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Tyler ranks the best personal training certifications.

IPTA is the best personal trainer certification for most new trainers. The $399 Rookie package includes the exam, the digital textbook in the online reader, the interactive study guide, the exam simulator and flashcards. The $799 MVP adds the AI tutor, SurePass AI, free unlimited retakes, your first recertification free, and a second certification of your choice. The average study time is 4 to 8 weeks. The main drawback is that IPTA is newer, so it has less name recognition than NASM or ACE.

In this tier list of top personal training certifications, I’ve ranked them from S Tier to D Tier based on the exams I’ve taken and the nine criteria below. Here’s what each tier represents:

  • S Tier (Super): The highest and best in quality.
  • A Tier: Excellent and reliable.
  • B Tier: Good but not outstanding.
  • C Tier: Average in quality.
  • D Tier: The least recommended.

This setup will help you easily determine which certification is right for you.

After the tier ranking table below, I’ll explain the criteria I used for these rankings to give you a clear understanding of what went into each evaluation. I’ll also do a deep dive into the pros and cons of each certification and share my take on each one.

Before we get started, make sure to take the quiz to determine which CPT is right for you, just as I would recommend to any of my clients or students.

Which personal training certification is right for you?🥇

Tier list of the best personal trainer certifications

Certification Tier Best for Learn more
IPTA CPT S Tier Best overall and value Learn More
ISSA CPT S Tier Best online certification Learn More
NASM CPT A Tier Best learning platform Learn More
NCSF CPT A Tier Best training model Learn More
NSCA CPT A Tier Best periodization design Learn More
NPTI CPT A Tier Best practical program Learn More
ACE CPT B Tier Best behavioral coaching Learn More
ACSM CPT B Tier Best for clinical exercise testing Learn More
NFPT CPT C Tier Best for Hands-On Coaches Learn More
NETA CPT C Tier Best Live Exam-Prep Workshop Learn More
NESTA CPT C Tier Best recertification Learn More
ACTION CPT D Tier Best Lifetime Recertification Learn More
Fitness Mentors Not NCCA accredited Not ranked Learn More
AFPA CPT Not NCCA accredited Not ranked Learn More

Below is my personal criteria for ranking each personal trainer certification. These 9 key points cover the essentials you need in a top tier CPT program based on my experience in the industry. I go much further in depth into the scoring criteria later on.

Why I’m Qualified to Rank These Certifications

Hi! I’m Tyler Read. I draw on over 15 years of experience as a personal trainer, both in-person and online, and a B.S. in Kinesiology.

This comparison comes from my experience taking and passing the exams for the certifications on this list, ensuring you understand which certifications stand out and why.

This article has been thoroughly reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by Amanda Capritto, one of our premier personal trainers.

This article focuses solely on the top personal training certifications, excluding strength and conditioning, corrective exercise, and other specialty certifications.

If you’re curious, I recommend looking at IPTA as the best value. IPTA’s CPT is NCCA-accredited and one of our top picks. Combining personal training with nutrition and other specializations can boost your early career options.

IPTA’s bundle builder lets you put together two certifications, four, or all six, and the cost per cert drops at each step up. The bundles are the Essential Trainer at $799 for the CPT plus one certification, the Elite Trainer at $999 for the CPT plus three, and the Master Trainer at $1,199 for all six, which works out to $200 each. Only the CPT is NCCA-accredited.

Other good options include the ISSA Elite Trainer, which through PT Pioneer’s link is $963 and includes the ISSA CPT, the nutrition coach certification course and the strength and conditioning course, and the NASM Elite Trainer Bundle at $1,890 for four credentials. Having more credentials in a competitive market is a solid stepping stone toward success.

S Tier Certifications

International Personal Trainer Academy (IPTA)  Certification

Best Personal Trainer Certification Tiers [Ranked D-S] 12

Best Overall and Value

Pros
Cons
  • No Live Classes
  • Newer, so less name recognition

The International Personal Trainer Academy (IPTA) is the newest organization on this list, and its NCCA-accredited CPT starts at $399 for the Rookie package.

What sets IPTA apart is its modern, technology-driven education system. Even at $399, you get the exam simulator, flashcards and an interactive study guide built around the textbook.

IPTA’s CPT holds the same NCCA accreditation NASM, ACE, NSCA and the others hold for their CPT.

About IPTA

IPTA offers the CPT plus five additional certifications:

The program is fully online and self-paced, with an interactive online reader for the textbook.

IPTA Price

IPTA offers two packages rather than the four or five tiers most organizations run.

The Rookie package is $399 and includes the certification, the NCCA-accredited exam, the digital textbook in the online reader, the interactive study guide, the exam simulator, and the flashcard system. That’s the figure in the cost table, and unlike several options on this list, it isn’t an exam-only price.

The MVP package is $799 and this is where the extras live. On MVP you get the AI tutor, which answers questions from inside the textbook. You get SurePass AI, which predicts exam readiness and points you to what to review next. You get weak point training and tailored study plans, which focus your time on the topics you miss most. You get the audio study guide, performance reporting, study streaks and gamification, magic mnemonics, an exam date tracker, and the essential cheat sheet.

The MVP bonuses beyond the study tools include free unlimited exam retakes, your first recertification free via one continuing education course of your choice from over 100 courses, CPR/AED certification with a two-year card completed online, a free professional trainer website kept for life through Coaches Online, Trainer Stack All-Access with eight business courses covering training, nutrition and business systems, Meso Core coaching and client management app for two years, the Job Assurance Guarantee, and a second certification of your choice as a current promotion.

IPTA’s buy-one-get-one is currently built into the MVP package, so $799 gets you the CPT plus a second certification of your choice. You could pair it with the Certified Nutrition Specialist, since training and nutrition are the two keys to client results and retention. It’s still technically a promotion rather than a permanent feature of the tier, so check that it’s running when you buy.

If you want more than two, IPTA runs the bundle builder: $999 for the CPT plus three certifications, or $1,199 for all six, which works out to $200 each. I suggest testing out their free trial to their study system with no payment info required so you can try it at no risk. Payment on MVP can be $49 plus 11 payments of $89 for a total of $1,028 at 0% interest, with no credit check and 100% approval. Paying $799 once saves $229. Rookie is pay in full.

IPTA Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to be efficient, with an average study time of 4 to 8 weeks. The mechanism is straightforward. The interactive study guide, exam simulator and flashcards built into Rookie cover the core content at $399. On MVP, SurePass AI, weak point training, tailored study plans, the AI tutor, mnemonics and the cheat sheet compress review and keep you on the highest yield material.

Key curriculum highlights include fundamentals of exercise science, practical training techniques, client assessment and programming for different fitness levels, behavioral coaching principles, and business development skills. IPTA’s results-based training model (the PRIME method) keeps the focus on practical program design you can use with general population clients.

IPTA Exam

The IPTA exam is 125 multiple-choice questions with 110 scored and 15 unscored, and you have 3 hours to complete it. The pass mark is scaled 600 or higher on a 200 to 800 scale.

You can take the exam online with a live remote proctor or in person at a Prometric test centre. Free unlimited retakes on MVP remove financial pressure if you don’t pass the first time. On Rookie, each retake is $199.

IPTA Recertification

IPTA requires recertification every 2 years with 24 CEUs. On MVP, your first renewal is free via one continuing education course of your choice from over 100 courses, which means no additional cost for four years after you obtain the certification. After that, renewal is $99.

Overall Experience

IPTA is an amazing option for those looking for a fast and NCCA-accredited certification with the lowest entry price of the major accredited certifications that include study material. It’s perfect for beginners who want a simple, structured study plan, for learners who prefer a self-paced approach, and for anyone who wants strong built-in support without buying third-party tools.

The biggest downside is name recognition. As the newest organization, IPTA isn’t as widely recognized as NASM or ISSA yet. If you’re just starting out, that’s rarely a blocker, and you can stack additional credentials over time. With its value, flexibility, accreditation and many extras at $799, IPTA is one of the best value certifications today. See the official NCCA directory listing: NCCA-accredited certification.

See current IPTA prices

International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) certification

Best Personal Trainer Certification Tiers [Ranked D-S] 13

Best Online Certification

Pros
  • Best business skills coverage
  • Excellent resistance technique
  • Elite Trainer bundle via my link ($963)
Cons
  • High price for single certification
  • Lacks best behavioral coaching content

The ISSA Certified Personal Trainer certification is a strong choice for those who want a flexible online program with solid coverage of programming and technique. I’ve found it to be one of the best all-around certifications, especially when it comes to mastering the basics of exercise science.

ISSA is widely recognized and offers a full online study portal. It’s a well-established organization with extensive specializations you can add after the CPT, including nutrition, strength and conditioning, corrective exercise and more. That breadth matters if you plan to stay with one provider as you grow.

About ISSA

ISSA offers two versions of its exam. The open-book ISSA exam isn’t NCCA-accredited. The NCCPT exam that’s included with your ISSA CPT is NCCA-accredited and administered at Prometric. Both share the same curriculum, but the NCCPT exam is closed-book and must be scheduled through Prometric. If you want NCCA accreditation, book the NCCPT exam. I recommend that route for gym acceptance.

ISSA Price

The ISSA CPT is $868 one-time when you pay in full, which ISSA shows against the regular $1,068. That total doesn’t include the $79 Prometric test delivery fee for the NCCPT exam, so the accredited route is $947. If you choose the payment plan, it’s 12 payments totaling $1,068, which ISSA calls 0% interest but costs $200 more than paying $868 once.

If you want more than the CPT, ISSA’s bundles are worth a look. The ISSA Elite Trainer through PT Pioneer’s link is $963 and includes the ISSA CPT, the nutrition coach certification course and the strength and conditioning course.

ISSA Curriculum

The curriculum starts with exercise science foundations and moves into resistance training, programming, technique, and periodization. Form and coaching cues are emphasized to reduce injury risk, which is central to early client success. Special populations and business topics round out the text.

ISSA is less deep on corrective exercise screening than NASM, but it touches screening in the client assessment section. Aerobic programming is presented through intensity and goal-based tools. Behavioral change is present but lighter than ACE, so some trainers add outside resources there. You can read my full ISSA review for a chapter-by-chapter walk-through.

ISSA Exam

I took and passed the NCCPT exam for ISSA. It’s closed-book, so plan for focused study on recall if you book the NCCPT route.

ISSA’s two attempts apply to the non-accredited exam, not the NCCPT exam, so a failed NCCPT attempt means paying for a retake.

ISSA Recertification

To maintain certification, complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years. The fee is $99, and it’s waived if every CEU is earned through ISSA.

Overall Experience

ISSA is a strong online certification with excellent programming coverage and flexible study. It’s especially attractive if you want the Elite Trainer bundle at $963 for three credentials. Pair it with the NCCPT exam for NCCA accreditation and you have a credible, gym-accepted path.

See current ISSA prices

A Tier Certifications

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certification

Tyler looks at the NASM certification A tier

Best Learning Platform

Pros
  • Superb programming format with OPT Model
  • Great corrective exercise coverage
  • One of the best-known certifications
Cons
  • Challenging exam
  • Not the best program for people who just study the textbook

The NASM Certified Personal Trainer certification is one of the most respected NCCA-accredited certifications, known for its systematic Optimum Performance Training Model. NASM is the CPT I hold myself, and I found the OPT Model incredibly useful for breaking down everything from basic stabilization exercises to advanced power and performance training.

About NASM

NASM is NCCA-accredited and widely recognized by gyms and clients.

NASM offers several packages, and the textbook is built into every tier as a digital course. Other tiers add coaching support, workshops, and specializations as you move up.

NASM Price

Self-Study is $999. Premium Self-Study is $1,243 and adds a retest, a Study Support Coach, and the Job Guarantee. The CPT Essentials Bundle is $1,413 and adds CPR/AED, a practical skills workshop and the Certified Nutrition Coach. The CPT Exclusive is $1,482 and adds Corrective Exercise Specialization. The Elite Trainer Bundle is $1,890 for four credentials.

Payment plans are available and NASM is the only verified interest-free plan among these options.

NASM Curriculum

The curriculum leans into exercise science, the Optimum Performance Training Model, assessments, corrective exercise, and program design. Chapters on stabilization, strength endurance, hypertrophy, maximal strength and power give a clear progression. You’ll also see behavior change, special populations and a touch of business. The textbook is 10/10 for up-to-date content and 9/10 for ease of reading in my ratings.

The material is thorough, so plan for active study with practice questions. If you want a deeper look, see my NASM review.

NASM Exam

Delivery is through PSI, online or in person, and you have 180 days from purchase to test. If you fail, wait times escalate with repeated attempts.

NASM Recertification

NASM One at $349 per year bundles the renewal fee and continuing education options if you prefer a subscription style.

The Interview Guarantee is included with every NASM CPT plan, which is an interview, not a job. The Job Guarantee is included from Premium and promises a job within 90 days of passing or a refund of the Job Guarantee cost, when conditions are met.

Overall Experience

NASM is a solid choice if you want one of the most recognized names and the OPT system to guide programming. Be ready for a challenging exam and plan for NASM’s average of about 8 to 12 weeks of focused study if you’re new to exercise science.

See current NASM prices

National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) Certification

Best Personal Trainer Certification Tiers [Ranked D-S] 14

Best Training Model

Exclusive PTP CPT Offers
Best Overall Cert
IPTA - Best Overall 		Best Online Cert
ISSA - Most Popular Online Personal Trainer Certification 3 Certs for 		Best Study Materials
TA - Trainer Academy - Best Study Materials for Personal Trainer Certification Online - See MVP discount
Gold Standard Cert
NASM Gold Standard Personal Trainer Certification - Save 25&percnt off		A Good Option
NCSF Certification - A Good Option - Save 25%		Best CPT for you?
Best CPT For You? Take the Personal Trainer Certification Online quiz and Get a Personalized Recommendation Just for You
Pros
  • Up-to-date and easy-to-read textbook
  • There are no major gaps in the content
Cons
  • Not as well known as NASM and ISSA
  • Less coverage of business skills

The NCSF CPT is NCCA-accredited, its $449 CPT package includes the exam, and it covers the full scope of personal training without major gaps.

About NCSF

NCSF is an internationally recognized organization with an NCCA-accredited CPT. It’s established but not as widely recognized as NASM or ISSA, so plan to let the credential speak through your coaching and results.

NCSF Price

The CPT package is $449 as shown against a list price of $899, and the NCCA exam is included. You can pay from $38 per month. Other packages include the CPT plus Sport Nutrition at $749, the CPT plus Strength Coach at $749, and the Master Trainer at $999.

All packages include self-paced learning, video instruction, digital self-tests, hundreds of practice questions and instructor support. If you want a chapter breakdown, see my NCSF review.

