what cpr course should be taken for acsm personal trainer

by Kelli Barrows 3 min read

Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology or Kinesiology. Adult CPR/AED Certification (important update here) Prepare to take the Exam You can create your own preparation plan, or let us guide you through the process! Whichever option you chose, ACSM has the tools to support you. Just scroll down!

The ACSM Certification Board will continue to accept blended, hybrid learning CPR/AED classes – online learning and in-person skills assessment. No provisional CPR/AED classes will be accepted. Exam candidates must have completed CPR/AED certification in order to schedule or apply to take an ACSM exam.Mar 21, 2022

Full Answer

What is an ACSM certified personal trainer?

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is a medicine and science organization that offers the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) designation. The ACSM is a recognized name within the fitness industry.

How do I prepare for the ACSM CPT exam?

The ACSM CPT practice tests are useful as they help you identify your weak points when studying the material. ACSM exam questions & answers are also very helpful for directly learning the content. For more in-depth preparation, the ACSM offers a prep course through PrepU, as well as digital flashcards.

What is the best book for the ACSM CPT?

The ACSM’s Resources for the Personal Trainer textbook contains the bulk of the test prep content for the ACSM CPT and is the primary ACSM personal trainer book. This textbook includes a breakdown of all of ACSM’s physical activity guidelines, exercise techniques, and programming information.

What are the best resources to prepare for the ACSM exam?

ACSM's Resources for the Exercise Physiologist is the official preparation book for the exam. Additional titles such as ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 11th edition, and ACSM's Certification Review are also recommended.

Does the ACSM accept online CPR certification?

The ACSM Certification Board now accepts provisional and blended learning CPR/AED classes – online learning and in-person skills assessment. Exam candidates may schedule or apply to take an ACSM exam after successfully completing the online portion of the CPR/AED certification class.

What are the requirements for ACSM certification?

The ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist® (ACSM-CEP®) is an allied health professional with a minimum of a bachelor's degree in exercise science or equivalent and 1,200 hours of clinical hands-on experience or a master's degree in clinical exercise physiology and 600 hours of hands-on clinical experience.

Does ACSM offer certifications for personal fitness trainers?

A personal trainer certification from ACSM means that you'll have the practical and scientific knowledge to work in a variety of fitness facilities, including health clubs, gyms, university, corporate, and community or public fitness centers, and positions ranging from freelance personal training to full-time and ...

How many CECs do I need for ACSM?

ACSM certified personal trainers are required to obtain 45 CECs every three years to maintain their certification. The purpose of this recertification is to maintain a specific level of competence as a health and fitness professional.

Is ACSM or NASM better?

While the NASM-CPT exam has fewer questions than the ACSM-CPT exam, both are challenging and prepare you for work in the fitness industry. You are required to fulfill CEUs every two years for NASM, and every 3 years for ACSM. In the end, the better certification is the better certification for YOU!

Which is better ACSM or ACE?

Overall, the ACSM and ACE are quite similar in content. However, the ACE CPT is much better at actually preparing you to train clients on day one with comprehensive protocols. ACSM has more in-depth exercise science and special populations training, in addition to sales skills.

How much do ACSM Personal trainers make?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $100,000 and as low as $17,500, the majority of ACSM Personal Trainer salaries currently range between $33,000 (25th percentile) to $56,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $78,000 annually across the United States.

What are the 3 specialty certifications ACSM offers?

ACSM Specialty Certifications and CertificatesACSM Exercise is Medicine Credential. ®Autism Exercise Specialist.ACSM/ACS Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer. SMACSM/NCHPAD Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer.ACSM/NPAS Certified Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist.

Is an ACSM certification worth it?

The ACSM cert is among the most respected personal fitness training certifications and is considered a gold standard for health fitness and personal training certifications. The physical activity guidelines from the ACSM are cited by many mainstream health and fitness publications.

How long is ACSM certification good for?

three yearsAfter successfully completing an ACSM Certification exam your ACSM Certification is valid for three years. At the end of those three years you can either complete the recertification process, or you must re-take and pass the Certification exam to maintain your certification.

How long does ACSM certification take?

between 10 and 12 weeksCompleting the course and obtaining the authentication may take you between 10 and 12 weeks, depending on your pace and the exam availability. Rest assured, the ACSM certification program is invaluable to your career as a CPT.

What is the difference between CEC and CEU?

CEC (Continuing Education Credit) & CEU (Continuing Education Unit) are both terms used to identify professional development education. The main difference is that 1(one) CEU is equal to 10 hours of education, therefore, 0.1 CEU would be equal to 1 CEC.

Is the ACSM a good certification?

The ACSM cert is among the most respected personal fitness training certifications and is considered a gold standard for health fitness and persona...

Can you take the ACSM exam online?

The ACSM personal training exam can be taken online through the Pearson VUE multiple-choice testing system. If you take the test in person, be sure...

How do I study for ACSM?

The CPT ACSM textbook contains the information needed to pass. Additional ACSM CPT study guide materials make studying more efficient, straightforw...

