• Purpose of the Certification Program

• Eligibility Criteria and Application Policies and Procedures

• Examination Processes and Procedures

• Performance Domains, Tasks, and Associated Knowledge and/or Skills

• Summary of Certification Activities

• Discipline, Nondiscrimination and Confidentiality Policies and Procedures

• Appeals Policies and Procedures

Purpose

The purpose of the IFPA Personal Fitness Trainer Certification (CPFT) is not only to test on the required sciences but the practical application of the sciences in training the public.

The IFPA held its first certification testing in July 1994. The IFPA was conceived and founded to fulfill a need. At the time of inception, there were certification programs for Personal Fitness Trainers (PFTs) that did an adequate job of testing on the required sciences (anatomy, physiology, exercise science and biomechanics). There were no certifications for PFTs that tested on the precise skills that the entry level PFT would need to know in order to succeed at their career.

The IFPA's first Job Analysis Survey (JAS) uncovered the skills and knowledge required for the PFT to be both safe and effective. The IFPA's Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) determined that while a basic understanding of anatomy, physiology, exercise science and biomechanics was important, these sciences were irrelevant if the PFT did not know how to apply the information (teaching the proper technique for a squat or other basic exercise movements).

The SMEs also determined that other Personal Training certifications created a potential hazard to the public by excluding the assessment of the vocational skills necessary for the PFT to take a client successfully and safely through an exercise routine. Therefore, the SMEs recommended that for the overall safety of the public, the IFPA PFT certification testing would be required to focus on the practical application of vocational skills.

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Eligibility Criteria and Application Policies and Procedures

Eligibility Criteria

1.You must be 18 years of age or older.

2.You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

3.You must have proof of current CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Certification. To obtain CPR certification, contact the American Heart Association or American Red Cross or a local hospital. The IFPA does offers CPR Certification in Tampa, FL. Proof of CPR must be provided in order for exam to be processed. A copy your CPR card front and back must be submitted to IFPA headquarters.

Adequate preparation for the certification exam is a minimum of 4-6 weeks of study. Note: The IFPA does not guarantee placement after examination.

If you require special accommodations for testing due to disability or other reason you must provide a written request with your completed registration form. Disabled candidates (visual, sensory or physical disability) must provide documentation of disability by a licensed professional (as stipulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act). The IFPA will try its best to accommodate your request and reserves the right to review request for reasonableness. Reasonable accommodations do not include steps that fundamentally alter the purpose or nature of the examination. Request must be received 6 weeks prior to exam date.

Qualified Individual with a Disability

A "qualified individual with a disability" is one who has a disability and satisfies the requisite skill, experience, education and other requirements of the service, program or activity of which he or she is being measured; and with or without accommodations, can perform the essential functions of the service, program, or activity. An essential function is one that individuals are required to perform, and removing that function would fundamentally change the service, program, or activity. A person must be a qualified individual with a disability¯ to be protected under the ADA.

English as a Second Language

The IFPA Personal Fitness Trainer Exam is written in the English Language. Extra time may be given to candidates who demonstrate that English is not their primary language. A written request must be submitted with registration form. Requests must be received 6 weeks prior to examination date.

The IFPA does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of gender, ethnicity, background, age, religion, marital status, national origin or physical disability.

Denied Eligibility

Choose a workshop location. For a list of upcoming classes visit our website at www.ifpa-fitness.com or call for workshops in your area at 1-800-785-1924.

Students may register by phone, the internet (www.ifpa-fitness.com) fax or via mail.

Completed registration form (page 12). An IFPA representative may take this information over the phone or send by fax to (813) 979-1978. For questions regarding the form contact your IFPA representative at 1-800-785-1924. Mailing address: IFPA, 14509 University Point Place, Tampa, FL 33613.

Upon paid registration, you will receive The Book on Personal Training and study guide to prepare for the exam. We recommend 4-6 weeks of study before attending the review workshop.

IFPA Certifications provide you with all of the tools necessary to prepare for certification at an all-inclusive price (see below). The following items are included:

• Course Manual  "The Book on Personal Training"

• Candidate Handbook/Study Guide

• Preparatory Workshop

• Certification Testing

• Certificate with Wallet Card

• IFPA Membership

Early Registration: $399

Late Registration: $419 (after deadline date)

In the Event of a Postponement

In the event of postponement of an on-site certification workshop due to any reason out of the control of the IFPA, including the scheduled workshop not meeting the minimum number of necessary attendees (20 paid registrants). Candidates will be given the option of taking the next available on-site workshop or taking the exam by proctor in a local area location. Paid registrants who opt for the proctored exam may attend an equivalent certification workshop at any location in the future with proof of purchase at no additional charge. Because the IFPA makes every effort to provide all students with the opportunity to take its certification courses, the IFPA does not offer refunds. The IFPA is not responsible for expenses incurred by a candidate due to a cancelled exam (airfare, hotels, etc.)