NCSF Curriculum

The first sections dive into anatomy and biomechanics, which are key to understanding how the body works during exercise. From there, you’ll learn about behavior change, client assessments, nutrition basics, and then move into resistance training programming and technique, which are the core skills for any trainer. They also touch on flexibility training and special populations. The textbook is 9/10 for up-to-date content and 10/10 for ease of reading in my ratings.

Business skills coverage is lighter than ISSA or IPTA, so plan to add outside resources if you want to run your own business.

NCSF Exam

You can test at 1,000+ test centres or online. NCSF’s 70 percent pass mark is a true percentage, unlike the scaled 70 that NASM and NSCA use.

NCSF Recertification

The 10 CEUs equal 20 contact hours, and you can earn them through NCSF or approved third parties.

Overall Experience

NCSF is an NCCA-accredited option with a strong, readable textbook and solid exam prep. It’s a smart pick if you want comprehensive content.

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) certification

Best Personal Trainer Certification Tiers [Ranked D-S] 15

Best Periodization Design

Pros
  • Best certification for training athletes
  • Great CEU opportunities
  • Great certification if you just like studying the textbook
Cons
  • No study system
  • Book is long and overcomplicated
  • Doesn’t go into how to build a training business

The NSCA Certified Personal Trainer certification is ideal if you want to lean into performance, assessments and strength and conditioning principles. Its standout is the emphasis on performance testing and periodization for athletic populations.

About NSCA

NSCA is NCCA-accredited and is a global leader in strength and conditioning research and education. Membership is optional and provides discounts and access to the Journal of Strength and Conditioning, but adds $130 for the Professional membership if you choose it.

Study materials are mostly textbook driven, with quizzes and practice tests in the Essential Collection. There’s no single all-in-one course that includes the exam, so plan accordingly. See my NSCA review for more detail.

NSCA Price

The exam alone is $435 for non-members and $300 for members. The Essential Collection is $346 for non-members and $273 for members, and the Platinum Collection is $585 and $480. That makes a realistic total of $781 for non-members, $703 on the member route including the membership, and about $1,020 with Platinum.

NSCA Curriculum

The textbook covers more than 25 chapters, from stabilization and weight training to plyometrics and performance. It’s more technical than some CPT texts, especially on biomechanics. Expect extra self-study time. Building a training business isn’t a strength of this program.

NSCA Exam

The exam includes 25 to 35 video or image questions, and delivery is at Pearson VUE test centers only. A retake requires the full fee again after 30 days, and after three consecutive fails in a year, there’s a one-year wait.

NSCA Recertification

The 6.0 CEUs work out to 60 contact hours per cycle, and they can come from conferences, college courses, research and other approved activities.

Overall Experience

If your goal is performance-based training or you see yourself working with athletes, NSCA is a strong starting point. It rewards textbook focused learners and those who enjoy deep science, and it sets you up well for advanced strength and conditioning credentials later.

National Personal Training Institute (NPTI)

Best Personal Trainer Certification Tiers [Ranked D-S] 16

Best Practical Program

Pros
  • Best hands-on program
  • 200 hours of hands-on training and 50 hours of mentorship
Cons
  • Price not published
  • Not for people who want to become certified quickly

NPTI operates as a personal training school rather than a single exam provider. The diploma itself isn’t NCCA-accredited. Its accredited credential is the NASM CPT exam, which graduates can choose to take, and I recommend they do.

NPTI is a partner of NASM, not a subsidiary, and the diploma includes hands-on hours plus an optional NASM CPT. That distinction matters for how you list the credential and where you’ll be accepted.

About NPTI

The 500-hour Personal Training Diploma includes 200 hours of hands-on training at a local NPTI centre or any gym and 50 hours of mentorship, with live virtual classes for theory. A Nutritionist Certification is included. The program is licensed through the Department of Education and is offered as live virtual plus in-person hands-on hours.

NPTI ranks in A tier through the NASM CPT, so treat your plan as two steps. Finish the diploma for practical experience, then schedule the NASM CPT for NCCA accreditation. Read my NPTI review for the full curriculum map.

NPTI Price

Tuition varies by location and schedule, and NPTI prepares current pricing individually, so the site doesn’t publish a single price as of October 23, 2026. 0% payment plans are available.

NPTI Curriculum

The curriculum covers everything from anatomy and exercise programming to special populations and behavior change, but the real highlight is applying all this knowledge hands-on. The balance is more akin to college-level education, with theory online and application in person.

NPTI Exam

There’s no final exam for the diploma. The exam you’ll use for NCCA accreditation is the NASM CPT exam covered in the NASM section above, so that’s the exam to book.

NPTI Recertification

The diploma is valid for life with no CEUs and no renewal fees. If you earn the NASM CPT, renewal follows NASM rules at $99 every 2 years with 2.0 CEUs.

Overall Experience

NPTI is worth considering if you want immersive, hands-on schooling and you plan to earn the NASM CPT right after. It isn’t the fastest route, but it blends practical hours with an NCCA-accredited credential when you complete both steps.

B Tier Certifications

American Council on Exercise (ACE) certification

Best Personal Trainer Certification Tiers [Ranked D-S] 17

Best Behavioral Coaching

Pros
  • Easy to use exercise framework with IFT Model
  • Great online study system
  • Best behavioral coaching
Cons
  • Less detail about cardiovascular conditioning
  • More expensive than it used to be
  • Very little sales skills coverage

ACE is NCCA-accredited when you book the proctored NCCA exam, and it’s known for its client-centred approach and behavior change coverage. Its Integrated Fitness Training (IFT) Model makes it easy to assess clients and build customized programs.

About ACE

ACE emphasizes behavior change, rapport and program design. Its accredited route is the NCCA exam, not the open-book Certificate Exam that’s also sold. Be sure you register for the NCCA exam add-on.

ACE Price

Basic is $494.50 against a $989 list, Plus is $584.50 against $1,169, and Advantage is $874.50 against $1,749. The NCCA exam is $99 and is in no package, so the accredited entry totals are $593.50, $683.50 and $973.50. Payment plans are $49 plus 4 payments on Plus and Advantage, and they aren’t interest free.

See my ACE review for more detail.

ACE Curriculum

ACE covers exercise science, the IFT Model, health screening, program design, resistance and cardiorespiratory training, flexibility, special populations, behavior change and communication. The exercise library is a highlight, with hundreds of movements by IFT phase. Sales skills are lighter, so add business resources if self-employed. The textbook is 8/10 for up-to-date content and 7/10 for ease of reading in my ratings.

ACE Exam

You can take the accredited exam in person or with a live remote proctor. The testing platform is user-friendly, and scheduling is straightforward.

ACE Recertification

Renew every 2 years with 2.0 CECs, which is 20 course hours. The fee is $129. ACE offers a wide range of CEUs, including its own courses and approved third-party options.

Overall Experience

ACE is a strong starting point for general population training with a clear framework for program design and strong behavior change support. It fits well if you value a balanced online system.

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

Best Personal Trainer Certification Tiers [Ranked D-S] 18

Best for Clinical Exercise Testing

Pros
  • Great exercise physiology content
  • Respected organization
  • Longer recertification period
Cons
  • Little to no exercise programming
  • Little exercise technique content
  • Textbook is outdated

ACSM is NCCA-accredited and is the most science and clinical focused of the B tier pair. Its content is strongest on exercise physiology, screening and safety.

About ACSM

ACSM is a non-profit and one of the oldest names in the industry, with deep ties to colleges and clinical settings. Many other certifications reference ACSM research in their own curricula, which speaks to its influence.

ACSM Price

The exam is $410 for non-members including a $50 application fee, and $310 for members. Prep Bundle is $559 and Prep Plus is $609 for non-members, neither of which includes the textbooks. Resources for the Personal Trainer is $92.12 and Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription is $62.53, for a textbook total of $155. That makes the realistic total $565 for the exam plus two textbooks, $714 with Prep Bundle, and $764 with Prep Plus. You can read more in my ACSM review.

ACSM Curriculum

Expect thorough coverage of exercise science, anatomy and biomechanics, health and fitness assessments, disease risk, and behavior change. Where ACSM is lighter is systematic program design and exercise technique. There’s no OPT-style or IFT-style framework, and resistance technique is less detailed than ISSA or NASM. If your goal is clinical or academic work, ACSM fits. For general personal training, plan to supplement programming practice.

ACSM Exam

Testing is at Pearson VUE centres or online through OnVUE. If you fail, you can retake it after 15 days, with up to four attempts in 12 months.

ACSM Recertification

The three-year window gives you planning flexibility, but 45 CECs is a higher hour total than the two-year providers ask for.

Overall Experience

ACSM is a strong pick for science-heavy learners and for roles adjacent to healthcare or exercise physiology.

C Tier Certifications

National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)

Best Personal Trainer Certification Tiers [Ranked D-S] 19

Best Mid-Priced Affordable Option

Pros
  • Live online study sessions included
  • Flexible testing with quick results
Cons
  • Less industry recognition than the bigger names
  • Entry-level depth

NFPT is NCCA-accredited, founded in 1988 and accredited since 2005. It’s geared to beginners who want flexible access and basic coverage. I rank it best for hands-on coaches because CPT Core includes live, expert-led study sessions, and CPT Pro adds mentorship and instructor support.

About NFPT

NFPT is NCCA-accredited through January 31, 2027 and offers an NCCA-accredited CPT. It’s less recognized than NASM or ISSA, but it carries the same accreditation for the CPT.

NFPT Price

The CPT Core is $449 against $599 and includes the full prep course and digital manual, live expert-led study sessions, chapter quizzes and practice tests. The CPT Pro is $599 against $799 and adds mentorship, the Nutrition Specialization, Fitness Business Jumpstart and the exercise library. Exam only is $299 against $499 and includes no study materials. There’s one year to test.

NFPT Curriculum

NFPT covers anatomy, kinesiology, nutrition, exercise physiology and biomechanics at a more basic level than NASM or NSCA. The study guide, online learning section and chapter quizzes reinforce the manual, and live sessions help with concepts you find tricky. Depth is entry level, and strength progression and business topics are lighter.

NFPT Exam

You can test at a centre or at home with a proctor, and your results are instant. Retakes are allowed, but NFPT doesn’t publish the fee.

NFPT Recertification

Renewal is currently annual with 2.0 CECs. From January 1, 2027 the cycle becomes every 2 years with 4.0 CECs and a 30-day grace period. Additional credentials are available in group fitness, strength and conditioning, corrective exercise and health coaching. See my NFPT review for continuing education paths.

Overall Experience

NFPT is a flexible, entry-level NCCA-accredited option with live online sessions and straightforward renewal. It works as a stepping stone if you want to start quickly and add depth from other providers later.

National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA)

Best Personal Trainer Certification Tiers [Ranked D-S] 20

Best Affordable Trainer Workshop

Pros
  • Great live workshop
  • Straightforward curriculum
Cons
  • No business skills coverage
  • Not well-known certification

NETA is NCCA-accredited through July 31, 2027 and is recognized in the fitness world, though less well known than bigger names. It’s a solid option for general population training with an optional live workshop.

About NETA

NETA’s materials include the Personal Trainer Certification Exam, online review modules, The Fitness Professional’s Manual 6th edition, a workbook with practice exams, education department support and a $10 voucher for continuing education.

NETA Price

Premier Plus is $599 and includes the exam, online review modules, manual and workbook, practice exam, live review sessions and the voucher. The live workshop plus exam is $599 standard or $609 on-site for a two-day prep course, with study materials sold separately. Exam only is $449. Adding the virtual workshop to Premier Plus is $50 more.

NETA Curriculum

The curriculum covers exercise science foundations, anatomy and physiology, and basic training principles in a well organized but not deep format. Visual aids in the manual help with technical concepts. Business skills are minimal, so plan to source that separately. You can explore more in my NETA review.

NETA Exam

Testing is online through ProctorU live remote proctoring, or on site at a workshop. You’re allowed a maximum of three attempts per 12 months.

NETA Recertification

Renew every 2 years with 20 CECs plus adult CPR/AED. The fee is $75 if you renew before your certification expires, or $90 or $105 if you renew late.

Overall Experience

NETA is a credible, workshop-led NCCA-accredited path for new trainers who like live instruction. It’s straightforward and practical, and it leaves business and advanced programming for later study.

National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA)

Best Personal Trainer Certification Tiers [Ranked D-S] 21

Best Recertification

Pros
  • Great for people who want to do online coaching
  • You only have to recertify every 4 years
Cons
  • Limited industry recognition
  • Study system is less refined than the bigger organizations

NESTA is NCCA-accredited through July 31, 2029 and positions its Personal Fitness Trainer program for online and tech enabled coaching. Its tech focus suits trainers who want to coach clients online.

About NESTA

The program is 100% online. The textbook is shorter and more concise than many competitors, which helps you focus on key points without feeling overwhelmed. NESTA also offers niche tracks such as MMA or triathlon focused content if you want to specialize later.

NESTA Price

The PFT Course plus Exam is $697, or $69 plus 5 payments of $129 for a total of $714. That tier includes 20+ hours of training, 10+ hours of video, a 300+ page digital manual, quizzes and a 125-question practice exam with unlimited retakes, plus 30/60/90-day study plans and support. Exam Only is $349 and Exam plus Manual is $399. You can dive deeper in my NESTA review.

NESTA Exam

The exam is divided into Business Application 15%, Program Design 25%, Exercise Science 25%, and Program Implementation 35%. Testing is at a PSI test centre or with an approved private proctor, with a 90-day window after requesting your exam ID.

NESTA Recertification

The four-year cycle asks for 40 hours of continuing education (4.0 CEUs). It’s the only four-year cycle on this list, and that’s one of the reasons NESTA is labelled Best recertification.

Overall Experience

NESTA is a tech-forward NCCA-accredited option that keeps continuing education simple. It isn’t as rigorous as NASM or NSCA, but it provides a solid foundation for general fitness and online coaching.

D Tier Certifications

ACTION

Best Personal Trainer Certification Tiers [Ranked D-S] 22

Best Cheap Certification

Pros
  • Offers free recertification for life on Platinum
  • Many practice questions and simulations
Cons
  • Basic content compared to more comprehensive programs

ACTION is NCCA-accredited through July 31, 2029 and has been accredited since January 2014. It also sells a non-accredited online Certificate in Personal Training, which is included in the plan price. It’s a foundational option with a modular plan structure.

The $99 proctor fee applies on top of the plan price, so the Basic accredited route is $238, Professional is $298, and Platinum is $348. You can read my ACTION review for plan comparisons.

