Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What does the iTPA stand for?
Answer: International Tennis Performance Association
Question: What levels of certification does the iTPA offer?
Answer: The iTPA offers 3 levels: Tennis Performance Trainer (TPT), Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS) and Master Tennis Performance Specialist (MTPS). TPT and CTPS both involve online exams, while MTPS is in person and requires multiple pre-requisites including passing the CTPS exam and over 1000 hours of practical experience. TPT costs $299 and CTPS costs $499. See each respective certification page for more detailed information or click Here.
Question: Who should obtain certification?
Answer: All Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Personal Trainers, Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists, Tennis Coaches, Medical Personnel, Chiropractors, Health Providers and other specialists working with Tennis Players.
Question: I am confused about which certification level I should start with.
Answer: In addition to reviewing the information on the TPT and CTPS pages, please visit this page which includes a graphic outlining which certification is right for you depending on your skill and education level. For tennis coaches, we generally recommend starting with Tennis Performance Trainer and then moving up to Certified Tennis Performance Specialist. Please note to be eligible to take the CTPS exam you must have an exercise science degree or equivalent and/or an accredited/approved certification (CSCS, NASM, ACSM, PT, ATC, ACE, etc.) or have already obtained TPT. If this is not the case, please register instead for TPT and work your way up to CTPS. For tennis coaches: only elite level tennis coaches who also have a degree and/or above accreditation should start out with CTPS, which is very detailed and in-depth. Most tennis coaches should start with Tennis Performance Trainer (TPT) first. For high level fitness trainers who are accredited but have never worked with tennis players, although you qualify for CTPS, we would recommend starting with TPT to gain a base tennis-specific knowledge and then moving to CTPS, MTPS, etc. If you are a fitness trainer, physical therapist, personal trainer, etc. who has a degree or equivalent in exercise science (see full list on CTPS page) or is accredited and has worked with tennis players regularly, you should take CTPS.
A few examples:
Example 1: You have an accredited, reputable certification such as CSCS, NASM or ACSM but have never trained a tennis athlete. In this scenario you are eligible to take the CTPS, yet we would recommend this person take the TPT level certification to gain base, important knowledge of tennis strokes, movement, etc. and other tennis terms and then move to Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS).
Example 2: You are a tennis coach with a number of years of experience, but do not have a degree in exercise science or an accredited health & fitness certification. In this scenario, the TPT level is the right certification. Then, you can move up to CTPS.
Question: What is the Process once I register and pay for either TPT or CTPS?
Answer: Download this document to view the process.
Question: Do I need to have passed TPT in order to obtain CTPS?
Answer: Depends on your background and qualifications. You can obtain CTPS without TPT, but the other pre-requisities for both TPT and CTPS must be met. See below. If you are new to the field or a tennis coach who also does training, we recommend first getting TPT and then moving to CTPS, MTPS, etc.
Question: Do I need to have passed CTPS in order to obtain MTPS?
Answer: Yes, you must have a current CTPS designation in order to try for MTPS.
Question: What are the Pre-Requisites for TPT?
Answer: In order to register for TPT, you must be over 18 years of age and have proof of valid and current AED, First Aid, and/or CPR certificate (only 1 is required - not all 3). Click Here for more info.
Question: What are the Pre-Requisites for CTPS?
Answer: In order to register for CTPS, you must be over 18 years of age and have proof of valid and current AED, First Aid, or CPR certificate (only 1 is required - not all 3). In addition, you must have a recognized certification and/or degree in any of the following fields: Personal Training, Strength & Conditioning, Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, Physical Training, Chiropractor, Medical Doctor, Massage Therapy, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Physiology, Biomechanics, Psychology, Osteopathy, Nutrition or Tennis Coaching or have already obtained TPT certification. Click Here for more info.
Question: What are the Pre-Requisites for MTPS?
Answer: In order to register for MTPS, you must have already obtained the CTPS designation. Click Here for more info.
Question: What makes the iTPA credible and needed in the tennis industry?
Answer: The iTPA is the leader in tennis-specific fitness training, performance, education and tennis certification due to our world-leading experts holding their credentials from an academic, research and practical standpoint. The information provided is evidence-based yet delivered in a practical manner to help tennis athletes at all levels perform better and stay healthier.
Question: If I don’t pass the online exam in the given 12-week time frame, will I get a refund?
Answer: No refunds will be given for any reason, including not passing the exam. However, you can retake the exam after the 12 weeks has expired for a $59 fee.
