The NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Exam Preparation course is a unique online training that prepares for the NASM CPT exam, which is one of the most respected and in-demand certifications in the health and fitness industry. The NASM Performance Enhancement Specialization (PES) can give you the expertise to improve the flexibility, speed, agility and performance of both professional athletes and weekend warriors.
The NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Exam Preparation course brings you a robust online exam preparation solution that gives you the most extensive resources available to successfully pass the widely respected NASM CPT examination. Through the use of online videos, presentations, quizzes, readings, and interactive activities, you will get the most thorough guidance and understanding of the CPT content, as well as the knowledge needed to successfully challenge the NCCA accredited CPT exam.
As a student, you will learn the knowledge, skills, and abilities to become a successful NASM personal trainer. Based on scientific research and fitness expert experience, the course is directly aligned with critical occupational competencies - including those defined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook. Each module is broken down into separate topics such as: human movement science, nutrition, movement assessments, program design, and how to create an integrated training program using the unique NASM OPT model (Optimum Performance Training) - a safe and effective way to help a client reach any goal.
This course includes exam preparation, all study materials, as well as the certification exam fee. The NCCA accredited NASM CPT Personal Trainer Exam is taken at a local testing center (PSI), and you can schedule your exam date after completion of the course.
Enrolling in a Career Series – What You Need to Know
Courses are taken sequentially. The order of courses in this series is:
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- Performance Enhancement Specialist
Prepares You For...
Careers:
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Health Fitness Specialist
- Private Personal Trainer
- Community Health Specialist
- Personal Trainer
Certifications:
- NASM CPT Personal Trainer
- Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES)
Certified Personal Trainer
I. Introduction and Resistance Training Concepts
A. Physical activity guidelines and recommendations as they relate to the Optimum Performance Training (OPT) Model
B. Models of resistance training
C. Effective exercise techniques
II. Human Movement Assessments/Fitness Testing and Evaluation
A. Major muscles and their functions
B. Subjective, objective, and performance assessments
C. Movement and postural assessments
III. Concepts of Integrated Training - Flexibility, Cardiorespiratory, and Core
A. Principles of human movement and flexibility
B. Benefits of cardiorespiratory fitness
C. Importance of the core
D. Proper exercise technique
E. Progressions and regressions
F. General differences in the stages of training for exercises
IV. Concepts of Integrated Training - Balance, Plyometric, and SAQ
A. Balance
B. Plyometric (reactive)
C. Speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) training
D. Safe and effective techniques
E. Progressions and regressions
F. Differences in training for these concepts in each phase of the OPT model
V. Design of Fitness Programs and Modalities
A. Program design using the OPT model
B. Acute training variables
C. Different exercise modalities
D. Various models of resistance training
VI. Human Movement Science/Exercise Modalities and Technique
A. Structure and function of the human body
B. Functions of anatomy and physiology during exercise
C. Systems related to exercise
D. Metabolism and how it is affected by exercise
VII. Special Populations, Nutrition, and Professional Development
A. Program design adaptations for individuals with health impairments or physical conditions
B. Basic concepts and guidelines to nutrition, supplementation, effective communication skills and goal setting strategies
VIII. Certification Exam Preparation
A. Test taking strategies
B. Practice exam
C. Make a self-remediation plan based on your results
D. Review NASM's standards of professional practice as it relates to a career as a professional fitness trainer.
Personal Enhancement Specialist
I. Essentials of Integrated Sports Performance Training
A. Introduction
B. Integrated Training Principles
C. Stretch Shortening Cycle
D. Utilization of the Integrated Training Continuum
E. Training in All Planes of Motion
F. Training for Optimum Muscle Balance
G. Integrated Sports Performance Program Part One Program Part One
H. Integrated Sports Performance Program Part
I. OPT Model
II. Basic Exercise Science
A. Introduction
B. The Nervous System
C. Sensory Receptors
D. The Skeletal System
E. The Muscular System
F. Muscle Contraction
G. Basic Exercise Science
III. The Cardiorespiratory System
A. Presentations
B. Introduction
C. The Cardiovascular System Part 1
D. The Cardiovascular System Part 2
E. The Respiratory System
F. Oxygen and Energy
G. The Cardiorespiratory System
IV. Hormonal Response to Exercise
A. Introduction
B. Endocrine Organs
C. Endocrine Adaptations to Exercise
D. Hormonal Response to Exercise
V. Human Movement Science
A. Introduction
B. Planes of Motion
C. Combined Joint Motion
D. Muscle Action Spectrum
E. Efficient Human Movement
F. Functional Anatomy
G. Sub-systems
H. Motor Behavior
I. Motor Learning
J. Human Movement Science
VI. Sports Performance Testing
A. Introduction
B. Sports Performance Assessment Components
C. Subjective Information
D. Objective Information
E. Static Postural Assessment
F. Transitional Assessment
G. Overhead Squat Assessment
H. Single-leg Squat Assessment
I. Dynamic Postural Assessments
J. Performance Assessments
K. Cardiorespiratory Assessments
VII. Flexibility Training for Performance Enhancement
A. Introduction
B. Cumulative Injury Cycle
C. Flexibility Continuum Part 1
D. Flexibility Continuum Part 2
E. Flexibility Training Debate