How long does it take to get the ACSM certification?

Receiving the ACSM certification depends on you passing the exam. The time needed for exam prep depends on your knowledge and speed of learning. Wi...

How long until I get results from the ACSM certification exam?

You need to pass the exam to get your American College of Sports Medicine certification. Sitting for the exam requires a high school diploma, CPR/A...

Do ACSM certifications expire?

ACSM certifications require recertification every three years, or they do expire. If you let your CPT expire, you must retake the original ACSM CPT...

Does ACSM require a college degree?

A college degree is not required to become an ACSM CPT. A high school diploma and an adult CPR/AED certification are the only ACSM certification re...

How do I renew my ACSM certification?

Recertification for the ACSM CPT is required every three years and requires the completion of 45 continuing education credits in that period. When...

How do I get CECs in ACSM?

CECs, also known as CEUs or continuing education credits are obtained by taking courses, reading ACSM articles and webinars. For example, exercise...

What qualifies as a CEU?

CEUs must be obtained by completing approved courses. The ACSM allows you to take your CEU courses through other organizations as well as the ACSM....

Earn 9.0 CECs with the ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Preparation Course

Prepare for the ACSM-CPT exam with this convenient, online course. Learn and study at your own pace with audio and PowerPoint presentations. The course includes access to 6 modules that cover:

About the course

Prepare for the ACSM-CPT exam with this convenient, online course. Learn and study at your own pace with audio and PowerPoint presentations. The course includes access to 6 modules that cover:

How many questions are asked in the Gei exam?

Also having a seat time of 165 minutes, the GEI exam is made up of 115 questions, 100 of which are scored and 15 are unscored. The performance domain proportions are:

How long is the CPT exam?

Comprised of 135 questions, the CPT exam allows a seat time of 150 minutes. Of the 135 questions, 120 are score while 15 will be used more for research purposes. Performance domain breakdowns are as follows:

What are the different types of ACSM memberships?

There are three different membership categories: student, alliance, and professional.

What is the material of the ACSM book?

The material of this book ensures candidates know the importance of proper exercise testing methods and how to implement them consistently. It also discusses exercise prescription based on the results of testing and/or goals of the client or athlete. This book is applicable to all three certification offerings through ACSM.

What are the three certification exams?

Each of the three certification exams is divided into four categories known as performance domains. The domains are individualized to each exam, as is the proportion of total questions they receive. In addition, all of the exams test on three different cognitive levels, each of which is tested in all performance domains. They are:

Is there an ACSM group for CPT?

For those who want to save money but are still looking for additional support, there is an ACSM study group on Facebook for CPT and EP certification candidates. This community of future fitness influences gives support to one another, discusses topics and study methods, and celebrates with each other when someone passes his or her exam. Although there is no group specifically for GEI candidates, members of these groups may still prove helpful for more general questions you have.

What is the emphasis of the assessment and programming textbook?

With a strong emphasis on assessment and programming, this textbook helps prepare you to work with a variety of clients. This text also offers coverage of both healthy and special populations, as well as discussions on potential ethical and legal issues you may run into in your given field.

Quality of ACSM Study Materials

The best and most useful exam prep material is the ACSM Resources for the Personal Trainer textbook. This book contains most of the information found on the test.

ACSM Certification Pricing

The ACSM offers several different exam preparation resources for the CPT test. Each of these materials must be purchased separately from the exam fee itself, which costs $349.

How Hard is the ACSM Certification Exam?

The ACSM personal trainer exam is average difficulty compared to other mainstream certifications.

Pros and Cons

The following are the overall pros and cons of the ACSM CPT certification.

Conclusion: ACSM Certification Review

The ACSM CPT certification provides a good overview of the skills needed for personal training. The breadth of topics covered mirrors most other comparable certifications. It is particularly well suited for trainers who want a career working in clinical settings or clients with chronic diseases.

ACSM Personal Training Certification Overview

The CPT designation from the ACSM allows you to prove your abilities and skills as a personal trainer. With this certification, you demonstrate that you know how to develop training programs. You could show others how to do exercise moves and motivate them to stay focused and committed to fitness regimens.

Preparing for the Examination

The ACSM offers optional training materials and workshops that you can use to prepare for the Certified Personal Trainer examination. However, you may prepare in any way you choose as long as you are competent in the topics that will be presented.

College Programs

Besides using the ACSM test preparation materials, completing a certificate or diploma program at a college could also prepare you for the examination. In such programs, you might learn about anatomy, fitness principles, exercise physiology, CPR and injury prevention while building personal training skills.

How much does it cost to take the ACSM Personal Trainer exam?

If you’re an ACSM member and you want to take the ACSM Personal Trainer Certification exam, it will cost you $279, while if you’re a non-member it will cost $349. To retake the test will cost you $175.

How old do you have to be to get a personal trainer certification?

To qualify for the ACSM Personal Trainer Certification program, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or the equivalent and have a current CPR and AED certification. You can get your certification through your local Red Cross chapter.

What is ACSM in sports medicine?

