The Level 2 Certificate Course builds the coaching skills and credentials you need to start your path to the Level 3.
Coach at a Higher Level
Level 3 Certified CrossFit Trainer (CCFT)
Certification
In-Person Exam
The Certified CrossFit Trainer credential is for an experienced trainer who wants to demonstrate a higher level of CrossFit coaching knowledge and ability. The purpose of the CCFT is to ensure that an individual possesses the knowledge and competency required to train clients safely and effectively.
Before You Apply
CCFT exam applications, credential management, and more information about the CF-L3 are located on our dedicated CrossFit Certifications page. Selecting “Apply” will redirect to the CrossFit Certifications page, which is currently available in English only. The CCFT exam, CCFT handbook, and select study materials are available in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish (European).
Do You Already Hold the CF-L3?
Access your activity log here.
Prove You Coach at a Professional LevelThe CCFT is an ANAB-accredited certification offered by CrossFit; a recognized, professional mark of an advanced CrossFit coach.
Built on Real Coaching ExperienceThe CCFT assesses your ability to apply advanced coaching knowledge in real-world situations — not simply memorize course content.
Take the Exam Near YouThe computer-based exam is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.
What You’ll Be Tested On
Candidates are tested on a broad range of topics such as Screening and Ongoing Assessment, Programming, Educating, Training, Leadership and Management, Lifestyle Education, and Professional Responsibilities. The CCFT is unique in its inclusion of videos and photos to test practical training skills and knowledge.
How the Exam Works
The CCFT exam is a computer-based exam of 160 multiple-choice questions (140 scored and 20 unscored pretest questions). Candidates have 3 hours and 55 minutes to complete the examination at a Pearson VUE testing center. Apply online, schedule your exam, and prepare using the official study materials.
Is the CCFT Right for You?
If you are an experienced coach ready to demonstrate a higher level of knowledge and ability, and to commit to a long-term standard of professional accountability, the CF-L3 is your next step. It is also the prerequisite for the Level 4, CrossFit’s highest credential.
Inside the CCFT Exam
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must be 18 or older at the time of application and hold a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate that includes AED instruction. Ongoing maintenance of CPR training is required every two years, and proof of a current certificate may be requested by the CrossFit Certification Department at any time.
In addition, candidates must fulfill each requirement in one of the following paths:
Path 1:
- Current CrossFit Level 2 Trainer Certificate (CF-L2).
- 375 hours of coaching CrossFit for groups or individuals. Hours must be accrued while your Level 1 or Level 2 is current and within the last five years.
Path 2:
- 1,000 hours of active strength and conditioning coaching at the collegiate or professional level.
- Hours need to have occurred for groups or individuals during employment for a college/university or professional sports team and must have been accumulated within the last five years.*
* Hours must be spent directly training athletes using GPP-based strength and conditioning; sport-specific training does not count for this requirement.
Upon applying, you must provide proof of your eligibility. CrossFit may contact your verifying professional, and all requirements are subject to audit. Be prepared to provide documentation such as a coaching logbook or class records.
Not Eligible Yet?
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Price Overview
| Currency | Application Fee* | Exam Fee | Retest Fee | Recertification fee | Late Recertification fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | $150 | $500 | $250 | $350 | $250 |
Additional Exam and Pricing Information
1. Application Fee
A US$150 nonrefundable application fee is due when you submit your application. The application system saves your progress, so you can begin and complete it later.
2. Exam Details
Additional details on the exam, including the domains covered and number of scored questions within each domain, can be found on the CrossFit Certifications website.
3. Credential Validity
Maintaining the Certified CrossFit Trainer (CCFT) credential is accomplished through a three-year recertification process.
4. Recertification Requirements
To maintain your CCFT credential, you must abide by the CrossFit Standards of Professional Practice, maintain a current CPR/AED certificate, obtain 36 continuing education units (CEUs), and complete a minimum of 150 coaching hours. Review the CCFT Candidate Handbook for details on recertification.
5. Languages
The exam, CCFT Candidate Handbook, and select study materials are available in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish (European).
6. Testing Centers
Exams are administered at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide. For a current list of locations, visit the CrossFit section of the Pearson VUE website.
7. ANAB Accreditation
The CCFT credential is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) under ISO/IEC 17024, the international standard for personnel certification.
8. Military Funding
The U.S. Army pays for soldiers’ CrossFit education using Army Credentialing Assistance. Eligible courses include the Level 1, Level 2, select online courses, and the CCFT/Level 3.
Prepare for the CCFT Examination
Keep Coaching
The CCFT rewards practical experience. Actively coaching and regularly applying your knowledge, skills, and abilities as a professional trainer for real athletes is the best preparation for the exam.
How To Apply
Confirm Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all requirements and have your documentation ready to upload to the online application.
Complete the Online Application
Submit your information and documentation along with the US$150 application fee. You will be redirected to our certification site (English only) to complete this step.
Schedule and Prepare
Once approved, schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center and prepare using the Candidate Handbook and study materials.
What To Expect on Exam Day
Your exam will take place at a Pearson VUE testing center, a quiet, supervised environment. Arrive early with valid identification, and plan for up to three hours and 55 minutes of testing. Results follow per the policies in the CCFT Candidate Handbook.
What if I don’t pass the exam?
Candidates who do not pass may register for a retest at a reduced fee, available for one year from the date of the approved application. There is a 90-day waiting period between retest attempts. If applying via Path 1, you must have a current CF-L2 at the time of your retest. Review the retest policy in the CCFT Candidate Handbook, focus your study on the domains where you scored lowest, and try again.
Set the Standard for Professional Coaching
Taking the next step to become a Certified CrossFit Trainer (CCFT) and passing the CCFT exam validates your knowledge and signifies a commitment to excellence and continued growth in your journey as a professional trainer.
Your Questions, Answered
You can manage applications and credentials for the Level 3 on our dedicated certification site, which has features not yet available on CrossFit.com. That site is available in English only; however, the exam, CCFT Candidate Handbook, and select study materials are offered in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish (European).
The Certified CrossFit Trainer (CCFT) references the certification program, exam, and credential. Specific to the credential, both the CCFT and CF-L3 credential designations signify the same achievement. Candidates who apply via Path 1 and pass the exam earn the designations of CCFT and CF-L3. Candidates who apply via Path 2 and pass the exam earn the CCFT designation only. The CF-L3 earned via Path 1 is the prerequisite for the Level 4.
The Level 1 and Level 2 are Certificate Courses and programs; you attend a course and earn a certificate by passing a test based only on the content and information presented at the specific course. The CCFT/Level 3 is a certification; it is an exam only and there is no course to attend. You qualify through experience, then demonstrate competency by passing an exam.
The exam is available in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish (European).
Recertify every three years by abiding by the CrossFit Standards of Professional Practice, maintaining a current CPR/AED certificate, obtaining 36 CEUs, and completing at least 150 coaching hours. CrossFit courses and approved third-party courses count toward CEUs.
We currently do not offer discounts for the CCFT exam. Active duty Army soldiers can use Army Credentialing Assistance to fund the CF-L3.
Please visit this page to manage your activity log.