Best Personal Trainer Certification for 2024: Pros & Cons

Do you have a passion for training others but are unsure which personal trainer certification you should get? With such a large pool of choices, making the decision can be quite hard.

As there is no definite answer to the question of what the best personal trainer certification is, we will focus on factors that can impact your decision. Factors include the type of personal training, the education budget, and the facility you want to work at after getting certified.

In this article, we will discuss some of the best associations for getting a personal trainer certification. We will cover the curriculum and the pros and cons, but let’s first start by answering some of the most common questions. 

Common Questions About Personal Trainer Certifications

Before we dive deeper into the best certifications, let’s first answer some of the most common questions you may have:

What is a personal trainer certification program?

Personal trainer certifications qualify someone as a personal trainer who meets established standards. A certification program is a course that provides education for someone to become a certified personal trainer. These certified personal trainers can be employed more easily and are established as respected members of the fitness industry. Many fitness institutions offer certification programs that teach updated, evidence-based, and scientific methods. Some even offer online learning.

Can I work as a personal trainer without a certification?

It is not illegal to work as a personal trainer without a certification. However, the fitness industry frowns on those who do not have the proper certifications. Employers will not hire a personal trainer who is not certified, and it is difficult to acquire clients. It is also dangerous to train others without the proper education.

How to get a personal trainer certification?

Getting the certification is the necessary step in becoming a good personal trainer. So, before applying, be sure you meet all the prerequisites. The next step is finding the agency you want to get your certification from. There are a lot of good ones to choose from, so be sure to do your research. The last step is getting the necessary material to prepare for an exam.

Is getting a personal trainer certification worth it?

The short answer is yes; getting a certification is definitely worth it. It will not only make job hunting easier, but many facilities require their employees to be certified. For those looking to start their own business, a certification will help them get more clients and affordable insurance.

What are the prerequisites to getting a personal trainer certification?

Most certification agencies require applicants to be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma, and have a CPR and AED certification before taking the personal trainer certification exam.

What personal trainer certificate is most respected?

There are many highly respected certification programs for personal trainers. However, naming the best one out of all of them isn’t that simple. Depending on your preferences and the specific niche you want to specialize in, one certification may be more suitable than others. Here are a few personal trainer certification programs to consider:

• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
• American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

How much does the certification program cost?

The certification programs have different prices depending on the agency and the study materials. The price varies between $100 and $2,000. More recognized associations cost more. Also, in-person courses usually cost more than online courses.

What is the best qualification for a personal trainer?

There are many different qualifications a personal trainer can apply for. However, ranking them from best to worst isn’t that easy. Every qualification offers something different, and depending on your career goals and preferences, you should choose the one that suits you best.

What are the different kinds of personal trainer certifications?

Many associations and organizations offer programs and certifications, but not all associations are accredited. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) is the major accrediting agency for personal trainer certification programs. Many workplaces require an NCCA-accredited certification to apply for a personal training job.

When deciding where to get a certification, look for other accrediting bodies as well. For example, look for the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) or the National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE).

The Best Personal Trainer Certification Organizations

But what about the best personal trainer certification organizations? Let’s explore their curriculum and the benefits they offer!

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

The National Strength and Conditioning Association, founded in 1978, is a nonprofit certification association. It is widely recognized as a reputable agency and was the first accredited agency by the NCCA. Its certification is excellent for those who want to work with athletes and other fitness enthusiasts. Personal trainers with an NSCA certification join the top ranks of the industry.

Curriculum:

The NSCA curriculum provides comprehensive training on designing a program based on client goals. It teaches personal trainers how to assess client needs and backgrounds and helps trainers assess and improve their clients’ health, nutrition, and fitness levels.

The National Strength and Conditioning Association certification exam covers four main components:

• Client consultation and fitness assessment
• Program planning
• Exercise techniques
• Safety and Emergency preparedness

Pros to NSCA:

• Provides hands-on training
• More affordable than other agencies
• Provides options to learn and receive a certification in a specific sport training techniques
• Known best for its training in strength conditioning

Cons to NSCA:

• Provides fewer options for non-strength training programs
• Has fewer options for special populations

Price for personal training certification at NSCA:

The NSCA certification program has a complicated pricing system. The end total differs depending on what materials a person chooses to use to prepare for the test. The NSCA offers a lot of study materials. However, even if they are purchased in a bundle, they do not include the price of the exam, which is always purchased separately. The NSCA also has different prices based on whether people are members or not.

The price of the exams varies between $300 and $500.

The study material packages cost the following:

NSCA-CPT Quizzes & Practice Test

Non-member: $200

Member: $150

Exercise Technique Manual for Resistance Training, 4ed

Non-members: $89

Members: $72

Essentials of Personal Training, 3ed

Non-member: $119

Member: $105

Pro tip: These are prices for purchasing them separately, so if you are looking to save on materials and exams, consider signing up for a membership.

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

The American College of Sports Medicine is highly respected around the world as a fitness organization. It is an institution that focuses on sports medicine and exercise science. Their goal is to provide scientific research and practical applications to sports medicine. This makes ACSM a great choice for physicians and personal trainers who want to learn more about exercise science.

