Become a Trainer

NASM Certified Personal Trainer Prep Course

Become a Certified Personal Trainer through NASM-CPT Prep Course. The NASM-CPT Certification is nationally recognized as one of the most highly regarded certifications in the fitness industry. NASM’s training systems and methodologies represent the “gold standard” in fitness. Their Optimum Performance Training (OPT) Model is the industry’s first comprehensive training program based on current scientific research.

Studying for the certification exam can be challenging. You can do it on your own or take advantage of the certification prep course at Recreation & Wellbeing. Our prep course includes a 12-week in-person session led by an NASM credentialed personal trainer who will guide you through the textbook, answer questions, and provide valuable practice labs. Review of the online content is available for those participants who choose to access it. The sessions will cover all of the topics on the exam including anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, behavioral coaching, and program design.

When you enroll in the certification prep course you will receive the following items at a special discounted price:

Two Exam Options included for you to select your preference:
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NCCA Accredited Certification Exam) – Monitored Exam
- NASM Personal Trainer Certificate – Open Book Exam
Retest Voucher ($199.00 value)
Hardcover NASM Textbook ($150.00 value)
Classroom instruction and practice labs with a subject matter expert
State-of-the-art digital learning platform designed to meet multiple learning styles with Online Course Material (similar to textbook, complete with Lesson & Chapter Quizzes, Section Exams, and Practice Cumulative Final Exams)

Although taking the prep course cannot guarantee that you will pass the exam, it can certainly provide you with an advantage. After passing the exam and becoming a NASM-CPT, you may want to consider applying for a position at Recreation & Wellbeing. We consider all qualified applicants who have NASM-CPT certifications whether or not they have taken the prep course. Taking the prep course does not guarantee employment. Recreation & Wellbeing and NASM are non-affiliated entities.

Summary: Every Tuesday & Thursday
Dates: 1/27/26 – 4/23/26 (No classes during spring recess on 3/24 & 3/26)
Time: 5:00PM – 6:30 PM, RSF 1st Floor Media Conference Room
Price/Register:
- UC Berkeley Student $549
- Member $850
- Non-Member $965
- REGISTER

For more information, please contact Robbie Earle (rb_earle@berkeley.edu).

NASM-CPT Prep Course FAQ’s

Do I receive academic credit for the course? Are there any units associated with this course?
There are no academic credits or units associated with this course.
What are some of the accredited certifying organizations?
The following are some of the accredited certifying organizations. NASM-CPT NSCA-CPT ACSM-CPT ACE-CPT (this is not a complete list).
Is the NASM-CPT Prep Course selective to a specific type of student or athlete? Is any prior knowledge or experience required to sign up?
The Recreation & Wellbeing NASM-CPT Prep Course is for anyone interested in a becoming a Certified Personal Trainer and learning basic and applied sciences and nutrition concepts that will assist you in designing programs for: Flexibility, Cardiorespiratory, Core, Balance, Plyometric (Reactive), Speed/Agility/Quickness, Resistance training. No prior knowledge or experience is required to sign-up.
Why take the NASM-CPT Prep Course through Berkeley Recreation & Wellbeing? What will I receive?
You will discover and practice your craft with in-person instruction and practice labs taught by a Certified Personal Trainer along with NASM’s Newly updated Certified Personal Trainer program. In class you will review chapter powerpoints, course content, covering basic and applied sciences and nutrition concepts that will assist you in designing programs for: Resistance training, Flexibility, Cardiorespiratory, Core, Balance, Plyometric (Reactive), and Speed/Agility/Quickness. The following are also included with your purchase: NASM Certified Personal Trainer Exam (NCCA Accredited Exam), State-of-the-Art Digital Learning Platform, High-End Learning Videos, Audio Chapter Summaries, Exercise Demonstration Library, Handouts and Resources Library, Practice Exam, Quizzes and Knowledge Checks.
I have a schedule conflict with the scheduled time of the NASM-CPT Prep Course. Is an accommodation available?
Unfortunately, there are no accommodations available for schedule conflicts. If you cannot attend the course, you can purchase the NASM-CPT Prep Course directly from any accredited CPT organization such as: NASM-CPT, ACSM-CPT, and ACE-CPT (this is not a complete list). Students often purchase from any accredited CPT organization of their choice, self-study, and take a certifying exam.
Will financial aid cover the fee of the course?
Financial aid does not cover the cost of the NASM-CPT course.
Can you provide more information about the final exam?
How many questions are on the NASM-CPT Exam?
There are a total of 120 test questions. Of those, 20 are research questions that do not count toward or against your final score. You must pass with a scaled score of 70 or better. You will have 2 hours to complete the exam.

What if I do not pass the final exam?
If you do not pass your exam, you can purchase a retest. Please call NASM Member Services at 800-460-6276.

How is the NASM CPT Exam administered?
The exam is taken through a live proctor, which can be online or in-person at a proctoring location.

How long do I have to take the NASM-CPT exam if I purchase the prep course?
You will have one year to take the exam if you purchase the NASM-CPT Prep course. If purchased on your own, you will have 180 days.
Do I need to have my CPR/AED certification to take the Berkeley Recreation & Wellbeing NASM-CPT Prep Course?
You do not need to have your CPR/AED certification to take the course. You will need your CPR/AED before you can take the NASM-CPT certification exam.
Do I have to pay additional fees to complete the CPR/AED course?
CPR/AED is not included in the course and will be an extra fee. A couple of common certifying firms are the American Red Cross, and American Heart Association. NASM has a course that you can use to get your certification but it advises you to confirm that your employer acceps the certifying organization.
Does the certification expire at some point?
This certification must be renewed every two years. It will take 2.0 Continuing Education Units and a renewal fee of $99.00 to NASM to renew the certification. There are many resources available to receive CEU’s (workshops, conferences, courses). You must have a current CPR/AED certification to renew which counts as 0.1 CEU’s toward your 2.0 CEUs.
If I become a Certified Personal Trainer or take the NASM-CPT Prep Course, do we have to apply to Berkeley Recreation & Wellbeing, or are we automatically considered as personal trainers?
Certified Personal Trainers that would like to work at Berkeley Recreation & Wellbeing will need to apply and interview for the position.