Cooper Personal Training Certification

The personal training certification from the Cooper Institute is among the best in the industry.

There are a number of personal training certifications available to the prospective personal trainer or for a current personal trainer wanting to increase her knowledge and add another credential. One key to increasing your marketability is to become certified through a top-tier organization. The National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) are both good credentials, among others. The personal training certification from the Cooper Institute is a top-tier credential. A Cooper certification says you are well-versed in personal training.

Elite Status

The Cooper Institute's personal training credential is recognized by the NCCA.

To sit for the Cooper certification exam, a student must be 18 years-of-age and have CPR certification. A total of at least 85 hours of independent study is recommended. The certification is recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA.) There are hundreds of fitness organizations that offer certification but only 12 that offer the NCCA endorsement.

Study Aids

There are several study aids offered by the Cooper Institute.

The Cooper Institute offers several ways to gain the knowledge needed for the exam. It offers two- and four-day workshops, personal training DVDs, a course manual, a textbook, the American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, and a Cooper Institute Personal Trainer practice exam.

Topics

A solid knowledge of the topics is important to both passing the test and being a successful trainer.

The test, 150 questions, covers questions from five different areas: Core Scientific, covering 30 percent of the exam; Assessment and Evaluation of the Client's Health and Fitness Status, 15 percent; Goal Setting and Adherence, 10 percent; Exercise Prescription, 35 percent; and Business Principals and Professionalism, 10 percent. The test is thorough and comprehensive and the candidate must score 70 percent or higher to pass the exam and gain the certification.

Taking the Test

Become an expert at the covered topics.

The Dallas-based Cooper Institute has contracted through Pearson Professional Centers to administer the exam. Having a third party administer the test is a requirement for the NCCA. Pearson has facilities all around the country. At check-in for the exam you will need a government issued I.D. and a copy of your current CPR certification card. The test can be scheduled during work hours at your convenience.

Pass Rate

The Cooper Institute certification will put you among the top-tier trainers.

Passing the test will be an accomplishment. The pass rate is just below 65 percent, in line with the pass rate for the two exams given by the NSCA, also certified by the NCCA.. Preparation is extremely important to passing this exam. Knowing the topics well will not only help you pass the exam but will also be a large component in becoming a good trainer. Once you have passed the Cooper Institute personal trainer exam, your learning is just starting. The field of exercise science is constantly evolving.

References

• Institute for Credentialing Excellence: NCCA Accreditation
• Pearson: Locate a Test Center: Cooper Institute"
• Cooper Institute: Become a Certified Personal Trainer