NCSF Exam

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NCSF Exam

Our review of the NCSF personal trainer certification continues with a look at the NCSF exam and an overview of the certification. Remember to see what other readers are saying about NCSF.

Overview of the NCSF Exam

To pass the 150 question exam you must demonstrate your knowledge of basic anatomy, exercise physiology, health screening and evaluation, nutrition and weight management, exercise prescription, and special populations. The exact proportions of each topic is listed below.

Functional Anatomy	12.9%
Exercise Physiology	8.9%
Health and Physical Fitness	10.5%
Screening and Evaluation	12.1%
Nutrition	10.5%
Weight Management	8.1%
Exercise Prescription and Programming Considerations	14.5%
Training Instruction	17.7%
Considerations for Special Populations	4.8%

Preparing for the NCSF Certification Test

The NCSF exam costs $199 and carries a hefty $135 retake fee. You also must wait at least 30 days before retaking the exam. So be sure to come prepared to the exam.

There are lots of study materials available from NCSF and from independent sources. The official NCSF materials are good but you should plan on taking our Exam Prep Course. With over 500 practice questions for only $24.95, it is a great insurance policy against having to retake the NCSF exam.

Recertification requirements

Your NCSF certification is valid for two years from the date that you pass the NCSF-CPT certification exam. From there, you must maintain your certification by accumulating ten continuing education credits over the course of the two years. This ensures that trainers certified through NCSF maintain the high standards and code of ethics that is associated with the National Council on Strength and Fitness. These credits can be earned through fitness classes, workshops, seminars and other NCSF approved courses and classes.

NCSF Vital Statistics

NCSF Certification

NCSF

Certification

Certified Personal Trainer (cPT)

Established

Workshop length

2 days or 8 week option

Workshop Availability

US major cities

Program Cost

$309 or $495

Materials cost

Included

Industry recognition

High

NCCA accredited

Yes

Prerequisites

None

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Exam Questions

150

Exam Time

3 hours

Exam Cost

$199

Retest Cost

$135, 30 day waiting period

Exam deadline

Exam locations

400 testing locations in North America

Time to Complete (Approx.)

4-6 months

Recertification

every 2 years

Recertification Cost (Approx.)

$400-800

What did you think about NCSF?

The section below gives our readers the chance to talk about their experience with the NCSF personal trainer certification and the NCSF test. After you take your exam, remember to come back and tell us how you did and what worked for you!

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NCSF Insider Tips

Our readers submit some great tips about passing the NCSF personal trainer certification exam. Read the tips and add your comments and ratings to each tip.

NCSF compared to ACE and ACSM
I am currently studying with the Home Study program from the National Council on Strength and Fitness. I am trying to decide which organization to get ...

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I ventured out to Las Vegas this past weekend for the NCSF workshop and I'll cut to the chase by saying I was really impressed. I learned a TON and was ...

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I just passed the NCSF exam, so I thought I'd pass on some advice. It is a tough test and anyone would need to study to pass it. I studied the entire ...

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It's been over a month since I've written. Wow, that went fast. I'm finding it harder and harder ...

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I have been a publicist in the film industry for almost 6 years. I started in college running around ragged promoting films, pitching interviews and working ...

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I live in Los Angeles and am eager to pursue a career in personal training. I've read through your site thoroughly but am still unsure as to which NCCA ...

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