As a priority all current CFCs will be our focus during the intial phase of the launch for the CSEP-CPT Certification. If you are registered at one of the provincial/regional H&FP offices as a CFC then you are eligible to attend/participate in a 2-day upgrade workshop (approx. 16-20 hrs). At the end of this workshop you will be a CSEP-CPT Certified. Your provincial/regional H&FP office will be contacting you once this certification is available in your province. An application form must be completed to register for one of these workshops.

June 2006 is the cut off date for those CFCs to be eligible to attend a 2 day workshop. All eligible CFCs will have until March 2008 to attend a CPT upgrade workshop. For those candidates who become a CFC after June 2006 you will have to complete a full CPT (40-44 hr) workshop. Become a CSEP-CFC today!

What is a CSEP-CPT?
The much anticipated CSEP-Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification establishes the minimum standard in the Canadian personal fitness training industry. This certification recognizes the need for personal trainers to have formal academic and practical preparation in health and fitness at accredited colleges and universities. In the few months since its inception, we have seen a great deal of interest from across Canada in the CSEP-CPT designation. The CSEP-CPT embodies the skills and scope of practice of the CSEP-CFC along with a well-defined scope of practice related to personal training and lifestyle counselling.

What makes the CSEP-CPT unique?
A CSEP-CPT is authorized to assess health-related physical fitness, provide general lifestyle counselling, and act as a personal trainer. A CPT administers all of the CPAFLA and CPT assessment protocols (i.e., submaximal exercise protocols to apparently healthy persons). The CPT may tailor physical activity programs to a client or group of clients using varied fitness equipment and is also sanctioned to monitor and change a client's physical activity or exercise program. The CSEP-CPT is not sanctioned by CSEP to use an ECG for any purpose, utilize any assessment protocols other than the CPAFLA and those specifically listed in the CSEP-CPT Study Guide, use assessment protocols that require maximal exercise (unless working under the supervision of a CSEP-CEP), or work with populations with medical conditions, functional limitations, and/or disabilities.

When was the CSEP-CPT designation launched?
The CPT designation was officially launched on July 1, 2006.

If I am an existing CSEP-CFC, what do I have to do?
Eligible current CFC members (who received their CFC on or before June 30, 2006) will have until March 2008 to take a two-day CPT upgrading workshop, followed by both a written and practical exam. Thus, current CFCs will have two years to complete this requirement to become CPTs. Insurance will be upgraded accordingly after the successful completion of exams. After the June 30, 2006 deadline all CPT candidates must meet the current CPT prerequisites in order to obtain this certification. As such, in order to participate in a CFC (CPAFLA workshop) or CPT workshop or course, candidates must have all the necessary prerequisites of the CPT. From July 1, 2006 until January 1, 2008 individuals without CSEP certifications will be required to complete the CFC workshop and the full CPT course (36-40 hours). These separate CFC and CPT courses will continue to be offered until January 1, 2008. The CFC course is considered part one in the two-part process of receiving the CPT designation. After January 1, 2008 all CFC courses will be discontinued and comprehensive CPT courses (including the core competencies of the CFC/CPAFLA content) will be conducted. Effective January 1, 2008 the CSEP Health & Fitness Program will have two health and fitness certifications: the CSEP-CPT and the CSEP-CEP.