Exam Content Outlines

Content Outlines for the NCCPT Certification Exams

Exam Content Outline for the NCCPT Certified Personal Trainer Examination

1. Applied Science (Anatomy, Kinesiology, Physiology) - 25%
   • Anatomy
     • Apply basic knowledge of the muscular system (e.g., fascia, tendons, muscles)
     • Apply basic knowledge of the nervous system (e.g., CNS, PNS)
     • Apply basic knowledge of the skeletal system (e.g., bones, ligaments)
   • Functional Anatomy
     • Identify primary mover vs. secondary mover (e.g., agonist, antagonist, synergist)
     • Identify the muscle groups involved in exercises and relate the muscle groups with specific exercises
     • Identify anatomical locations (e.g., anterior, posterior, lateral)
     • Identify common muscle-injury relationships
     • Differentiate between types of joints
     • Analyze how the muscular and skeletal systems work together to perform movement
     • Evaluate the relationship between the joints and muscles during exercise
     • Recognize the major kinetic chains (e.g., foot/ankle, knee, hip, shoolder, neck)
   • Biomechanics (study of human motion)
     • Identify planes of motion (e.g., frontal, sagittal, transverse)
     • Identify joint motions and muscle actions (e.g., abduction, extension, flexion, concentric, eccentric, isometric)
     • Identify how mechanical principles apply to the human body (e.g., range of motion, angles, levers)
   • Energy Systems
     • Explain how the body uses fuel and creates energy (e.g., calorie intake/output, Basal Metabolic Rate [BMR] vs. Total Daily Energy Expenditure [TDEE])
     • Identify the different energy systems of the body
     • Explain the benefits of anerobic and aerobic training
   • Physiology
     • Identify the physiological changes or benefits that result from exercise
     • Identify the physiological response when performing exercise (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, hormonal response)
     • Understand the theory behind muscle movements (e.g., sliding filament theory, all-or-none theory, size principle of motor unit recruitment)
     • Differentiate between muscle fiber types and how they react to exercise
2. Nutrition - 10%
   • General Nutrition Information
     • Define basic nutritional and dietary guidelines
     • Define the macro- and micro-nutrients and explain how they are used by the body
     • Define the difference between supplements and ergogenic aids (e.g., performance-enhancing drugs, controlled substances)
   • Client Dietary Habits
     • Obtain an understanding of a client's dietary habits
     • Assess shortcomings in a client's diet
     • Assess caloric intake relative to client needs
   • Nutritional Guidance
     • Offer basic nutritional education and guidance
     • Educate clients regarding food labels and portion size
     • Educate clients regarding current diet trends (e.g., fasting, fad diets)
     • Educate clients regarding supplements and ergogenic aids (e.g., performance-enhancing drugs, controlled substances)
3. Intake and Ongoing Evaluation - 15%
   • Collect and review all necessary documentation (e.g., medical release, medical history, liability waiver)
   • Conduct a basic fitness assessment (e.g., postural, performance, movement, strength, cardiovascular, flexibility, body composition)
   • Interpret results of all assessments in relation to client goals (e.g., comparison to the general population, initial assessment vs. ongoing assessments)
4. Program Design and Implementation - 25%
   • Principles of Program Design
     • Apply principles of specificity for clients to achieve goals (e.g., hypertrophy, cardiovascular endurance, lean body mass changes)
     • Evaluate and integrate applications of general adaptation syndrome
