Accreditation Status: The Brookbush Institute Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Certification examination is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). On September 22, 2026, the NCCA granted accreditation to the Brookbush Institute CPT Certification Program for demonstrating compliance with the NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs, for a five-year period. This is a standalone examination; completion of Brookbush Institute courses or other educational offerings is not required to sit for it.
Welcome to the Brookbush Institute CPT Portal
The purpose of this exam is to certify individuals who can design and instruct safe and effective exercise programs to assist in achieving health, fitness, strength, and performance goals. This is a standalone personal trainer certification examination, accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), and separate from the other credentials and education provided by the Brookbush Institute. Individuals who have completed Brookbush Institute education do not receive points or credits that would affect their exam scoring.
What is Certification
Professional certification is a voluntary process by which a non-governmental organization grants recognition to individuals who meet predetermined qualifications and demonstrate competence in a defined body of knowledge and skills.
The Brookbush Institute Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credential signifies that an individual has met established eligibility requirements and has successfully passed a certification examination designed to assess minimum competency for entry-level personal training practice.
Certification is distinct from education or training programs. While education may support preparation, certification is an independent assessment of knowledge and skills.
Purpose of the CPT Certification
The purpose of the CPT certification examination is to identify and certify individuals who can design and instruct safe and effective exercise programs to support the achievement of health, fitness, strength, and performance goals.
The CPT certification examination is a standalone assessment developed in accordance with nationally recognized best practices for certification programs — job task analysis, secure exam development, psychometric analysis, and formal standard-setting methods — and accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) on September 22, 2026.
The certification program is governed by an independent Certification Governing Board to ensure the integrity, validity, and impartiality of all certification decisions.
The certification examination is entirely separate from all Brookbush Institute educational programs and credentials (e.g., BI-CPT, HMS, and IMT). Participation in or completion of Brookbush Institute courses does not provide points, credit, or preferential scoring toward examination results.
Benefits of Certification
Achieving the CPT credential may provide the following benefits:
- Demonstration of professional competence to employers, clients, and the public
- Enhanced credibility within the fitness and health industry
- Recognition of achievement based on standardized assessment
- Increased professional opportunities
Certification does not guarantee employment or career advancement.
Certification vs. Certificate Programs
The Brookbush Institute offers both a certificate-based educational program and a professional certification credential. These are distinct products with different purposes, requirements, and outcomes.
Certified Personal Trainer Certificate (BI-CPT)
The BI-CPT Certificate is an educational credential awarded by Brookbush Institute upon completion of its internal training program.
- Delivered through the Brookbush Institute's proprietary online learning platform
- Based on a structured, evidence-based, and client-centered approach to personal training
- Earned through a credit-based and iterative assessment process
- Included as part of an active membership to BrookbushInstitute.com
The BI-CPT Certificate reflects completion of a course of study and achievement within the Brookbush Institute educational system.
Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Certification
The CPT Certification is a professional certification credential earned by passing a standalone, proctored examination.
- Accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), September 22, 2026
- Developed using nationally recognized certification best practices, including Job Task Analysis (JTA), secure exam development, psychometric analysis, and formal standard-setting methods
- Governed by an independent Certification Governing Board
- Designed to assess whether a candidate meets minimum competency requirements for professional practice
- Administered as a proctored examination by live remote proctoring or at an authorized testing center
The CPT credential is awarded solely on examination performance.
Important Distinction
The BI-CPT Certificate and CPT Certification are separate and independent.
- Participation in Brookbush Institute educational programs (including BI-CPT, HMS, or IMT) is not required to sit for the CPT certification exam
- Completion of Brookbush Institute courses does not provide credit, points, or preferential scoring on the certification exam
- No training program is endorsed or required for certification
Candidates may choose any educational resources to prepare for the exam.
Certification Statistics
131
Participants
83
Passing
48
Non-passing
Figures reflect all administrations from the first sitting on July 30, 2024 through September 22, 2026; updated quarterly.
Resources
CPT Candidate Handbook 2026
Download the candidate handbook for the Brookbush Institute CPT Certification examination.
View HandbookRequest for Testing Accommodations Form
Submit this form to request testing accommodations for your certification exam due to a documented disability or medical condition.
Download FormAppeals & Complaints Form
Use this form to formally submit an appeal or complaint regarding exam results, procedures, or other certification-related matters.
Download Form