The Cooper Institute [CI] was founded by the 1968 author of the book Aerobics and began the whole world with this fitness boom. Since most of us are too young to remember that health is a common factor in our lives, it is interesting to see Dr. Cooper's book change our way of life.

CI is based in Texas and has many educational programs in Dallas. If you are not a native of Dallas [or willing to go on holiday], their education plan may not help you. Even their DVD course has a “hands-on” component that was held at the Dallas headquarters for a day and a half.

NCCA

The Cooper Institute Personal Trainer Certification, also known as "CI-CPT," is accredited by the National Accreditation Body Council [NCCA]. Therefore, it is eligible to be one of our top certifications. Its certification is relatively new, but it is not negative at all. NCCA takes a long time to allow new members, which is a very positive signal that CI has completed a difficult process.

Available certification

For our purposes, we are interested in CI-CPT certification or Cooper Institute certified personal trainer certification. [This usage is called CI-PTr, and if you see the old reference, it is the same.]

qualified

Qualification is not too difficult. Like everyone else, you must be at least 18 years of age. You must conduct CPR training from a trusted organization. Through trust, they mean the American Red Cross. Online certification gives the standard "no acceptance, no exceptions" answer; so don't even try to use it as your admission pass!

Guess what it is, that's it! true. As you have noticed, you don't have to take one of the courses to take the exam. This is a good deal compared to some certifications that you would like to pay for courses and materials, and you may not need to qualify for the exam.

examination

Well, one problem with the exam is its only problem in Dallas, Texas. Therefore, if you are not in Dallas on the test date [about twice a month], you will not be certified by the Cooper Institute.

This is really too bad, because CI certification is a good certification, respected in the region, and gradually becoming more popular nationwide. Until they start branching [if they even plan to…], it may be more like a regionally recognized certification. This does not mean that entering a gym with CI-CPT certification will be negative, but you should be prepared to describe what CI is and provide them with a reference.

cost

If you are not in town [they do have a hotel in the college!], then the cost of travel is disregarded and the certification fee is not high. It takes $250 to take the exam to take the exam. You can even register up to 48 hours before the exam. [twice a month, the date is known to be approximately one year]

The remake costs are a little less, and the cost of re-taking the exam is $195. You get a year to retake the exam at this rate. I don't think there is the shortest waiting time… except for the 2 weeks between exams.

seminar

Cooper Academy offers two “seminars”, neither of which is mandatory for taking the exam, but it is very helpful in preparing for the exam.

Personal Training Education Seminar

Personal training DVD with real-time training

They all cost more than $500 and you have to participate in Dallas.

legality

The CI-CPT certification is valid for three years after you pass the test. This is a good time, as most are 2 years.

CEC

As with all NCCA-accredited certifications, the Cooper Institute requires mandatory continuing education credits to qualify for a three-year certification. They want their certificate holders to keep up with the new information in the industry for at least 30 hours.

To ensure that you attend all the right courses, they recommend that you check out their website [http://www.cooperinstitute.org]

revival

The update is not that difficult. This is what you need to do:

1. Fill in the renewal form

2. Pay the renewal fee [$62.50, an additional $50, if you need an additional 6 months to complete all CECs]

3. Submit proof of continuing education for at least 30 hours in the past 3 years.

Only! This is really not too bad, there are no ridiculous demands or anything that just returns the false payment of the certification company like some organizations.

Acceptance / popularity

In the Dallas/Texas region, the popularity and value of CI-CPT is much higher than in Maine. It is considered regional certification, not because it is worse than ACE or NCSF, but because it is only managed locally, so it is more difficult to find in the peripheral area.

Summary

In Texas, there is almost no better certification than CI. It is well respected in the area and provides a lot of resources for local trainers. In fact, this is a great setting for the Texas area, so I hope my organization can get this support in my area.

Before CI begins to branch outside its immediate area, it will be a limited choice for most of us. However, if you are in the area, I think you have to check it out. Remember their entire experience in the Dallas area – not just exams – and support networks. So far, you may find it is your best choice.

Cooper Institute Certification Review – Cooper Institute Personal Trainer Certification was originally published on Spring