B. Non-Discrimination Policy

The AAPTE does not discriminate against candidates on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, sexual orientation, marital status or family status.

C. Exam Registration

Candidates can register for AAPTE CPT - EFS Exam  by submitting a completed registration form via fax or land mail (see exam registration download form above).

D. Special Examination Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities

The AAPTE makes every effort to maintain compliance with the guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing the individual with a qualified disability the opportunity to sit for the AAPTE CPT-EFS Examination.
To request special accommodations, please:

• Complete the Candidate Special Accommodation Form
• Have a qualified Healthcare Provider complete the Healthcare Authorization Form
• Provide completed forms and any supporting documentation to AAPTE upon exam registration.

E. Special Accommodations Other Than Disabilities

The AAPTE will make every effort to accommodate special testing needs. Any special needs information and requests must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the requested exam date.

F. Examination Fees Schedule / Options

CPFT-HFI Exam Option	Features /Applicability	Fees
Exam Only Registration	New Registration for CPT-EFS exam or Retest fee after 1 year since previous exam	$295 USD
Retest : Exam OnlyRegistration	Registration fee for Retest within 1 year of previous CPT-EFS exam	$100 USD
Reschedule an Exam	Fee to change the date or location for the CPT-EFS exam	$25 USD
Exam Registration +*Personal Trainer Course	Fee Includes: CPT-EFS Exam Registration, Personal Trainer - Exercise and Fitness Specialist Course and Materials	$900 USD
Course Manual	Course Manual and Study Material	$95 USD

**Note: Personal Trainer Course fees include one Exam Registration. Exam Registration form must be completed and returned by the first week of the course. No exceptions apply.

*Note: Attendance at the Personal Trainer Course is NOT a requirement to sit for the AAPTE CPT- EFS Exam, nor does it guarantee success on the exam.

G. Exam Confirmation

Once registration has been completed the candidate will be notified by email with confirmation of the time and location for the exam. It is suggested that spam folders be checked for registration confirmation.

H. A.A.P.T.E. Cancellation Policy

• In the event of inclement weather, notification will be announced on the AAPTE web site, Facebook page and phone line.  In questionable weather conditions, the AAPTE recommends that candidates check these sources to confirm that the exam is as scheduled. 

I. Candidate Cancellation / Rescheduling

Candidates wishing to reschedule an exam date may do so by calling, emailing or faxing the AAPTE Rescheduling must be made a minimum of 24 hours prior to original exam date. Rescheduled date must be within one year of the originally scheduled exam date. There will be a $25 administration fee charged for rescheduling. There are no exam refunds for candidate cancellation.

J. Failure to Appear

Candidates failing to appear for a scheduled exam date will be charged a $25 administration fee if they wish to reschedule within one (1) year, after which time the full registration fee will be required. There will be no refund for fees paid.
Candidates may request the rescheduling fee be waived under the following circumstances with valid documentation:

• Serious illness
• Death in family
• Disabling accident
• Court appearance
• Military deployment

All requests must be submitted in writing to the AAPTE, P.O. Box 539, East Meadow, NY 11554 within 10 business dates of the scheduled exam. Request should include any documentation to substantiate the request for fee waiver.

K. Certification Exam Job Analysis / Role Delineation

A job analysis study is a polling of subject matter experts to determine the scope of performance, knowledge and skill required of the entry level personal trainer. These studies serve as a reference point in determining subject matter domains and performance tasks for the certification exam. The AAPTE has commissioned a committee of Subject Matter Experts that have conducted a Job Analysis / Role Delineation study. The results of this study have been utilized in the development of a valid assessment instrument of competency for certification and are in accordance with NOCA guidelines.

L. AAPTE Certified Personal Trainer - Exercise and Fitness Specialist Certification Exam Content

Domain	% of Exam Questions
Client Assessment / Medical Conditions	29%
Anatomy and Physiology of Human Performance	26%
Resistance Training Biomechanics	25%
Program Design and Implementation	8%
Nutrition	6%
Business of Personal Training	6%
	100%

The following information is a breakdown of required knowledge for the AAPTE Certified Personal Trainer - Exercise and Fitness Specialist certification exam.