Question: In the United States, Can the CTPS program be submitted for APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) Continuing Education in my state?
Answer: Yes, PTs and PTAs can submit the CTPS program for approval from your state licensing board (in the United States). The ITPA provides all the information needed for you to self-submit for continuing education through your states physical therapy licensing board. In most states the following information is required (but check with your states licensing board for exact requirements).
Presenter(s) C.V.s, resume or biography.
Course Objective and outline of program content.
Sample participant’s evaluation
Copy of Original Certificate of completion.
The iTPA will work with you to provide the needed materials.
Question: Who reviews the exam questions and materials?
Answer: The iTPA Certification Commission reviews all exam materials and questions. The iTPA-CC is made up of industry-leading experts, each in a different area.
Click Here for more info.
Question: What is the iTPA Advisory Board?
Answer: Leading experts who provide input to the iTPA in order to help improve the tennis industry. Click here for bios.
Question: How does Re-certification work?
Answer: All TPT, CTPS and MTPS-certified members need to be re-certified every 2 years in order to maintain certification. This involves submitting your Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credits – 50 for TPT, 200 for CTPS and 250 for MTPS – as well as the $49 re-certification fee. You will be mailed and emailed an application at the year end. If payment is not received by the due date, your certification will expire and you will have to pay full price and retake the exam to be reinstated. You will also lose access to The iTPA Inner Circle Member Only Website. Click Here for more information.
Question: What fitness and certification organizations is the iTPA currently affiliated with as an official Continuing Education Provider?
Answer: The iTPA is an official continuing education provider for: American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Association of Athletic Trainers (NATA) and National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA). ACE: CTPS is awarded 0.5 CECs; NESTA: CTPS is awarded 1.0 CECs. The iTPA is also an Associate Member of the National Club Association (NCA).
Question: What are the yearly dues for each certification?
Answer: Yearly dues for TPT, CTPS and MTPS are all $89, due one year from the time you paid for the respective certification level. If jointly certified, only one $89 fee applies. The credit card you originally used to register will automatically be charged $89 after one year and a receipt will be emailed. If payment is declined and a check or other form of payment is not received by the due date, your certification will expire and you will have to pay full price and retake the exam to be reinstated. You will also lose access to The iTPA Inner Circle Member Only Website.
Question: I don’t feel I have the experience/credentials yet to be certified at this time, but I would like have access to the iTPA Inner Circle Member Only Website in order to view up-to-date industry information. Is this possible?
Answer: Yes! You can sign up to become an iTPA Affiliate Member by paying $49 per year. This allows you access to the The Inner Circle Member Only website, and other member benefits such as tennis industry product discounts. However, the iTPA encourages you to obtain all available study materials and take the exam. Affiliate Memberships automatically renew after 1 year and your credit card will be charged $49. The iTPA will send you an email 30 days before this renewal will occur, and if you do not wish to renew simply let us know. Click Here for more information.
Question: Can I return an item that I purchased in the iTPA store?
Answer: Products purchased in the iTPA store from the iTPA directly that are mailed to you (Hard Copy DVDs or mailed Workbooks, etc.) can be returned for a full refund, but first contact the iTPA within 7 days to let us know. Item must be received no later than 10 days after contacting the iTPA, and a refund will be issued only after item is received in the original condition. Shipping fees to return the item back to the iTPA are the responsibility of the buyer. We reserve the right to deny a certain return request if we feel the user is making a copy of content and then returning to avoid paying, etc. However, certification fees, online DVD library access and digital files are non-refundable for any reason. See the Returns Policy page HERE. Please send product returns after first contacting the iTPA to:
iTPA - ITPA: 2500 Dallas Hwy SW Ste 202-141
Marietta, Georgia, USA, 30064
Click Here to Access the iTPA Products
Question: I currently receive the iTPA email newsletter and no longer wish to be on your list. What can I do?
Answer: The iTPA respects our customers’ wishes and follows the Can Spam Act of 2003. You can opt out from receiving email newsletters at any time by clicking on the “Unsubscribe” button on the bottom of the email.
Question: How can my company become a partner of the iTPA?
Answer: The iTPA offers several programs/levels for partners, including product or cash payments in exchange for promotion. Please click the below link to fill out the form and be contacted by the iTPA. Click Here
Question: What is the iTPA Facebook Page address:
Answer: www.facebook.com/itpatennis Please "Like" our page to gain access to giveaways, contests and much more.
