The mission of the Trainer Academy Certification Council is to provide independent, verifiable evidence of proficiency in personal fitness training practice through a rigorous certification program.


Our goal is to make industry-recognized personal trainer certifications more accessible to individuals from all socio-economic levels and cultural backgrounds. We aim to achieve this by minimizing the prerequisites and offering more affordable exam fees and study materials compared to the current industry standards.


Made up certified fitness professionals, the Council has the autonomy and authority for the CPT program and responsible to independently govern, oversee, and manage the certification activities within the legal structure of Trainer Academy as a company.


The Council does not require, provide, accredit, or endorse any specific study guides, training or review courses, or other examination preparation products.

The Council, certification staff, certification committee members, and certification subject matter experts do not have involvement in the creation, accreditation, approval, endorsement or delivery of examination review courses, preparatory materials, educational programs, or training programs/products that prepare candidates for the CPT certification examination.

Certification Council Members

  • President – Jordan Fernandez
  • President Elect – Glenn Payne
  • Secretary/Treasurer – D’Annette Stephens
  • Public Member – Carlos Rubio
  • Council Member – Teresa M. Matthews
  • Council Member – Alexa Rutigliano
  • Council Member – Molly Oliva
  • Council Member – Hannah Rzepka 

Board Members

Teresa M. Matthews

Jordan Fernandez

Nick Benhoff

Alexa Marie Rutigliano

Teresa M. Matthews

Teresa is a Board Certified, Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, BS in Health Sciences, National CE provider, World Champion Athlete in the sport of Arm Wrestling, and took part in the Movie “Over the Top” with Sylvester Stallone.

Jordan Fernandez

Jordan Fernandez is a strength and conditioning coach and personal trainer. Jordan coaches general population clients to improve health, strength, and cardiovascular fitness through comprehensive resistance and aerobic training programs.

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Nick Benhoff

Nick Benhoff is a strength and conditioning coach, personal trainer, and freelance writer. Nick first started in the fitness industry, coaching generally [population clients for a big box gym.

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Alexa-Rutigliano-Certified-Personal-Trainer

Alexa Marie Rutigliano

NASM-CPT, ABT Barre Instructor, ASFA Pilates Instructor, Primal Health Coach, is a fitness writer contributing to health and fitness websites such as Trainer Academy and PTPioneer. She has also been a guest on podcasts, such as MindBodyRadio and The Primal Lifestyle.

Trainer Academy CPT Exam 2023 Statistics

  • Total Number Of Candidates Who Tested In 2023: 162
  • Total Passed: 81
  • Total Failed: 81
  • Total Certified: 81

Board Members

Teresa M. Matthews

Jordan Fernandez

Nick Benhoff

Alexa Marie Rutigliano

Teresa M. Matthews

Teresa is a Board Certified, Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, BS in Health Sciences, National CE provider, World Champion Athlete in the sport of Arm Wrestling, and took part in the Movie “Over the Top” with Sylvester Stallone.

Jordan Fernandez

Jordan Fernandez is a strength and conditioning coach and personal trainer. Jordan coaches general population clients to improve health, strength, and cardiovascular fitness through comprehensive resistance and aerobic training programs.

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Nick Benhoff

Nick Benhoff is a strength and conditioning coach, personal trainer, and freelance writer. Nick first started in the fitness industry, coaching generally [population clients for a big box gym.

Read More
Alexa-Rutigliano-Certified-Personal-Trainer

Alexa Marie Rutigliano

NASM-CPT, ABT Barre Instructor, ASFA Pilates Instructor, Primal Health Coach, is a fitness writer contributing to health and fitness websites such as Trainer Academy and PTPioneer. She has also been a guest on podcasts, such as MindBodyRadio and The Primal Lifestyle.

Subject Matter Experts

Molly Oliva

Certified Personal Trainer

Molly Oliva is a NASM-certified personal trainer, certified Women’s Fitness Specialist, and certified Youth Exercise Specialist.

Zachary Pierce

Certified Personal Trainer

Zach found an interest in health and fitness during his 5-year stint in the Army Infantry. He found the body was capable of quite a bit of abuse, and exercise was a means to rally troops and boost morale.

