Written By

Tyler Read

Updated: 

Jan. 21, 2025

S Tier Certifications

A Tier Certifications

B Tier Certifications

C Tier Certifications

D Tier Certifications

IPTA gives you free exam retakes while ISSA gives you one free retake. NASM also gives you a free retake (but only with their higher priced study packages).

Future Savings

Once you purchase you certification, your costs are not over. If you fail the exam, often you must pay to retake it. Also, every few years you need complete a recertification process to maintain your personal trainer certification.

Let’s look at these extra costs.

Exam Retake Costs

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My Experience with ISSA (Price vs Value)

ISSA, or the International Sports Sciences Association, is a massively popular certifying agency. It is a pioneer in many ways.

Firstly, as its name suggests, ISSA was the first genuinely international personal trainer certification program provider. Because of this, it was also the first distance-based fitness institute in the US. That is why DEAC initially accredited ISSA instead of the more prevalent NCCA.

However, ISSA is also the parent company of NCCPT, a certification provider I’ll discuss later in this topic. The collaborative resources of the two providers mean that ISSA offers both a DEAC and an NCCA accredited credential.

In terms of exam difficulty, the ISSA DEAC final test is a lot easier than the NCCA-accredited certification exam.

It’s a great option for those who want a package that includes personal training, nutrition, and a third certification like strength and conditioning or corrective exercise. You can check out the current ISSA prices to see what combinations are available.

ISSA Price

The price for just the ISSA CPT alone costs $999, which is more expensive than some of these other certifications, but ISSA has a really sweet Elite Trainer package that gives you training, nutrition, and a third specialization for only $1308, which is only $436 per certification.

This is by far the best deal from a major certification provider and it also includes study materials for each program included.

With three credentials, you have the flexibility to be able to provide more value to your clients.

ISSA Value

Value-wise, ISSA scores well in my book. It may look a bit expensive to pay $999 for one certification, but, if you go for the three certs together in the long-run, you are going to benefit greatly from the knowledge and prestige of having a nutrition certification and a specialization to help you stand out in the crowded fitness marketplace.

Check out my full ISSA Certification review here for an in-depth look on the skills, knowledge, and concepts learned in this program. ISSA gives you solid weight training program design concepts, anatomy and physiology, and special population information.

My Experience with IPTA (Price vs Value)

IPTA-CPT, the International Personal Training Academy is number one on my list of the cheapest personal trainer certifications.

My top choice for CPT-only certification—affordable, fast, super straightforward, and fully online with NCCA accreditation. Sometimes they offer the full textbook for free before you even purchase, which is great because you can start studying early. I recommend you check the current prices and textbook availability. 

IPTA Price

IPTA’s certification packages are among the most cost-effective in the industry, particularly noted for the base package priced at $399. IPTA offers a free online textbook to anyone who signs up for a trial. This feature allows prospective trainers to begin studying and familiarizing themselves with the course content without any initial investment, reducing barriers to entry.

For those considering more comprehensive options, IPTA’s All-Star and MVP packages provide substantial additional value without a steep increase in cost. The All-Star package, for example, includes free first recertification (saving approximately $200) and, is priced at just $599.

The MVP package, though more premium at $999, is packed with extras that greatly outweigh the initial investment. It includes free CPR/AED certification, which could otherwise cost about $100, and the first recertification for free. These features, combined with unlimited exam retakes and advanced learning tools like SurePass AI and performance reporting, make the MVP package an exceptional deal.

12-Month Payment Plan: For those who prefer to distribute the costs, IPTA offers a 12-month payment plan for the MVP tier, costing about $99 per month. This plan is free from interest and crafted to ease the financial burden of obtaining certification.