Answer: International Tennis Performance Association
Question: What levels of certification does the iTPA offer?
Answer: The iTPA offers 3 levels: Tennis Performance Trainer (TPT), Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS) and Master Tennis Performance Specialist (MTPS). TPT and CTPS both involve online exams, while MTPS is in person and requires multiple pre-requisites including passing the CTPS exam and over 1000 hours of practical experience. TPT costs $299 and CTPS costs $499. See each respective certification page for more detailed information or click Here.
Question: Who should obtain certification?
Answer: All Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Personal Trainers, Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists, Tennis Coaches, Medical Personnel, Chiropractors, Health Providers and other specialists working with Tennis Players.
Question: I am confused about which certification level I should start with.
Answer: In addition to reviewing the information on the TPT and CTPS pages, please visit this page which includes a graphic outlining which certification is right for you depending on your skill and education level. For tennis coaches, we generally recommend starting with Tennis Performance Trainer and then moving up to Certified Tennis Performance Specialist. Please note to be eligible to take the CTPS exam you must have an exercise science degree or equivalent and/or an accredited/approved certification (CSCS, NASM, ACSM, PT, ATC, ACE, etc.) or have already obtained TPT. If this is not the case, please register instead for TPT and work your way up to CTPS. For tennis coaches: only elite level tennis coaches who also have a degree and/or above accreditation should start out with CTPS, which is very detailed and in-depth. Most tennis coaches should start with Tennis Performance Trainer (TPT) first. For high level fitness trainers who are accredited but have never worked with tennis players, although you qualify for CTPS, we would recommend starting with TPT to gain a base tennis-specific knowledge and then moving to CTPS, MTPS, etc. If you are a fitness trainer, physical therapist, personal trainer, etc. who has a degree or equivalent in exercise science (see full list on CTPS page) or is accredited and has worked with tennis players regularly, you should take CTPS.
A few examples:
Example 1: You have an accredited, reputable certification such as CSCS, NASM or ACSM but have never trained a tennis athlete. In this scenario you are eligible to take the CTPS, yet we would recommend this person take the TPT level certification to gain base, important knowledge of tennis strokes, movement, etc. and other tennis terms and then move to Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS).
Example 2: You are a tennis coach with a number of years of experience, but do not have a degree in exercise science or an accredited health & fitness certification. In this scenario, the TPT level is the right certification. Then, you can move up to CTPS.
Question: What is the Process once I register and pay for either TPT or CTPS?
Answer: Download this document to view the process.
Question: Do I need to have passed TPT in order to obtain CTPS?
Answer: Depends on your background and qualifications. You can obtain CTPS without TPT, but the other pre-requisities for both TPT and CTPS must be met. See below. If you are new to the field or a tennis coach who also does training, we recommend first getting TPT and then moving to CTPS, MTPS, etc.
Question: Do I need to have passed CTPS in order to obtain MTPS?
Answer: Yes, you must have a current CTPS designation in order to try for MTPS.
Question: What are the Pre-Requisites for TPT?
Answer: In order to register for TPT, you must be over 18 years of age and have proof of valid and current AED, First Aid, and/or CPR certificate (only 1 is required - not all 3). Click Here for more info.
Question: What are the Pre-Requisites for CTPS?
Answer: In order to register for CTPS, you must be over 18 years of age and have proof of valid and current AED, First Aid, or CPR certificate (only 1 is required - not all 3). In addition, you must have a recognized certification and/or degree in any of the following fields: Personal Training, Strength & Conditioning, Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, Physical Training, Chiropractor, Medical Doctor, Massage Therapy, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Physiology, Biomechanics, Psychology, Osteopathy, Nutrition or Tennis Coaching or have already obtained TPT certification. Click Here for more info.
Question: What are the Pre-Requisites for MTPS?
Answer: In order to register for MTPS, you must have already obtained the CTPS designation. Click Here for more info.
Question: What makes the iTPA credible and needed in the tennis industry?
Answer: The iTPA is the leader in tennis-specific fitness training, performance, education and tennis certification due to our world-leading experts holding their credentials from an academic, research and practical standpoint. The information provided is evidence-based yet delivered in a practical manner to help tennis athletes at all levels perform better and stay healthier.
Question: If I don’t pass the online exam in the given 12-week time frame, will I get a refund?
Answer: No refunds will be given for any reason, including not passing the exam. However, you can retake the exam after the 12 weeks has expired for a $59 fee.
