Top 11 Certified Personal Trainer Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a certified personal trainer's job market success. Certification helps demonstrate the individual’s knowledge and experience in the field, as well as their commitment to professional development and best practices. It also offers assurance to potential clients that they are working with someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in their chosen field. Certifications help differentiate personal trainers from those who may not be qualified or have the same level of expertise. Additionally, certifications provide access to continuing education courses, which can help keep trainers up-to-date on the latest developments in fitness training. Finally, certifications can lead to higher pay for personal trainers, as employers often see them as more valuable than non-certified professionals.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Certified Personal Trainers and explain how they can help advance a trainer's career.

What are Certified Personal Trainer Certifications?

Certified Personal Trainer Certification is a professional certification that verifies an individual’s qualifications to provide personal training services. It is typically awarded by a professional organization or educational institution and is based on the successful completion of a comprehensive evaluation process, which includes coursework, practical experience, and an exam.

The primary benefit of obtaining Certified Personal Trainer Certification is that it demonstrates to potential employers or clients that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective personal training services. A certified personal trainer will be able to help clients reach their fitness goals more effectively due to their expertise in exercise science, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, kinesiology, and biomechanics. They will also have an understanding of how to modify exercises for individuals with special needs or limitations as well as how to design programs tailored specifically for each individual client’s needs. Furthermore, they will be able to provide motivation and support throughout the duration of their program in order to help clients stay motivated and achieve their goals.

Overall, Certified Personal Trainer Certification provides individuals with the necessary qualifications needed to become a successful personal trainer. It helps them stand out from other trainers who may not possess the same level of education or experience in the field. Additionally, it can open doors for new career opportunities in the fitness industry as many employers prefer certified trainers over non-certified ones.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the certifying organization thoroughly before signing up for a certified personal trainer certification. Ensure that the organization is reputable and accredited, and that their certification program meets your specific goals. Also, don’t forget to check out any additional requirements such as continuing education requirements or renewal fees.

Related: What does a Certified Personal Trainer do?

Top 11 Certified Personal Trainer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Certified Personal Trainers today.

1. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer

The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and ability to safely and effectively design exercise programs for clients. It is a widely recognized credential in the fitness industry, and it is often required by employers.

To become certified, individuals must complete the NASM-CPT program. This program consists of two components: an online course and a hands-on practical exam. The online course takes approximately 10 weeks to complete, depending on the student’s pace. The course covers topics such as anatomy, kinesiology, nutrition, exercise science, program design, and more. After completing the online coursework, students must pass a proctored practical exam at an approved testing facility to become certified.

The cost of the NASM-CPT program varies depending on the package purchased. Basic packages start around $699 USD and include access to the online course materials and one attempt at the practical exam. More comprehensive packages can cost up to $1,299 USD and include additional resources such as study guides or practice exams.

Overall, earning your NASM-CPT certification requires dedication and hard work but can open up many opportunities in the fitness industry.

2. American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Trainer

American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Trainer is a nationally recognized certification that demonstrates a personal trainer has the knowledge and skills to design safe and effective fitness programs for individuals. It is designed to help trainers build their professional credibility and give them the confidence to work with clients of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels.

The ACE Certified Personal Trainer program consists of two parts: the written exam and the practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as anatomy, exercise physiology, nutrition, kinesiology, special populations, business principles, and safety/injury prevention. The practical exam requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to properly execute exercises for various muscle groups.

It typically takes 3-4 months to complete the ACE Certified Personal Trainer program. Candidates must first complete an approved study program or workshop before they can take the exams. After passing both exams, candidates will receive their ACE certification within 6-8 weeks.

The cost of becoming an ACE Certified Personal Trainer depends on several factors including whether you choose to take an online or in-person course and if you opt for additional study materials such as books or flashcards. Generally speaking, it will cost between $400-$600 USD for everything you need to become certified.

3. National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Personal Trainer

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of personal training. It is designed to prepare personal trainers for successful careers in the fitness industry.

To become a NSCA Certified Personal Trainer, you must first meet the eligibility requirements:

• 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma/GED
• Current CPR/AED certification
• Current liability insurance
• Successful completion of the NSCA CPT exam
• Payment of the required fees

Once you have met these requirements, you can begin preparing for the NSCA CPT exam. The exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as anatomy, kinesiology, exercise physiology, nutrition, and program design. The practical exam tests your ability to demonstrate exercises safely and effectively. Both exams are administered at Pearson VUE testing centers around the world. You must pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive your certification.

The cost for taking the NSCA CPT exam varies depending on where you take it and which study materials you purchase. In most cases, it will cost between $300-$500 USD to take the exam plus additional costs for study materials if desired. Once you have passed both exams successfully, there is an annual renewal fee of $85 USD to maintain your certification status with the NSCA.

4. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) is a nationally recognized certification that demonstrates a personal trainer’s knowledge and ability to design safe, effective exercise programs for individuals. It is the most widely accepted certification in the fitness industry and is held by many of the top personal trainers in the world.

It takes an average of 6-8 weeks to complete the CPT program, depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying and preparing for the exam. The program consists of two parts: a comprehensive online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, exercise science, nutrition, health assessment, and program design. Once you have completed the coursework, you will be eligible to take the ACSM CPT Exam.

To get certified as an ACSM CPT, you must first register with ACSM and pay the registration fee. You will then need to complete the online coursework before taking the exam. The cost of registering for ACSM CPT certification varies based on your country of residence and other factors; however, it typically ranges from $300-$400 USD.

5. International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Certified Personal Trainer

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Certified Personal Trainer is a professional certification program designed to educate and certify personal trainers in the science of exercise and nutrition. It is the leading certification program for health and fitness professionals, with over 200,000 certified personal trainers worldwide.

The ISSA Certified Personal Trainer program consists of an online course that covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, exercise programming, and more. The course typically takes 4-6 months to complete depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying and taking exams. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be eligible to take the ISSA Certified Personal Trainer exam.

The cost of the ISSA Certified Personal Trainer program varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package starts at $399 USD which includes access to all of the course materials as well as two attempts at the final exam. Additional packages are available for those who wish to have additional support or resources during their studies.

Once you have successfully passed your exam, you will receive your official ISSA Certified Personal Trainer certificate and ID card. This certification is valid for two years after which time it must be renewed by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

6. National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) Certified Personal Trainer

The National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) Certified Personal Trainer is a nationally recognized certification program that provides personal trainers with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, effective and responsible fitness instruction. The NETA Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credential is designed for individuals who are looking to become certified personal trainers and work in the field of exercise science.

It takes approximately 3-6 months to complete the process of becoming a NETA Certified Personal Trainer. The process includes passing an exam, completing continuing education courses, and submitting proof of experience or education in the field.

To get certified as a NETA Certified Personal Trainer, you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having a high school diploma or GED equivalent, being at least 18 years old, and having CPR/AED certification. You must also pass an exam with a score of 70% or higher. After passing the exam, you will need to complete two continuing education courses within 12 months of passing the exam in order to maintain your certification status.

The cost for becoming a NETA Certified Personal Trainer varies depending on how you choose to complete the process. The cost for taking the exam is $299 USD, while the cost for taking both continuing education courses is $99 USD each.

7. Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research (CIAR) Certified Personal Trainer

The Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research (CIAR) Certified Personal Trainer is a certification program that provides personal trainers with the knowledge and skills to help their clients reach their health and fitness goals. The CIAR Certified Personal Trainer program is based on the latest scientific research in exercise physiology, nutrition, and behavior change. It emphasizes the importance of creating individualized programs for each client to maximize results.

To become a CIAR Certified Personal Trainer, individuals must complete an online course and pass a written exam. The course covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, exercise programming, nutrition, and behavior modification. It also includes practical application of these topics through case studies and hands-on activities. The course takes approximately 30 hours to complete.

Once the course is completed, individuals can take the written exam at any of CIAR's approved testing centers around the world. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of personal training. Candidates must score at least 70% to pass the exam and receive their certification.

The cost of becoming a CIAR Certified Personal Trainer varies depending on where you take the course and how you choose to study for the exam (e.g., self-study or instructor-led). Generally speaking, it will cost between $500-$1,000 USD to become certified.

8. National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) Certified Personal Trainer

The National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) Certified Personal Trainer is a credential that demonstrates a personal trainer has met the highest standards of knowledge and skill in the field. It is designed to give clients and employers assurance that the certified trainer is knowledgeable, competent, and ethical.

In order to become an NFPT Certified Personal Trainer, you must complete the following steps:

1. Complete an approved NFPT Personal Training Course or equivalent education program.

2. Pass the NFPT Certification Exam with a score of at least 70%.

3. Submit proof of current CPR/AED certification from an accredited provider.

4. Submit proof of liability insurance coverage for personal training services.

5. Pay the annual certification fee of $99 USD (or $129 USD for international applicants).

6. Review and agree to comply with all NFPT policies and procedures as outlined in their Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, and Scope of Practice documents.

7. Successfully complete 10 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain your certification status (this requirement may be waived if you have been certified for less than two years).

The entire process typically takes between four to six weeks from start to finish depending on how quickly you can complete each step in the process and how quickly your application materials are processed by NFPT staff members. The cost for becoming an NFPT Certified Personal Trainer is $99 USD (or $129 USD for international applicants). This fee covers your initial certification exam, access to continuing education courses, and other benefits associated with being an NFPT-certified professional trainer such as discounts on fitness equipment and apparel, access to industry events, networking opportunities, etc

9. Functional Movement Systems (FMS) Level 1 Certification

Functional Movement Systems (FMS) Level 1 Certification is a comprehensive training program designed to teach the fundamentals of movement assessment and corrective exercise. The certification course covers topics such as anatomy, biomechanics, pain science, corrective exercise strategies, and more. It takes approximately 16 hours to complete the FMS Level 1 Certification course, which includes both online and in-person components.