IPTA Value

IPTA has rapidly become a leader in personal training certification due to its exceptional value and affordability. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why IPTA scores a perfect 10 out of 10 on our PTP Value Rating scale, especially highlighting the benefits included even in its most economical packages:

• World-Class Study System: IPTA utilizes a cutting-edge online learning platform that includes interactive study guides, audio lessons, and SurePass AI technology. This system is designed to adapt to individual learning styles and speeds, ensuring that all candidates are well-prepared for their certification exams.
• Free Textbook: Unlike many other certification bodies that charge additional fees for essential study materials, IPTA provides a comprehensive digital textbook for free to anyone who signs up for a trial. This can save candidates between $100 and $200, reducing initial costs significantly.
• Free First Recertification: IPTA supports long-term career growth by offering the first recertification for free, which typically costs around $200 with other organizations. This not only reduces costs but also encourages ongoing professional development.
• Complimentary CPR and AED Certification: Often an additional expense with other certifications, IPTA includes CPR and AED training in its higher-tier packages at no extra cost, typically saving candidates an additional $100 to $200.
  
• Unlimited Exam Retakes: Recognizing the challenges that come with mastering a broad curriculum, IPTA allows unlimited retakes of the certification exam without additional fees, whereas other programs may charge over $200 for each additional attempt.
  
• Comprehensive Career Support: IPTA’s packages, particularly the MVP tier, include job assurance guarantees and business training courses, which are critical for those looking to establish themselves quickly in the industry.
  
• Flexible Learning and Payment Options: IPTA offers various study plans tailored to different learning paces and schedules, along with 0% interest financing options to spread the cost over time, enhancing accessibility for all prospective trainers.
• Seasonal Promotions and Discounts: IPTA frequently offers limited-time discounts and promotions, making their valuable packages even more accessible and allowing candidates to receive even more for their investment.  
  

These features, especially the free resources accessible from the trial phase, underscore IPTA’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education that supports both aspiring and existing fitness professionals. IPTA’s strategic pricing and inclusive package options make it an unbeatable choice for anyone looking for the most affordable route to becoming a certified personal trainer.

My Experience with NASM (Price vs Value)

NASM is the National Academy of Sports Medicine, an organization considered to be one of the most recognized names in health and fitness certifications and credentials.

NASM sometimes runs a great BOGO deal where you get the CPT and CNC nutrition cert together. Worth checking out their current prices and deals to see what’s available.

NASM Price

NASM’s packages probably have the most diverse variance in price, with the most expensive package being the most expensive overall.

But you can get their Nutrition and Fitness Coach bundle, which gives you their training certification and nutrition program for only $999, making each certification cost $499.

This is an excellent option, it costs you the normal price of one certification, and you get two upon completion of the programs.

NASM Value

NASM is a well known organization and their study resources are among the best. The NASM CPT teaches the fundamentals of everything you need to know as a trainer.

They use their OPT model to give individuals a comprehensive framework to work with and cover the topics of corrective exercise and exercise technique instruction well.

Value-wise, you get a lot with some of the smaller packages, like the Self-study, which is $749, on sale.

Once you start looking into the higher tier options, the price is a lot higher than I think you can justify for what you get.

So, in terms of value, NASM does well with their bundle and lower tier study packages, but it’s a bit too expensive when you choose their higher-priced options, like the All-Inclusive. This decision is up to you, though.

In terms of the specializations I’d recommend, NASM is known for their Corrective Exercise Specialist, so you may want to consider that one as well to help prevent injuries in clients.

My Experience with NCSF (Price vs Value)

The National Council on Strength and Fitness is one of the lesser-known program providers from a mainstream perspective. However, in the domain of the fitness industry, it is recognized as a high-quality performance-centric institute, having endorsements from some of the top gyms in the US.

NCSF often has a solid bundle deal that includes their CPT, Sports Nutrition, and Strength & Conditioning certifications—all for under $1,000. Definitely worth checking to see if that offer’s currently available.

NCSF Price

You can buy the most inexpensive NCSF package for only $299 on sale, making this one of the most inexpensive certs on this list. Even the higher tier study package is around $450 on sale and this includes the exam.

NCSF Value

While NCSF doesn’t have as much clout as some of the organizations higher up on the list, their textbook is quite good.  

I consider this the best value certification provider after NSCA.

Take a look at their official site for any updates on discounts and specials.