About ACTION

Previously known as ACT, ACTION offers Personal Training, Nutrition, and Group Exercise credentials. The free lifetime recertification is on the Platinum plan and means no fees, though CE is still required. That’s why it’s labelled Best Lifetime Recertification in this tier.

ACTION Price

Basic is $139 for 2 online classes and 5 simulations. Professional is $199 or $16.95 per month for 18 classes and 12 simulations. Platinum is $249 or $19.95 per month for 28 classes and 21 simulations. Professional adds a textbook in PDF and Kindle, flashcards, online CPR training, 200 practice questions, a job reference letter, a form library, a business plan and insurance rate benefits. Platinum adds more than 400 practice questions, advanced nutrition certification and priority support.

Exam only registration is $99 plus test centre fees when you don’t buy a plan.

ACTION Curriculum

Content covers foundational anatomy, program basics and general fitness principles. It’s more basic than ISSA or NASM, so plan to supplement for advanced programming and business development.

ACTION Exam

If you fail the accredited exam, there’s no ACTION fee to retake, but the $99 proctor fee and 90-day wait apply. The $35 retest is for the non-accredited certificate exam only and can be done without a wait.

ACTION Recertification

Renew every 2 years with 2.0 CECs. Platinum includes free recertification for life, with CE still required. Support is via email, chat and webinar with no phone support.

Overall Experience

ACTION is an entry-level NCCA-accredited path with tiered content depth, and the Platinum lifetime recertification is distinctive if you intend to stay on the platform long term.

Certifications That Aren’t NCCA Accredited

Gyms usually look for an NCCA-accredited CPT when they hire trainers, so keep that filter in mind when you choose. The two programs below don’t offer an NCCA-accredited CPT exam of their own, which is why I’ve left them out of the tiers.

Fitness Mentors (FM)

Tyler looks at the Mentors logo: Best CPT Roundup.
Pros
  • Good CEU courses
  • Updated certification content
  • Strong business and online coaching coverage
Cons
  • Not as well known as other programs
  • Fewer support services than the major certifications

Fitness Mentors is a smaller certification company whose FM-CPT covers assessments, anatomy and physiology, program design through the FORM model, nutrition and business topics. Its FM-CPT exam isn’t in the NCCA directory, though FM says it offers an NCCA-accredited exam option on higher bundles without naming the exam. Beyond the $499 Starter, the Plus Bundle ($729), Master Trainer Bundle ($999) and Ultimate Bundle ($1,599) add more certifications.

Overall, Fitness Mentors teaches well, but you’ll need to sell your skills more where employers look for NCCA accreditation.

American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA)

AFPA logo CPT roundup
Pros
  • Offers an open-note exam
  • Interest-free payment plans
Cons
  • No NCCA-accredited version of the test
  • AFPA is known for their health coach cert, not their CPT

AFPA is best known for its Holistic Nutrition and Health Coach certifications, but it also offers a fully online CPT with holistic and wellness content, business fundamentals, ethics, special populations and an emphasis on compassion in coaching. I took and passed the AFPA exam. AFPA has chosen not to pursue NCCA accreditation, so its personal trainer certification might not be accepted at some gyms, depending on the facility’s requirements.

Overall, AFPA blends fitness training knowledge with business essentials and may suit independent or online trainers who aren’t tied to a traditional gym.

My Scoring Criteria (Detailed)

Accreditation

Accreditation is crucial because it signals that a program meets industry standards for quality and evaluation. NCCA accreditation is the gold standard for fitness certifications.

Gyms look for NCCA accreditation on the CPT exam, so I weight it heavily.

NCCA Accredited Certifications

Organization Offers NCCA Accredited Exam Offers Non-NCCA Accredited Exam
ISSA ✅ (NCCPT exam) ✅ (open-book ISSA exam)
IPTA ✅ ❌
NASM ✅ ✅
NCSF ✅ ❌
NSCA ✅ ❌
ACE ✅ (add on) ✅ (Certificate Exam)
NPTI No (NASM CPT exam optional) No (the diploma has no exam)
ACSM ✅ ❌
NFPT ✅ ❌
AFPA ❌ ✅
NETA ✅ ❌
NESTA ✅ ❌
ACTION ✅ ✅
Fitness Mentors No (FM-CPT not in directory, FM says NCCA option on higher bundles) ✅

If you want the widest acceptance, choose an NCCA-accredited CPT exam.

Personal Trainer Certification Cost

On the accredited route with study material, the accredited options here run from $238 (ACTION Basic plus the proctor fee) to $999 (NASM Self-Study), depending on resources and whether an NCCA exam fee is separate. Late fees, exam retakes and financing costs can add to the total.

Cost on the Accredited Route

Certification Accredited route cost
NASM $999
IPTA $399 Rookie, $799 MVP
ISSA $947 ($868 plus $79 Prometric fee)
NCSF $449
NSCA $781 (exam $435 plus Essential Collection $346)
ACE $593.50 (Basic $494.50 plus $99 NCCA exam)
NPTI $795
ACSM $565 (exam $410 plus two textbooks $155)
NFPT $449 CPT Core
NETA $599 Premier Plus
NESTA $697
ACTION $238 (Basic $139 plus $99 proctor fee)
Fitness Mentors $499 Starter
AFPA $749

IPTA has the lowest entry price of the major accredited certifications that include study material at $399 for Rookie with the exam and study tools. ACTION’s Basic plus $99 proctor fee is $238 but includes only 2 classes and 5 simulations, so scope matters.

Financing provides a solution for those who can’t pay in full outright. IPTA MVP is $49 plus 11 payments of $89 for $1,028 at 0% interest with no credit check, and paying $799 once saves $229. ISSA’s plan is 12 payments totaling $1,068, which is $200 more than paying $868 once. NASM is verified interest-free. ACE Plus and Advantage are $49 plus 4 payments and aren’t interest free.

Personal Training Financing

CertificationNumber of Interest-Free PaymentsNo Credit Check Needed?
NASM4 payments✅
IPTA12 payments✅
ISSA12 payments✅
NCSF3 Payments❌
NSCAN/AN/A
ACE3, 12, or 18 payments❌
NPTI6 or 12 payments✅
ACSM N/AN/A
NFPTN/AN/A
AFPA6 Payments✅
NETAN/AN/A
NESTA 4 payments❌
ACTION CPT CertificationN/A

N/A
Fitness Mentors CPTN/A

N/A

Study Aids

Study aids include study systems, video, audio, practice exams, flashcards, mnemonics and AI tools. IPTA includes the exam simulator and flashcards at Rookie and adds SurePass AI, weak point training, tailored study plans, the AI tutor and other tools at MVP, which is why its study aid coverage is strongest for the price.

Knowing whether you have live chat, email and phone support is also useful. I don’t list support hours here, so the table shows channels only.

Customer Service

CertificationLive ChatEmail Phone Phone Support Hours
ISSA✅✅✅24/7
IPTA✅✅✅24/7
NASM✅✅✅

Monday - Friday: 6 am - 6 pm (PST)

Saturday to Sunday: 8 am - 5pm (PST)
NCSF✅✅✅

Monday - Friday:

9:00 am -5:00 pm (EST)
ACE✅✅✅

Monday - Friday:

6:30 am to 4pm (PST)
NSCA❌✅✅

Monday-Thursday: 8-5 pm (MST)

Friday: 8-4 pm (MST)
ACSM❌✅✅

Monday-Friday: 8 am-5 pm (EST)
NFPT❌✅✅

Monday - Friday:

9 AM – 5 PM EST
NPTI❌✅✅

Monday – Friday:
9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday:
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
AFPA❌✅✅N/A
NETA❌✅✅Monday - Friday: 8:00am – 4:30am (CST)
NESTA❌✅✅

Monday - Friday:

9 am-4 pm (PT)
ACTION❌✅❌N/A
FM✅✅✅N/A

Textbook Content

The textbook is the core of what you’ll learn, and how current and readable it is matters a great deal for comprehension and retention, especially if you’re new to exercise science.

I personally reviewed each textbook for how up-to-date it is and for readability on a 1 to 10 scale. Fitness standards evolve, so current science matters.

Which Textbooks Have the Most Up-to-Date Content?

Certificationup-to-date content
ISSA CPT8/10
IPTA CPT10/10
NASM CPT10/10
NCSF CPT9/10
NSCA CPT7/10
ACE CPT8/10
NPTI  CPT10/10
ACSM CPT5/10
NFPT CPT6/10
AFPA CPT7/10
NETA CPT6/10
NESTA CPT9/10
ACTION CPT5/10
FM CPT7/10

Also, a few of these textbooks would be a bit dense to go through for anyone without a degree in exercise science. I was able to understand all of them, but if you’re just starting out, I’ve rated each textbook on a scaled of 1-10 to make life easier for you.

Which Textbooks are Easiest to Read?

CertificationEasy to read
ISSA CPT10/10
IPTA CPT10/10
NASM CPT9/10
NCSF CPT10/10
NSCA CPT6/10
ACE CPT7/10
NPTI CPT9/10
ACSM CPT5/10
AFPA CPT8/10
NETA CPT7/10
NESTA CPT7/10
ACTION CPT6/10
FM CPT8/10
NFPT CPT6/10

Professional Resources

Each certification offers certain career resources to help after you pass. These give you a head start and make finding clients or work easier.

Free Professional Resources

Certification Professional Resources
ISSA
  • Free CPR/AED certification
  • Professional website with templates
  • Unlimited support post-certification
  • Access to CPT Education Bootcamp
  • Job guarantee program
IPTA
  • Free CPR/AED Certification (MVP)
  • Free professional trainer website kept for life (MVP, Coaches Online)
  • 8 business courses covering training, nutrition and business systems (MVP, Trainer Stack All-Access)
  • Meso (coaching and client management app) for two years (MVP)
  • First recertification free via one CE course of choice (MVP)
  • One free CE course from 100+ catalog (MVP)
  • Job Assurance Guarantee (MVP)
  • Post Certification Support
NASM
  • NASM Edge App
  • Job Guarantee Program from Premium
  • Interview Guarantee on every plan
  • CPR/AED Certification from CPT Essentials
NCSF
  • One year NCSF membership
  • Partnership with multiple gyms (not a Job guarantee)
ACE
  • CPR/AED Certification option from select packages
  • Access to exclusive ACE Pro Career Support
  • Access to ACE Job Board (not a Job guarantee)
ACSM N/A
NSCA N/A
NPTI
  • 200 hours of hands-on training
  • 50 hours of mentorship
  • Nutritionist Certification included
NFPT N/A
AFPA Free Course: “How to Start a Successful Online Personal Trainer Business”
NETA N/A
NESTA N/A
ACTION
  • Job reference letter, form library, business plan and insurance rate benefits on Professional and Platinum
  • Priority support on Platinum
Fitness Mentors
  • Business and online coaching curriculum, mentorship on higher bundles

Pass Rate

Understanding the pass rate of a personal training certification is important because it provides insight into the difficulty level of the exam and the preparedness of the candidates. When I was preparing for my certification, I found that a certification with a high pass rate may indicate that the study materials and exam content are clear and well-supported, making it easier for candidates to succeed.

On the other hand, a certification with a low pass rate might suggest that the exam is more challenging or that the program lacks sufficient resources for candidates to adequately prepare, which I experienced with one of the more difficult certifications I pursued.

Knowing the pass rate can help you gauge the level of commitment and preparation needed to succeed and decide if a certification aligns with your learning style and capabilities, just as it helped me assess my own readiness.

Additionally, a lower pass rate could be a sign of prestige and exclusivity, which might appeal to those seeking more advanced credentials. A higher pass rate, however, may be more suitable for beginners or those looking for a quicker entry into the industry.

Below I compare each training certification pass rate.

Certification Pass Rate

CertificationPass rate
NASM 66%
IPTA75%
ISSA 75%
NCSF 69%
NSCA 66%
ACE 69%
NPTI 79%
ACSM 61%
NFPT 72%
AFPA 93%
NETA 65%
NESTA 62%
ACTION N/A
Fitness Mentors88%

I also added in the details for each certification final exam, so you know how long you have to complete the test and how many questions you’ll need to answer.

Final Exam Details

Certification Total # of Questions Time to complete Pass mark (own units)
ISSA 125 120 minutes scaled 550 of 800
IPTA 125 (110 scored) 180 minutes scaled 600 on 200 to 800
NASM 120 (100 scored) 120 minutes scaled 70
NCSF 150 180 minutes 70 percent
ACE 150 180 minutes scaled 500 of 800
NSCA 155 (140 scored) 180 minutes scaled 70
ACSM 135 (120 scored) 150 minutes scaled 550 on 200 to 800
NPTI No final exam for diploma, NASM CPT is 120 (100 scored) in 120 minutes at scaled 70 if taken n/a n/a
NFPT Count not confirmed 120 minutes 750 of 1000
NETA 120 (100 scored) 120 minutes 70% of scored items
NESTA 120 120 minutes 71%
ACTION 130 (100 scored) 150 minutes 72% or more
Fitness Mentors 100 120 minutes 70%
AFPA 100 (open-note) Not listed 85%

How long it takes to become a personal trainer

Study time runs from IPTA’s 4 to 8 week average up to NPTI’s 12 months part-time, depending on the program and your pace. Several organizations publish only a minimum or no figure at all, so the table uses each one’s own wording.

Exam Prep Time:

Certification Study Times
ISSA in as little as 3 months
IPTA 4 to 8 weeks average
NASM 2 to 3 months, about 8 to 12 weeks on average and some four to six weeks per NASM
NCSF 2 to 3 months
ACE 3 to 6 months
NSCA Not published
ACSM Not published
NPTI About 6 months full-time, 12 months part-time
NFPT 8 to 12 weeks
AFPA 6 months or less
NETA Not published, advises at least 30 to 45 days of self-study
NESTA as little as 30 days (a minimum)
ACTION Not published
Fitness Mentors 3 to 6 months

IPTA’s 4 to 8 weeks is the shortest average among the organizations that publish an average. NESTA’s as little as 30 days is a minimum, not an average, so don’t compare them directly.

Popularity

Popularity is an important factor to consider when choosing a personal training certification because it often reflects industry recognition and acceptance. In my experience, this played a key role in my decision-making process, as I wanted a certification that would be respected and open doors for me.

A well-known and widely accepted certification, such as those from NASM, IPTA, or ISSA, tends to have more credibility with employers, making it easier to land jobs or attract clients. I personally noticed that having a popular certification on my resume gave me an edge when applying for positions.

Popular certifications often have established reputations for quality education, comprehensive resources, and ongoing support, which can be beneficial as you start your career. When I first started, having access to a large network of professionals made a significant difference in finding mentorship and learning opportunities. Additionally, popular certifications typically offer larger networks of certified professionals, access to more career opportunities, and more widely recognized continuing education programs.

