NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) - Certification Review

What is NASM Certification

The NASM certification is a comprehensive program that covers various aspects of personal training, including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise programming, nutrition, and client assessment. It is based on the Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model, which emphasizes functional movement patterns and corrective exercise strategies to enhance overall performance and prevent injuries.

The OPT model is a unique approach that sets NASM apart and provides a certified personal trainer with a robust framework for designing tailored exercise programs.

What are the Pros and Cons of Gaining a CPT NASM Certificate?

Like any certification, the NASM CPT has its pros and cons. Let's take a look at some of them:

Pros:

1. Credibility and recognition:
   The NASM certification is widely respected and recognized in the fitness industry, giving you a competitive edge over non-certified trainers. This credibility can open doors to personal training career opportunities and help establish trust with potential clients.
2. Comprehensive education:
   The NASM curriculum provides an in-depth understanding of exercise science, program design, and client assessment, preparing you to work with diverse clients. The knowledge gained from NASM's comprehensive education can set you apart as a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional.
3. Career opportunities:
   With a NASM personal training certification, you can work in various settings, including commercial gyms and corporate wellness programs, and even start your own personal training business. The certification's versatility allows for multiple career paths and job prospects.
4. Continuing education: NASM offers various continuing education opportunities to keep you updated with the latest industry trends and best practices. This commitment to ongoing learning ensures that certified trainers remain at the forefront of their field.

Cons:

1. Cost:
   The NASM certification can be relatively expensive compared to other certifications, ranging from several hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the study materials and resources you choose.
2. Exam difficulty:
   The NASM Certified Personal Trainer exam is known to be challenging. It requires a solid understanding of the material and effective study strategies. A passing score of 70% can be a hurdle for some individuals.
3. Recertification requirements:
   NASM requires recertification every two years, which may involve additional costs and continuing education requirements.

Post Certification Perks

After earning your NASM CPT certification, you can access various benefits and resources to support your career growth and success. These perks provide ongoing support and opportunities for certified personal trainers.

1. Job board access:
   NASM provides a job board where you can search for personal training positions and connect with potential employers. This valuable resource can streamline your job search process and help you find opportunities that align with your career goals.
2. Continuing education opportunities:
   NASM offers a variety of continuing education courses, workshops, and webinars to help you stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and techniques. Staying current with new developments in the field can help you provide cutting-edge services to your clients.
3. Professional liability insurance:
   NASM provides access to discounted professional liability insurance, which is essential for personal trainers. This insurance protects you from legal claims or lawsuits, giving you peace of mind as you work with clients.
4. Business resources:
   NASM offers tools and resources to help you start and grow your personal training business, including marketing strategies, business planning, and client management tools. These resources can be invaluable for establishing a successful personal training practice.
   
   

After you've earned your NASM certification, you may Consider using FitBudd to connect with potential clients and manage your personal training business. FitBudd's platform streamlines client communication, appointment scheduling, and workout program creation, allowing you to focus on delivering exceptional training services.

Here are some of the additional benefits of using FitBudd:

• Mobile app for accessible client communication and program access
• Payment processing tools for secure and convenient transactions
• Marketing and branding features to help you build your client base
• Community forum to connect with other fitness professionals

Is NASM Legit and Worth It?

Absolutely! NASM is one of the fitness industry's most legitimate and respected certifications. The National Commission accredits the certification for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the gold standard for certifying organizations in the United States. This accreditation ensures that the NASM CPT certification meets rigorous standards for quality and credibility.

While the cost and exam difficulty may seem daunting, the NASM CPT certification is a worthwhile investment for those serious about pursuing a career in personal training. The certification's comprehensive education, credibility, and professional opportunities make it a valuable asset for any fitness professional. Many certified trainers report that the knowledge and skills gained from the NASM program have significantly enhanced their ability to design effective and tailored training programs for their clients.

How Hard is the NASM CPT Exam

The NASM CPT exam is one of the industry's more challenging personal trainer certification exams. However, this difficulty level is intentional, as it ensures that certified trainers have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe, effective, and scientifically-based training programs. Here's what you can expect:

1. Exam format: The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions that a candidate must complete within 2 hours. The time constraint and number of questions can add to the challenge of the exam.
2. Passing score: To pass the exam, you must score at least 70% or higher. This passing score reflects the depth and breadth of knowledge required to become a NASM (National Academy Of Sports Medicine) Certified Personal Trainer.
3. Content areas: The certification exam covers various topics, including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise programming, nutrition, and client fitness assessments. Its comprehensive nature means that you'll need to have a solid understanding of multiple disciplines.
4. Preparation: The National Academy Of Sports Medicine (NASM) provides a variety of study materials, including textbooks, practice exams, and online resources, to help you prepare for the exam. Many candidates recommend dedicating several months of focused study to prepare and adequately increase their chances of success in the exam and the fitness industry afterward.

While the exam is challenging, it's important to remember that the difficulty level aims to uphold the high standards of the NASM certification. Passing the exam will demonstrate your commitment to mastering the knowledge and skills required to provide safe and effective personal training services. The Nasm personal trainer certification helps you excel in every aspect of fitness training, starting from a youth exercise specialist to a nutrition coach, senior fitness specialist, or a women's fitness specialist.