If you are looking to get a personal trainer certification online, this agency is a great choice. With over 50,000 members and professionals from 90 different countries around the world, it has an established set of fitness guidelines for working with a healthy population and those with specific health concerns. 

For those aspiring to work in a clinical setting or pursue a medical career, ACSM is the best personal trainer certification they can apply for. It provides a 360-degree view of the sports medicine field. 

Curriculum:

The ACSM courses for personal trainer certifications combine practical knowledge and scientific research. They prepare students for various coaching settings, including universities, gyms, and more. They also teach students how to create a personalized training program for every individual.

Pros to ACSM:

• The organization is known for its quality research
• Certification lasts for three years
• Offers an educational conference every year
• Has a community of respected professionals

Cons to ACSM:

• Has a challenging exam
• Some find the study material a bit confusing
• Requires more education for recertification

Price for certification at the American College of Sports Medicine:

The American College of Sports Medicine charges members $299 to take the exam, while non-members pay $399. However, you also need to factor in the study materials, which all come at an extra cost.

Here are prices for most used materials: 

• ACSM’s Resources for the Personal Trainer (Hardcover) $87
• Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (Paperback) $57
• Certified Personal Trainer Digital Flashcards $52
• Practice Exams $50

There is also an ACSM-CPT Prep course and Exam bundle, which costs $649 for members. For the amount of material you get, it’s the best deal.

National Federation of Professional Trainers  (NFPT)

The National Federation of Professional Trainers offers an accredited course. It is a comprehensive program that covers the basics of personal training. If you are looking for a good program but don’t already have a technical background, NFPT is likely the best choice for you.

To keep their certification up to date, personal trainers need to accumulate continuing education credits (CECs). The number of CECs each trainer needs depends on their certifying agency. In general, it’s about 20-45 hours of continuing education every two years. As for NFPT, they offer CECs without any fees.

Curriculum:

The NFPT curriculum helps prepare people to use their training in real-world applications. It gives its students the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to be a personal trainer and to be ready for the job. The curriculum focuses on personal training fundamentals. It covers topics such as anatomy, stretching techniques, nutrition, and legal practices.

Pros:

• Offers in-person programs
• Easy access to continuing education
• Discounts and financing available
• Free CECs for recertification

Cons:

• Must renew every year
• Not as well known as other personal trainer certification agencies

Certification Cost:

Prices start at $199 to take the exam. However, there are two packages you can choose from to better prepare for the test.

Premier Course:

This course costs $399, and it includes study materials, exam fees, online training, two practice tests, and tech support.

Standard Course:

The standard course costs $299, including the exam fee, some study materials, online training, and a study guide.

International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)

Next on the list of best personal trainer certification agencies is the ISSA. The acronym stands for International Sports Sciences Association. This personal trainer program balances nutrition, fitness, and exercises for special populations.

The ISSA was founded by doctors and fitness researchers and has certified over 400,000 people in 174 countries. It offers 24 fitness certifications and delivers comprehensive and practical education. On their website, you can find a large variety of self-paced classes on different topics of health and fitness. The ISSA also has an Associate’s degree program in exercise science.

Those who pass the ISSA personal trainer certification exam receive many tools to start their fitness career. For example, they get a free website to showcase themselves as a certified personal trainer. They also receive unlimited support from advisers and a guaranteed job.

However, the ISSA certification exam is not NCCA-accredited. Some jobs require personal trainers to have a certification accredited by this body. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t get the NCCA-accredited certification later.

Curriculum:

The International Sports Sciences Association curriculum teaches anatomy, health assessment, and movement principles. It provides deep knowledge of the body’s skeletal and muscle structure. Material covers how to assess a client’s health and body structure and how to create an exercise program that suits it. With this program, you’ll learn how to customize fitness plans to individual goals and apply many new skills in day-to-day work. The curriculum also includes management and marketing strategies.

Pros:

• Online program
• Good customer service
• Offers a job guarantee
• Provides unlimited support
• Offers a free retest

Cons:

• It’s not an NCCA-accredited exam. An NCCA accredited exam would need to be taken separately
• Does not provide live instruction

Personal training price at ISSA:

• Certified Fitness Coach bundle (1 course): $99.97 a month for 12 months
• Elite trainer (4 courses): $145.80 a month for 12 months
• Master trainer (7 courses): $174.98 a month for 12 months

American Council on Exercise (ACE)

The American Council on Exercise states they have one mission – get people moving. They believe that movement is the best way to stay healthy and enjoy its benefits. Therefore, they strive to provide education to help people move. The ACE offers certifications, sets industry standards, and teaches science-based fitness information.

The ACE is one of the most popular personal trainer certification organizations. It focuses on teaching personal trainers how to work with sedentary people. Thus, it caters to the general population which is a large market for personal trainers. ACE is a great certification organization because it provides a well-rounded training program, accessible resources, and solid support.