My Experience with NSCA (Price vs Value)

NSCA is the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

It’s a certification provider I would consider a legacy institution owing to its long-running heritage and influence.

As the name suggests, NSCA is a strength and conditioning-focused provider, meaning athletic performance and sports coaching programs are part of its fundamental offerings.

Because with NSCA’s education, you could potentially become a sports performance professional or sports coach, one of the most lucrative careers in fitness. The NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA CSCS) is their most popular certification outside of personal training.

NSCA Price

The NSCA exam costs between $300 and $435, depending on if you are a member, and the Basic Digital Package goes for $152 for members and $202 without.

This means you spend between $452 and $637 in order to obtain one of the most comprehensive CPTs out there.

Check out NSCA’s current pricing for deals and discounts.

NSCA Value

While the study materials you get from NSCA are a bit bare compared to the likes of ISSA, NASM, or ACE, the actual content in the textbook is incredibly detailed.

You get around 700 pages of high quality information and the newest edition of the textbook is actually a pleasure to read.

Therefore, if you don’t need a lot of hand-holding, NSCA presents excellent value for what you pay. You will know a lot by the time you start training clients in the gym. Certain elements shine, such as exercise science, the biomechanics section, programming, and how to train athletes. NSCA also has some of the best assessments in any CPT, meaning you are able to figure out the safety of different exercises and positions for your clients.

My Experience with ACE (Price vs Value)

The American Council on Exercise is a stalwart in the fitness coach certification game.

Enjoying a relevance that puts it arguably just below my top 3, ACE’s name and reputation carry a value proposition that translates to one of the highest premiums in the certification market.

They are well known for their group fitness and health coach certifications.

ACE Price

ACE has some incredible study resources and their packages range from $489 for the Basic package up to $864 for the Advantage package with the current discount.  

This makes ACE a valid option if you include study resources.

As with most other fitness trainer certifications, ACE regularly posts deals and discounts on the cost of ACE certification, so don’t forget to check their official CPT price listing for more information.

ACE Value

ACE does a great job in terms of value. Their study programs are among the best, and even the most expensive option is less than $900. You should also read my full ACE CPT review for more insight.

In addition, ACE also sets the gold standard for excellence in the areas of behavioral coaching and exercise psychology, so if you’re interested in that area of concern, ACE might be the right option for you. ACE also teaches great communication skills for personal trainers.

My Experience with AFAA (Price vs Valuew)

The Athletics and Fitness Association of America is a professional fitness certification provider founded in 1983. They are most known for their group fitness certification and were bought a few years ago by NASM, so the larger organization could take over their group exercise certification.

AFAA Price

The AFAA costs $499, including the exam, but not the textbook. With the textbook, you’re looking at $79 extra, so $578 total.

AFAA Value

Value-wise this certification is kind of in the middle. It’s not super expensive, but it’s not as good from a content standpoint as some of the cheaper options like ACE or NSCA.

My Experience with ACSM (Price vs Value)

ACSM is the American College of Sports Medicine. It’s the oldest fitness certification body. ACSM has established itself as an academic and research leader, even going as far as providing data and knowledge for the curricula of other certification providers.

ACSM’s complex pricing system includes different membership tiers that activate various discounts.

ACSM Price

If you just pay for the exam, it’ll cost you between $299 and $399, depending on whether you’re a member candidate of the organization.

Realistically, with textbook fees and study resources, that number will be a few hundred dollars more, but if you just look at the exam itself, ACSM does cost less.

The standard prices do fluctuate due to periodic deals and discounts, so make sure you know the current cost and don’t forget to check my full, comprehensive ACSM CPT review here.

ACSM Value

If you just want to take your chances and take a personal trainer exam from a well recognized organization, ACSM presents great value for what you get without the extra coursework.

However, once you factor in study costs with the books you need to purchase, the price will cost around $800 if you take the prep course approach.

I also am not a fan of some of the information in the ACSM textbook as I find it a bit dated, and you don’t get the best understanding of how to program workouts effectively. For this consideration, value-wise, ACSM may not be the best option for fitness professionals.