I. Client Assessment

1. Interviewing the client: Waivers, risk assessment forms and health and exercise history questionnaires. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. The initial meeting / interview, developing a professional relationship
2. Components and use of the informed consent
3. Components and use of the Waiver / Release Form
4. Components and use of the PAR Q Form

2. Interviewing the client / administration of questionnaire(s) to obtain information about current state of health / fitness, lifestyle and exercise level. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. Components of a health history
2. Components of an exercise / activity history
3. Common medical terminology
4. Medications and their effects on normal vitals
5. Risk Factors

3. Physical Assessment: Take measurements to gather objective data to better determine current health, risk factors, and baseline measurements for comparative analysis. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. Risk Factors
2. Health and Fitness related measurements* and the proper tools and procedures for obtaining accurate measurements
3. Normal ranges for fitness related measurements
4. Specific contraindications and precautions and termination criteria

* (vital signs, anthropometrics, body composition, postural analysis, range of motion, strength and cardiovascular endurance)

4. Consult with or refer client to appropriate healthcare professional to obtain medical information and/or medical clearance. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. Components of a health history
2. Components of an exercise history and current activity level
3. Risk factors
4. Normal ranges of fitness related measurements
5. ACSM recommendations and guidelines for Medical Examination and Exercise Testing

5. Identify the presence of common diseases including cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal, and metabolic diseases. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. Signs and symptoms
2. Role of exercise in the presence of disease
3. Exercising guidelines in the presence of disease
4. Risk factors
5. Medical terminology
6. Termination criteria

6. The mechanics of the spine. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. Signs and Symptoms
2. Role of exercise in the presence of abnormality
3. Exercising guidelines in the presence of abnormality
4. Risk factors
5. Medical terminology

7. Understanding the ACOG Guidelines. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. Conditions that cause a no exercise rule for the pregnant client
2. The physiological effects of hormones
3. Exercise guidelines
4. Termination criteria
5. Post partum guidelines

II. Anatomy and Physiology of Human Performance
1. Understand the process by which energy is utilized during cardiovascular and resistance action. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. Components of the Aerobic energy system
2. Components of the Anaerobic energy system

2. Understanding of Aerobic and Anaerobic Training Effects. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. Cardiac Output
2. Blood pressure
3. Max VO2
4. Heart Rate

3. Understand of Anatomy and Physiology of Movement. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. Metabolic, functional and contractile properties of fiber types
2. Hypertrophy
3. The muscle and skeletal relationship
4. Muscle fatigue
5. Muscle soreness

4. Understand the physiological importance of a warm up and a cool down. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. The importance of the warm up period.
2. The importance of a gradual increase in intensity levels.
3. Activity specific warm ups for performance efficiency.
4. The importance of the cool down period.

III. Resistance Training Biomechanics
1. Understand the components of resistance training biomechanics. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. Anatomy
2. Physics
3. Physiology
4. Mechanics
5. Kinesiology

2. Understanding the components of a resistance training exercise. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. The musculoskeletal and central nervous systems responses to force and time
2. Classification of exercise (risk vs. benefit)
3. Structural integrity of the skeletal and muscular systems
4. Skeletal muscle's relationship to exercise

3. Understanding the principles of creating a resistance training exercise from a mechanical perspective. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. Joint planes of motion
2. Forces and the relationship to the joint range of motion
3. Muscle's mechanical ability relative to intended joint motion

4. Understanding the terms associated with skeletal muscular motion. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. Anatomical Position
2. Terminology

5. Understanding the considerations relative to stretching and the factors that can influence joint range of motion. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. The types of stretches
2. Stretching recommendations
3. Skeletal and muscular anatomy

IV. Program Design / Implementation
1. Understanding F.I.D.A.P. as it relates to appropriate selection based on client health, activity level, needs and goals. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. Frequency of activity (days per week)
2. Intensity (HR or RPE)
3. Duration of activity (time participating in a activity)
4. Adaptation - Alteration – physiological changes due to an increase in level of conditioning over a period of time
5. Progression - consideration of the relative amount of time allowed for neuromuscular and physiological adaptations to occur

2. Understand the objectives for Anaerobic training to better meet the individual needs and goals of the client. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. Neuromuscular and structural integrity and function
2. Metabolic rate
3. Efficiency of day to day activities
4. Modifying or maintaining physical appearance
5. Blunt or delay the onset of osteoporosis
6. Maintaining functional independence
7. ACSM guidelines

