Best Personal Trainer Certification Programs (2023)

Best Personal Trainer Certification Programs

Best Personal Trainer Certification Programs

Use promocode BALANCED75 for $75 off ISSA's Elite Personal Trainer Certification Package.

International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) certification can be completed 100% online and you can take the test from the comfort of your home.

International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is a personal training certification for special population groups that balances all aspects of fitness, nutrition, and exercise. Since its inception in 1988, it has been certifying trainers from all over the world. The ISSA CPT certification is well-respected in the fitness community and recognized by many employers.

ISSA has three study programs to choose from. The basic program, the START Training, is $69 a month for 12 months and includes an online textbook and course materials, audio lectures, practice exams, job guarantee, and online support. The Kickstarter program is $79 a month for 12 months and includes everything in the START program, plus a free nutritionist course, and a guarantee of five clients in the first five weeks. Finally, the Top Trainer program offers everything in the lower tiers, plus in-gym training experience. This program is the most expensive, at $119 a month for 12 months.

The fast-track program, available in all three tiers mentioned above, is only four weeks long and includes unlimited retests so you can keep taking the exam until you pass. The ISSA exam is open book and completed in the comfort of your home, which is great for those who are not comfortable taking exams.

Unlike other programs, there is no option for live instruction except with the most expensive program, but reviews state that the study materials are thorough and organized. You can also join the professional forum where you can ask other trainers and students for help. You need 20 continuing education hours to renew every two years and the renewal fee is $99. However, if you take your CEUs through ISSA, the fee is waived.

It’s important to note that the online ISSA CPT exam is not NCCA-accredited. If you need this as a requirement for work then you must complete the NCCA-accredited exam at a Prometric testing site. It is included with the study packages or can be purchased on its own for $599.

NASM is one of the most respected personal training certifications around. Its thorough study materials and well-designed exams make it the best choice for any new personal trainer.

NASM is a well-regarded program that focuses on corrective exercise and teaching you the skills you need to be a successful personal trainer. It offers many different options when it comes to studying materials including a self-study option, a premium self-study option, a guided study program, and an all-inclusive option. The guided study program has 45+ lecture and learning videos, and the all-inclusive option has all the other bonuses that NASM offers.

If you already have experience in the fitness industry or have taken other courses, the self-study option is a great choice. It includes the online course, exam fee, digital textbook, learning videos, and practice exams and quizzes for $649. The other options range from $839 to $1484 and include things like additional study materials, guided study courses, a 90-day job guarantee, and the option to retest for free. NASM often runs special promotions, and you can find discount codes online to decrease the cost.

NASM is accredited by the NCCA and recognized by all major gyms. Like all other NCCA-accredited exams, it requires a high school diploma and AED and CPR certifications. It has great reviews online from those who have completed the certification which mentions its excellent customer service.

American Council on Exercise provides a well-rounded certification that teaches all the basics of working with clients.

ACE personal training certification is a great choice for any personal trainer just starting out or those looking to expand their credentials. It is similar to NASM in many ways and has multiple options when it comes to study materials. Its basic package is $979 and includes access to the online study materials, the exam, one practice test, and a digital textbook and study companion. The other options include additional study materials and support, and range from $979-$1729. If you fail the test the first time you can retake it for $249.

ACE's program is comprehensive and includes everything you need to know to start training clients. It focuses on behavior modification and coaching strategies so you can work with clients with a variety of different goals. We liked that it has the option to take the exam at home through a remote proctor, which saves you the hassle of making an appointment at a testing center. You must recertify every two years and accumulate 2.0 CEUs to qualify.

ACE's recertification is more expensive than other certifications, starting at $129 for one renewal, but the variety of additional certifications and CEU courses can help you improve your skills and attract new clients.

This certification is well-known in the fitness community. Like the others, it is accredited by NCCA. Reviews are generally positive and ACE's customer service is easily accessible online.

We chose Action as the best for low-cost certification because it gives you access to an NCCA-accredited exam at a very reasonable price, compared to other options.

Action Personal Trainer Certification will give you all the skills needed to train, educate, and motivate personal training clients. It was accredited by NCCA in 2014, making it one of the newer certifications around, and it’s a good choice if you are a self-employed personal trainer, already have other fitness certifications, or prefer to study at your own pace.

Action's learning resources are available through an app, and you can purchase a hardcover textbook to accompany your learning. Learning materials range from $99-$249 and purchase is not required to take the exam. If you have a background in fitness or have a related college degree you may not need the exam preparation materials, but they are recommended to properly prepare to take the exam and start working as a personal trainer. The platinum plan costs $249 and includes free recertification for life, online CPR training, and free advanced nutrition certification.

You must take your exam at a Prometric testing site with a registration fee of $99. The basic option does not include an NCCA-accredited exam and is therefore not recognized by major gyms. Additionally, the exam is not as research-based as other certifications we reviewed, but this is likely because it's for the entry-level personal trainer.

There aren't any reputable reviews available online, and since it is not well-known, it may not be immediately recognized as reputable by fitness employers.

National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) offers in-person two-day workshops to prepare you to take the exam and give you hands-on practice and support.

The National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) provides a personal training certification program that is NCCA-accredited, comprehensive, and available in a two-day weekend format. The NFPT program covers all the basics of personal training including anatomy and physiology, fitness components, program development, and communication and professionalism skills.

Packages start at $249 for the exam only or $399 for the exam, study materials, practice tests, and other resources. You are now able to take the exam at home with a remote proctor and if you cannot attend a workshop, you can view the videos online. NFPT offers financing options and discounts for military, civil servants, and club staff.

You must renew your certification every year and obtain 2.0 CEUs. The benefit of this program is that CEUs are free and can be obtained in many different ways. NFPT has been accredited by NCCA since 2005 but is less well-known by employers, so it's recommended to check with your future employer before pursuing this certification.

ACSM offers many forms of continuing education credits including an annual conference, where you can obtain all the CEUs you need to renew.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is one of the most prominent exercise science and sports medicine organizations out there. It has been around since 1954 so it's well-recognized in the fitness industry and by potential employers. It’s best for those who have previous experience, want to work in a healthcare setting, want a widely recognized NCCA-accredited certification on their resume or are planning to specialize and build on their skills in the future.

ACSM offers many different options for study materials so you can choose what is best for you based on your prior knowledge and experience. The study materials are not particularly interactive but it does offer an e-book and online practice tests. ACSM also has workshops and webinars for those who prefer in-person learning.

You can purchase one or more of the resources available on the website to study for the exam. The Certified Personal Trainer Certification Preparation Course includes audio and PowerPoints, a corresponding online quiz, and a course evaluation. In the past, the course cost $270, but the latest 2022 pricing won't be released until September 2022. You must then purchase the exam separately for $349 and schedule to take it at a testing site near you or register for live remote proctoring so you can take the exam at home. ACSM offers online practice tests and digital flash cards.

The personal trainer exam only has a 58% pass rate for first-time test-takers and a 42% pass rate for repeat test-takers, so it's a tough exam to pass. They have several advanced certifications to choose from if you want to further develop your skills as a trainer. Certification is good for three years and you must obtain 45 CEUs to recertify.

Article Sources

1. National Commission for Certifying Agencies. "Accreditations."

2. International Sports Sciences Association. "About Us."

3. National Academy of Sports Medicine. "Become a Personal Trainer."

4. National Academy of Sports Medicine. "Job Guarantee."

5. American Council on Exercise. "Personal Trainer Recertification & Renewal."

6. National Federation of Professional Trainers. "Personal Trainer Certification Renewal Process."

7. National Federation of Professional Trainers. "Certification Terms and Conditions."

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