Are you passionate about fitness and helping others reach their health goals? Becoming a certified personal trainer could be the perfect career path for you. Not only will you get to help people, but you’ll also have the opportunity to stay active and healthy yourself.
Honestly, I never thought I’d be a personal trainer. I’ve always been more of a foodie than a fitness enthusiast. But after a significant weight gain with pregnancy and pandemic, I realized I needed to make a change. I committed to a healthier lifestyle and achieved amazing results. Inspired by my own journey, I’m excited to help others reach their fitness goals. That’s when I started researching “how to become a certified personal trainer”.
Before you begin, it’s important to note that most certification programs have a few prerequisites: CPR and First Aid certification, being at least 18 years old, and a high school diploma or equivalent
The first big decision is selecting a certification organization. There are a few great options out there, and I spent some time (more than a month!) exploring them. Let me share what I found to help you pick the good fit for your journey!
Table of Contents
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
- Considerations
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
NASM is a renowned organization in the fitness industry, known for its evidence-based approach to fitness and wellness education. It offers a variety of certifications, including Personal Training, Corrective Exercise Specialist, and Performance Enhancement Specialist. I chose to get certified through NASM mainly because it’s one of the most recognized organizations in the industry.
Strengths: Evidence-based approach to fitness and wellness education.
Best for: Those interested in a science-based approach to fitness and working with clients who may have injuries or limitations.
Key Features:
- OPT Model: A comprehensive training system that focuses on improving performance through a systematic progression of exercises.
- Corrective Exercise: Emphasizes identifying and correcting muscular imbalances to prevent injuries and optimize performance.
- Evidence-Based Approach: Based on the latest scientific research and industry best practices.
- NCCA Accreditation: Ensures that the certification meets high standards of quality and rigor.
- Flexible Learning Options: Offers both online and in-person study options.
- Strong Industry Recognition: Highly respected by employers and clients in the fitness industry.
- Job Guarantee Program: Provides support and resources to help certified trainers find employment.
- Continuing Education Opportunities: Offers a variety of continuing education courses to maintain certification and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
Costs: (The cost can vary depending on the specific package you choose and ongoing sales. However, here’s a general idea of the pricing:)
- Self-Study: Starts at $849
- 100% Online Learning
- Two Certification Options: Non-Proctored or NCCA-Accredited
- All-Inclusive Pricing: No Hidden Fees
- Advanced Learning Tools: High-Quality Videos, 3D Models
- Practice Exams
- Mobile-Friendly Study with NASM’s Edge App
- Premium Self-Study: Starts at $1,149
- Everything in Self-Study, Plus:
- Job Guarantee: Secure Your First Job in 90 Days or Get a Refund
- Expert Support: Unlimited Access to NASM Fitness Experts
- Exam Retake: Second Chance to Ace Your Exam
- CPT Essentials Bundle: Starts at $1,444
- Everything in Premium Self-Study, Plus:
- Certified Nutrition Coach: Enhance Your Nutritional Knowledge
- CPR/AED Certification: Ensure Client Safety
- Metabolic Makeover Course: Earn Continuing Education Credits (0.3 units)
Exam:
1. Non-Proctored Exam:
- Open-book: You can refer to your study materials.
- You must complete the exam within six months of enrolling
- Online: Taken remotely.
- 100 questions: Multiple-choice format.
- 3-hour time limit.
- Get a basic certification for personal trainer once passed
2. Proctored Exam:
- Closed-book: No access to study materials.
- You must complete the exam within six months of enrolling
- In-person or online: Administered by a proctor.
- 120 questions: Multiple-choice format.
- 2-hour time limit.
- Get NCCA-accredited personal trainer certification once passed
American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Strengths: Wide range of certification options, focus on practical application of fitness knowledge, emphasis on client motivation and behavior change.
Best for: Those interested in working with a diverse range of clients and those who want to focus on behavior change and lifestyle coaching.
Key features:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers a wide range of topics, including exercise science, nutrition, behavior change, and injury prevention.
- Focus on Practical Application: Emphasizes practical skills and real-world application of knowledge.
- Evidence-Based Approach: Based on the latest scientific research and industry best practices.
- Client-Centered Philosophy: Promotes a client-centered approach to training, emphasizing individualized program design and motivation.
- Strong Emphasis on Behavior Change: Teaches effective strategies for helping clients adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle habits.