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Angelica Burgos Mendez Certified Personal Trainer

Angelica Burgos Mendez

Certified Personal Trainer

Angelica is an apprentice EMS coach, Trainer Academy Certified Personal Trainer & multidisciplinary creative. After a nearly decade-long career in the technology industry wellness…

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Domenic Angelino Certified Personal Trainer

Domenic Angelino

Certified Personal Trainer

Domenic is an expert in the fitness industry with over a decade of professional experience. Domenic has previously published peer-reviewed research as the first author and has been involved in 6 research projects.

Eric Blake Certified Personal Trainer

Eric Blake

Certified Personal Trainer

Eric Blake is a boot camp, HIIT, circuit, strength instructor, and personal trainer. He trains
youth to D1 athletes throughout the DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area.

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Hannah Rzepka Certified Personal Trainer

Hannah Rzepka

Certified Personal Trainer

Hannah Rzepka is a personal trainer who grew up dancing and training in classical ballet. She eventually began cross-training in Pilates, Yoga, and Weight Training to improve her technique, strength, and flexibility.

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Nate Mayberry Certified Personal Trainer

Nate Mayberry

Certified Personal Trainer

Nate started his training journey at a young age by assisting his football team’s Strength & Conditioning coach in high school. Since then, he has developed a passion for helping people perform.

Nickolas Sheridan Certified Personal Trainer

Nickolas Sheridan

Certified Personal Trainer

Nick Sheridan is currently a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. Nick has only recently started in the fitness industry, but before that, he had a passion for exercise and strength training. 

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Pedro-Coiscou-Certified-Personal-Trainer

Pedro Coiscou

Certified Personal Trainer

Pedro is a fitness professional who has had a diverse career in the fitness industry. He started as a Professional dancer working on various projects in Los Angeles as a dancer/actor for a decade.

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Robert Paull Certified Personal Trainer

Robert Paull

Certified Personal Trainer

Robbie Paull is a current personal trainer and fit tech for Huntsville hospital. Robbie’s career in fitness started after he had gone through a tremendous weight loss journey

Sina Wegel Certified Personal Trainer

Sina Wegel

Certified Personal Trainer

I first started in the fitness industry in Germany, coaching children and young adolescents in advanced swimming techniques. I oversaw programming and coach development.

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Thomas Conrad Certified Personal Trainer

Thomas Conrad

Certified Personal Trainer

Thomas Conrad is a Freelance personal trainer, Strength and conditioning coach, and bodybuilding/power-building instructor.

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Jor-el Vaasborg

Personal Trainer

Jor-el received his personal trainer certification through the NSCA in 2013 and passed through UCLA’s prestigious Fitness Leadership Program while attending school there.

Our MVP enrollments are backed by a Pass Guarantee. Complete our program and we assure you'll pass your NASM PES exam. Should you not, we'll refund your entire payment and cover the $99 (whether you fail one or both sections) exam retake fee with the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

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How does it work?

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Simply forward an email to [email protected] with your full name (which must correspond with the name and email address from your Trainer Academy purchase) and attach the proof of failure issued by the NASM.

What happens next

We will verify your successful completion of the program through your account. Upon confirmation, we will promptly process a full refund (you will be notified via a separate email) and transfer $99 to you for the exam retake fee.

Our MVP enrollments are backed by a Pass Guarantee. Complete our program and we assure you'll pass your NASM CES exam. Should you not, we'll refund your entire payment and cover the $99 (whether you fail one or both sections) exam retake fee with the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

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How does it work?

To claim

Simply forward an email to [email protected] with your full name (which must correspond with the name and email address from your Trainer Academy purchase) and attach the proof of failure issued by the NASM.

What happens next

We will verify your successful completion of the program through your account. Upon confirmation, we will promptly process a full refund (you will be notified via a separate email) and transfer $99 to you for the exam retake fee.

Our MVP enrollments are backed by a Pass Guarantee. Complete our program and we assure you'll pass your NCSF CPT exam. Should you not, we'll refund your entire payment and cover the $99 (whether you fail one or both sections) exam retake fee with The National Council on Strength and Fitness.