3. Understand the objectives for aerobic training to better meet the individual needs and goals of the client. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. Perform warm up specific to the client's current fitness level
2. Maintain proper form at all times
3. Train through a functional, safe, effective, and efficient range of motion
4. Normal breathing during exercise
5. Training with an appropriate load that will facilitate partial volitional fatigue and progressing to full fatigue
6. Progressions and modifications for exercise
7. Aerobic training effects
8. ACSM guidelines

4. Identify the client that is overtraining. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. Common symptoms associated with over training
2. Normal physiological ranges for resting heart rate and blood pressure
3. Performance capacity
4. Common injuries

V. Nutrition
1. Integrate a basic understanding of essential nutrients. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. Physiological role of Macro and Micro nutrients
2. Caloric energy of macro nutrients
3. Conversion of calories and grams
4. Factors associated with weight loss / gain

VI. Business of Personal Training
1. Effective communication from the first to the last encounter with the client. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. What to say and how to listen
2. Maximizing client-trainer communication
3. Responding to questions
4. Motivation techniques
5. Terminating

2. Understanding the components of the personal training business. The successful performance of this task requires knowledge of:

1. Establishing trust and credibility
2. Communication styles

M. Examination Format

The AAPTE CPT - EFS exam is a multiple choice exam which may consist of both text, images, matching and identification, for example.
The AAPTE CPT - EFS exam is given only in U.S. English.

N. Day of Exam

1. Candidates wishing to sit for the AAPTE CPT - EFS Exam must follow the instructions listed below:

• Candidate must arrive and sign in 15 minutes prior to Exam time.
• Candidates have a maximum of 2 ½ hours to complete the exam.
• Upon completion of the AAPTE CPT- EFS Exam candidates will turn in all test material to the proctor and leave the premises.
• Candidates are prohibited from bringing any study material into the exam room.
• Candidates are prohibited from bringing any food or beverages into the exam room.
• Once the exam begins, candidates will not be permitted to leave the exam room.
• Candidates must use a #2 pencil to complete the exam.
• The use of cell phones or other communications devices is prohibited during the exam.
• Candidates may not use calculators on the AAPTE CPT - EFS exam.
• Candidates are to remain seated at all times during the exam.
• If there are questions, candidates are to raise their hand and wait for the proctor to come to them.
• Candidates must complete the exam alone. Sharing of information is cause for dismissal with no refund.
• Proctors are not permitted to answer questions relevant to the content of the exam.
• Impersonating another candidate, giving or receiving help from another on the exam, or removing any exam materials or notes from the testing site are also cause for dismissal with no refund.

2. Candidates may not bring into the Exam area:

• Books
• Electronic devices (Calculators, Cell phones, PDA's, Blackberries, pagers, etc)
• Book bags, pocket books
• Any personal items

3. Leaving the Testing Area
Candidates informing the Test Proctor that he/she needs to leave the testing area and cannot complete the exam will be allowed to schedule a retest by following retesting procedures described in the 'Retesting' section below. Candidates will be required to pay the applicable retesting fees.

4. Behavior
Disruptive behavior will result in the immediate dismissal by the Test Proctor.

O. Environmental Distractions

The AAPTE will make every reasonable attempt to ensure an environment conducive to testing. However, we cannot anticipate sudden changes in buildings conditions. We recommend that candidates self prepare by bringing comfortable clothing for warm and cooler climates.

P. Grade Reporting

The AAPTE CPT- EFS candidate will be notified of their examinations scores within 4-6 weeks of the exam date.

All official notifications will be mailed to the candidate. No exam information will be provided by telephone, email or fax.

All examination information is confidential will only be released to the candidate. Written consent is required to be received by the AAPTE from the candidate naming the third party for which the results may be mailed.

Q. Completion of the Exam

Upon the successful completion of the exam meeting the cut score and all other pre-requisite requirements, the candidate will receive a Certificate of Certification from the AAPTE identifying the named individual a Certified Personal Trainer - Exercise and Fitness Specialist.

R. Eligibility Appeals

Applicants denied registration or application by A.A.P.T.E. because they do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements may appeal eligibility within thirty (30) days of receiving notification of ineligibility. Eligibility appeals will be reviewed by the CAB and responded to in written form within sixty (60) business days of the postmarked appeals letter. The decision of the CAB is final. Eligibility appeals must include a clear description of why one feels he/she is eligible and must be submitted in writing to:
AAPTE CPT - EFS Director of Candidate Issues
P.O. Box 539
East Meadow, NY 11554
Appeals decisions/responses will NOT be made available by telephone, fax or any other electronic means.