About ACSM. Founded in 1954 by a group of physicians and physical educators, ACSM is the now the biggest sports medicine and exercise science body across the globe. It has over 50,000 International members and certified professionals who aim to promote a healthier lifestyle for all people.

What is ACSM CPT?

ACSM Certified Personal Trainers® (ACSM-CPT®) live their passion for health and fitness, and for helping others enjoy a better life. In this role, the candidate becomes passionate and enjoys a career leading others in achieving their health and fitness goals.

What is ACSM in business?

ACSM aims to deliver innovative solutions that provide data at the Edge to drive powerful business outcomes. The candidate should visit the official website of ACSM and get an idea about membership, privacy policies, and terms of services.

What is the fifth edition of ACSM?

Published by the American College of Sports Medicine, this Fifth Edition of ACSM’s Resources for the Personal Trainer is the critical content for those seeking to gain ACSM’s Certified Personal Trainer certification, and those currently practicing. This title continues to recognize the Personal Trainer as a professional in the continuum of creating healthy lifestyles and provides the Personal Trainer with both the tools and scientific evidence to build safe and effective exercise programs for a variety of clients. ACSM’s Resources for the Personal Trainer is the official preparation book for the ACSM Certified Personal Trainer examination.

What is practice test?

Practice tests are the one who ensures the candidate about their preparation. The practice test will help the candidates to acknowledge their weak areas so that they can work on them. There are many practice tests available on the internet nowadays, so the candidate can choose which they want. We at Testprep training also offer practice tests which are very helpful for the ones who are preparing.

About Acsm

  • Since its establishment in 1954, the American College of Sports Medicine(ACSM) has amassed more than 50,000 members and become a global leader in the health and fitness industry. Despite using the word in its name, ACSM is not a college in the sense of degree offerings. Rather than a campus with a student body, this college is a membership associat...
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Certification Options and Requirements

  • In order to educate future fitness leaders, ACSM offers three different health and fitness certifications.These include group exercise instructor, personal trainer, and exercise physiologist. As part of its desire to be the gold standard in the industry, ACSM holds aspiring professionals to a higher level.The organization is well-known for the challenge its exams possess, but the highl…
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Exam Prep

  • Once you have decided to become certified through ACSM and have met the minimum qualifications, it is time to start studying. This is not a task to take lightly. Exams through ACSM are regarded as some of the most challenging in the industry. Again, however, the reputation of the organization adds a great deal of value to your certification. The ACSM offers a wide range o…
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Exam Content

  • Each of the three certification exams is divided into four categories known as performance domains. The domains are individualized to each exam, as is the proportion of total questions they receive. In addition, all of the exams test on three different cognitive levels, each of which are tested in all performance domains. They are: 1. Recall: remembering basic facts, steps, or infor…
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Maintaining Your Certification

  • In order to stay up to date on science and new information in the industry, it is common for organizations to require health and fitness professionals to obtain a certain number of continuing education credits (CEC’s) to maintain their certification. The specific number of credits, as well as the amount of time to complete the credits, varies by organization. For CPT and GEI, ACSM requi…
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Acsm Membership and Benefits

  • Once you have passed your certification exam, or maybe even prior to doing so, you might consider a membership to ACSM. There are three different membership categories: student, alliance, and professional. While the categories have some similarities, there are also differences in cost and benefits. It is worth pointing out that all three certification exams mentioned above c…
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Wrap-Up

  • Choosing a job in the health and fitness industry gives professionals a chance to transform their passion for helping others into a career. In order to be as successful as possible, you need to be seen as credible and knowledgeable in your field. A certification is a perfect way to do this and ACSM is a well-respected certifying body in the industry. With options to become a certified pers…
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does my certification last?
    Health and fitness certifications through ACSM have a three-year span, plus a six-month grace period, before the certification lapses.
  • Do I have to be an ACSM member to get certified?
    No, however, membership in ACSM does allow you to receive a discount on your certification.
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Acsm Personal Training Certification Overview

  • The CPT designation from the ACSM allows you to prove your abilities and skills as a personal trainer. With this certification, you demonstrate that you know how to develop training programs. You could show others how to do exercise moves and motivate them to stay focused and committed to fitness regimens. The CPT examination is administered at Pea...
See more on learn.org

Preparing For The Examination

  • The ACSM offers optional training materials and workshops that you can use to prepare for the Certified Personal Trainer examination. However, you may prepare in any way you choose as long as you are competent in the topics that will be presented. Examination questions cover the Job Task Analyses from the ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescriptionbook. You mus…
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College Programs

  • Besides using the ACSM test preparation materials, completing a certificate or diploma program at a college could also prepare you for the examination. In such programs, you might learn about anatomy, fitness principles, exercise physiology, CPR and injury prevention while building personal training skills.
See more on learn.org

CPR/AED Certification

  • If you don't complete a college program that includes CPR/AED training, you can take courses through the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. These courses may be offered at various locations such as community centers or colleges, and are taught by certified instructors. Earning a CPR/AED certification will allow you to meet the requirements to take the …
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