     • Identify when to apply undulating vs. linear periodization
   • Program Design Activities
     • Design a balanced, functional program that includes the basic components of fitness
     • Apply injury prevention protocols in program design (e.g., static and dynamic stretching, foam rolling, warm-up and cool-down protocols)
     • Apply differential variables or training techniques (e.g., intensity and volume, frequency, repetition range, sets, rest, time under tension, tempo)
     • Apply findings of fitness assessment to program design (e.g., equipment selection, movement/exercise selection)
   • Program Implementation
     • Implement and adjust exercise program based on client's goals (e.g., training and check-in schedules)
     • Recommend training modifications for special populations (e.g., prenatal, youth, arthritic, hypertensive)
     • Identify and develop specific techniques (e.g., regressions, progressions, modifications) to match the ability level of the client
     • Counsel the client regarding flexibility, range of motion practices (e.g., static and dynamic stretching, foam rolling)
     • Evaluate the client's cardiovascular health in order to help reach client's goals
5. Exercise Selection, Technique, and Training Instruction - 15%
   • Correcting Technique
     • Educate client regarding technique and form (e.g., coaching cues)
     • Correct technique on kinetic chain checkpoints (e.g., correct posture, use verbal and non-verbal cues)
     • Correct muscular imbalance and incorrect posture and technique
   • Monitor Client
     • Evaluate client's progress using multiple measures (e.g., energy level, sleep quality, changes in appearance/measurements)
     • Apply coaching cues to evaluate client's technique and form (e.g., range of motion, intensity, speed, symmetry)
     • Inform client regarding recovery, rest, over-training, and when to stop exercising
     • Monitor and modify intensity during cardiovascular activity based on the client's physical abilities
6. Professional Practice and Responsibility - 10%
   • Scope of Practice
     • Recognize professional duties and responsibilities as outlined by the sanctioning organization (e.g., punctuality, appearance, hygiene, safety, keeping current with practice)
     • Recognize when to refer clients to others (e.g., outside resources, other colleagues, medical professionals)
     • Recognize current and evolving technology trends to train and communicate with client based on client's needs
     • Motivate and educate clients to pursue and continue a healthy lifestyle
   • Ethics
     • Recognize ethical boundaries (e.g., sexual harassment, fraternization outside session hours)
     • Evaluate applications of codes of conduct (e.g., conflicts of interest, discussing sensitive subjects)
   • Legal
     • Recognize liability and insurance policies/practices
     • Ensure contract terms and cancellation policies are clear to the client
   • Marketing and Selling
     • Apply various means of market and communication with the intent to sell personal training services (e.g., text, emails, phone calls, friends and family referrals, websites, email campaigns, social media)
     • Build and nurture relationships in order to retain clients
   • Trainer and Client Safety
     • Follow safety checklist; active, ongoing monitoring of client during session
     • Proactively identify risk indicators (e.g., awareness of environment, trip hazards, cleaning and sanitization according to current public health recommendations)
     • Apply proper procedure to document incident reports
     • Apply emergency event protocols (e.g., know when to call 911, activate EMS)
     • Locate and use emergency tools (e.g., first-aid kit, AED, fire extinguisher, emergency exit locations)

