Education & Certification
CI-CPT Certification Renewal
Certification renewal is required ONLY for The Cooper Institute Certified Personal Trainer (CI-CPT) credential. The CI-CPT credential was first offered in January 2006.
If the certificate you have was earned prior to 2006:
- Click here for reprint information: Cooper certificates.
- Click here for information on the Physical Fitness Specialist certificate.
The information contained within this section is solely for those persons holding The Cooper Institute Certified Personal Trainer (CI-CPT) credential.
How do I choose contact hours for renewal?
Download the following guide that will help you match the contact hours you earn to your career goals and needs.
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CI-CPT Certification Renewal Brochure
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743KB |
Adobe PDF |
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Apply for Certification Renewal
To apply for Certification Renewal, read the instructions that are printed on the renewal application form provided below. Fill out the form and submit it along with the renewal fee. Do not submit documentation other than what is requested on the form. Please make sure you retain all contact hour documentation and a copy of this form for your records and in case your application is selected for audit.
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CI-CPT Certification Renewal Application Form |
245KB |
Adobe PDF |
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What is the purpose of the CI-CPT certification renewal program?
The Cooper Institute Certification Board (CI-CB) is committed to providing a program for its credentialed professionals to build upon and/or enhance expertise in Personal Trainer core competencies through a formal program of continuing education. The CI-CPT Renewal Program encourages certified professionals to stay up-to-date with research, health and medical guidelines, and to offer programs that are safe, effective, and motivational to their clients.
How do I renew my CI-CPT certification?
When you earn a CI-CPT certification, the three year valid period is printed on the certificate. To renew your certification, you are required to participate in continuing education opportunities or options that build upon or enhance Personal Trainer core competencies (CE options). The certification exam performance domains reflect the Personal Trainer core competencies. You will need to accrue 30 contact hours over a three-year period. One contact hour is defined as one clock hour of professional educational programming or hands-on application. We will only accept contact hours that are earned between the date the certification was issued and renewal date. For example, if you received your original certification on January 1, 2006 we will only recognize continuing education credits earned between January 1, 2006 and your renewal date of January 1, 2009.
Current CPR certification is required to renew your certification. Only CPR courses including a hands-on component will be accepted. Correspondence or on-line courses are not accepted for certification or certification renewal.
The renewal period for your certification begins eight weeks (two months) before the expiration date printed on your certification. Do not send in your renewal form earlier than the renewal period or it will be returned to you unprocessed.
Who is eligible to renew a CI-CPT certification?
Certification renewal is available only to those CI-CPT certification holders classified as Currently Certified and in good standing with The Cooper Institute. It is your responsibility to monitor your certification expiration date. Certification expired for a period longer than three months are not renewable; the certification process will need to be repeated to earn a valid certification.
Will Cooper accept other organizations as providers for their continuing education options?
Yes. The Cooper Institute works with a number of organizations to ensure that continuing education is easily accessible. If you choose to attend an event that is not sponsored by The Cooper Institute, be sure to ask if they provide Cooper credits. If not, you should obtain a letter of verification from the course sponsor as proof of your attendance. Documentation supporting verification of contact hours is required in the case of audit.
What if I do not renew my certification on time?
A three month extension is available for an additional fee of $100. An extension will give you a period of three months from your renewal date to complete your renewal requirements. If you complete all the necessary requirements during that three month extension period, your certification will be renewed for an additional three years based on the original three-year cycle (not from the date you completed the forms). If you are not able to complete all the requirements within the time frame, and still wish to hold the CI-CPT Credential, you will need to earn the CI-CPT again by taking the exam. No discounts are provided for retaking the examination.
What are the costs?
- Certification renewal fee: $49
- Certification renewal with three month grace period: $149
You have a maximum of three months from the certification expiration date to complete the renewal process. This extension fee will be added at the time that you submit your renewal. Payment is due at the time of renewal, purchase orders may not be used as payment.
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