To become certified at the FMS Level 1 level, individuals must first complete an online pre-course assessment. This assessment consists of multiple-choice questions that must be answered correctly in order to move on to the next step of the certification process. After completing the pre-course assessment, individuals are eligible to attend an in-person FMS Level 1 Workshop. During this workshop, participants learn about functional movement principles and receive hands-on instruction from certified instructors. After completing the workshop, participants take a written exam and must pass with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive their FMS Level 1 Certification.

The cost of the FMS Level 1 Certification varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $300-$500 USD.

10. Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification

Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification is an online nutrition certification program designed to teach you the fundamentals of nutrition science and how to apply them in practice. It is based on the principles of evidence-based practice, which means that all of the information provided is backed by scientific research. The course covers topics such as macronutrients, micronutrients, energy balance, meal planning, and more.

The program takes approximately 12 weeks to complete, depending on how quickly you work through the material. It consists of 8 modules with each module taking about 2 weeks to complete. The modules are taught by Precision Nutrition’s team of experts who have a combined experience of over 100 years in the field.

To get certified, you must first register for the program and pay the fee (currently $499 USD). Once registered, you will have access to all of the course materials including videos, quizzes and assignments. You will also be able to interact with other students and instructors via discussion forums and live webinars. Upon completion of all 8 modules and passing a final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification.

The cost for Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification is currently $499 USD.

11. CrossFit Level 1 Certification

CrossFit Level 1 Certification (CF-L1) is a two-day course designed to teach the fundamental movements and principles of CrossFit. It is designed for those who want to learn more about CrossFit, and it provides an introduction to the methodology, concepts, and movements of CrossFit. The course covers topics such as anatomy, nutrition, functional movement screening, program design, coaching techniques, and safety protocols.

The CF-L1 takes approximately 16 hours to complete over two days. The first day consists of lectures covering the foundational knowledge of CrossFit while the second day focuses on practical application of the material learned in the classroom.

To get your CF-L1 certification you must attend an official CrossFit seminar or workshop hosted by a certified instructor. You can find a list of upcoming seminars on the official CrossFit website.

The cost for attending a CF-L1 seminar varies depending on location but typically ranges from $500-$800 USD. This includes all materials needed for the course as well as registration fees.

Do You Really Need a Certified Personal Trainer Certificate?

The simple answer is yes, if you plan to pursue a career as a certified personal trainer. A certificate from an accredited program demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively train clients. It also proves that you have taken the time to learn the latest industry standards and practices.

Having a certified personal trainer certificate shows potential employers that you are serious about your career, committed to excellence, and willing to invest in yourself. Not only does this make you more attractive for potential job opportunities, but it can also help set you apart from other trainers who may not have invested in their own education.

In addition, having a certification can increase your earning potential as a professional personal trainer. Certified trainers typically charge higher rates than those without certifications because they are seen as having higher levels of expertise and experience. This means that by investing in your own education, you can potentially earn more money over the course of your career.

Lastly, having a certification can give you peace of mind knowing that you are providing quality services to your clients. By being certified, you know that you are following industry best practices and standards which will help ensure the safety of both yourself and your clients.

Overall, obtaining a certified personal trainer certificate is an important step for anyone looking to pursue a career in this field. It not only increases your chances of success but also provides greater financial reward and peace of mind knowing that your clients are receiving quality services from qualified professionals.

Related: Certified Personal Trainer Resume Examples

FAQs About Certified Personal Trainer Certifications

1. What is a Certified Personal Trainer Certification?

Answer: A Certified Personal Trainer Certification is an internationally recognized qualification that demonstrates a trainer's knowledge and ability to safely and effectively train individuals in exercise and nutrition. It is awarded by accredited organizations such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) or the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

2. How do I become certified as a personal trainer?

Answer: To become certified as a personal trainer, you must complete an accredited certification program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training. You will also need to pass an exam to demonstrate your knowledge of exercise science and safety protocols.

3. What are the requirements for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Most certifying organizations require trainers to earn continuing education credits (CECs) every two years in order to maintain their certification status. CECs can be earned through attending workshops, completing online courses, or taking part in other approved activities such as writing articles or presenting seminars.

4. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Personal Trainer?

Answer: Becoming a Certified Personal Trainer offers many benefits, including increased employment opportunities, higher pay rates, access to industry experts and resources, greater credibility with clients, and more job satisfaction overall.

5. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the certifying organization you choose and the type of program you select. Some programs may take up to 12 months while others may be completed in as little as 8 weeks if you dedicate yourself full-time to studying for the exam.