Exam Content Outline for the NCCPT Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor Examination

1. Class Preparation - 11%
   • Check the room.
   • Operate the stereo and/or pa system.
   • Prepare class format ahead of time.
   • Modify class format based on the participants.
   • Coordinate tempo or beats per minute for each segment of the class.
   • Knowledge of how to use the bikes.
   • Know the check-in system for students.
   • Know the check-in system for teachers.
   • Be early to help new students
   • Check Temperature & air flow ventilation
   • Towel & water bottle – set up as the example
   • Engage with students to set the atmosphere; introduction, positioning
   • Encourage participants to listen to their body; recognize body issues
2. Bike Set Up - 15%
   • Be able to explain and teach foot placement on the pedals.
   • Be able to explain and teach foot gear and cleat placement.
   • Be able to explain hip/knee/ foot alignment.
   • Be able to establish seat height and fore and aft position.
   • Establish upper body position; handlebar placement, elbow placement, etc.
   • Know how to use measuring tools/devices
   • Seat distance forward and back that is appropriate for each person
3. Health Assessment - 6%
   • Elicit and interpret client goals.
   • Administer and interpret cardiovascular assessments.
   • Rona: checking students during class to adjust
   • Understand heart rate; Vo2 max; wattage; some resistance not just momentum.
4. Class Instruction - 15%
   • Use the correct tempo or beats per minute (bpm) and cadence for each section of the class.
   • Know how and when to cue participants in class.
   • Identify endangerment sites/sites of caution.
   • Use cycling terms in the class.
5. Riding Techniques - 15%
   • Understand and teach pedaling technique.
   • Understand and teach proper cadences.
   • Understand and teach proper hand positions.
   • Understand and teach proper breathing techniques.
   • Understand heart rate training.
   • Understand wattage/ tension on the flywheel with relation to heart rate
   • Riding and performing resistance exercise
   • Identify contraindicated movements
   • Positioning changes
6. Emergency Procedures - 6%
   • Administer and apply principles of emergency procedures.
   • Know how to take steps to ensure injury prevention for your clients.
   • Know how to implement and follow emergency procedures for the place of practice.
   • Educate clients on ways to avoid re-injury.
   • Identify Dehydration
   • Hydration/ water break
7. Kinesiology - 8%
   • Knowledge of gross muscular anatomy.
   • Knowledge of gross skeletal anatomy.
   • Explain anatomical terms to clients.
   • Explain physiological concepts to clients.
   • Seat height to pedal
   • Fore and aft position
   • Appropriate resistance
   • Body positioning
8. Exercise Physiology - 8%
   • Use knowledge of the body’s energy systems.
   • Educate clients on basic muscles and their functions.
   • Understand the physiological cardiovascular changes that may occur as a result of an indoor cycling program.
   • Understand the physiological flexibility changes that may occur as a result of an indoor cycling program.
   • Understand the physiological strength changes that may occur as a result of an indoor cycling program.
9. Nutrition - 8%
   • Macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water).
   • Micronutrients (vitamins, minerals).
   • Interpret completed information on client intake forms.
   • Basic knowledge of Ergogenic Aids and Supplements.
   • Know how to read and interpret dietary labels.
10. Ethics/Business Practices - 8%
    • Maintain ethical, professional and lawful relationships with clients.
    • Identify code of ethics violations.
    • Report code of ethics violations.
    • Operate within a legally defined scope of practice.
    • Maintain client confidentiality.
    • Use self-care and injury prevention practice.
    • Conduct yourself in a professional manner
    • Be proficient in verbal, audible and kinesthetic communication skills.
    • Market and advertise your skills as an indoor cycling instructor.
    • Ability to sell your services as an indoor cycling instructor.
    • Good personal hygiene.

Exam Content Outline for the NCCPT Certified Group Exercise Instructor Examination

1. Class Preparation - 15%
   • Check the room/equipment/temperature/ventilation.
   • Check floor for moisture/other safety hazards.
   • Operate the stereo and/or PA system/audio/video.
   • Prepare class format ahead of time.
   • Modify class format based on the participants - progression/regression.
   • Coordinate tempo or beats per minute for each segment of the class/exercise routine.