By choosing a popular certification, you increase your chances of aligning with industry standards, gaining trust from employers and clients, and setting yourself up for long-term career success. This was a big factor for me, as I knew it would help me build credibility in the fitness industry.

Certification Popularity

Cert/Search TermSearches/Month
ISSA CPT900
IPTA CPT200
NASM CPT4,800
NCSF CPT100
ACE CPT700
NSCA CPT400
ACSM CPT300
NPTI CPT10
NFPT CPT20
AFPA CPT0
NETA CPT10
NESTA CPT20
ACTION CPT350
FM CPT0

Renewal Process

Every few years you must renew your CPT, which means picking a certification with an easy renewal process helps you succeed in the long term.

CEUs Required to Renew

Certification# of CEUs CostLength of time
ISSA20 CEUs$99Every 2 years
IPTA24 CEUsFree First Recert ($99 After)Every 2 years
NASM20 CEUs$99Every 2 years
NCSF10 CEUs$50Every 2 years
NSCA60 CEUs$50Every 3 years
ACE20 CEUs$129Every 2 years
NPTI20 CEUs$99Every 2 years
ACSM45 CEUs$30Every 3 years
NFPT20 CEUs$85Every year
AFPA16 CEUs$85Every 2 year
NETA20 CEUs$75Every 2 years
NESTA40 CEUs$149Every 4 years
ACTION20 CEUs$65Every 2 years
FM20 CEUs$99Every 2 years

My Personal Training Certification Comparison Conclusion

When I compare all the personal training certifications, IPTA comes out on top for most new trainers. The $399 Rookie package is the lowest entry price of the major accredited certifications that include study material.

The $799 MVP is the best value on this list. It adds free unlimited retakes, your first recertification free via one CE course of your choice, CPR/AED, a trainer website kept for life, eight business courses, Meso Core for two years, the Job Assurance Guarantee and, currently, a second certification.

IPTA also has the shortest average study time of the organizations that publish one, at 4 to 8 weeks.

ISSA and NASM would be my next choices. NASM has strong recognition and a systematic OPT platform, and ISSA has a well organized online system with the Elite Trainer bundle at $963 for three credentials. Both textbooks are easy to read and kept up to date.

While these are my top choices, consider your specific career goals. If you want performance work, NSCA is stronger on periodization and strength. For clinical paths, ACSM leans most scientific. For hands-on schooling, NPTI blends diploma hours with the optional NASM CPT.

Rounding out A tier, NCSF pairs a very readable textbook with the NCCA exam included in its CPT package. ACE’s behavior change coaching joins ACSM in B tier. In C tier, all three options are accredited: NFPT brings live study sessions, NETA a live exam-prep workshop and NESTA the four-year renewal cycle. ACTION sits alone in D tier. Its best feature is lifetime recertification on the Platinum plan. Fitness Mentors and AFPA sit outside the tiers because their CPT exams aren’t NCCA-accredited.

Skills such as getting creative with workouts and motivating clients require hands-on experience. If you’re nervous about training clients because you lack experience, seeking out a personal training internship is a good bridge between having no experience and becoming a professional trainer.

Finally, if you have a specific gym in mind where you want to work, always check to make sure which certifications that gym accepts. See which gyms accept which certifications before you buy.

Now let’s turn you guys into the best fitness trainers out there! Happy studying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best personal trainer certification?

IPTA is the best personal trainer certification for most new trainers in my judgment. Rookie is $399 with the exam and study tools, and MVP at $799 adds free unlimited retakes, a free first recertification and, currently, a second certification. The average study time is 4 to 8 weeks, and the CPT is NCCA-accredited, but IPTA is newer, so it has less name recognition.

What personal trainer certificate is most respected?

Any NCCA-accredited CPT is respected because NCCA is the floor employers look for. Among the longest established names are NASM, ACE, ACSM and NSCA. Choose the NCCA-accredited CPT exam from any of them for wide acceptance.

What certifications do most gyms accept?

Gyms look for NCCA-accredited CPTs, including IPTA, ISSA via the NCCPT exam, NASM, NCSF, NSCA, ACE via the NCCA exam, ACSM, NFPT, NETA, NESTA and ACTION via the NCCA exam. The NPTI diploma, the Fitness Mentors FM-CPT and AFPA aren’t NCCA-accredited, so check your target gym before you choose. See which gyms accept which certifications and my guide to cheapest certifications for cost context.

What is the cheapest personal trainer certification?

On the accredited route with study material, IPTA has the lowest entry price of the major accredited certifications at $399 for Rookie. ACTION’s Basic plus the $99 proctor fee is $238 for a lighter plan, and exam-only routes like NFPT $299 also exclude full study material, so compare scope before you decide. See cheapest certifications and certification cost.

What is the easiest personal trainer certification?

The easiest to prepare for and earn is IPTA, because the Rookie includes the exam simulator, flashcards and interactive study guide, and MVP adds SurePass AI, weak point training and tailored study plans, plus free unlimited retakes and the average 4 to 8 weeks study window. I don’t use pass rates as proof of an easier test. See easiest certifications.

How long does it take to become a certified personal trainer?

It typically takes 4 to 8 weeks on average for IPTA, 2 to 3 months for NASM and NCSF, in as little as 3 months for ISSA, 3 to 6 months for ACE, 8 to 12 weeks for NFPT, as little as 30 days minimum for NESTA, and 3 to 6 months for Fitness Mentors. Your pace depends on prior knowledge and study time. See how long it takes.

Is IPTA NCCA accredited?

Yes. The IPTA CPT is NCCA-accredited. Its specialty certifications aren’t. You can verify the listing through the NCCA directory.

Is ISSA NCCA accredited?

ISSA is NCCA-accredited only when you book the NCCPT exam that’s included with the ISSA CPT. The open-book ISSA exam isn’t NCCA-accredited. See my NCCPT review for how to book the accredited route.

What are the requirements to become certified?

Most personal trainer certifications require you to be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and hold a valid CPR/AED certification before you test. See how to become a personal trainer.

Is a personal trainer certification worth it?

Yes, when you choose an NCCA-accredited CPT that fits your goals, study resources and timeline. It signals competence to employers and clients and sets the foundation for safe programming and career growth.

References

  1. McClaran SR. “The effectiveness of personal training on changing attitudes towards physical activity.” J Sports Sci Med. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24616604/, accessed October 23, 2026.
  2. International Personal Trainer Academy. “Build Your Bundle.” Trainer Academy. https://traineracademy.org/bundle-builder, accessed October 23, 2026.
  3. International Sports Sciences Association. “Certified Personal Trainer.” ISSA. https://www.issaonline.com/products/certified-personal-trainer, accessed October 23, 2026.
  4. National Academy of Sports Medicine. “Become a Personal Trainer.” NASM. https://www.nasm.org/products/become-a-personal-trainer, accessed October 23, 2026.
  5. National Academy of Sports Medicine. “The Optimum Performance Training Model.” NASM. https://www.nasm.org/certified-personal-trainer/the-opt-model, accessed October 23, 2026.
  6. National Academy of Sports Medicine. “Recertify Your NASM Personal Trainer Certification.” NASM. https://www.nasm.org/certified-personal-trainer-renewal, accessed October 23, 2026.
  7. National Council on Strength and Fitness. “Personal Trainer.” NCSF. https://www.ncsf.org/personal-trainer/, accessed October 23, 2026.
  8. National Council on Strength and Fitness. “Personal Trainer FAQ.” NCSF. https://www.ncsf.org/personal-trainer/faq, accessed October 23, 2026.
  9. National Strength and Conditioning Association. “NSCA Certification Handbook.” NSCA. https://www.nsca.com/globalassets/certification/certification-pdfs/nsca-certification-handbook.pdf, accessed October 23, 2026.
  10. National Strength and Conditioning Association. “Recertification.” NSCA. https://www.nsca.com/certification/recertification/, accessed October 23, 2026.
  11. American Council on Exercise. “Personal Trainer Certification.” ACE. https://www.acefitness.org/fitness-certifications/personal-trainer-certification/, accessed October 23, 2026.
  12. American Council on Exercise. “ACE Integrated Fitness Training Model.” ACE. https://www.acefitness.org/about-ace/ace-ift-model/, accessed October 23, 2026.
  13. American College of Sports Medicine. “Get Certified: Personal Trainer.” ACSM. https://acsm.org/certification/get-certified/personal-trainer/, accessed October 23, 2026.
  14. American College of Sports Medicine. “ACSM Candidate Handbook July 2025.” ACSM. https://acsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ACSM-Candidate-Handbook-July-2025.pdf, accessed October 23, 2026.
  15. National Federation of Professional Trainers. “Get Certified.” NFPT. https://nfpt.com/get-certified/, accessed October 23, 2026.
  16. National Federation of Professional Trainers. “The Exam and Process.” NFPT. https://nfpt.com/the-exam-and-process/, accessed October 23, 2026.
  17. National Federation of Professional Trainers. “Recertifications.” NFPT. https://nfpt.com/recertifications/, accessed October 23, 2026.
  18. National Exercise Trainers Association. “Personal Trainer Certification.” NETA. https://www.netafit.org/certifications/personal-trainer-certification/, accessed October 23, 2026.
  19. National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association. “Personal Fitness Trainer Certification.” NESTA. https://www.nestacertified.com/personal-fitness-trainer-certification/, accessed October 23, 2026.
  20. National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association. “The Mission of NESTA’s Personal Fitness Trainer (PFT) Program.” NESTA. https://pft.nestacertified.com/about-nesta-mission-statement/, accessed October 23, 2026.
  21. ACTION Certification. “Home.” ACTION Certification. https://www.actioncertification.org/, accessed October 23, 2026.
  22. Fitness Mentors. “Personal Trainer Certification.” Fitness Mentors. https://www.fitnessmentors.com/personal-trainer-certification/, accessed October 23, 2026.
  23. American Fitness Professionals and Associates. “Personal Trainer Certification.” AFPA. https://www.afpafitness.com/product/personal-trainer-certification/, accessed October 23, 2026.
  24. National Personal Training Institute. “FAQ.” National Personal Training Institute. https://nationalpti.org/about-npti/faq/, accessed October 23, 2026.
  25. National Personal Training Institute. “Become a Certified Personal Trainer.” National Personal Training Institute. https://nationalpti.org/training-programs/become-certified-personal-trainer/, accessed October 23, 2026.

Tyler Read - Certified Personal Trainer with PTPioneer

Tyler Read

Tyler Read, BSc, CPT. Tyler holds a B.S. in Kinesiology from Sonoma State University and is a certified personal trainer (CPT) with NASM (National Academy of sports medicine), and has over 15 years of experience working as a personal trainer. He is a published author of running start, and a frequent contributing author on Healthline and Eat this, not that. | 
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209 thoughts on “Best Personal Trainer Certification Tiers [Ranked D-S]”

    • Hey Rojana,

      Ever since the pandemic, yes most certifications have the option to take the exam online in order to get certified as a personal trainer. A lot of them still offer in person exam taking. But the majority do not have any hands-on instruction. Is mostly book learning and typically when you start as a personal trainer you can do mentorships to learn more hands-on. Another good way to get hands on practices to work with friends and family and take them through exercise routines. But I agree, there should be a level of hands on instructions required.

      Reply

  2. Hi, thank you so much for the article and reviewing these programs. I’m in my mid-30s, female and looking for a career change. My goal is to work independently as a personal trainer and yoga teacher (for which I have a cert). While, I would like to be open to different populations, I want to focus on 55+ community to help them maintain balance and improve ROM. Which cert would be best for me between ACE, NASM and ISSE? Thanks again!

    Reply

    • Hey Ava, I would suggest a CPT from any of those three organizations you mentioned, with my personal favorites being NASM and ISSA. In addition, both of these two organizations do have Senior Fitness Specializations for personal trainers to pursue. I would check those out if I were you.

      Reply

  4. Hi Tyler,
    I want to thank you for your helpful overview of these CPT programs. Just when I thought I was closer in my decision of choosing one, I am still undecided, lol. However, I am leaning towards NASM or ACE.

    My goals/reasons for becoming a Certified Personal Trainer are to help people reach their desired level of fitness (regardless of health or body limitations), overcome struggles with weightloss/weight management, and overcome whatever is holding them back from achieving their health/fitness goals. To be honest, I have struggled with each of these, but have also had success in the past, which I think would make me a good trainer because I can empathize with my clients. It also encourages me when I encourage/motivate others and see them reach their goals.

    That all being said, which of these two programs do you think mostly encompass all the things I would like to do without having to get a specialization for a while? Thanks again!

    Reply

    • Hey Vanessa, I’m glad to have you on the site and using the articles. I would fully recommend NASM or ISSA first, but your second option of ACE is not bad either. These three CPT programs are some of the best you can go for, and you need to find the best on for your case. Since NASM is found in your two listed, and I would suggest it as well, perhaps that is your best starting spot to see if the NASM CPT is best for you.

      Reply

  5. I’m surprised NESTA wasn’t included in this list…

    Content is as good as nasm ans better than Issa (at least it was when I got certified) and there was no open book or online exam – closed book proctored exam at a testing center…. and if I recall it was even more questions than nasm… it’s no walk in the park – you need to know your sh*t to pass.

    Reply

    • Hey, I agree that NESTA is good. It could definitely be in a top 10 article, and for some other fitness professionals, I am sure it would make it into their top 7. There are a lot of categories to base the overall opinion on, and I tried to justify my reasons throughout.

      Reply

  6. Hi there,
    Thanks for this really helpful article. I’m currently a qualified Personal Trainer here in Australia but will be moving to New Jersey in just a few weeks and have been wondering how I can get my best foot forward for re-training in a Personal Trainer course. This was really useful to read. Thanks!
    Cheers,
    Sylvia

    Reply

    • Hey Sylvia, you can’t go wrong starting with any of the certifications throughout this article. In addition, experience is very important, and you will already have that going in, since you personal trained in Australia. Good luck in your endeavors!

      Reply

  7. Tyler,

    Thanks for all your help and information. This has been extremely helpful in deciding which certification to pursue. I have decided to go with the ISSA right now due to the state of everything and my learning style. I will look at your study material as well.

    One note, and one you may want to update: with the ISSA plans now, you no longer get the actual textbook, you only get the digital version. The hard copy text, which I like to have, must be purchased seperately.

    Thanks,

    Reply

    • Hey Blaze, that is true. If you purchase the basic package, then it does not include the hard copy of the textbook. But, some of the upgraded packages for the ISSA CPT does include the hard copy.