No Refund Policy

All IFPA programs provide professional education, training and certification. All course materials are non-reusable and non-returnable. All IFPA registration fees and shipping fees are non-refundable. Registered students are given the opportunity to complete the certification exam either by on-site workshop or by proctored exam. A change in any enrolled student's career path or decision to exit the fitness industry will not provide for an exception to the refund policy.

Transfer Policy

You may transfer certification registration to another individual. Verification of payment, a written letter stating who the program was originally sold to, who it will be transferred to and a $50 transfer fee is required. The new candidate must meet eligibility requirements and submit registration form.

Rescheduling the Certification Examination

Any individual who wishes to reschedule his or her on-site certification examination (this includes re-takes) to a different date may do so for a rescheduling fee two (2) weeks prior to their workshop date. (Contact the IFPA for current charges.) The IFPA Policy on retaking examinations/course is subject to change at the discretion of the IFPA.

Extension Fees

Candidates are allowed to reschedule exam dates. The exam must be completed within 6 months of registration. After 1 year the candidate will need to pay the full registration fee to take the exam. Three or six month extension fees are available for a fee. Contact the IFPA for current extension fees.

No Show Students

Any student that wishes to reschedule to a different workshop date should do so at least two (2) weeks prior to their original workshop date. If the student does not reschedule two weeks in advance and does not attend their scheduled workshop, the student will fall under the classification of "No Show"¯ and will be charged $100 to register for a make-up workshop. The IFPA No Show Policy is subject to change at the discretion of the IFPA.

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Examination Processes and Procedures

The Certification Exam

Personal Fitness Trainer Exam Contents

The IFPA conducted a Job Analysis which identified the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for the entry level Personal Trainer. The information obtained from the Job Analysis formed the blueprint for the content of the Personal Fitness Trainer Certification Exam. Detailed information on the development of the exam can be accessed on the IFPA website at www.ifpa-fitness.com

The content or domains for the multiple choice exam questions are listed below as well as how many questions are in each domain. There are 105 questions on the multiple choice exam. Five questions are not graded and are for statistical purposes only.

Exam Format

The on-site certification examinations include a 105-question multiple-choice exam (5 questions are not graded and are for statistical purposes only) exam An 80% is required to pass on the multiple choice and exam.

Unless otherwise noted, on-site certification workshops are conducted from 8:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and from 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. Our certification exam is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 pm. on Sunday afternoon.

Plan to arrive at the certification site 15 minutes early. Be sure to bring a photo ID, course manual, study guide, notebook and pen/pencil. All students must provide proof of payment and have a valid photo ID to gain admittance to the certification workshop and examination. For breakdown of class topics see Workshop timeline page 11.

Scoring the Exam

The certification exam is scored at IFPA Headquarters in the Test Grading Department. The multiple choice exam is graded by hand with a stencil overlay which is placed over the candidate's multiple choice answer sheet. The stencil has the correct answer punched out which will line up with the correct responses. The test grader marks all responses that are incorrect and determines percentage correct out of 100.

An 80% is required to pass on the multiple choice exam. A results letter will include the percentage the candidate made on the multiple choice exam. Complete processing of certification exams and notification of results may take four to six weeks after IFPA's receipt of the examination(s). Individuals who achieve passing scores will receive their certificates and wallet cards at this time.

Rush Processing is available upon request for a fee. (Call the IFPA for current prices.) With the Rush Processing option, your results will be faxed or e-mailed to you within 72-hours after the IFPA receives your exam. This option must be selected before your examinations are received for grading (either with initial registration or when your exam is returned to the IFPA for grading). Your results will then be mailed to you (along with your certificate and wallet card if you pass) within two weeks.

Scores are only official once assigned by the IFPA headquarters. Examination faculty or proctors are not allowed to review students' examinations on site.

Appeal of Examination Results

1. Rescoring

Exams are graded at IFPA headquarters. For security reasons, you will not be able to review the exam or get information on a particular test question. We welcome your feedback in regard to the exam. Quality control measures are in place to monitor the reliability and validity of our test scoring. If you feel there was an error in test grading and want your exam rescored, submit written request, reasoning and $10 to:

IFPA Appeals

14509 University Point Place

Tampa, FL 33613

It is likely that the score will not change. Tests will be re-graded 1 time only no later than 60 days after receipt of original exam.