   • Prepare playlist ahead of time.
   • Knowledge of how to use fitness equipment.
   • Know the check-in system for participants.
   • Know the check-in system for instructors.
2. Health Assessment - 8%
   • Elicit and interpret client goals.
   • Administer and interpret cardiovascular assessments.
   • Assess fitness level of individuals in the class.
   • Assess quality of movement.
   • Inquire about health preconditions.
   • Inquire about preexisting injuries.
3. Designing a class program - 17%
   • Understand how to conduct a proper warm-up.
   • Understand the difference between static and dynamic movement.
   • Understand how to create a safe conditioning segment.
   • Understand how to conduct a proper cool down.
   • Understand training principles of the workout.
   • Identify the type of the class. (i.e. strength based, kickboxing, step and dance.)
   • Identify goals (i.e. speed, agility, power, strength, stability)
   • Acute variables (i.e. sets, reps intervals, rest periods, length of time) and how to modify exercises for higher and lower levels.
   • How to take progress/regress each exercise in the program.
   • Length of class/class segment.
   • Consider studio space and available equipment.
   • Consider participant demographics.
   • Music selection and appropriate volume.
4. Emergency Procedures - 7%
   • Administer and apply principles of emergency procedures (CPR, AED, first aid)
   • Administer and apply principles of environmental emergency procedures (fire, tornado, earthquakes, hurricanes etc.)
   • Know how to take steps to ensure injury prevention for your clients.
   • Educate clients on ways to avoid re-injury.
   • Know the location of emergency equipment.
   • Assess participants in class for potential emergencies in response to exercise.
5. Class Instruction - 17%
   • Use the correct tempo or beats per minute (bpm) for each segment of the class.
   • Ensure the music is appropriate for the type of class.
   • Know how and when to cue participants in class.
   • Know how to motivate participants.
   • Ability to engage with participants to create connection.
   • Know how to set up stations/equipment in the room.
   • Know how to cue and correct proper technique.
   • Adjust to various exercise levels and suggest modifications.
   • Create a positive, fun atmosphere.
   • Instructor introduction, welcome participants and explain class format.
   • Acknowledge new participants.
   • Explain the benefits of the class.
6. Kinesiology - 9%
   • Knowledge of gross muscular anatomy.
   • Knowledge of gross skeletal anatomy.
   • Explain anatomical terms to clients.
   • Explain physiological concepts to clients.
   • Use knowledge of joint structure and function.
   • Understand basic biomechanics.
   • Know planes of motion.
   • Know the concepts of momentum.
   • Explain proper alignment.
7. Exercise Physiology - 11%
   • Have knowledge of the body's energy systems (aerobic, anaerobic)
   • Educate clients on muscles and their functions.
   • Understand the physiological changes that may occur as a result of a cardiovasular training program.
   • Understand the physiological changes that may occur as a result of a resistance training program.
   • Understand the physiological changes that may occur as a result of a flexibility training program.
   • Understand recovery and appropriate rest periods.
   • Understand the concept of EPOC (excess post oxygen consumption)
   • Understand heart rate training and the metabolic effects of the different heart rate zones.(HIIT, Tabata)
   • Understand muscle contraction (concentric eccentric isometric)
   • Understand muscle fiber type (slow and fast twitch)
8. Nutrition - 5%
   • A general understanding of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water).
   • A general understanding of micronutrients (vitamins, minerals).
   • Suggest healthy food options.
   • Know how to read and interpret dietary labels.
9. Ethics/Business Practices - 11%
   • Maintain ethical, professional and lawful relationships with participants.
   • Identify and report code of ethics violations.
   • Operate within a legally defined scope of practice (e.g. diagnosing medical conditions, nutritional advice, psychological counseling, etc.)
   • Differentiate between various business entities (e.g. employee, independent contractor, partnership, corporation)
   • Work within a legal business structure (e.g. license, permits, insurance)
   • Use self-care and injury prevention practice.
   • Conduct yourself in a professional manner.
   • Practice good personal hygiene.
   • Be proficient in verbal, audible and kinesthetic communication skills.
   • Market and advertise your skills as a Group Exercise instructor.