      Reply

  10. Hi Tyler! Thanks for this breakdown. Another certification program I have heard about it NCSF. It’s definitely the most affordable one I have found, but are you able to shed some light on what you know about a CPT with NCSF? Thanks!

    Reply

  11. Hello Tyler,

    I’ve doing research about CPT and read enough articles including yours and the better option was ISSA according to your article but i see lotta NASM, ACE, NCSA discussion in the comment section! What do you think is the best thing to do here?

    Reply

    • To be honest, all four of those options are fantastic. The only reason people used to discredit the ISSA certification was because it was not NCCA accredited. But that’s no longer the case. They have fantastic study materials, are accredited and have great support. All around it’s one of my favorite options right now.

      Reply

  12. Hello Tyler
    Thank you so much for all the articles and kwnoledges.
    I’m Davood I’m living in Turkey now and I’m planning to take ISSA PTC because its online and from what i read and understand that’s the ISSA PTC is suitable for me actually have a question im moving to live in Portogal is the ISSA PTC is accepted in the or in Europe
    If not which are accepted there that have online cert ?
    Thanks again for this wonderful article

    Reply

    • This is a very specific question regarding personal training certifications. I will definitely check in the area that you live in to see which personal training certifications are accepted and which ones are preferred by your local employers. Good luck with your personal training career.

      Reply

  13. Hello! First off, thank you so much for compiling all this information, definitely the most helpful website out there for comparing certifications.

    I’m not interested in making a career out of personal training, but I want all the knowledge that a personal trainer has (and the bragging rights to say I’m certified). I also want to learn more about nutrition. Which of these certifications would you say offers the most knowledge on nutrition and improving quality of life?

    Reply

    • Hey there, I definitely understand where you are coming from. All five personal training certifications on this list touch upon nutrition for at least one chapter. If nutrition is your final goal though, I would get a dedicated nutrition certification. Check out my article on the top 5 nutrition certifications.

      Reply

  14. Hey Tyler
    I love your content,thank you soo much for explaining things in such a great way.I am from India and my age is 23. I am an international artistic skater, how ever I want to get a certification which will help me to implement the knowledge and eventually help in in my artistic skating career.
    I have done my Bachelors degree in Commerce,basically I have no knowledge in the field of fitness, So what would you recommend, I am confused which course I should select.

    Reply

    • If you plan on mostly training in India I definitely recommend contacting some local employers to see which certifications are accepted and preferred in India. The majority of my audience is from North America.

      Reply

  15. Hello Tyler,
    I think i posted this question before but i don’t remember in which article.
    Which certificate best suits bodyweight training and movement exercise?

    Thank you.

    Regards,
    Moe

    Reply

  17. Hi Tyler,

    Thank you so much for this article, it turned out to be exactly what we were looking for! I’m writing to you on behalf of my sister, who is stretching and flexibility trainer here, in Kazakhstan. She wants to continue her education and get a certificate from ISSA. But she doesn’t know English fluently. Is it possible to sit the test in other languages, in Russian, for example? Or is it possible to have a translator nearby, during final exam?
    And one more question, how can she get CPR/AED certificate?
    Thank you in advance!

    Reply

    • That will definitely make it a little bit harder not being a native English speaker. But, if her English is okay she can work through the course content at her own pace and should be fine for the exam. If she signs up with the international sports Sciences Association the actually provide a CPR or AED certification free of charge or for very little extra money.

      Reply

  18. I’ve 2 Questions…

    1st. I wanna ask about what’s best CPT among NASM / ISSA / ACE ??

    And i see u always recommend “NASM”

    Btw…I graduated from law school so i didn’t study fitness field ;but i’ve been working out 8 years ago so i’ve experience & A lot of knowledge

    2nd. If the answer is ISSA or ACE should i go for NASM after that?..

    Reply

    • All five of the certifications on this list are definitely good options for General personal training certifications. If you want to specialize, there are plenty of other certifications to specialize in afterwards. That being said, out of these five, the National Academy of sports medicine is probably the most recognized by employers. You can always get multiple certifications and it will expand your knowledge as a personal trainer. It’s never a bad idea.

      Reply

  19. Hey Tyler! First of all, just wanted to say thanks for all that you do- I so appreciate this page as a resource. I have Canadian and American citizenship, living in Canada at the moment but would like to move to the US within the next 5 years. I was wondering if you had any insights into a good certification that would be accepted in both countries? Don’t know if I’m reaching for the stars here and will have to end up getting 2 separate certifications, but hoping you may have some advice:) I can’t seem to get a straight answer online. Thanks in advance!

    Reply

    • Hey there, I know that ACE and NASM are pretty widely accepted up in Canada. I do know that there are specific certifications in Canada that are not really well known in the United States. Such as canfitpro.

      Reply

  20. I posted on another article but I think there may have been a glitch. Lol

    Anyway I was asking about specific certifications or what should I be diving deep into. I am getting my NASM – CPT. Once finished I am really going to try and focus on helping clients lose weight and keep it off, while also helping them time and build that “6 pack.” I was wondering if there’s a certain certification or anything that dices deep into turning the “dad bod” into that cut, toned athlete look. I’m not sure if I was clear enough, but thank you so much for your help!

    Reply

    • I think a general personal training certification such as the one you are obtaining from the National Academy of sports medicine is a great place to start. If you want to get more into bodybuilding stuff there are specific bodybuilding certifications out there that you can try to achieve.

      Reply

  21. Dear Tyler,
    My name is Anya and I live in Russia currently. Thank you very much for your review, it helped me a lot to choose the right certiicate for me. I am going for ISSA certificate. I also did a CPR/AED certificate online from the National CPR Foundation. Is this certificate is acceptable for taking CPT exam? Thank you

    Reply

    • I’m glad you found the personal training certification that was right for you. The international sports Sciences Association is a fantastic organization. Good luck studying.

      Reply

  22. Hello!
    This has been a very helpful website! Thank you!

    I am considering ISSA, probably the Elite bundle. My question is that there are the programs for to be a certified personal trainer but then there are other specialized certifications. How important is it to be specialized? If I were to just be a personal trainer for now would I still be competitive for jobs?

    Reply

    • I think it’s very important to One Day become specialized. It takes a while to find your Niche to see what people you like to train in what style of training is for you. Overall, the bundle of three is a very good deal as you will have them forever.

      Reply

  23. thank you for sharing these information,
    just some questions; this job guarantee and internship that comes with NASM is just for USA, right?
    I think for those who live in europe ACE now is better because of its discounts, what do u think?

    Reply

  24. Thanks so much “TYLER” for all the comprehensive articles and kwnoledges you are sharing here, i so much feel satisfy with them. Just a question please which certificate(s) are recomended in Canada, And will ISSA be accepted in Canada any idea! I love to be a great personal trainer Easy workout and see the effect. My type of person will like to have more than two CERT, but will start with ISSA if online or NASM if offline.
    Kind Regards!

    Reply

  25. Hey Coach,

    thank you for all the hard work you have put into this and the value you have given without me spending even a single cent. Your website has been extremely informative and helpful in helping me decide what kind of certification I want to do.

    I am in Japan at the moment, living in Tokyo and looking to change careers. I am Canadian but also a born-American citizen. I would like to do personal training here to clients, both ex-pats and Japanese, but conditioning and performance coaching is not super popular here; as such, corrective exercises and exercises that utilize bands, or just bodyweight would be more popular here. Especially with a culture of prevention rather than correction/cure is the name of the game here in Japan and in Asia in general.

    After reading your article on the 5 cert. offered, I am thinking to go with ISSA, since it is affordable and more international than NASM, and I can take the test online.

    Warm regards,

    Reply

    • Thank you for the kind words. Good luck with your personal training career and I hope that the international sports Sciences Association certification serves you well. I agree with what you were saying in that the Asian countries are more preventative than the United States or Western countries in general. Good luck with your new career.

      Reply

  26. Hello sir , i am from India .
    And i want to be a personal trainer as well as sports nutrionist .which brand is best for me.

    Reply

    • If you are out of the United States I would probably recommend the international sports Sciences Association (ISSA) as you can take the exam online. Have you looked into them?

      Reply

    • did you check PROPTA? They have courses in Hindi…www.propta.com I am in india and took their PT cert, taught by Bibhu, PhD guy. very detailed.

      Reply

  27. Hi Tyler,

    I live in the PHILIPPINES and would like to avail an on line PT certification.

    Although I will be in the US towards the end of next year. Any recommendations you can tell me which one I should take via on line?

    Reply

    • Hey there, the international sports Sciences Association certification can be done online and I think that would be a great bet for you to start studying now so you can get certified before you come over.

      Reply

  28. Hi Tyler,
    Thank you for all this Information it was so helpful and detailed!
    But I do have a question since I am living and working quite internationally. I’m from Germany and would love to stay in Europe (I lived in the US for the last 10 years so I would be open to going back there for a year or two, but ultimately want to end up in Germany or the UK). After just getting my BSc last year in Communications I want to follow my actual dream of working in Health and Fitness. I’m applying for a Masters degree in Sports and Exercise Nutrition and would like to combine the two things to open my own business one day. (Obviously I’d have to work my way up for a few years to gain experience but opening up a gym and building a fitness oriented community is my ultimate goal) I was leaning towards NASM and was wondering what you think? Does that work for being in Germany of the UK? I’m sorry for the long message I just wanted to give you enough info to go on. Thank you so much!

    Reply

    • Hey there, yes the National Academy of sports medicine to my knowledge is very well-recognized through all of Europe. I would make sure though to see which employers you are thinking about working for. I would contact them just to double-check. Good luck with your personal training career.

      Reply

  29. Hi Tyler,
    Really interesting stuff here, I will sure dig a bit deeper around your site.
    I am interested can you invest in any of these certifications without prior diplomas or degrees as a personal trainer or anything related to health, fitness and do any of them offer writing exams in Europe.

    Thanks so much for your content, best wishes,
    Nikola

    Reply

    • I’m not really quite sure how many of these offer writing exams in Europe. I do know that you can take a lot of these personal training certifications in Europe in that they are accepted throughout the majority of the countries there.

      Reply

  30. Hi Tyler~

    I am considering the ISSA and the NASM certification programs. I may have missed it somewhere but what do you think is the reason behind the difference in the exam pass rate between the two certifications? 90% vs 64% is significant – how much does the content vary or is it because of the way the test is structured? I am a stay at home mom (ex advertising executive) and looking to pursue a different career where I can set my own hours. I do not plan on working in a gym – I would like to train at my home or client’s home. Target people who don’t want to commit to a gym due to expense or intimidation of the gym scene. I also feel it’s imperative to have the nutrition certification to go with. What do you recommend? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Overall the difference comes down to the fact that the international sports Sciences Association has their test online. For the National Academy of sports medicine U will need to go into a test-taking facility in order to take and pass your exam and get certified.

      Reply

    • Interested to hear which company you went with. I am somewhat in the same boat. I am a registered nurse looking to get into training and then add nutrition. I’ve spent weeks trying to decide between ACE, NASM and ISSA. I also plan to train outside of the gym. I just worry if I need to go into the gym and go with ISSA and not be able to get hired.

      Reply

      • I have personal training certifications from ACE, NASM and ISSA. They are all good options and give you different points of views as a personal trainer. I think that they are all a good starting point.

        Reply

  31. Hi Tyler!
    I love your post and everything you have to say! I am currently certified by ISSA and I love all he support they give me. I know a lot of people say that NASM, NSCA, ACSM and Ace are the way to go and that they are “better” than ISSA, but I love ISSA and their curriculum. I do have question about the amount of how much they make. ISSA trainers make way more than ACE, NASM and ACSM trainers. Do you know why this is? Even though people recommended the latter four? Thank you!

    Reply

    • I definitely agree Josh. The international sports Sciences Association has fantastic curriculum in a fantastic Supporting Cast. I think they are definitely a company that is growing fast and in the right direction and this might be the cause for this. I’m sure that you will become a great personal trainer with their certification. Good luck with your personal training career.

      Reply

  33. Thank you!!!
    I am so glad I stumbled upon your site!!! It’s been of great help in my decision making process to become a PT. Great breakdown of cert possibilities and the comparatives are ever so useful!

    Reply

  34. Good afternoon,
    I am interested in teaching stretching and posture to help people age with less aches and pains. Can you recommend a program that would focus on that?

    Reply

    • Hey Jennifer,
      The flexibility training is your primary goal, I still suggest getting a general personal training certification such as one of the five mentioned in this post. They all have a full chapter dedicated towards flexibility Training Concepts.

      Reply

  35. Thank you very much, Tyler. I appreciate everything you do. Really gave me a confidence boost with the decision I made as I enter my personal training career. Once again thank you greatly.

    Reply

  36. Hey Tyler,
    I recently took the plunge into the ISSA Elite and then found your site. I’m excited to get started; that said I now have a little ‘buyer’s remorse’ (just a little) seeing that none of the other agencies you reviewed are accredited by DEAC. I this going to hinder me in any way looking for employment in the field? Is this because they identify as an international agency?
    Also, if I decide to expand certification to another agency down the road, are they ‘friendly’ with each other when perusing CEU’s?

    Reply

    • Hey Justin,
      fantastic questions. First of all, the international sports Sciences Association is a great organization in the are accepted by a lot of gyms in the United States. I would definitely suggest calling up your local gymnasium that you want to work at to see if they accept ISSA. My guess is that they do. In terms of each organization working with the other ones, basically all full certification are accepted as continuing education credits for the other organizations. ISSA Is no exception.

      Reply

  37. Hi Tyler,
    Wow! Thanks for your insightful information–crazy helpful!
    1. You said you have a “discount code PTP25 to save 25% on all NASM CPT certifications.”
    This does not seem to be valid anymore. Did it expire or did I not attempt to use it correctly?
    2. As you mentioned to someone else, you think a 5th edition of the NASM textbook should generally be the same as the 6th (enough to pass the test) and then I could always reference the digital copy that comes with the self-study package. So long as that’s still your opinion, I think I’m going to aim for that as it cuts costs to a quarter.
    3. Last question: For the average person with a physical fitness background but no academic experience in exercise science, how many hours of studying do you think I should plan on before I take the test? Does the NASM self-study program give you 6 months or 12? (I’m getting mixed messages).
    Thanks so much! I’m so appreciative of your information!

    Reply

    • Hey Beth,
      Sorry about the discount code. I am contacting NASM about this right now to see what can be done. Yes I’m terms of the 5th edition textbook compared to the 6th edition, they are relatively the same. If you contacted nasm about this they would say that you can study with the 5th edition perfectly fine and passed the exam. Although my study guide here on my website and does follow exactly chapter by chapter with of the sixth edition textbook. I typically recommend at least 3 months to 6 months if you are not coming from any sort of exercise science background.