- NCCA Accreditation: Ensures that the certification meets high standards of quality and rigor.
- Flexible Learning Options: Offers both online and in-person study options.
- Strong Industry Recognition: Highly respected by employers and clients in the fitness industry.
- Ongoing Support: Provides resources and continuing education opportunities to help maintain certification and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
Costs: (The cost can vary depending on the specific package you choose and ongoing sales. However, here’s a general idea of the pricing:)
- Basic: $587
- ACE university
- Practice tests
- ACE personal trainer textbooks (digital)
- ACE personal trainer study companion (digital)
- ACE answer study support (basic)
- Plus: $689
- Everything in Basic, Plus:
- ACE personal trainer textbooks (digital + hard copy)
- ACE personal trainer study companion (digital + hard copy)
- ACE answer study support (plus)
- Free shipping (U.S only): Ground
- Advantage: $1,037
- Everything in Plus, Plus:
- ACE personal trainer textbooks (digital + hard copy + audio book)
- ACE personal trainer study companion (digital + hard copy)
- ACE answer study support (advantage)
- Exercise science 101
- Audio book
- Free shipping (U.S only): Expedited
Exam:
1. Non-Proctored Exam:
- Open-book: You can refer to your study materials.
- Online: Taken remotely.
- 100 questions: Multiple-choice format.
- 3-hour time limit.
- Unlimited attempts to pass
- Take whenever you’re ready, no expiration date
- Requires a score of 70% or greater to pass
- Get an ACE personal training certificate
2. Proctored Exam:
- Close book:
- In-person or online, live proctored exam
- 150 multiple choice questions
- 3 hours time limit
- Retake available
- Requires a score of 500/800 to pass
- Get NCCA-accredited ACE personal trainer certification once passed
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is a renowned organization dedicated to advancing strength and conditioning research and education. Founded in 1978, the NSCA has become a leading authority in the field, providing valuable resources and certifications for fitness professionals
Strength: aims to advance the field of strength and conditioning by providing education, certification, and resources to professionals in the industry.
Best for: those who are passionate about strength training and conditioning, particularly for athletes or individuals seeking performance enhancement, NSCA is a great choice.
Key features:
- Evidence-Based Approach: The NSCA is renowned for its science-based approach to training and conditioning. Their certifications are based on the latest research and evidence-based practices.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The NSCA-CPT certification covers a wide range of topics, including exercise science, nutrition, program design, and injury prevention.
- Practical Application: The certification emphasizes practical application of knowledge, equipping you with the skills to design effective and safe workout programs.
- Industry Recognition: NSCA certifications are recognized by employers, insurance companies, and other healthcare professionals.
- Rigorous Exam: The NSCA-CPT exam is challenging, ensuring that certified trainers meet high standards of knowledge and competency.
- Continuing Education Opportunities:
Unlike other organizations, NSCA offers membership benefits, including discounts on certifications, exams, study materials, and more
There are 3 types of memberships:
- Student membership: $70/year (Full-time students (high school, undergraduate, or graduate) must self-verify their enrollment status)
- Professional membership: $130/year (Full access to 5 strength and conditioning journals, online content, discounts and more)
- CPI membership: $371 (Full member benefits plus liability insurance and more.)
Registration fee for taking exams:
- Member: $300
- Non-member: $435
Studying materials
- NSCA-CPT Study Guide: Master the exam format and content.
- Member: $18
- Non-member: $27
- Practice Tests: Test your knowledge and identify areas for improvement.
- Member: $150
- Non-member: $200
- Exercise Technique Manual: Learn proper exercise technique with video demonstrations.
- Member: $72
- Non-member: $89
- Essentials of Personal Training: Gain a comprehensive understanding of strength and conditioning principles.
- Member: $105
- Non-member: $119
- Essentials of Personal Training, 3ed, w/Online Study Course
- Member: $240
- Non-member: $269
Exam:
You have to register for the exam online with registering fee and selection of local site where you will be taking exam.
- Close book exam
- 140 scored and 15 non-scored* multiple-choice questions, with 25 – 35 questions presented as video and/or image questions
- Requires a score of 70% or greater to pass
- Exams must be taken within 120 days of registering
International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is a well-known organization that offers a variety of fitness certifications, including personal training, nutrition, and strength and conditioning
Strength: Their flexibility, affordability, quick certification process.
