It’s a numbers game really. We can either provide a high quality education and certification program to a few people or we can make the same program accessible to thousands of people. We want to be the largest certification provider for personal trainers. The only way to do that is to radically change the way our industry operates.

We think the emphasis needs to be on education rather than just certification. We have seen too many certified personal trainers who have no idea what they are doing. This lack of quality control is devaluing our industry. So by making a quality education available at a reasonable price, we can produce highly qualified personal trainers and dramatically alter the way this industry operates.

The ACTION-CPT certification program earned NCCA Accreditation in January 2014 and has been renewed until 2024. The exam is available at thousands of Prometric testing centers in more than 160 countries across the globe

We think so. We aggressively work with the major chains to educate the hiring managers on the benefits of ACTION Personal Trainer Certification. Our emphasis on education, instructor training, and practical knowledge are very attractive to gyms looking for personal trainers that can be effective from the first day. Our Pro Plan members get access to our private job board which has many personal training jobs available.

Not at this time. We currently offer email, chat and webinar (screen-sharing) support. We use these more efficient methods to keep our costs and prices down. Phone support is very inefficient. Our staff can answer about 60 emails an hour compared to 5-10 phone calls during the same time. However, we recognize that certain issues are better handled over the phone. In these circumstances our support staff and instructors can escalate to a phone call.

There are no time limits. You can attend online classes, get support and use all the tools as long as you like...even after you pass the exam.

The main difference is the level of support you receive. The Basic plan offers little support or extras. The Pro Plan gives you access to valuable benefits like online classes, real worl simulations, flash cards and practice exams to help you study. Also thrown in is 24/7 email support. Check out our comparison table for the full breakdown of the differences.

We recognize that not everybody can afford our Pro and Platinum plans. That is why we give you the option to make monthly payments. When you register for the Pro Plan monthly payments option, you are charged $34.95 at the time of registration. You immediately get all Pro Plan benefits. Each month you will be charged $9.95. You must keep making payments until your total paid amount exceeds $149 (the current Pro Plan price). You can then cancel the monthly payments or you can apply the continued payments toward the Platinum plan. The timing on this works out nicely because you will become a Platinum member in time to take the Advanced Nutrition Certification CEUs, plus we waive your recertification application fees.

Yes.

Once you register for the course, you can login and download the textbook. It is in PDF format and can be transferred to other computers, mobile devices, iphones and e-book readers. All plans include a copy of the textbook with free shipping in the U.S and Canada (all others pay $14.95). Pro and Platinum plan members can download the Kindle version of the textbook to their phone, tablet or Kindle device.

Yes. All plans include a copy of the textbook. Shipping is free for the U.S. and Canada. All other countries pay $14.95 for shipping.

We have released a Kindle version of the textbook. Pro and Platinum plan members can download the Kindle textbook for free from their portal. You can download the free Kindle Reader App for iPhone, iPad, Android, and Windows Mobile in your device's app store. Once the Kindle reader is installed, you can open the textbook on your device.

Basic plan members can purchase a copy of the Kindle textbook by searching the Kindle Library for "ACTION Certification" or just use this link to the Amazon Kindle Library.

Once you register for the Pro or Platinum Plan, you can login and access your personal portal page that contains links to many extra resources.

The online classes are available to stream online. Each plan has different levels of access to the course content.

We record each of the online classes. So if you miss one, you can download the recording and watch it at your convenience.

The online certificate exam offers a convenient way to earn a certificate in personal training.

The certification exam which is part of the NCCA Accredited ACTION-CPT enables you to use the title of "Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)".

 

Yes. In any order you want. Many people will elect to use the online exam as a warm up for the full certification exam.

By far, the NCCA Accredited exam which is taken in secure testing centers is superior to the online certificate exam. We recommend taking it if you are in the United States. You can still take the online certificate exam as a warm up for the full certification exam.

The Online Certificate exam can be taken from the ACTION Learning System which is accessible from your portal and the TalentLMS app.

The exam for the NCCA Accredited ACTION-CPT certification can only be taken at a Prometric Testing Centers.


How to Apply

Applicants can apply online at https://actioncertification.org/index.php?option=com_forms&view=quickconnect&layout=cpr&Itemid=506. Applications must include proof of current CPR and AED certification.

Scheduling an Exam

Once approved to take the ACTION-CPT exam, candidates will receive information on how to schedule their exam appointment at a Prometric testing center. Candidates may schedule their exam online or by phone. There are no exam deadlines, however, the exam must be taken within one year of application approval. Exam appointments are available Monday–Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm in most locations with weekend hours available in many areas. The ACTION-CPT exam is offered at Prometric test centers worldwide. A list of test centers is available at the on the Prometric website. Or you can contact Prometric's automated voice response system at: (800)366-3926 (in North America) and Prometric's Regional Registration Center (outside North America); the Web is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Candidates who fail the NCCA Accredited exam may re-test after a 90 day waiting period following the date the previous exam was taken. This waiting period is created to help protect the security of the exam. Their is no charge from ACTION Certification to retest, however a $99 test center fee will apply.

There is no waiting period to retake the online exam. A $35 retest fee applies to the online exam only.

We actually don't charge anything. But Prometric charges $99 each time you take the exam to cover their costs of operating the test center. We charge the $35 online certificate exam retest fee to encourage people to be well prepared the first time they take the exam.

The ACTION Certification exam which is part of the NCCA Accredited ACTION-CPT certification is available at thousands of Prometric testing centers in more than 160 countries..

 

Exam Details

There are 150 multiple choice questions.

You have 2.5 hours to complete the exam.

You must get 70% or more to pass the exam.

Upon completing the exam, your exam will be graded immediately and you will be emailed a score report. Please keep this score report. Prometric will automatically send us your score within 2 business days. But in the event an error occurs, your score report is your proof of passing the exam.

If you fail the exam, you must wait 90 days before taking the exam again. Prometric will charge you their $99 testing fee each time you take the exam so make sure you are prepared.

 

The exam covers all the subjects included in the textbook including anatomy, biomechanics, client assessment, program design, safety, legal and business topics. You should understand (not memorize) these concepts. Our Pro Plan gives you access to flash cards and practice exams that further emphasize the concepts that are included on the exam.

Definitely. If you have prior experience in the fitness industry or have a background in exercise science, you can pass the exam. Also, if you are a good book learner, you can pass the exam. But if neither of those things apply to you, then we recommend taking advantage of all the instructions and educational extras that are available through the Pro plan.

Upon passing the exam, you can download your personalized certificate you can use to help get your first job. If you are a Pro or Platinum Plan member, you also have access to a personalized letter of recommendation, business plan generator, career counselors, and our private job board.

Yes, you must recertify every two years. The cost is $65. This is hundreds of dollars less expensive than any of the other certifications. Platinum Plan members never have to pay the $65 recertification fee.

Our Advanced Nutrition Certification is now available. Platinum plan members get access to this advanced certification for free. It also counts as 0.8 CEUs for recertification.