Exam Content Outline for the NCCPT Certified Strength Training Specialist Examination

1. Health Assessment - 14%
   • Review client records before each session.
   • Document findings from the session
   • Conduct Health Assessments prior to exercise participation.
   • Administer and interpret a postural assessment.
   • Assess efficiency of movement, posture and balance.
   • Administer and interpret a range of motion assessment.
   • Conduct Health Assessments to assess progress of an exercise program.
   • Use concepts of muscle physiology to assess muscle health (e.g., short/tight/weak, long/inhibited/weak, weak, hypertonic, muscular imbalances… muscle upper cross).
   • Elicit and interpret client goals.
   • Administer and interpret strength assessments. BREAK OUT IN SURVEY
   • Administer and apply principles of emergency procedures. Particular health issue e.g. asthma – what to do that is in scope of practice
   • Prevent and recognize musculoskeletal injuries.
   • Perform a post-program assessment.
   • Elicit and interpret client goals.
   • Administer and interpret strength assessments. BREAK OUT IN SURVEY
   • Administer and apply principles of emergency actions/procedures. Particular health issue e.g. asthma – what to do that is in scope of practice
   • What to do when have health conditions? Sickle cell anemia; risk factors;
   • Prevent and recognize musculoskeletal injuries.
   • Perform a post-program assessment.
2. Emergency Procedures - 9%
   • Risk management plan – staff must be aware and understand Agent of institution or Independent Contractor – important to know liability.
   • Emergency action plan – incident report form; e.g. Fire
   • Administer and apply principles of emergency procedures.
   • Know how to implement and follow emergency procedures for the place of practice.
   • Know how to take steps to ensure injury prevention for clients. (Moving balls, gym equipment, have collar, dropping dumb bells use equipment safety features, joint access machine lined up)
   • Educate clients on ways to avoid re-injury.
   • Understand applications for hot or cold treatments, whirlpool.
3. Kinesiology - 10%
   • Knowledge of gross muscular anatomy.
   • Knowledge of gross skeletal anatomy.
   • Explain basic anatomical terms to clients.
   • Explain physiological concepts to clients.
   • Use knowledge of joint structure and function.
   • Use basic anatomical terms and/or medical terminology.
   • Identify anatomical landmarks, origin, insertion and action of the muscles. (attachments)
   • Understand basic anatomical position and human reference to movement.
   • Know the planes of motion.
   • Use knowledge of joint structure and function.
   • Know the basics of biomechanics.
   • Know the concepts of power.
   • Know the difference between gross anatomy and functional anatomy.
   • Know the difference between kinetics and kinematics.
   • Know the difference between linear/translation motion, rectilinear and curvilinear motion.
4. Exercise Physiology - 10%
   • Use knowledge of the body’s energy systems.
   • Educate clients on muscles and their functions.
   • Understand the structure of skeletal muscle.
   • Understand muscle fiber type.
   • Identify and understand the relationship between types of muscular contractions.
   • Understand the physiological changes that may occur as a result of a cardiovascular training program.
   • Understand the physiological changes that may occur as a result of a resistance training program.
   • Understand the physiological changes that may occur as a result of a flexibility training program.
   • Understand the physiological changes that may occur as a result of a strength training program.
   • Understand neuromuscular adaptations to strength training.
   • Understand how muscle soreness occurs and DOMS.
   • Understand the definition and the different types of strength.
   • Understand the cardiovascular system, VO2 max and heart rate.
   • Understand concepts of aerobic and anaerobic training.
   • Understand concepts of overreaching, overtraining and detraining.
   • Understand the structure and functional unit of the nervous system.
5. Nutrition - 9%
   • Macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water).
   • Micronutrients (vitamins, minerals,).
   • Dietary analysis. Review good nutrition habits Scope?
   • Interpret completed information on client intake forms.
   • Create meal plans. Scope? General Recommendations.
   • Ergogenic Aids and Supplements.
   • Know how to read and interpret dietary labels.
6. Exercise Application - 20%
   • Principles of proper instructional techniques and cues (ex: visual, auditory and kinesthetic).
   • Principles of biomechanical principles to body weight, free weight, selectorized machine exercises, etc.
   • Consider the client's ergonomics and body mechanics.
   • Understand the concept of lever systems.
   • Demonstrate to client stretching and strengthening techniques.
   • Understand the concepts of application of force on the body.
   • Principles of proper flexibility training techniques (passive stretching, active stretching, dynamic stretching, etc.).
   • Knowledge of the sport of weightlifting spotting and cueing (ex: visual, auditory and kinesthetic).
   • Knowledge of strength equipment.
7. Program Design - 20%
   • Incorporate the principles of effective program design.
   • Incorporate the concept of periodization to design a fitness program.
   • Appropriate and efficient program design for muscular endurance training.
   • Appropriate and efficient program design for flexibility training.
   • Appropriate and efficient program design for coordination and balance training.
   • Appropriate and efficient program design for weight-loss or to reduce body fat.
   • Appropriate and efficient program design for sports specific training.
   • Appropriate and efficient program design for speed training.
   • Appropriate and efficient program design for power training.
   • Appropriate and efficient program design for hypertrophy (i.e. vanity)
8. Ethics/Business Practices - 8%
   • Maintain ethical, professional and lawful relationships with clients.
   • Identify code of ethics violations.
   • Report code of ethics violations.
   • Operate within a legally defined scope of practice.
   • Maintain client confidentiality.
   • Use self-care so trainer does not get injured i.e. how to spot, etc
   • Use self-care (example: trainer has flu & goes into work – should wear mask)
   • Injury prevention practice
   • Establish and maintain client records
   • Document each client visit.
   • Keep complete and accurate training records.
   • Securely store client records.
   • Advise client of confidentiality policy, rights and expectations.
   • Administer a health history form.
   • Differentiate between various business entities (e.g., employee, independent contractor, partnership, corporation).
   • Work within a legal business structure (e.g., license, permits, insurance).
   • Conduct yourself in a professional manner.
   • Be proficient in verbal, audible and kinesthetic communication skills.
   • Market and advertise your skills as a Strength Training instructor.
   • Ability to sell your services as a Strength Training instructor.