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How does it work?

To claim

Simply forward an email to [email protected] with your full name (which must correspond with the name and email address from your Trainer Academy purchase) and attach the proof of failure issued by the NCSF.

What happens next

We will verify your successful completion of the program through your account. Upon confirmation, we will promptly process a full refund (you will be notified via a separate email) and transfer $99 to you for the exam retake fee.

Our MVP enrollments are backed by a Pass Guarantee. Complete our program and we assure you'll pass your ISSA CPT exam. Should you not, we'll refund your entire payment and cover the $99 (whether you fail one or both sections) exam retake fee with The International Sports Sciences Association.

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How does it work?

To claim

Simply forward an email to [email protected] with your full name (which must correspond with the name and email address from your Trainer Academy purchase) and attach the proof of failure issued by the ISSA.

What happens next

We will verify your successful completion of the program through your account. Upon confirmation, we will promptly process a full refund (you will be notified via a separate email) and transfer $99 to you for the exam retake fee.

Our MVP enrollments are backed by a Pass Guarantee. Complete our program and we assure you'll pass your ACSM CPT exam. Should you not, we'll refund your entire payment and cover the $199 (whether you fail one or both sections) exam retake fee with The American College of Sports Medicine.

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How does it work?

To claim

Simply forward an email to [email protected] with your full name (which must correspond with the name and email address from your Trainer Academy purchase) and attach the proof of failure issued by the ACSM.

What happens next

We will verify your successful completion of the program through your account. Upon confirmation, we will promptly process a full refund (you will be notified via a separate email) and transfer $199 to you for the exam retake fee.

Our MVP enrollments are backed by a Pass Guarantee. Complete our program and we assure you'll pass your NSCA CPT exam. Should you not, we'll refund your entire payment and cover the $300-$435 (whether you are an NSCA member or not) exam retake fee with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

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How does it work?

To claim

Simply forward an email to [email protected] with your full name (which must correspond with the name and email address from your Trainer Academy purchase) and attach the proof of failure issued by the NSCA.

What happens next

We will verify your successful completion of the program through your account. Upon confirmation, we will promptly process a full refund (you will be notified via a separate email) and transfer $300-$435 to you for the exam retake fee.

Our MVP enrollments are backed by a Pass Guarantee. Complete our program and we assure you'll pass your NASM CPT exam. Should you not, we'll refund your entire payment and cover the $199 exam retake fee with the National Academy of sports medicine.

Close

How does it work?

To claim

Simply forward an email to [email protected] with your full name (which must correspond with the name and email address from your Trainer Academy purchase) and attach the proof of failure issued by NASM.

What happens next

We will verify your successful completion of the program through your account. Upon confirmation, we will promptly process a full refund (you will be notified via a separate email) and transfer $199 to you for the exam retake fee.

Our MVP enrollments are backed by a Pass Guarantee. Complete our program and we assure you'll pass your NSCA CSCS exam. Should you not, we'll refund your entire payment and cover the $250 - $475 (whether you fail one or both sections) exam retake fee with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

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How does it work?

To claim

Simply forward an email to [email protected] with your full name (which must correspond with the name and email address from your Trainer Academy purchase) and attach the proof of failure issued by the NSCA.

What happens next

We will verify your successful completion of the program through your account. Upon confirmation, we will promptly process a full refund (you will be notified via a separate email) and transfer $250 - $475 to you for the exam retake fee.

Our MVP enrollments are backed by a Pass Guarantee. Complete our program and we assure you'll pass your ACE CPT exam. Should you not, we'll refund your entire payment and cover the $249 exam retake fee with the American Council on Exercise.

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How does it work?

To claim

Simply forward an email to [email protected] with your full name (which must correspond with the name and email address from your Trainer Academy purchase) and attach the proof of failure issued by ACE.

What happens next

We will verify your successful completion of the program through your account. Upon confirmation, we will promptly process a full refund (you will be notified via a separate email) and transfer $249 to you for the exam retake fee.

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