Faqs

Overview

How can you offer so much for so little money?

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.
 

What are you trying to change about the industry?

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.
 

Are you accredited by the NCCA?

The ACTION-CPT certification program earned NCCA Accreditation in January 2014. The NCCA Accredited exam is available online using Examity Live Proctors.
 

But will I be able to get a job?

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.
 

Do you offer Phone Support?

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.
 

Are there any time limits to complete the course?

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 Plans

What is the difference between the Basic Plan and the Pro Plan?

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.
 

How do the payment plans work?

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.
 

Can I upgrade to the Pro Plan after registering for the Basic plan?

Yes.
 

The Materials

How do I get access to the textbook?

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. Pro and Platinum plan members can download the Kindle version of the textbook to their phone, tablet or Kindle device.
 

Will you ship the textbook to me?

No. All plans include a PDF copy of the textbook. A hardcopy of the textbook is available on Amazon.com.
 

Can I Read the Textbook on my Mobile Device?

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.

 

If I register for the Pro or Platinum Plan, how will I get access to all the extras?

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 Education

How do the online classes work?

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

What if I can’t attend a class?

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

The Exam

What are the differences between the two exams?

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

Meeting the eligibility requirements and passing the certification exam which is part of the NCCA Accredited ACTION-CPT enables you to use the title of ACTION-Certified Personal Trainer (ACTION-CPT).

  Online Certificate Exam NCCA Accredited Certification Exam
Results in: Certificate in Personal Training ACTION Certified Personal Trainer (ACTION-CPT)
Taken: Online Online with Live Proctors
Cost: Free $99 proctor fee
Retest Fee: $35 $99 proctor fee

 


 

Can I take both exams?

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

Which Exam is Better?

By far, the NCCA Accredited exam is superior to the online certificate exam. We put in hundreds of hours of development time to ensure that the exam meets rigid NCCA Accreditation standards.
 

How do I take the exam?

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

The NCCA Accredited ACTION-CPT certification exam is taken online using the Examity Live Proctoring platform.


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.

 

What if I fail the exam?

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 proctor fee will apply.

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

Why do you charge for exam retests?

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

What is the exam like?

The ACTION Certification exam which is part of the NCCA Accredited ACTION-CPT certification is available online.

 

Exam Details

There are 130 multiple choice questions (100 scored and up to 30 non-scored research questions).

You have 2.5 hours to complete the exam.

You must get 72% 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. Examity 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. Examity will charge you their $99 proctor fee each time you take the exam so make sure you are prepared.

 


 

What is covered on the exam?

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.
 

Can I pass the exam if I only register for the Basic plan?

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.
 

What do I get once I pass the exam?

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.
 

Other

Do you require recertification?

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.
 

Do you plan on adding specialty certifications that enable me to train special populations like the obese, children and seniors?

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