Curriculum:

The ACE Integrated Fitness Training® model is used in all ACE courses. It emphasizes customized training programs to meet each client’s goals. It teaches feature trainers how to meet their clients’ varying needs, whether through walking or intense training. Each program follows the same four-phase model: function, health, fitness, and performance.

Pros of the American Council on Exercise:

• Engaging training program
• Online support and learning opportunities
• CECs offerings
• Can take the certification test at home

Cons of the American Council on Exercise:

• High recertification cost

Personal Training Cost:

ACE offers three different packages. They all include the certification exam, practice exams, and study materials.

• Basic: $850
• Plus: $945
• Advantage: $1,175

The differences between packages are in the number of practice exams, the volume of study material provided, and the webinars offered.

The National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF)

The National Council on Strength and Fitness is an accredited organization in the United States by the NCCA and in Europe by the EA. It was founded in 1996 by a health and fitness initiative that started at the Florida International University. The goal was to increase fitness education and engagement. Since then, this small organization in Florida has gained global recognition.

The NCSF is a personal trainer certifying agency and a board that oversees the NCCA’s credentialing programs. It has over 8,000 certification testing sites in 160 countries and online testing options. The NCSF’s mission is to help the fitness industry grow worldwide.

The National Council on Strength and Fitness offers courses in personal training, strength and conditioning, sports, and nutrition. It is a good option for those who want a comprehensive education in the fitness field and a globally recognized and accredited certification.

The courses are available anywhere in the world due to the cutting-edge online learning system. The test is also available through an online testing platform. If you prefer in-person classes, programs are offered in hundreds of universities and colleges in the United States.

Curriculum:

The NCSF offers self-guided training programs online. It also offers guided in-person lessons. This in-person training can be through training schools, workshops, and classes in universities. Each student, whether online or offline, follows a job task analysis curriculum. The curriculum ensures the students meet established health standards. It is based on international and United States health standards. Students acquire knowledge and develop skills from interactive learning modules, engaging videos, and other study tools.

Pros:

• Credentialed teachers
• Globally recognized
• Classes available worldwide online and in-person
• Many price packages are available

Cons:

• Other agencies are more well-known
• Difficult exam

Price:

All the pricing packages include study materials, videos, the certification exam, and a payment plan.

• Home study package: $479
• Home study plus package: $539
• Workshop package: $479
• Workshop plus package: $599

If you are looking for an exam alone, the price is $349, and it is offered in English or Spanish.

National Academy Of Sports Medicine (NASM)

Last but not least on this list of the best personal trainer certification agencies is the NASM. The National Academy of Sports Medicine has been offering training and educational resources for more than 30 years. It is a well-known association accredited by the NCCA.

NASM has developed science and evidence-based personal training courses. It has certified and recertified more than 190,000 trainers in the last ten years. 

National Academy of Sports Medicine Curriculum:

The NASM has designed an Optimum Performance Training™ curriculum model, which uses updated scientific data. The course discusses fitness and health predictors such as stability, strength, power, flexibility, endurance, and more.

Its curriculum focuses on corrective exercise for clinical applications, athletes, and the general population. The curriculum also covers exercise function and performance, nutrition, and personal training for special populations. 

The NASM now offers a digital platform that allows people to learn online from anywhere in the world. This platform includes videos, quizzes, study guides, and guided instruction programs.

Pros:

• Respected certification agency
• Comprehensive study materials
• Straightforward pillars of teaching
• Payment plans

Cons:

• Expensive training programs
• Expensive to recertify
• Expensive to retake the certification test

Price of personal training education at NASM:

All payment plans are interest-free.

• Basic self-study package: $79 a month
• Premium self-study package: $125 a month
• Career Kickstarter bundle: $176 a month 
• All-inclusive and virtual coaching package: $170 a month

Ending Thoughts on the Best Personal Trainer Certification

When researching a possible career as a fitness coach, the question of what the best personal trainer certification is, naturally follows. While we cannot give as straightforward an answer as you may like, we can help you choose the best certification program for your needs and preferences.

The type of personal training certification that someone gets depends on what kind of clients they want to work with and where they want to get a job.

All of the above certification programs will provide basic fitness training. They explain concepts like program design, nutrition, behavior modification, and best personal training practices. They also are either accredited by the NCCA or provide opportunities to take an NCCA-accredited exam. Each of the above organizations also teaches special skills.

For those who want to work helping the general population lose body fat, the best certification organizations are:

• National Academy of Sports Medicine
• American Council on Exercise
• International Sports Sciences Association

To concentrate efforts on strength conditioning, consider the following certification associations:

• International Sports Sciences Association
• National Strength and Conditioning Association

To learn corrective exercises or rehabilitation exercises, the best organizations include:

• National Academy of Sports Medicine
• American College of Sports Medicine

Before deciding which certification program to enroll in, it is best to check out any employment options they offer. Also, make sure to have a CPR and AED certification before starting any of the programs.

Overall, the best personal trainer certification is the one that will provide the most opportunities for your dream work setting. 

But, after you get your certificate, that’s where a real job starts, so read our guide on how to sell personal training to help you get started. We also wrote about how much a personal trainer makes, which can help you set realistic expectations.