      Reply

  38. Hi Tyler,

    Thank you for this great information of Certification.
    I have one more question, if you don’t mind…
    What certification would you recommend for dancers or instructors who train dancers?

    Thank you in advance!

    Reply

    • Hello,
      if you are looking to train dancers, you are probably more inclined to take some sort of sports performance certification. All of these certifications are going to touch upon sports performance in some way, but they are not sports performance or strength and conditioning certifications. I would recommend getting the basic personal training certification from either one of these agencies, and then getting a specialist certification for sports performance such as the NASM PES, CSCS or strength and conditioning certification from ISSA.

      Reply

  39. Tyler, thank you very much for the detailed outlines of the certifications!

    After reading this, I am leaning towards ISSA. Another comment mentions continuing education being recognized from other organizations. I kind of wanted to expand on this for my own brain to understand- if I were to move forward with ISSA and choose NASM or another agency for my continuing education materials, (after the 2 years/re-certification), would this be accepted for the CEC requirements? My concern is the ISSA being DEAC, while NASM and others being NCCA accredited. Can you cross-platform (so-to-speak) the CECs? I hope that made sense!

    Also, I am currently on my own fitness journey and still losing significant fat and will need to tone my skin and muscles for that ideal instructor body- since I am not ‘peak’ physical condition, does it seem likely this will hinder me from getting a job? However, with it being more than likely 6 mos. before I get the certification, I may have the body by then but with life, you never know!

    Thank you for the work and materials you are providing to us all!

    Reply

    • Hey Katie,
      Don’t worry about being in peak physical condition in order to get a job. It is all about the journey. Everybody has different points that there and in their fitness journey and not every personal trainer is a chiseled beast. So definitely don’t even think about that as you were studying for in trying to become a personal trainer. In terms of the continuing education. Both ISSA and NASM will accept the other certification as a legitimate source for continuing education in order to get recertified. It’s always a good idea to expand your knowledge and a definitely recommend getting multiple certifications for people looking to perfect their craft. Good luck personal training in 2020 and I hope you had a great New Year’s.

      Reply

  40. Good morning Tyler!
    I normally read an article and get what I want and scram, but out of other articles where I have compared the top 5 P.T. Cert’s, this is BY FAR the most comprehensive and detail-oriented article. You allowed me to sink my teeth in each certificate and the how’s and why’s in each section. It is rare for me to have my want for details met or exceeded. A tip of the hat to you friend. I look forward to reading your other articles and I hope leaving a comment boosts your search potential.

    Thank you,

    C.J. Sobkowiak

    P.S. I’ll be signing up for ISSA. Wish me luck! Any additional tips or articles you’d suggest? My focus will be general health/ Weight loss but I’ll also focus on my little brother on the side to help him get a football scholarship when hes of age.

    Reply

    • Hey CJ,
      thank you so much for the kind words. I put a lot of time in research into this article and I really hope people get great use out of it. The international sports sciences Association is a fantastic notification so you have definitely chosen well. A general health and weight loss focus will lend you the most amount of personal training clients. It is also good to specialize down the road once you find your passion and what type of clients you like to train. Good luck to you and all your personal training efforts in the help you have a great 2020.

      Reply

  41. Tyler…my 22 year old grandson is unfortunately incarcerated and will be for five years….he has taken some basic college courses and is working in maintenance at this time…he works out on his own using some very clever techniques. In planning for his future he has asked me to do research on whether he is able to become a personal trainer while serving the remainder of his sentence…He has no access to a computer so what certification provides the best option for him….thank you so much

    Reply

    • Hello Jean,
      I’m sorry to hear that about your grandson. In the meantime it is a great opportunity for him to study up on exercise science so that he can get certified as a personal trainer afterwards. In terms of getting study materials to him, if he can have textbooks, thus all he really needs. All of the top five personal training certifications on this list have a primary textbook that can definitely be used in memorized while he is in there. I think this is the best idea.

      Reply

  42. Hello Tyler,
    My goal would be to do personal training for small groups or 1on1 with adults or kids that are in sports age of 9 to 15. This would be on the weekend side gig and sometimes during the week evenings. I work full time 8-5 40 Hours a week.
    If this gets big for me i would love to open my own personal fitness gym/crossfit gym.

    What cert would you recommend me to start with?

    Reply

    • Hey JV,
      I definitely still recommend getting a general personal training certification such as ISSA, NASM or any of the other three on this list. Afterwards, I think you should specialize in group exercise fitness. ACE and ISSA have fantastic group exercise certifications that are available through them.

      Reply

  43. I’d like to buy an online basic course for a young friend (34), who shows interest in possibly becoming a personal trainer. He would prefer working with senior clients.
    Thanks in advance for your advice.

    Reply

    • Hello Charles,
      if you’re friend is planning on working with elderly clients while personal training, I still suggest that he gives a general personal training certification such as from the National Academy of sports medicine, international sports sciences Association, American Council on exercise or any of the other top credentialed certifications. Afterwards, if he wants to focus on elderly clients, he can also get a specialty certification in that area. I hope this helps.

      Reply

  44. sir i am rengaraj form india. my age 22 sir i completed my bcom degree in 2018. sir my profession is become a fitness trainer and future bodybuilding contest prepare coach sir.so which course is usefull me sir please tell me sir issa or nsca.

    thank you sir

    Reply

    • Hey Rengaraj,
      If you want to get into bodybuilding and prep coaching for bodybuilding I would recommend starting out with the ISSA personal training certification in if you want they actually have a bodybuilding and a transformation specialist certifications that would go hand-in-hand for what you are trying to accomplish.

      Reply

  45. Hi Tyler –
    Thank you so much for everything you’ve shared with us on this website. I am considering becoming a personal trainer (I’m 42!) and I am looking at ACE as the training provider. They don’t have anyone available to talk to right now but they have a promo for their PLUS Study Program for $399!!! It says it includes ACE Certification Exam but I wanted to make sure that means the cost of taking the exam. When I spoke to someone at NASM, I was told ACE programs do not cover exam cost. Thoughts?
    Thank you!!!

    Reply

    • Hey Rem,
      yes, they do seem to have an excellent deal going on for Black Friday/cyber Monday for half off their study plus program. I understand what the person from the National Academy of sports medicine was telling you. Previously, the American Council on exercise was selling their study materials separate from the exam itself which was something that they were trying out. It seems like they have switched back to the old system of selling the certification exam with all the study materials in a single bundle. I think this is a better idea because people were getting confused when they found out that what they purchased did not include the exam after all. The price and package they have on their site does include the exam so don’t worry about that.

      Reply

  46. Hello, I have always been interested in & have a passion fitness & nutrition. I turned 50 this year and its way past time to pursue my dream job. I am interested in some sort of program geared towards helping women.I am also on somewhat of a tight budget as I have just relocated to the state of AZ in hopes of a healthier lifestyle. Please provide any helpful feedback.

    Reply

    • Hey Kim,
      it is never too late to pursue your dream of becoming a fitness professional. All of these general certifications focus on men and women equally. They do not specialize as they are general personal training certifications. Later on down the road you can specialize in women’s fitness if you would like. It’s always recommended to get a general personal training certification first though to build a strong base of knowledge that you can branch off from later. If you are looking for something on a budget, I recommend checking out ACE.

      Reply

    • Hey Aliza,
      This is a good question. I would think that yes all of these certifications would be accepted in Canada but I usually focus my expertise on the United States and what is excepted here. For all other countries, I suggest contacting your local gymnasiums or training studios to see which personal training certifications except and which ones they prefer just be 100% sure. I hope this helps.

      Reply

  48. So regarding ISSA, you had mentioned the PT cert is $499-$799. They have a deal going in right now for both Nutrition and PT cert for $799. Would that be the best deal you have seen for this combo? Am I better of waiting for it to be discounted further? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Hey Phil,
      This is absolutely a fantastic combination to get the personal training certification and the nutrition certification for $799. In fact, they also have another deal where you can get the nutritionist certification, the personal training certification as well as 1/3 certification of your choice for only $999.

      Reply

  49. Hi Tyler,
    I really appreciate the amount of time you spend in clearing everyone’s doubts in detail.

    I’m from India (City: Jaipur, State: Rajasthan)
    I’m a long distance marathon runner and have been doing some serious training for 5 years now. I’m among top 10 females in the country in terms of my timing, and fastest female runner from my state.

    I read a lot about food/ superfoods that I take and have an inclination towards nutrition for an athlete or a healthy layman too.

    I’ll be grateful if you can recommend me to do a course with which I can carry it forward in India.
    I’m open to do both : online course as well as I can physically go out for a short term course.

    Awaiting your response
    Thanks.

    Reply

    • Hey Charu,
      I noticed that you are leaving a comment on my article on the top personal training certifications although it seems to be that you are talking about nutrition certifications. If you want a full dedicated nutrition certification, I recommend you check out my article on the top ones. In terms of the nutrition advice given in these personal training certifications themselves, they all do have a chapter dedicated towards nutrition. It basically covers the very bare minimum of nutritional advice that you can and should give as a personal trainer. It does not go super in-depth though. In regards to which certifications will be accepted in India, I cannot tell you that information because I do not know. I recommend contacting some of the spots in India to see which certifications they accept and which ones they prefer.

      Reply

  50. Hello Tyler
    My name is Sara and I just love your website ! I love in Toronto Canada and moving to Dallas Texas in a month . I am a personal trainer got my certificate at can fit pro.
    Any idea if the state of Texas will Honour Canadian certificate ? Canfitpro is the most recognize Canadian one
    Thx so much

    Reply

    • Hey Sara,
      Can Fit Pro Is a fantastic certification up in Canada. In terms of whether or not it is accepted in the United States is a very good question. On top of that, even if the certification is recognized within the United States, sometimes certification acceptance can vary from gymnasium to gymnasium based on their personal preferences. The best way is to try to call up some of the local spots to see which certifications they accept.

      Reply

  51. Hi,

    thank you for all these well written and comprehensive articles! I am debating on which course I should take, but before that I would like to know if you have by any chance any affiliation with one of the above mentioned courses companies?

    Regards

    Reply

  52. Hii…IAM.from India…and in India..there is not much scope in fitness industry as compared to Australia; Canada etc…I have done diploma in sports science…and after that I have done ace certification….now IAM looking forward to do ace nutrition then nsca CSCS….I want to get job in fitness field in Australia or… New-Zealand but people say that ace doesn’t work in New Zealand and in Australia…pls help me now what should I do …pls help ??? Thanku

    Reply

    • Hey Bhup,
      As I have mentioned two other people asking about particular advice for specific countries, it all depends. The majority of this information was written for people training in the United States and in Canada. I do not know the regulations or the certifications that are accepted in every country. The best bet would be to ask potential employers which certifications they accept and which certifications they prefer for their personal trainers. That way you have your bases covered. I hope this helped.

      Reply

  53. Hello,
    I would like to become a personal Trainer. I’m Looking for an accredited school on line. There are 5 top schools advertised online as well , which one is the best and also an accredited school. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Thank You,

    Kim

    Reply

    • Hey Kim,
      All the personal training certifications on this list are legitimate and accredited. If you are looking to get hired in the United States, all of these certifications are widely accepted. I would think about more on the type of focus if certification has while trying to decide which one is right for you. What type of people do you want to train?. Do you want to try and overweight individuals? Do you want to train athletes?

      Reply

    • Hey Neethu,
      this is an interesting question to ask. The answer is really that all of these courses are meant for men and women. These are all general personal training certifications in create a strong base of knowledge in kinesiology and exercise science. Later, if you want to specialize as a trainer, you can start learning more about training for women or training for men. There are some specialist certifications out there. But for now, all of these apply to men and women as they are all general personal training certifications. I hope this helps answer your question.

      Reply

  55. Thanks! Also what do you think the amount of time to shoot for preparing for certification? Is there a general recommendation or just whenever you have gone through the materials and feel ready?

    Thanks again

    Reply

  56. Hi Tyler,
    I have always been interested in the personal trainer/nutrition world. I am interested in helping people , and I am curious if I should already have a fitness degree or anything to pursue ISSA or NASM program? Or how well someone might do self studying through any of the programs you list.
    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Hello Sarah,
      No, you do not need any higher education more than a high school diploma or equivalent in order to get any of these five personal training certifications on the list. ISSA and NASM are fantastic options no doubt about it. You can definitely do self studying and I highly recommend doing that actually. There are some fantastic study programs for the majority of the certifications on the list. I have recommend A trainer Academy to hundreds of my students and they have had wonderful success with using their materials. https://traineracademy.org/

      Reply

  57. Hey Tyler – thanks for all of this. Amazingly helpful website. Question: I am going with the NASM training, self study. The earlier edition textbooks (4th and 5th edition) are a lot cheaper online than they use now (6th edition). Do you know if the material has changed much or will I be ok with an earlier cheaper edition? Thanks again!

    Mike

    Reply

    • Hey Mike,
      that is a great question and to be honest the textbooks have not changed that much from one edition to the next. I wouldn’t go much further past the fourth edition though. If you can pick up the fifth edition for much cheaper that would be a good way to go. Also, if you have signed up already with the national Academy of sports medicine, you will receive an e-book version of the sixth edition textbook. Unless you really need the physical addition in your hands, the e-book will be just fine.

      Reply

  58. Hello Tyler. Love the page and the information you provided. Do you absolutely have to have a PT Cert for to study Corrective Exercise. And if not, which certification provides that option. Please and thank you.

    Reply

    • Hello Sherman,
      it is absolutely recommended to get a general personal training certification before you move on to a specialty such as corrective exercise. You need to build a strong foundation first before you jump into style of training such as corrective exercise. I suggest getting the general personal training certification from the National Academy of sports medicine. After that you can move on to their corrective exercise specialist the CES. That is a very helpful certification and the combination of the two will give you a great understanding of personal training in general.

      Reply

    • Hey Kirti,
      You will have to check with each individual certifying agency to see if they have an exam center close to where you live. I do know that ACE and NASM have some international locations where you can take the exam but I do not know every single location. That being said, ISSA allows you to take the exam online so you won’t need to go into a study center to take this one. That may also be an option for you.

