Top 10 Personal Trainer Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a personal trainer’s job market success. A certification shows that the personal trainer has a level of expertise and knowledge about fitness, health and safety that is recognized by a governing body. This demonstrates that the personal trainer is qualified to work with clients, and it also adds credibility to their services. It can also open up more career opportunities or access to higher paying positions. Additionally, certifications can provide trainers with additional resources to help them stay up-to-date on new trends in the industry.

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

What are Personal Trainer Certifications?

Personal Trainer Certification is a credential that signifies a person has met certain standards of knowledge and skill in the field of personal training. It is typically earned through an accredited program, such as those offered by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The certification process involves taking courses in exercise science, nutrition, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and other related topics. Successful completion of these courses leads to becoming certified as a Personal Trainer.

Having a Personal Trainer Certification can be beneficial for both individuals looking to become personal trainers and those looking to hire one. For those seeking certification, it demonstrates that they have obtained the necessary knowledge and skills needed to provide safe and effective fitness instruction. It also shows potential employers that they have taken their profession seriously enough to pursue formal education in the field.

For those looking to hire a personal trainer, having a certification from an accredited organization provides assurance that their trainer has been educated in proper safety protocols and techniques. Additionally, many certifying organizations require continuing education credits which helps ensure that certified trainers stay up-to-date on current trends in the industry. Having a certified personal trainer can also help reduce liability risks for gyms or other facilities offering personal training services.

Overall, having a Personal Trainer Certification is an important step for anyone looking to work as a professional trainer or hire one. It ensures that qualified professionals are providing quality services while helping to reduce risk associated with personal training programs.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a personal trainer certification, research the certifying body to ensure that they are accredited and recognized by fitness industry leaders. This will help you make sure that your certification is of the highest quality and has the most value in the job market.

Related: What does a Personal Trainer do?

Top 10 Personal Trainer Certifications

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

1. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is a professional organization that provides certifications and continuing education for fitness professionals. It was founded in 1987 with the mission to “empower fitness professionals to improve lives through science-based health and fitness education.”

NASM offers a variety of certifications, including the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES), Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES), Weight Loss Specialist (WLS), and Group Personal Training (GPT). Each certification requires different levels of experience and knowledge, so it's important to research each one before deciding which one is right for you.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on which certification you are pursuing. Generally, it takes anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months to complete the necessary coursework and exams required for NASM certification.

To get certified by NASM, you must first register for an exam online or by phone. Once registered, you will be provided with an exam date and instructions on how to prepare for the exam. You must also purchase study materials from NASM in order to pass the exam.

The cost of getting certified by NASM varies depending on which certification you are pursuing. Generally, the cost ranges from $499-$999 USD for each certification. This includes registration fees, study materials, and exam fees.

2. American Council on Exercise (ACE)

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is a nonprofit organization that certifies fitness professionals and health coaches. It was founded in 1985 to promote the value of physical activity and exercise, and to ensure that fitness professionals are properly trained and qualified. ACE offers several certification programs, including personal trainer, group fitness instructor, health coach, lifestyle & weight management consultant, medical exercise specialist, and more.

It typically takes between four to six months to become certified with ACE. To get started, you must first apply for the certification program you are interested in. This includes submitting your application form, providing proof of CPR/AED certification, and paying the registration fee. Once your application is approved, you will need to complete the required coursework and pass the final exam in order to become certified.

The cost of an ACE certification depends on which program you choose. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$600 for each certification program. There may also be additional costs associated with purchasing study materials or attending workshops or seminars related to the program you are pursuing.

In addition to its certifications programs, ACE also provides continuing education courses for fitness professionals who wish to stay up-to-date on current trends in health and wellness.

3. International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is an international organization that provides certifications and continuing education for fitness professionals. It was founded in 1988 and is one of the oldest and most respected organizations in the fitness industry. ISSA offers a range of certifications including personal training, nutrition, strength & conditioning, sports psychology, exercise therapy, weight management, group exercise instruction and more.

It typically takes 3-4 months to complete the certification process with ISSA. The first step is to enroll in an online or live course offered by ISSA. Upon successful completion of the coursework, you must pass a comprehensive exam before receiving your certification.

The cost of a certification through ISSA varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, it can range from $100 - $600 USD for each individual certification. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with study materials or other services such as proctored exams or access to online resources.

Overall, obtaining a certification through ISSA can be an invaluable asset for those looking to pursue a career in fitness and health sciences. It provides recognition from an internationally recognized organization that can help open doors for future opportunities within the field.

4. National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1978. It is dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning profession worldwide. The NSCA offers certifications, educational resources, conferences, and other services to help strength and conditioning professionals stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for an NSCA certification. To get certified, individuals must first meet the eligibility requirements, which include having a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or a related field, being at least 18 years old, and having current CPR/AED certification. After meeting these prerequisites, individuals must then pass a written exam and practical skills assessment.

The cost of an NSCA certification varies depending on which one you are pursuing. Generally speaking, it costs around $300-$500 for each exam plus additional fees for study materials or recertification courses.

5. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is the largest and most respected organization dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine. ACSM is a professional membership organization that provides certifications, continuing education, resources, and advocacy for health and fitness professionals.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the certification process depending on your level of experience. To become certified by ACSM, you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having a bachelor’s degree in an exercise-related field or equivalent experience. You must also pass an exam administered by ACSM which covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, exercise testing & prescription, injury prevention & rehabilitation, etc.

The cost of becoming certified by ACSM varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, it costs anywhere from $150-$400 for the exam fee plus any additional fees associated with study materials or continuing education courses needed to maintain your certification status.

6. National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA)

The National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) is a professional organization that provides certifications, continuing education and resources for fitness professionals. Founded in 1977, NETA is the oldest and largest nationally accredited exercise certification organization in the world.