Question: In the United States, Can the CTPS program be submitted for APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) Continuing Education in my state?
Answer: Yes, PTs and PTAs can submit the CTPS program for approval from your state licensing board (in the United States). The ITPA provides all the information needed for you to self-submit for continuing education through your states physical therapy licensing board. In most states the following information is required (but check with your states licensing board for exact requirements).
Presenter(s) C.V.s, resume or biography.
Course Objective and outline of program content.
Sample participant’s evaluation
Copy of Original Certificate of completion.
The iTPA will work with you to provide the needed materials.
Question: Who reviews the exam questions and materials?
Answer: The iTPA Certification Commission reviews all exam materials and questions. The iTPA-CC is made up of industry-leading experts, each in a different area.
Click Here for more info.
Question: What is the iTPA Advisory Board?
Answer: Leading experts who provide input to the iTPA in order to help improve the tennis industry. Click here for bios.
Question: How does Re-certification work?
Answer: All TPT, CTPS and MTPS-certified members need to be re-certified every 2 years in order to maintain certification. This involves submitting your Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credits – 50 for TPT, 200 for CTPS and 250 for MTPS – as well as the $49 re-certification fee. You will be mailed and emailed an application at the year end. If payment is not received by the due date, your certification will expire and you will have to pay full price and retake the exam to be reinstated. You will also lose access to The iTPA Inner Circle Member Only Website. Click Here for more information.
Question: What fitness and certification organizations is the iTPA currently affiliated with as an official Continuing Education Provider?
Answer: The iTPA is an official continuing education provider for: American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Association of Athletic Trainers (NATA) and National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA). ACE: CTPS is awarded 0.5 CECs; NESTA: CTPS is awarded 1.0 CECs. The iTPA is also an Associate Member of the National Club Association (NCA).
Question: What are the yearly dues for each certification?
Answer: Yearly dues for TPT, CTPS and MTPS are all $89, due one year from the time you paid for the respective certification level. If jointly certified, only one $89 fee applies. The credit card you originally used to register will automatically be charged $89 after one year and a receipt will be emailed. If payment is declined and a check or other form of payment is not received by the due date, your certification will expire and you will have to pay full price and retake the exam to be reinstated. You will also lose access to The iTPA Inner Circle Member Only Website.
Question: I don’t feel I have the experience/credentials yet to be certified at this time, but I would like have access to the iTPA Inner Circle Member Only Website in order to view up-to-date industry information. Is this possible?
Answer: Yes! You can sign up to become an iTPA Affiliate Member by paying $49 per year. This allows you access to the The Inner Circle Member Only website, and other member benefits such as tennis industry product discounts. However, the iTPA encourages you to obtain all available study materials and take the exam. Affiliate Memberships automatically renew after 1 year and your credit card will be charged $49. The iTPA will send you an email 30 days before this renewal will occur, and if you do not wish to renew simply let us know. Click Here for more information.
Question: Can I return an item that I purchased in the iTPA store?
Answer: Products purchased in the iTPA store from the iTPA directly that are mailed to you (Hard Copy DVDs or mailed Workbooks, etc.) can be returned for a full refund, but first contact the iTPA within 7 days to let us know. Item must be received no later than 10 days after contacting the iTPA, and a refund will be issued only after item is received in the original condition. Shipping fees to return the item back to the iTPA are the responsibility of the buyer. We reserve the right to deny a certain return request if we feel the user is making a copy of content and then returning to avoid paying, etc. However, certification fees, online DVD library access and digital files are non-refundable for any reason. See the Returns Policy page HERE. Please send product returns after first contacting the iTPA to:
iTPA - ITPA: 2500 Dallas Hwy SW Ste 202-141
Marietta, Georgia, USA, 30064
Click Here to Access the iTPA Products
Question: I currently receive the iTPA email newsletter and no longer wish to be on your list. What can I do?
Answer: The iTPA respects our customers’ wishes and follows the Can Spam Act of 2003. You can opt out from receiving email newsletters at any time by clicking on the “Unsubscribe” button on the bottom of the email.
Question: How can my company become a partner of the iTPA?
Answer: The iTPA offers several programs/levels for partners, including product or cash payments in exchange for promotion. Please click the below link to fill out the form and be contacted by the iTPA. Click Here
Question: What is the iTPA Facebook Page address:
Answer: www.facebook.com/itpatennis Please "Like" our page to gain access to giveaways, contests and much more.