      Reply

  60. Hi Tyler – very helpful post – thanks! I am inquiring for a friend in Bhutan, Cheemi Deema, an amazing female athlete from the most fantastic country I have ever been to. We both competed in the Tour of the Dragon, a one-day 168 mile bicycle race over 4 Himalayan mountain passes and Cheemi is the first Bhutanese woman to ever complete the race. She just completed a bachelors degree and would like to get a personal trainer certification. Very few females are engaged in sports in Bhutan, so she is a Wonder Woman. The problem is, how can she take any certification tests if they are only offered in official testing sites, such as in the USA. What PSI site is the closest to Bhutan, or can she take a test online? She originally wanted to become a Level 1 Cross Fit certified trainer, but it is cost prohibitive. Thank-you very much, Lois

    Reply

    • Hey Lois,
      While that is in incredible story and that tour of the Dragon in the Himalayan mountains sounds absolutely epic. In terms of finding a PSI testing location for the National Academy of sports medicine, that might be difficult. I do believe however that there are locations outside of the United States I just don’t have all of the memorized off the top of my head. In terms of taking a test online, you cannot do that with NASM. You can however, get certified with ISSA online. I recommend going to the PSI online website and from there you can search the various testing locations around the world.

      Reply

      • Dear Tyler, I am very appreciative of your quick response, and have since suggested the ISSA online course to Cheemi. I wrote a story about my experience, if you want to read it, let me know and send an email to me at loisolney@gmail.com. So here’s another question, Cheemi’s real dream is to open the first ever Cross Fit training center in Bhutan. I did some googling and see that Cross Fit offers level 1 certification in Bangkok (about a 3 hour flight from Bhutan) for $1000 USD. What do you think of Cross Fit certification? is it a good bang for the buck? I myself have mixed feelings about Cross Fit — having been in the fitness industry for over 20 years, I incorporate elements of Cross Fit in my training, but it has been years since I have stepped foot inside a Cross Fit training center.

        Reply

        • Hey Lois,
          I think CrossFit can be safe as long as it’s coached by somebody that is very knowledgeable. The problem I have with CrossFit is usually it contains a whole class with only one instructor. It’s very difficult to teach proper form to all students at the same time and that’s why it results in too many injuries coming from CrossFit. That being said, I think the CrossFit certification is great. Is it a personal training certification? No it’s not. I highly suggest anybody to get certified with a general personal training certification before moving on to getting the CrossFit level I certification. This would give them a better base of knowledge so that they can then further specialize with CrossFit.

          Reply

  61. Its actually quite daunting trying to figure out which certification to get, and i think it takes a bit of research. thanks for your website and info and I think it might have made me re-think which one to go for. I am a senior looking to be a PT for one on one in home senior clients. For fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle. As an aside, I used to be a 325 lb 45 year old who with the help and advice of a sports chiropractor friend, went on a diet and exercise program and in 5 years lost 130+ lbs… that was 16 years ago! So its long been my desire to help older folks (people my age and older) to stay health by staying active, enjoy applicable exercise, and understanding good nutrition. Getting older should not mean giving up on life!

    I originally looked at ACSM, but it looks like to get some of their benefits you need to be a member of ACSM, but in order to be a member you need to be in the heath care industry already?? Anyway Im now thinking that ISSA might be a better choice for me. What do you think? Thanks!
    Greg

    Reply

    • Hey Greg,
      first of all, I’d like to congratulate you for losing over 130 pounds. That’s absolutely fantastic. I think it’s super cool that you want to get into the personal training and fitness industry as it seems like it has been a very big part of your life. I totally agree that getting a good base of knowledge on exercise and nutrition can be not only very helpful for your own programming but you can also help tons of other people as well. The American Council on sports medicine is a fantastic organization overall and being a member of their organization is definitely something that has value. I do think that ISSA better lays out their information in programming for people that are just starting out or that do not have exercise science backgrounds. That being said, both of them are fantastic certifications and are widely accepted if you are looking to become a trainer at a local facility. If the information is just for yourself though, I would say go with ISSA as their study materials and support is overall better in my opinion.

      Reply

      • Thanks again for your info! As I have continued to read about different organizations online, the list of interesting certs has grown! I am also now considering the ASFA. American Senior fitness Assoc., certification. Granted they do not seem to be credential by either of the two regular bodies that credential all the other fitness programs, but they focus on Senior fitness and nutrition, etc. Another one I came across is the AFPA, it looks like its more holistic in nature, etc. Boy or boy there are lots of them!
        Greg

        Reply

        • Hey Greg,
          I have heard of the American senior fitness Association. There are definitely a lot of legitimate credentialed personal training certifications out there on the market to choose from. It can be overwhelming I know. In fact, that’s why I created this website to help people navigate through all the certifying options available. If you think you want to go the holistic personal training certification route, you can definitely take a look at AFPA. Although, I recommend getting a standard personal training certification such as one of the five on this list first, and then branching off into other areas such as holistic certifications. I hope this makes sense and helps you out a little bit.

          Reply

  62. Thanks for these info! very helpful! one question tho. If a course for example is approved with NASM, does ACE, ISSA,NSCA etc recognize it?

    Reply

    • Hello Deborah,
      Are you talking about for continuing education credits with each of the personal training certifications? If that is what is what you are talking about, definitely each certification would be recognized by the other ones as sufficient continuing education credit to get recertified.

      Reply

  63. Hi Tyler,

    I’m deciding between ACE and ISSA for CPT and wondering which one is good for providing member supports after getting certification. The supports I mean like networking, online and offline forum and gatherings, and also the affiliate marketing if I want to have my own studio and start building my business from there. Please provide your advice. Thank you very much!

    Reply

    • Hey Eve,
      Both the American Council on exercise as well as the international sports sciences Association have a great customer service and member support team. They will both be able to help you both through the study process for their certification. Both programs have affiliate marketing teams as well that you can earn money from by recommending their services. If I hope this helped and good luck creating your own personal training studio and business. You’re going to do fantastic.

      Reply

  64. Thanks for all the valuable info on your website, Tyler! Could you please comment on which certification has the most information/assistance/support in the area of starting your own business as a private PT (in case I missed it)? Thanks again!

    Reply

    • Hey Justine,
      I think that for business/financial success information the National Academy of sports medicine as well as the international sports sciences Association both provide a fantastic amount of knowledge on the subject. If I had to decide between the two, I would say you get the best bang for your buck with ISSA as it comes with their package that is a fixed price. To get a lot of this information from NASM you will need to purchase one of the more expensive packages which sometimes is a little too expensive for most people’s wallets.

      Reply

  65. Great article! I was previously a CrossFit Coach and due to health issues had to stop coaching but it is still such a passion. I’m Now able and trying to jump back in but I want a more general certification. This article has so many links to information that you really take away the need for further questions about the different types of certifications. One question I have is which certification has more areas than you can branch off into and take classes for additional certs after getting my basic PT certification? Thanks so much.

    Reply

    • Hey Jennifer, great question on personal training certifications in general. Overall, you can take any of these general personal training certifications in branch off into other specializations from other certifying agencies. For example if you got the general certification from the American Council on exercise, you could also afterwards branch off to get the performance enhancement specialist certification from the National Academy of sports medicine. You could also do this vice versa. If you want to stay within one organization, I would say that the international sports sciences Association or ISSA and the National Academy of sports medicine or NASM have the widest variety of certifications that tie together better if that makes sense. A good combination for any personal trainer is the general certification from NASM combined with a corrective exercise specialist certification such as their NASM CES. Another popular combination is a general personal training certification as well as a nutrition certification. The best bang for your buck deal for this would be the general ISSA certification combined with their nutritionist certification in my opinion. I hope this helps shed some more light onto your question.

      Reply

  66. Am still in highschool (Senior) and will be 18 within a month. Was curious if I’m able to get a certification once I turn 18, but also while not graduated yet. If so, which one(s) would be the best? One more thing, wanted to ask if GPA typically matters when acquiring certifications.

    Reply

    • Hey Cameron,
      A lot of the prerequisites for the majority of these personal training certifications are that you are 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Since the basically all have this requirement, you should check out the certifications based off the type of training you want to do when you become a personal trainer. On your last point, your GPA will have no effect towards getting any of the personal training certifications that I mentioned in this article.

      Reply

    • Pepe Victor,
      It all depends on which certification you get. All of them are recognized in different locations around the world but in each specific country is hard to tell which personal training certification is recognized. I know that in Europe the American Council on exercise and the National Academy of sports medicine are both well recognized in that area. Also ISSA is getting more and more recognized in Europe as well. What I would recommend that you do is to ask the specific gymnasium that you plan on working at which certifications they accepted and which ones they do not accept. That is the best way to know for sure.

      Reply

    • Hello I had some questions. I have been thinking about being certified through NCSF. I have taken the in person workshop twice. I just working and life happens. Now with covid I think its time to just buckle down and get this done.

      So what do you know about NCSF? vs ace or issn I think it was called . Looking forward to hear back.

      Reply

      • The NCSF offers a solid certification that does compete with ACE and ISSA. It can oftentimes be found for cheaper than the others. I would definitely recommend it, as it is NCCA Accredited.

        Reply

  68. Thanks for the great info, really appreciate you article and responses! What are your thoughts on ACTION PT Certifications? They are NCCA accredited and have a great “Platinum” training package (includes adv nutritional cert) for $249. From what I hear, real education comes from years of doing it. I have a gym asking me to start doing PT, they just need NCCA accredited and have a team of PT’s to coach me as I learn. Seems like the amount I will learn from hands on and networking will eclipse any difference between ACTION and a more expensive program (NASM, ACE, etc…). What do you think? I’m just starting to look into and make sense of all this. Thank you:)

    Reply

    • Hey Curtis,
      The action certification is a decent certification. It does have NCCA accreditation which is the biggest barrier for most gymnasiums when they are hiring any personal trainer. If the gym that you are trying to work at simply suggest getting NCCA certified, this is definitely not a bad option. And it is true, you get a lot more experience from hands-on working with clients and learning on your own than any certification will ever teach you. That being said, a lot of places only accept big name certifications such as NASM. As long as you have checked with your gym before hand and they are cool with action, I say go for it.

      Reply

  69. Hey thanks for the great article, some really useful info in there. Just one suggestion, there is a fair amount of spelling and grammar errors in the text, not sure if you realized it.

    Reply

    • Hey Hayden,
      Thanks for pointing this out I will definitely run through it and check for any errors. Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment and good luck with your personal training selection!

      Reply

  71. Thanks Tyler, great information for those of us who are starting out and need some guidance. Appreciate your efforts.

    Reply

    • Hey Pat,
      Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I hope my article helped you guide yourself To choose the correct personal training certification for you. Which one are you going to go with?

      Reply

  72. Thanks SO much for putting together such a comprehensive article/site. I’m a Physical Therapist Assistant and want to branch out, learn more to share with my patient ps and friends as well as not have to deal with so much “red tape” of the required documentation…which has to be done at point of patient care for productivity and therefore takes away from patient care, in my view. But that’s a rabbit trail…
    Anyway, thanks and I’ll be passing this on through social media!
    Question: during my research on accreditation, I found an organization called W.I.T.S. who are accredited by NCCA. They have a 5 week, 5 days a week, 7 hr a day class through my local Community College, as a matter of fact, the same college I graduated with for my AA degree to become a PTA. Are you familiar with this group and their quality of education?
    Patti

    Reply

    • Hey Patti,
      I have heard of W.I.T.S. But I have not done an official review of the program. I also heard that they are accredited by the NCCA. I will have to do a full and thorough review to see if they meet the criteria of the top CPT certifications that are currently on this list. Stay tuned for this and think you so much for stopping by and leaving your opinion/experience as a fitness professional. It’s always good to hear new opinions!

      Reply

  74. I have a few questions. first you mentioned ACE CPT Pro Advantage Package would benefit individuals with weak math skills (me) When I go to the ACEfitness site it isn’t offered, just the basic and plus package. Am I missing something?
    Also, I am anxious to get started on my road to become a personal trainer and leaning towards the ACE certificate, I want to be able to properly come up with workouts and understand what their benefits are for the body, I’m hoping that’s the right one for me. I was wondering would a bachelors degree in something like kinesiology, or a fitness specialist help me understand the training world better? I want to understand why you are doing the workout and how it benefits you. and truth be told, I am somewhat doing this for myself as well, I found a passion and want to go for it, I don’t have much experience, I just go to the gym a lot and ask questions.

    Reply

    • Hey Kady,
      These are all great questions regarding personal training. Obviously, a degree in exercise science or kinesiology is also a fantastic option as you will learn a ton about the body and workout programming from going through a full degree. The American Council on exercise is a fantastic choice. I would suggest contacting ACE and asking about the fitness math booklet that they offer. They change their offers in packages from time to time and thanks for pointing this out as I will need to update this article.

      Reply

    • Hello,
      Over 10 years ago ISSA was not seen as up to par compared to other certifications. This is because it was accredited by the DEAC and not NCCA. This has changed dramatically over the last 10 years and it is a very legitimate certification indeed. Sometimes it takes people a little bit longer to realize this fact and some gymnasiums might not be up-to-date on how they should view ISSA. It should be accepted throughout the United States but unfortunately some people are just behind the times.

      Reply

  76. Hi Tyler,
    I am from India,
    I will go to US, UK but most probably UAE.
    I also play Tennis and want to work with Tennis player,
    I mean sportsperson in general.
    Which PT Certification is best for me.
    I read almost most of your articles but I am still confused
    because you know 1$ equals RS 70
    so in general $600 is a hell lot of money in India
    Thanks.

    Reply

    • Hey Nashit,
      It really depends on where you want to be doing personal training for which personal training certification you get. Are you going to be doing training in the United States? Or are you going to be doing training in India? I agree that $600 can be a good chunk of change. If you are going to be doing training in India I would recommend going with ISSA. Although you should ask the gymnasiums that you are applying to to see which certifications they accept before you sign up for any one of them. I hope this helps.

      Reply

  77. Tyler- I love what you have created here. More PT needed to have resources such as this before choosing this path. Have you heard of PTA Global? I would love a chance for you to review our material and see how the content differs from other NCCA certs out there. Thanks for the consideration, Israel

    Reply

    • Hey Israel,
      I definitely have heard of PTA global. You are right and thanks for pointing this out. I should have a full certification review on this. I have just been so swamped with other things I have not really written complete reviews in a little while. I will definitely check out this trainer certification more in depth.

      Reply

    • Hello, the recertification process for each certification varies. Check out the part on continuing education in recertification in this guide on the top personal training certifications. Most require you to pay an additional fee for recertification that varies by certification as well. None of these five certifications that I mentioned in this article will require you to take the test again. That is however unless you wait for a long period of time without getting recertified, then you would need to take the test again. I hope this helps

      Reply

  79. Should i get job after completion of ace cpt in US? I’m from india.
    Approximately how much should i get paid for personal training

    Reply

    • You can definitely get a job as a personal trainer after getting certified through ACE. The average starting pay for a personal trainer in the United States is between $17 and $20 per session. This varies widely depending on where you are working. For example people that are starting off in a commercial gym such as 24 hour fitness will probably be paid $17 or $18 per hour long training session. On the other hand, if you are working at a private club and need to get your own clients you could be starting off between $30 and $40. There is a trade-off though. You will have to get your own clients and you will not have a full sales team behind you at private clubs. That is the reason that you make more money. I hope this helps answer your question.