2. If there are any deviations from standard testing policies or improper behavior by a proctor, instructor or other class member notify the IFPA Appeals department in writing. Include an explanation of the incident, and how it negatively impacted your performance. The IFPA will need verification of the event to determine appeal decision. Respond within 30 days after testing to:

IFPA Appeals

14509 University Point Place

Tampa, FL 33613

Retesting

The initial registration fee includes the opportunity to take the required exam once. Those individuals who do not receive a minimum 80% on the multiple choice exam will be notified. Options for retaking exams include: (1) Retake on-site exam(s) at the next available workshop within 3 months of test results for the cost of retest only or (2) retest by proctor in your local area within 3 months. After 3 months retest will be available for the cost of retest and a penalty fee. Retesting is not available after 6 months from the date of your test results. Current retest fees are $79 to retake the exam. Prices are subject to change. Retake fees will be listed on the results letter sent after you take the exam.

Proctor Fee

Students that wish to take a proctored exam prior to the scheduled workshop date may do so for a $50 proctor fee. This would be paid to the IFPA prior to the event by contacting the IFPA at 1-800-785-1924.

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Performance Domains, Tasks, and Associated Knowledge and/or Skills

The Certification Exam

Personal Fitness Trainer Exam Contents

The IFPA conducted a Job Analysis which identified the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for the entry level Personal Trainer. The information obtained from the Job Analysis formed the blueprint for the content of the Personal Fitness Trainer Certification Exam. Detailed information on the development of the exam can be accessed on the IFPA website at www.ifpa-fitness.com

The content or domains for the multiple choice exam questions are listed below as well as how many questions are in each domain. There are 105 questions on the multiple choice exam. Five questions are not graded and are for statistical purposes only.

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Summary of Certification Activities

The Certification Exam

Personal Fitness Trainer Exam Contents

The IFPA conducted a Job Analysis which identified the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for the entry level Personal Trainer. The information obtained from the Job Analysis formed the blueprint for the content of the Personal Fitness Trainer Certification Exam. Detailed information on the development of the exam can be accessed on the IFPA website at www.ifpa-fitness.com

The content or domains for the multiple choice exam questions are listed below as well as how many questions are in each domain. There are 105 questions on the multiple choice exam. Five questions are not graded and are for statistical purposes only.

Exam Format

The on-site certification examinations include a 105-question multiple-choice exam (5 questions are not graded and are for statistical purposes only) exam An 80% is required to pass on the multiple choice and exam.

Unless otherwise noted, on-site certification workshops are conducted from 8:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and from to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. Our certification exam is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 pm. on Sunday afternoon.

Plan to arrive at the certification site 15 minutes early. Be sure to bring a photo ID, course manual, study guide, notebook and pen/pencil. All students must provide proof of payment and have a valid photo ID to gain admittance to the certification workshop and examination. For breakdown of class topics see Workshop timeline page 11.

Scoring the Exam

The certification exam is scored at IFPA Headquarters in the Test Grading Department. The multiple choice exam is graded by hand with a stencil overlay which is placed over the candidate's multiple choice answer sheet. The stencil has the correct answer punched out which will line up with the correct responses. The test grader marks all responses that are incorrect and determines percentage correct out of 100.

An 80% is required to pass on the multiple choice exam. A results letter will include the percentage the candidate made on the multiple choice exam. Complete processing of certification exams and notification of results may take four to six weeks after IFPA's receipt of the examination(s). Individuals who achieve passing scores will receive their certificates and wallet cards at this time.

Rush Processing is available upon request for a fee. (Call the IFPA for current prices.) With the Rush Processing option, your results will be faxed or e-mailed to you within 72-hours after the IFPA receives your exam. This option must be selected before your examinations are received for grading (either with initial registration or when your exam is returned to the IFPA for grading). Your results will then be mailed to you (along with your certificate and wallet card if you pass) within two weeks.

Scores are only official once assigned by the IFPA headquarters. Examination faculty or proctors are not allowed to review students' examinations on site.

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Discipline, Nondiscrimination and Confidentiality Policies and Procedures

Disciplinary Procedures

The IFPAā€™s code of ethics and guidelines are in place to protect the public and the profession. By becoming an IFPA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer you agree to follow the code of ethics and guidelines.

The IFPA reserves the right to reprimand, suspend or revoke a member's certification or take action for the following reasons:

1. Cheating or collaboration on the exam. If a student is found cheating the student will be failed automatically. Any right to retake the exam at a reduced rate will be forfeited and the student will be required to re-register for the certification paying the full registration fee.

2. Unauthorized use of IFPA proprietary materials and or copyright infringement.

3. Behavior that disregards the safety and rights of the client.

If a consumer or other party makes a complaint against an IFPA Certified trainer, the certificant will be notified of the complaint by certified mail. A written statement concerning the complaint is required by the certificant to the IFPA Certification Committee. Upon review of complaint, and evidence the Committee will determine if further investigation is warranted.

