is NCCA accredited?

Only the W.I.T.S. Certified Personal Trainer Level I certification program is NCCA accredited.

Need help choosing a learning path?

If you are not sure which option fits your schedule and learning style, contact student services and we will help you choose the best path.


See how WITS compares with NASM, ACE, and ISSA

studentservices@witseducation.com | 888-330-9487

A message from W.I.T.S. President - Jay DelVecchio

Jay DelVecchio

W.I.T.S. for 33 years has always worked in higher education to bring health occupational education and practical’s skill training as you would with an EMT’s and other health occupations.  This is a look at the recent year for our Certified Personal Trainer credential.

All our certifications in group fitness, medical fitness, senior fitness, and more share those same core values. We are all about helping you learning your own way. In that context, we will give you all the tools including internships with real world experiences. We do not have open book exams or just online learning in a canned format. That shared, you can prepare anyway you need or feel appropriate to register for a test voucher and get any of our credentials. We are here for you always even after your credential is issued. Employers love that you can perform and are more than book smart.

View CPT Results
See how W.I.T.S. students performed in 2025 - Certified Personal Trainer
CPT-Level 1 Certification Results Count
Number of individuals who took the examination 236
Pass Rate (written and practical exam) 45%
Fail Rate (must pass both for certification) 55%
Number of certified personal trainers in calendar year 514