      Reply

  80. I teach PE and Health to K-8 students. I would love to have the background knowledge of a personal trainer as well to help my students even more. We have a fitness-oriented program and the students have responded well. Any idea which certification is best? I don’t plan to leave teaching to be a personal trainer outside of school but I feel like i am a personal trainer to these students. I see youth certifications but I’m not sure Which one to go with. Thanks

    Reply

    • Hello Denise,
      I feel that for your situation NASM would be a fantastic certification to go with. They also have a more advanced specialization certification called the youth exercise specialist certification that could be something to look into after you are certified through the general CPT. I hope this helps answer your question!

      Reply

  81. Hi Tyler, I must say this is a well put up content and In fact, the entire information on this website. It is simple and precise. Thanks a lot, god bless your hard work brother.
    I am looking to get Strength and Conditioning certification, which one would you suggest considering the fact that I live in Canada. I am thinking to get certified with ISSA since their course offers a lot of flexibility and its most suitable to my busy lifestyle.

    Reply

    • Thank you for the compliment. I think that the International sports Sciences Association is a fantastic Certifying agency overall. In fact there are definitely one of my top three certifications currently. They also have a great strength and conditioning certification as well. That or the performance enhancement specialist from NASM would be my top choices. In regards to living in Canada, it really does not matter as long as you check with the place you want to work to see what certifications they accept. I am sure that they will say either one of these two are great options.

      Reply

  82. I am looking to get certified as a personal trainer, but work with people primarily online. What program do you suggest? I am leaning towards ISSA… the only thing that concerns me is the fact that they are not NCAA accredited. How big of a factor is this?
    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Hello Kelli,
      Maybe 15 to 20 years ago that used to be a factor in regards of not being NCCA Accredited. When it comes to getting a job at a gymnasium, it is usually important to ask what personal training certifications they like to accept. For the most part ISSA is very widely accepted and currently in 2019, NCCA accredited certifications do not really have an edge. I think that ISSA is a fantastic certification and is definitely one of my top three overall. In terms of working online, you should definitely have no problem repping ISSA on your personal training profile.

      Reply

  83. Hi Tyler, Thanks for the information! Have you heard of World Instructor Training Schools (WITS) A community college nearby is hosting their program this summer for $750. That includes 15 hours of lecture, 15 hours of instrution/simulation and a test voucher and optional 30 hour internship. What seems different about them is that it is in-person rather than online, which is what I prefer. Do you know of any other in-person CPT organizations? There is one called National Personal Training Institute, but it costs over $6000.

    Reply

    • Yes I have heard of the world instructor training schools but I have not done an official review on them. I have also heard of the national personal training Institute but for me that $6000 is very steep and in terms of employment opportunities, you will have just as good of chance getting hired with any of the cheaper certification such as NASM, ACE, ISSA, ACSM or NSCA. I hope this helps answer some of your questions.

      Reply

  85. Hello there!
    I am thinking on getting my PT Certification again. I had it through NESTA and expired last September. I am married to a motocross guy who compites in the 50 Intermidiate class. This has me interested in a very different training area I have never done. I have been an athlete for many years. Twenty plus yrs in Gymnastics and Dance, 17 yrs in powerlifting competitions and in an alternating way I have also compited in Figure and Bikini Contests. With this very wide and different areas of expertise that go from strength to shaping to endurance and also my passion for nutrition I cannot make up my mind what program and what institution to follow and get re-certified. Any thoughts and suggestions that help me making up my mind and start ASAP?

    Reply

    • Hello Claudia,
      It looks like you were trying to get specialized with your personal training. Most specializations require a general CPT such as the ones listed in this article. So what I like to do is recommend certifications first, and then typically I will recommend that same organization for their general certification. The organizations that have the most specializations are NASM, ACE and ISSA. For example, if you want to work with athletes, the NASM performance enhancement specialist certification is a great option. If that is your end goal, I would also recommend going with NASM as your general certification as well. ISSA also has a fantastic performance specializations certification that you should check out. If nutrition is your main goal as well, all of them have a decent nutrition certification as well and I highly recommend checking out my article on the top nutrition certifications here: https://www.ptpioneer.com/nutrition-certification-programs/ In fact, NASM just released their certified nutrition coach certification which is already getting really good feedback.

      Reply

  86. I just got my certification and I’ve been looking at some of the resources on this website… They’ve been pretty helpful for me. Especially with picking the gym I wanted to work at and how to start building my clients.

    There’s a lot of good information on the site. It’s http://www.TheSixFigureTrainer.com

    Reply

    • Hey Jayce, thanks for stopping by and commenting. I am glad that you are liking the comment and I will definitely check out the website you are suggesting. Good luck with all the personal training endeavors

      Reply

  87. Hi Tyler. Thanks for all the info. I was looking at NASM’s All Inclusive Program and noticed they have a “Job Guarantee”. I would really like to know your thoughts on their “job Guarantee”. Thanks.

    Reply

    • Hey Jack,
      sorry, it took me so long to get back to you, Thanksgiving weekend was absolutely hectic for me. Anyways yes the all-inclusive program is highly recommended by me. All of my students that go through it all speak very highly of it as well.

      Basically, the job guarantee is exactly as it sounds. The National Academy of sports medicine will connect you with an employer in your area immediately after certified for 80 hours of on-site training/internship. Most people that come out of the 80 hours of training with their gym usually get hired by that same gymnasium. At the end of your 80-hour internship, if you still do not have work, a 90-day timeline starts. During these 90 days, NASM will still continue trying to connect you with other employers.

      If for some reason at the end of the 90 days you do not have a job as a personal trainer, you can get a refund from NASM for the additional cost (or the difference) between the all-inclusive package that you purchased and the next cheapest package, which is the guided study program. This would mean you would get approximately $500 back. You would also have the option to receive something of similar value such as the NASM CES or NASM PES certification if you choose one of those instead.

      I think it’s definitely a win-win situation and that’s why I highly recommend this package. Most people come out with a full job. The ones who don’t, get all their money back anyway. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door and NASM has a ton of connections with a ton of different gyms. I hope this helped, and sorry for the late reply. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

      Reply

  88. My goal is to become a well-rounded personal trainer with a strong foundation that can have a big impact in helping all types of people. Because I have not decided on any specialized fields to pursue yet, I am having a difficult time deciding which certification to pursue. Any advice would be appreciated. I have a high school diploma and am located in California if that makes a difference.

    Reply

    • Hey Jack, sounds like you have a good plan ahead of you. With these general CPT certifications, there is no rush to get certified as a specialist. They will all basically teach you the basics so that you can get a good idea of the people you want to train in the future. ACE and NASM have a good amount of specialty certifications so going with one of those two might lead you into an advanced cert down the line. They also both have really good study materials.

      Reply

      • Thanks Tyler. I was looking at NASM’s “All Inclusive” Program. Any thoughts? Is it worth the money? Also, can you tell me everything you know about their “job guarantee”? I can’t seem to find much info on it online. Thanks again for all your help and knowledge.

        Reply

  89. Thank you for all of the information, I found it very helpful. I’ve been thinking about becoming a trainer for awhile now and have always been interested in working with obesity and weight loss. I originally found ISSA but after reading your article i’m thinking ACE may be a better option for me. Their continuing education courses and their study material options are what sold me. Thank you for taking the time to put this together, I really appreciate the help.

    Reply

    • Hey Amanda,
      I am glad that you found what you were looking for on my website. The American Council on exercise is a fantastic organization and I have no doubt that you will be very happy with the choice that you made. They do a fantastic job of teaching all of the essentials in a very easy to understand manner. I also like how you have access to fitness professionals in case you have any questions with the ACE study materials that they offer. ISSA is another good organization as well but if you’re going to focus purely on weight loss and obesity I think you made the right choice. Let me know how it goes and good luck with your personal training adventure!

      Reply

  90. Hi,

    After reading most of your articles I’m pretty sold on getting certified with NASM. My question is to be CES is it required to complete the CPT first and then do that specialty!

    Reply

    • Hey Shonda,
      I am glad that you liked my material! In terms of the corrective exercise specialist certification, yes you do need a general cpt in order to move on to the CES certification. This is not necessarily have to be the NASM certification but it needs to be a certification accredited by the NCCA, NBFE or DETC.

      Reply

      • So is it possible to get CPT certification through one organization and a specialization through another? For example, could I get NASM CPT and then the CSCS certification through NSCA?

        Reply

        • Hey Jer,

          It really depends on which specialization certification you get and the specific requirements for that particular certification. Most specialization certifications only require you to have a general CPT but not necessarily through their organization. In regards to the CSCS certification I am pretty sure that you don’t even need a general CPT, you only need a bachelors degree (or be a senior) and hold a valid CPR/AED certificate. I hope this helps.

          Reply

  91. Hi! Thank you for your detailed comparisons. Very helpful! I’m a breast cancer survivor (3 years free now) and have been doing strength training in the last 2 years. Cancer caused my body to be deformed but I have never felt stronger in my life. I want to inspire and train other cancer survivors like me to get back on their feet, feel good about their body again, and be stronger. I was thinking ACE or NESTA, but your insights are tipping the scale. Thanks and God bless you!

    Reply

    • Hey Anne,
      Glad I could help and congratulations on overcoming cancer! I’m glad to hear that you are feeling stronger than ever now and I hope you keep on making fantastic progress. Becoming a personal trainer is something I know that you will enjoy!

      Reply

  92. I am a elementary school teacher and want to transition careers. I have always loved fitness and am taking the leap to be a group fitness instructor/personal trainer.
    I have been struggling on which certification would be best for my situation. Ideally, I would like to work in a smaller group fitness setting or 1-1 with woman who have hit 40 & need to change up what they are doing to get the results they want. Is it better to get a personal training certificate and then a group fitness certification? Or is it better to do group fitness then a PT certificate? I have spent a lot of time researching, but still can’t decide if I should go with NASM or ACE and what order to get the certifications. Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply

    • Hey Laura,
      I would definitely go with the general personal training certification first before moving on to the groups certification. You will learn a lot more and build a stronger foundation that way. If I were you and looking at the clients that you would like to train I would get the general NASM certification and then after you have completed the actor with the ACE group fitness certification. I know lots of people that have this combination and it works out very well for them.

      Reply

  93. Hello PT Pioneer!
    I was wondering what the best Personal Training Certification would be for someone elderly (I am 67). I mostly want to train people my age that have not really exercised much in their life. These are mostly sedentary individuals that need to start exercising to preserve quality of life. I was thinking either NASM, ACSM or the ACE cert but do not know which to go for. Any help would be great! 🙂

    Reply

    • Hey Leslie,
      I am very glad to hear that you would like to start your career as a personal trainer. As I mentioned in the article, all three of those personal training certifications are good options to go for. For your specific client that you would like to train in the future, the top personal training certifications are the NASM certification or the ACSM certification because they both have a strong emphasis on corrective exercise and stabilization training which is very beneficial for elderly clients or people just getting started with exercise. For me the NASM certification is better for this because I really love the optimum training model (OPT) that they use. I hope this helps and good luck with your studying 🙂

      Reply

  94. I’m From india, and having a 2.5 years of experiences.. i’m looking forward to work in any of this countries like (USA,UK,NZ,AUS…).
    SO, which one would be the most likely certification you suggest me to go for it..??

    Reply

    • Hey Pritam,
      I cannot speak for other countries like the UK or AUS. But in terms of the United States I have noticed that ACE and NASM are two of the gold standard certifications of the modern era. Some other good certifications are the NSCA and ACSM certifications that I feel like their curriculum hasn’t been updated in quite some time compared to the first two. Most employers that I have encountered actually prefer NASM for the most part. Any one of these for would be a fantastic option in my opinion. I hope this helped answer your question and good luck with your training!

      Reply

  95. Hi, Really useful information. I wonder if you can help me decide whether ACSM or NASM would fit better for me. I’m a doctor from the UK (with a previous degree in Public Health Nutrition) but for now don’t want to take my USMLEs and re-train here. In the meantime I am looking at starting a career in women’s health and fitness with a special interest in re-building the core after pregnancy. I therefore want a clinical course but there will obviously be other fitness goals for clients too. Do you think ACSM would be better? Or NASM?

    Reply

    • Hey Laura,
      Did you know that there are actually pre-and postnatal exercise programs. Although there more like specialty programs that you should take after one of your base certifications such as NASM or ACSM. I believe that both of these certifications have a very small section on pregnancy training. If I were you I would go with NASM due to the fact that there are lots of extra specialty certifications you can get from them once you have a good base of knowledge from there general CPT. ACSM has much less to choose from in this regard. I hope this helped answer your question.

      Reply

    • Hey Saed,
      No problem I hope my website has helped you choose the certification that best fits your style of training and personality. Good luck with the studying and get out there and start training!

      Reply

  97. Thank you so much for your articles about certifications, they are so helpful, especially for people like me that are new to the fitness industry. it certainly provides valuable information necessary to guide a beginner to venture into becoming a personal trainer.

    Reply

  98. Thank you very much for guiding us! The world needs more men like you! I have a question though. I live now in Ecuador but next year ill be living in the States. Ecuadorian Red Cross offers also cpr/aed certification. Will that work? Once again, thank you very much for your help!

    Reply

    • Hey Allan,
      that is a pretty specific question you are asking about CPR. I am not sure if all Red Cross certifications are created equal. You should definitely contact the certification you are looking to go with to see if they would accept a Red Cross CPR certification from a different country.

      Reply

  99. Hello, if my overall goal as a trainer is to work with athletes and increase performance, which cert am I better off pursuing NASM or ACE? I would really like to continue education under one brand!

    Reply

    • Hey Sadiq,
      For the specific goal that you have I would go with NASM. That is because they have a more advanced PES certification that you can try to obtain afterwards that is much more focused on performance.

      Reply

  100. Thank you so much for all the work you have done in creating this website!
    It is incredibly helpful and I look forward to reading more of your articles along my journey!
    I am just starting and feel much more informed and educated after reading your articles about certifications.
    You should be proud and rightfully satisfied that you have successfully steered another newbie in the right direction!
    🙂

    High five and thumbs up!

    Reply

    • Hey Michelle,
      Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope your journey as a personal trainer is a great one as I know it will be! Matter which personal training certification you choose, this profession is extremely gratifying and will change your life for the better!

      Reply

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