Exam Content Outline for the NCCPT Certified Yoga Instructor Examination

1. Class Preparation - 8%
   • Check the room
   • Temperature (appropriate, comfortable, ventilation)
   • Starting on time
   • Etiquette
     • Touching
     • Approaching the student
   • Operate the stereo and/or PA system.
   • Music selection
   • Lighting
   • Mats
   • Set up preferred configuration/orientation (i.e. circles, rows, staggered dependent upon number of participants)
   • Thickness, not slippery
   • Extra if needed
   • Prepare class format ahead of time.
   • Modify class format based on the participants.
   • Knowledge of how to use yoga equipment.
   • Know the check-in system for students
   • Know the check-in system for teachers
2. Class Instruction - 28%
   • Asana (poses)
   • PRANYAMA/ (Breathing exercises)
   • Ujjayi
   • Sequencing and cueing
   • Alignment every pose should be deconstructed & reconstructed
   • Chakra (poses are to align chakras, and teacher have knowledge)
   • Necessary modifications/contraindications
   • How to use Props
   • Proper attire
   • Benefits of various poses (i.e. hip; opening chakras)
   • Know the proper Sanskrit names to the poses.
   • Know the proper English names to the poses.
   • Know the basic history of Yoga.
   • Know the proper sequence of poses.
   • Benefits of the poses.
   • Know how to modify each pose to accommodate participants.
   • Know how and when to cue participants in class.
   • Know how and when to use tools and yoga equipment.
   • Breathing
   • Hands on correction/assist
   • Yoga Demonstration techniques
3. Health Assessment - 3%
   • Health forms
   • Elicit and interpret client goals.
   • Visual assessment of clients
   • Seeing bodies i.e. looking at individuals and know how to cue common aberrations; tight hamstrings, kyphosis, etc. general ones
   • Set of alignment principals and how they move accordingly
   • Administer and interpret a postural assessment
   • Assess efficiency of movement, posture and balance.
   • Administer and interpret a range of motion assessment.
   • Risk Factors (i.e. High BP, Injuries; Vertigo)
   • Awareness of Special Populations
4. Emergency Procedures - 5%
   • Risk management plan – staff must be aware and understand How important to be aware of emergency procedures.
   • Emergency action plan – e.g. Fire
   • Administer and apply principles of emergency procedures.
   • Know how to implement and follow emergency procedures for the place of practice.
   • Know how to take steps to ensure injury prevention for clients.
   • Educate clients on ways to avoid re-injury.
5. Kinesiology/Anatomy - 12%
   • Knowledge of gross muscular anatomy.
   • Knowledge of gross skeletal anatomy.
   • Identify anatomical landmarks, origin, insertion and action of the muscles.
   • Use knowledge of joint structure and function.
   • Understand basic anatomical position and human reference to movement.
   • Know the basics of biomechanics.
   • Alignment Principles
   • Knowledge of fascia (key to movement in yoga)
   • Subtle body vs physical body movement of energy
6. Exercise Physiology - 8%
   • Use knowledge of the body’s energy systems.
   • Educate clients on muscles and their functions.
   • Use knowledge of breathing techniques and how to demonstrate and teach them
   • Identify and understand the relationship between yoga and resistance.
   • Identify and understand the relationship between yoga and flexibility.
   • Understand what physiological changes that may occur as a result of a yoga program.
   • Knowledge of Neurobiology (expanding field)
   • Definition of terms; terminology
7. Ethics/Business practices/Scope of Practice/Code of Conduct - 8%
   • Maintain ethical, professional and lawful relationships with clients.
   • Identify code of ethics violations.
   • Report code of ethics violations.
   • Operate within a legally defined scope of practice.
   • Maintain client confidentiality.
   • Use self-care and injury prevention practice.
   • Conduct oneself in a professional manner.
   • Be proficient in verbal, audible and kinesthetic communication skills.
   • Market and advertise your skills as a yoga instructor.
   • Ability to sell your services as a yoga instructor.
8. Yoga and the Mind/Body Connection - 28%
   • Theory & Practice
   • Meditation
   • Chakras awareness
   • Teach Importance Dristi (where you place your eyes)
   • Mind/body Balance
   • Subtle body (blueprint for the physical body)
   • Chakra system
   • Breath
   • Kosha
   • Nadis