F. Exercise Video Library
G. Flexibility Exercises
H. Flexibility Training Quiz
VIII. Cardiorespiratory Training for Performance Enhancement
A. Introduction
B. Basics of Cardiorespiratory Training
C. Karvonen Method
D. Introduction to Training Zones
E. Training Zones
F. Heart Rate Training Zones
G. The Phases of Cardio Performance Training
H. Phase One: Base Training
I. Phase Two: Using the Assessment to Determine Starting
J. Cardiorespiratory Training
IX. Core Training Concepts for Performance Enhancement
A. Introduction
B. The Core
C. Core Training
D. Core Stabilization, Strength, and Power
E. Core Exercises
F. Core Training
X. Balance Training Concepts for Performance Enhancement
A. Introduction
B. Scientific Rationale for Balance Training
C. Guidelines for Balance Training
D. Balance Exercises
E. Exercise Video Library
F. Balance Exercises
G. Balance Training
XI. Plyometric Training Concepts for Performance Enhancement
A. Introduction
B. Three Phases of Plyometric Exercise
C. Proposed Mechanism
D. Benefits of Plyometric
E. Program Design
F. Plyometric Exercises
G. Plyometric Training
XII. Speed, Agility, and Quickness Training for Performance Enhancement
A. Introduction
B. Training for Speed of Movement
C. Stability, Strength, and Power
D. Muscle and Joint Elasticity
E. Movement Technique
F. Linear Speed File
G. Agility
H. Quickness
I. Speed, Agility, & Quickness Exercises
XIII. Integrated Resistance Training for Performance Enhancement
A. Introduction
B. The SAID Principle
C. The Principle of Overload
D. The Principle of Variation, Individualization and Adaptation
E. Progressive Outcomes of Resistance Training
F. Resistance Training Systems
G. Integrated Resistance Training Exercises
XIV. Olympic Lifting for Performance Enhancement
A. Introduction
B. Scientific Rationale
C. Flexibility, Mobility, Stability, and Posture F
D. Neuromuscular Control
E. Execution Steps
F. Compensations
G. Olympic Lifting
XV. Science Periodization and the OPT model
A. Introduction
B. Program Design
C. Exercise Selection
D. Periodization and the OPT Model
E. Stabilization
F. Applying the OPT Model
G. Science of Periodization and the OPT Model
XVI. Injury Prevention and Reconditioning
A. Introduction
B. Three Stages of Soft Tissue and Bone Healing
C. Foot Injury
D. Ankle Sprain
E. Knee Injury
F. Lower Back Injury
G. Shoulder Pain
H. Injury Prevention and Reconditioning
XVII. Performance Nutrition
A. Carbohydrates
B. Proteins and Fats
C. Micronutrients and Energy Balance
D. Muscle and Energy Recovery
E. Weight and Body Composition
F. Nutrition and Athletic Performance
G. Performance Nutrition
H. Ergogenic Aids
I. Chronic Effects on Training Adaptations
XVIII. Performance Psychology
A. Introduction
B. Performance Psychology
C. Using What's Already There
D. Integrated Physical and Mental Training
E. Settling-In
F. The Winds of Progress
G. Fine Tuning Intensity
H. Performance Psychology
XIX. Understanding Learning Styles, and Coaching Methodologies
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 8 or later.
- Mac: OS X Yosemite 10.10 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Download the Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:
- NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training
- NASM Essentials of Sports Performance Training
You'll also receive access to practice exams and study materials, to help you prepare for your certification exam.
There are no prerequisites to take the online NASM CPT Certified Personal Trainer Certification and Exam Preparation course, but there are prerequisites to complete the NCCA Accredited Certification Exam.
The NCCA Accredited Certification Exam Requirements:
1. Candidate must be at least 18 years old or have a high school diploma or GED
2. Candidate must hold current CPR/AED certification before attempting the exam (not included with program)
The NCCA accredited NASM CPT Personal Trainer Exam is taken at a local testing center (PSI), and you can schedule your exam date after completion of the program.
PES candidates must have:
- A current NASM-CPT certification, or
- A current health and fitness certification accredited by NCCA, NBFE or DETC, or
- REPs Level 3 or higher credential (candidates outside of the US only), or
- 4-year collegiate degree or
- Be a current Licensed or Certified Massage Therapist
This is not an instructor facilitated course; however, support will be provided through email, online forms, and phone.
Can I register for courses if I am an international student?
Yes, ed2go courses are completely online. However, keep in mind that not all certifying bodies or industry-specific certifications are recognized internationally. Please review your country’s regulations prior to enrolling in courses that prepare for certification.
Does this course prepare for a certification?
This program prepares you for the NCCA accredited NASM CPT Personal Trainer Exam. The exam is taken at a local testing center (PSI), and you can schedule your exam date after completion of the program. You will also be prepared for the Performance Enhancement Specialist exam.
When can I start this course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
How long does it take to complete this course?
After you register, you will receive 6 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.
What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?
If you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee will be charged. If you are funded through a third-party organization, approval may also be required.
What kind of support will I receive?
The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. Occasionally, your course may be supported by a team of industry experts. You will also be assigned a Student Advisor for academic support.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.
Am I guaranteed a job?
ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.
Can I get financial assistance?
ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. To learn more about financial assistance..
How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the “Contact Us.”