The Certification Committee will forward complaints that require detailed investigation to the Professional Review Committee. This Committee will consult with the IFPA Board of Directors. If the certification is revoked, the certificant will be notified and allowed to appeal the decision within 30 days. All information regarding the candidate will remain confidential.

If you require special accommodations for testing due to disability or other reason you must provide a written request with your completed registration form. Disabled candidates (visual, sensory or physical disability) must provide documentation of disability by a licensed professional (as stipulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act). The IFPA will try its best to accommodate your request and reserves the right to review request for reasonableness. Reasonable accommodations do not include steps that fundamentally alter the purpose or nature of the examination. Request must be received 6 weeks prior to exam date.

Qualified Individual with a Disability

A "qualified individual with a disability"¯ is one who has a disability and satisfies the requisite skill, experience, education and other requirements of the service, program or activity of which he or she is being measured; and with or without accommodations, can perform the essential functions of the service, program, or activity. An essential function is one that individuals are required to perform, and removing that function would fundamentally change the service, program, or activity. A person must be a "qualified individual with a disability¯" to be protected under the ADA.

English as a Second Language

The IFPA Personal Fitness Trainer Exam is written in the English Language. Extra time may be given to candidates who demonstrate that English is not their primary language. A written request must be submitted with registration form. Requests must be received 6 weeks prior to examination date.

The IFPA does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of gender, ethnicity, background, age, religion, marital status, national origin or physical disability.

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Appeals Policies and Procedures

Denied Eligibility

IFPA Appeals

14509 University Point Place

Tampa, FL 33613

Appeal of Examination Results

1. Rescoring

Exams are graded at IFPA headquarters. For security reasons, candidates will not be able to review their exam or obtain information on particular test questions. Feedback is welcomed so that the IFPA can review current test items, however, in order to protect the integrity of the exam, no responses will be given to feedback. Quality control measures are in place to monitor the reliability and validity of test scoring. Any student who feels that there was an error in test grading and wants his/her exam rescored must submit a written request with reasoning and $10 to:

IFPA Appeals

14509 University Point Place

Tampa, FL 33613

It is likely that the score will not change. Tests will be re-graded one time only no later than 60 days after receipt of original exam.

2. If there are any deviations from standard testing policies or improper behavior by a proctor, instructor, or other class member, students should notify the IFPA Appeals Department in writing. Include an explanation of the incident and how it negatively impacted your performance. The IFPA will need verification of the event to render a decision. Notification must be made within thirty (30) days of testing to:

IFPA Appeals

14509 University Point Place

Tampa, FL 33613

Appeal of Disciplinary Decisions

Decisions of the IFPA Professional Review Committee may be appealed by the member found to have been in violation on the following grounds:

1. The Professional Review Committee violated its policies and procedures fro processing complaints of ethical violations.

2. The decision of the committee was arbitrary and capricious and was not supported by the materials provided by the complainant and the charged member.

3. The sanctions imposed are inconsistent with or disproportional to the violations found.

After the member has received notification that he/she has been found in violation of the IFPA Code of Ethics, he/she will must notify the IFPA Appeals Committee in writing within thirty (30) business days by certified mail if he/she wishes to appeal the decision. If an appeal is not requested, the IFPA Professional Review Committee shall issue its decision as the final decision as soon as the time during which an appeal may be filed expires. An appeal may consist only of a letter stating one or more of the acceptable grounds of appeal and the reasons for the appeal. Appeals must be sent to:

IFPA Appeals

14509 University Point Place

Tampa, FL 33613

The IFPA Appeals Committee will render a decision regarding the appeal within thirty (30) business days of their receipt of the appeal. The decisions of the IFPA Appeals Committee are limited to the following:

1. Upholding the decision of the IFPA Professional Review Committee.

2. Upholding the decision of the IFPA Professional Review Committee, but altering sanctions.

3. Reversing the decision of the IFPA Professional Review Committee.

All decisions of the IFPA Appeals Committee are final and are not subject to further appellate review.

Continuing Education

At this time, the IFPA Personal Fitness Trainer Certification requires twelve (12) Continuing Education Units within two years of initial certification and each year thereafter to remain valid. All IFPA primary certifications have this same requirement. For additional information on acceptable CEUS visit our website at www.ifpa-fitness.com or call the CEU Department at 1-800-785-1924.

If you wish to appeal your certification status please include written request, reasoning and applicable documentation to:

IFPA Appeals

14509 University Point Place

Tampa, FL 33613

Appeals will be reviewed and responded to within 4-6 weeks.

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