S. Exam Appeals

Grievances that question the examination content, passing standard or specific items will be accepted and reviewed as part of A.A.P.T.E.'s quality control processes, but no action will be taken on the grievance. Additionally, to protect the integrity of the certification process, candidates are not able to review their exam or any exam items and specific items will not be discussed with candidates.

Candidates experiencing incidents and or behaviors in direct violation of aforementioned exam procedures and/or inappropriate behaviors on behalf of an exam proctor or other candidates are acceptable reasons to appeal exam results. Any such behavior or incident having a negative impact on candidate performance must be brought to the proctor's attention at the time of the exam. Additionally, the candidate must submit written notification of the behavior or incident within ten (10) business days of their exam date. The written notification must state the specifics of how the incident negatively impacted his/her performance. Appeals will be reviewed by the CAB and responded to in written form within sixty (60) business days of the postmarked appeals letter. The decision of the CAB is final. Exam appeals must be submitted in writing to:
AAPTE CPT - EFS Director of Candidate Issues
P.O. Box 539
East Meadow, NY 11554

T. Hand Scoring

Because the A.A.P.T.E. visually inspects exam answer sheets for potential electronic scoring errors, it is unlikely that the results of a hand graded exam answer sheet will differ from the original electronic scoring. However, should a candidate desire a manual rescoring of their exam, the AAPTE offers a hand scoring of the exam. A $25 administrative fee applies for this service. If a candidate desires hand scoring they must submit:
1) a Request for Hand Scoring, in writing, within thirty (30) days of receiving results notification. Requests received after thirty (30) days of postmarked exam results will not be processed.
2) a $25 payment (check or credit card) with the Request.

Candidates will be notified of the hand grading results within thirty (30) business days of receiving the written Request. In the event of error due to electronic processing, the AAPTE will fully refund the $25 fee.

U. Retesting

Candidates who have not successfully passed the AAPTE CPT - EFS exam may register to retake the exam by completing the registration form found on the Personal Trainer Certification page of the AAPTE website www.aapte.org. The registration form can also be requested by calling the AAPTE at 516-222-0001, emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or by faxing a request to 516-222-0004. An examination fee of $100 is required to sit for a retest within one year of original exam date and $295 after one year. Upon receiving a completed registration form and retest payment, the candidate will be placed on the exam roster for his chosen (available) date. Exam dates are posted on the Personal Trainer Certification page of the AAPTE website www.aapte.org., or by faxing a request to 516-222-0004. An examination fee of $100 is required to sit for a retest within one year of original exam date and $295 after one year.

The retest fee is non-refundable. Failure to attend a scheduled retest without notification at least 24 hours prior will result in a loss of payment and the full registration fee will be required to schedule a new exam date. Notification of rescheduling may be made by phone at 516-222-0001 or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. during business hours between , or by faxing a request to 516-222-0004.

V. Confidentiality

All information regarding a candidates exam score and all other personal information submitted to the AAPTE will be kept confidential and will not be released to any third party without the expressed written consent of the candidate.

W. Recertification

For details regarding recertification, please refer to the Recertification Handbook, available by download from the AAPTE web site, www.aapte.org or by calling the AAPTE at 516-222-0001

X. Disciplinary Course of Action

In the event of a formal complaint (a written description of the facts and circumstances alleged, signed by the complainant and sent by certified mail to the AAPTE and received within 30 days of the alleged behavior), the AAPTE Certification Advisory Board will provide written notification to the accused of the allegations and the identity of the complainant.

The accused (respondent) will also be furnished with a copy of the written charge and will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations contained therein.

An accused Certified Trainer may wish to consult legal guidance in responding to the complaint. After the notification described above, the Academy's Certification Advisory Board will conduct any additional investigation which may be necessary. The investigation is expected to lead to one of the following possible outcomes:

1. The CAB finds insufficient facts to support the charge;
2. The CAB finds facts to support the charge, reaches a negotiated resolution satisfactory to the parties, and does not recommend further action; or
3. The CAB finds facts to support the charge and recommends further action.

Upon completion of the investigation, the A.A.P.T.E. will submit, to the President, a report including findings of fact and any recommended action. Disciplinary action shall reflect the status of the accused, the severity and pervasiveness of the conduct, the apparent intent of the accused, and other relevant factors in the case.