It typically takes around six to eight weeks to complete the certification process with NETA. The process involves completing an application, passing a written exam, and attending an orientation session. The cost of certification varies depending on the type of certification you are looking for. Prices range from $169 for the Personal Trainer Certification to $499 for the Group Exercise Instructor Certification.

7. Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research (CIAR)

The Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research (CIAR) is an international research organization dedicated to the study and promotion of physical activity and health. Founded in 1970 by Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, CIAR has been a leader in the field of exercise science and physical activity promotion for over 50 years.

CIAR offers a variety of programs and services, including research, education, consulting, and certification. CIAR's research focuses on understanding the effects of physical activity on health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and aging. CIAR also provides educational opportunities through its online courses and workshops.

To earn certification from CIAR requires completion of the Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP) program. This program consists of two parts: a written exam and an applied skills assessment. The written exam is offered twice a year at designated testing centers throughout the United States; it takes approximately four hours to complete. The applied skills assessment is conducted at one of CIAR’s approved training sites; it takes approximately two days to complete.

The cost for the CEP program varies depending on location but typically ranges from $500-$700 US dollars for both parts combined.

8. Functional Movement Systems (FMS)

Functional Movement Systems (FMS) is a system of assessing, correcting and improving movement patterns that are essential for daily activities. It was developed by physical therapists Gray Cook and Lee Burton in the late 1990s to help people improve their movement efficiency and reduce their risk of injury. FMS uses seven fundamental movements that are designed to assess an individual’s ability to move correctly and efficiently. The seven movements include: deep squat, hurdle step, inline lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight-leg raise, trunk stability push-up and rotary stability.

The FMS assessment typically takes around 30 minutes to complete and involves a series of tests that measure the quality of each movement pattern. After the assessment is complete, the results are used to create an individualized corrective exercise program tailored to the client's needs. The goal of this program is to address any underlying movement dysfunction or asymmetry in order to reduce pain or improve performance.

The cost of an FMS assessment varies depending on where you go for it; however, most assessments range from $100 - $200 USD per session. Additionally, some fitness centers offer discounted packages if you purchase multiple sessions at once.

Overall, Functional Movement Systems is a great tool for assessing and correcting movement patterns in order to reduce pain or improve performance. It can be beneficial for anyone who wants to optimize their health and wellness through proper movement mechanics.

9. Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification

Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification is a comprehensive nutrition certification program that provides evidence-based nutrition education and coaching tools to help professionals understand the science of nutrition and how to apply it in practice. The program includes an online course, a hands-on lab component, and an exam. It takes approximately 8 weeks to complete the program, depending on your individual study schedule.

To get Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification, you must first register for the program and pay the fee of $595 USD. Once registered, you will be given access to the online course materials which include video lectures, quizzes, readings, and other resources. You will also have access to an online forum where you can ask questions and interact with other students. After completing the online coursework, you will attend a two-day lab session where you will learn practical skills related to nutrition coaching. Finally, you must pass an exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification is $595 USD.

10. American Kinesiology Association (AKA)

The American Kinesiology Association (AKA) is a professional organization that promotes the study of kinesiology and its related disciplines. It was established in 1987 and is dedicated to advancing the profession of kinesiology through research, education, and advocacy.

To become a member of the AKA, you must be a current student or faculty member at an accredited college or university with a major in kinesiology or one of its related disciplines. Membership costs $50 for students and $75 for faculty members. The membership period is valid for one year from the date of enrollment.

To join the AKA, you must complete an online application form and submit it along with payment. Once your application has been approved, you will receive an email confirmation with information about how to access your member account.

The benefits of becoming an AKA member include access to exclusive resources such as discounts on conferences and publications, networking opportunities with other professionals in the field, and eligibility to apply for grants and awards. Additionally, members can participate in special activities such as research forums and mentoring programs.

Do You Really Need a Personal Trainer Certificate?

A personal trainer certificate is an important credential for any aspiring personal trainer. It shows potential employers and clients that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to help them reach their fitness goals. With a personal trainer certificate, you demonstrate your commitment to the profession and can set yourself apart from others in the field.

Having a personal trainer certificate also allows you access to industry-specific resources, such as continuing education courses, seminars, and conferences. This gives you the opportunity to stay up-to-date with current trends in the fitness industry so that you can better serve your clients. It also makes it easier for potential employers to assess your qualifications when considering hiring you as a personal trainer.

In addition, having a personal trainer certificate can open doors to more advanced positions within the fitness industry. Many gyms and studios require certification before they will consider hiring an individual as a manager or instructor. Furthermore, being certified may give you access to higher pay rates than those without certification. Having a certification can also make it easier for you to find employment at reputable gyms or studios since many of them prefer trainers with formal credentials over those without any proof of competency.

Overall, obtaining a personal trainer certificate is essential if you want to be successful in this field and stand out above other trainers who don’t have one. Not only does it show potential employers that you are qualified for the job but it also gives you access to additional resources that can help further your career development.

Related: Personal Trainer Resume Examples

FAQs About Personal Trainer Certifications

1. What are the different types of personal trainer certifications?

Answer: There are a variety of organizations that offer personal trainer certifications, including the American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

2. What is the cost associated with a personal trainer certification?

Answer: The cost varies depending on the organization offering the certification, but typically ranges from $500-$1,000.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a personal trainer?

Answer: Depending on your experience level and study habits, it can take anywhere from 4-6 months to complete a personal trainer certification program.

4. Is there an age requirement for becoming a certified personal trainer?

Answer: No, there is no age requirement for being certified as a personal trainer; however, some organizations may have specific requirements such as minimum education or experience levels.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements after I am certified?

Answer: Yes, most organizations require that you complete continuing education courses in order to maintain your certification status.