Becoming a certified Personal Trainer is an exciting step in your career path, but it’s just the beginning. Choosing the right program is critical to having a successful fitness career that is respected by employers and aligns with your goals of helping others.

The fitness industry is evolving to meet both customer and professional needs. One notable change is NASM’s introduction of an open-book exam that awards a certificate. This option can ease exam anxiety and better assist aspiring fitness professionals in pursuing their dreams as a certified Personal Trainer.

In this article, we explore the differences between these two exam options and the benefits of having more choice on the path to fitness certification.

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What options are available for NASM’s CPT training exam?

In the past, NASM only offered one option for the CPT exam, which was the NCCA accredited certification exam for obtaining your personal trainer certification.

Before 2020, This exam was proctoredThis means that you had to plan the exam in advance and physically go to a specific exam location to take the exam. If the thought of taking a proctored exam scares you, I have good news for you! NASM offers an additional testing option: an open personal trainer certification test that you can take from home.

We’ll get into the differences between certificate and certification later, but for now you might be curious What is the difference between these two exams?.

Consistency of program content:

First of all, it is important to understand that regardless of whether you choose to take the NCCA exam or the open book exam, The content of the program remains the same for both test options. Regardless of your choice of exam, you will receive identical learning materials with identical content. This means that your preparation process for both exams will likely be fairly similar.

Preparation period:

It usually only takes so little time four weeks to adequately prepare for the exam, Depending on your study plan and your learning pace. Even if you choose to take the open-book exam, it is strongly recommended that you invest sufficient time in studying and mastering the information. Consider the certification exam as a tool to assess your knowledge and identify areas that may require additional study when taking the proctored exam.

Including examination costs:

Regardless of which CPT course package you choose, bBoth tests are included in the package price. This gives you the flexibility to postpone your decision about which exam route you want to take until after you have studied the materials. However, it is important to note that scheduling a proctored exam typically requires advance planning.

Find out more about these exam options and start your path to becoming a personal trainer today!

What is the difference between a personal trainer certificate and a personal trainer certification?

Is a certificate and a certification the same thing? In short, no.

A personal training certificate shows that you have completed training in the field of personal training, while a personal training certificate shows that you have passed an accredited exam that shows your knowledge meets industry standards.

So why not start with the certification exam now? What is the advantage of an open book exam option?

I’m glad you asked!

Benefits of NASM’s Advanced CPT Exam Options:

NASM credentials are recognized as the industry’s most sought-after and respected fitness professional programs among personal trainers. Why? Read below to get a better insight into the benefits of NASM’s CPT exam options.

1. Diverse paths for aspiring trainers

For some aspiring trainers, the prospect of taking a proctored exam as a requirement to enter the industry can be a significant hurdle. To ensure that the final exam does not become a hurdle, NASM has introduced the open book exam option. This alternative allows aspiring personal trainers to begin their careers in the industry earlier than usual.

Whether you want to learn more about what it takes to be a successful personal trainer and earn a certificate, or you’re ready to jump right in and take the NCCA-accredited certification exam, NASM offers both exam options for customization to your preferred learning approach.

2. Accessibility and convenience

The open book exam option offers the flexibility to take the test at any time, whether today or in two months. In contrast, scheduling a proctored exam requires advance planning, often weeks in advance, but the open-book exam is available to you at your convenience. This is especially helpful if you have a hectic schedule and need more flexible test selection.

3. Building trust and reducing stress

If you’ve ever taken a timed exam, you know how quickly time can pass when answering questions. The new open book exam option offers test takers a Generous 3-hour window to answer 100 questions. That’s a full hour more than the proctored exam and requires 20 fewer questions. This extended time frame may result in less stress during the exam for some and provides an opportunity to build confidence, especially if you plan to take the proctored exam in the future.

In addition, the open book exam allows you three attempts to pass with a minimum score of 70%. Knowing that you have multiple options without facing any penalties can be significant Alleviate exam anxiety and increase your chances of success.

4. Industry recognition and competitive advantage

NASM’s NCCA accredited certification, also known as a proctored exam option, applies This represents significant value in the industry and increases your competitiveness in the hiring process. The NCCA, a nationally recognized third-party agency, accredits certification programs that meet and maintain its rigorous standards. Employers often seek this accreditation to demonstrate that candidates have studied relevant materials and passed an exam that meets industry standards.

Setting a benchmark for certified personal trainers not only benefits the industry, but also the trainers themselves, employers and clients. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.

The competitive advantage of the open-book exam is that you can access reference materials during the test. This can be beneficial because it tests not only memorization but also the ability to locate and apply information effectively, reflecting real-world scenarios where fitness professionals have access to resources when making decisions. It can also reduce test anxiety for some people and promote a more relaxed exam environment.

Do you have a passion for helping others? Begin your journey to NASM Certified Personal Trainer.

What to consider before choosing a CPT exam

Choosing the right CPT exam is a crucial step in your fitness career. When choosing a Certified Personal Trainer exam, there are several factors to consider, including accreditation, cost, curriculum, exam format, and more.

1. Diverse recognition

The introduction of the “Personal Trainer Certificate” option could mean that some employers are not yet familiar with this designation.

While it is possible that an employer will still insist that you obtain an NCCA accredited certification (often with a specific time frame for certification after hire), having your certificate in place is entirely possible Open the door so you can start working while preparing for the certification exam.

Additionally, because NASM supports the certificate program, it signals to employers that you are committed to learning and professional development. Discussions with potential employers can help you determine the best testing option for your career.

Additionally, it is important to note that your Liability insurance may require NCCA certification before providing coverage. Therefore, it is advisable to contact them to understand their specific requirements before selecting your exam option.

2. Self-discipline and preparation

Both exam options require you to engage in intensive study, whether they are open-book exams or not. However, there is a notable difference between them.

In the case of the proctored exam, once you schedule it, you have a set deadline to work towards, which can help you maintain your motivation. However, because the open-book exam is available “on-demand,” the responsibility falls on you to exercise self-discipline, stick to your study plan, and ultimately complete the exam.

Final thoughts

It’s never too late to go back to school, especially with the opportunity to combine your education with NASM’s industry-leading curriculum. The opportunity to earn your NASM credentials while continuing your education and training prepares you for a successful career as a fitness professional. Whether you’re considering formal training or more job-specific training, NASM has everything you need to create a bright future in the industry.

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