Best for: Those who are seeking flexible, affordable, and fast certification
Key features:
- Online Learning: Completely online, self-paced learning format.
- Flexible Scheduling: Study at your own pace and on your own time.
- Affordable Pricing: Competitive pricing for the certification program.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers a wide range of topics, including exercise science, nutrition, and business skills.
- Practical Application: Focuses on real-world application of knowledge and skills.
- Quick Certification Process: Relatively fast turnaround time for completing the course and obtaining certification.
- Strong Focus on Business Skills: Provides valuable insights into building and managing a successful personal training business.
Costs: (The cost can vary depending on the specific package you choose and ongoing sales. However, here’s a general idea of the pricing:)
- Certified Personal Trainer Foundations: $649
- Personal training certification
- CPT bootscamp
- Purpose-drive training model
- Online textbook, practice quizzes, forums
- Certified Personal Trainer Bundle: $1,119
- Everything in personal trainer bundle, Plus:
- ISSA CPT job guarantee
- CPR/AED certification course
- NCCA-accredited certification exam
- Certified Personal Trainer + Nutritionist: $1.199
- Everything in certified personal trainer + nutritionist, Plus
- Nutritionist certification course
- Exam:
- Non-Proctored Exam:
- Open-book: You can refer to your study materials.
- Candidates have up to 3 months from the date of purchase to take the exam.
- 140 multiple choice questions. (125 scored and 15 questions not scored)
- Requires a score of 70% or greater to pass
- Proctored Exam:
- Close book:
- Candidates have up to 12 months from the date of purchase to take the exam
- 140 multiple choice questions. (125 scored and 15 questions not scored)
- Requires a score of 70% or greater to pass
Considerations
Non-accredited certification vs. NCCA-accredited certification
A crucial factor to consider when choosing a certification is whether it’s NCCA-accredited or not. But what does accreditation mean?
Accreditation is a process by which a recognized organization evaluates a program or institution to ensure it meets specific quality standards. In the context of fitness certifications, accreditation signifies that a certification program has been reviewed and approved by a third-party body, typically the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
Why NCCA-Accredited Certification?:
By choosing an NCCA-accredited certification, you can be confident that you’re investing in a reputable program that meets industry standards.
- Third-Party Validation: An NCCA-accredited certification means the program has been rigorously evaluated and meets specific standards of quality and effectiveness.
- Quality Assurance: It ensures that the certification program maintains high standards of quality and rigor.
- Public Trust: It helps build public trust in the fitness profession by ensuring that certified professionals meet specific competency standards.
- Industry Recognition: These certifications are widely recognized by employers and insurance companies.
- Credibility: They signify a higher level of knowledge and expertise.
- Career Advancement: NCCA-accredited certifications can open up more opportunities for career advancement.
Many job postings specifically require an NCCA-accredited certification. To increase your job prospects, I recommend taking the proctored exam to obtain this certification. While it’s a closed-book exam, the added value and potential career opportunities make it worthwhile, especially considering the similar or same costs.
I chose to pursue an NCCA-accredited certification through NASM. While the proctored exam was challenging, especially after a long break from formal study. I believe it was worth the effort. Both NASM and ACE offer both proctored and non-proctored options, with only the proctored exam leading to NCCA accreditation. ISSA’s basic plan doesn’t include NCCA accreditation, while NSCA only offers NCCA-accredited certifications.
I highly recommend pursuing an NCCA-accredited certification. You may need to study more, but you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This increased knowledge can lead to more opportunities in the future. (Notably, NASM’s job guarantee program is exclusively for NCCA-accredited certified trainers.)
NASM offers numerous bundle deals, making it difficult to choose the right path. While bundles can be cost-effective, prioritizing one certification might be more efficient, especially with time constraints. If you’re interested in multiple certifications, a bundle can be a good choice. However, if you want to focus on one, individual courses are a better option.
Are you leaning towards a specific certification? For beginners, NASM or ACE offers a solid foundation in fitness and wellness. Experienced professionals may find NSCA’s rigorous program appealing. While ISSA provides flexible online options, NASM, ACE, and NSCA are more widely recognized by employers. Always check specific job requirements to see if ISSA is accepted.
I hope this blog post helps you choose the right path. Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of fitness!
