The NASM certification focuses on exercise programming and corrective exercise through their Optimum Performance Training model (OPT), while the ACE certification focuses on behavior change psychology and the development of healthy habits. Both personal trainer certifications are NCCA accredited, which means they are considered reputable and accepted in most gyms.

Let’s find out which certification is best for you and your unique needs.

CPT	ACSM vs ACE Quick Breakdown	Features	Price
	NASM	The most popular and recognized certification providers in the world Specializing in corrective exercise technique methodology Great for newcomers and seasoned professionals	Check NASM Pricing
	ACE	One of the most popular and highly regarded certification providers in the world A non-profit organization that drives many community-based projects A good entry point for new, up-and-coming fitness professionals and group fitness experts	Check ACE Pricing

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While a general certification provides a foundation, specialty certifications in areas like nutrition, corrective exercise, and strength & conditioning allow you to offer more targeted expertise.

In my experience, each additional certification not only deepened my knowledge but also opened up better job opportunities and a higher pay rate.

At the International Personal Trainer Academy, we encourage aspiring trainers to pursue these additional credentials when possible to enhance their capabilities and career prospects.

NASM has a deal where you can get their personal training certification and nutrition coach cert for $2,397. Fortunately, they often offer this at a discount around 40%-60% off, so you can usually get this at a much lower rate. Double check their website to see if they are currently offering a sale for this deal. Similarly, they offer a bundle for $3,295 where you can earn a personal trainer certification, nutrition coach certification (CNC), and corrective exercise specialization (CES) all at once.

Accreditation

When I first explored certifications, I quickly learned that accreditation acts as a quality assurance—a third-party seal of approval indicating that a certification meets recognized standards for content and testing. This seal shows that the exam isn’t just credible but also aligned with the competencies needed in real-world personal training.

Leading certifications like the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which is known for its rigorous standards.

As someone who has studied for both NASM and ACE exams, I found it reassuring that both certifications were verified by an organization ensuring they uphold high standards in knowledge and testing practices.

Most reputable certifications I encountered were NCCA-accredited with few exceptions like newer programs still undergoing NCCA’s review.

Cost of Study Packages

When I was deciding on which certification to pursue, cost played a big role in my choice. Both ACE and NASM offer their standalone personal trainer certifications for just under $1,000, making them more affordable than many others in a field where certification costs can quickly add up.

Despite the similar base prices, I noticed that the total cost can vary significantly depending on which study bundle I picked.

Both companies provide multiple options, each with different resources, and some packages even include bonus certifications.

During my research, I found it’s worth waiting for periodic discounts, as both NASM and ACE often adjust their pricing and run promotions that can make a bundle much more affordable than the standard rates.

ACE has 3 standard tiers, while NASM has 4.

In my view, NASM does end up being the pricier option, though not by a huge margin. On average, NASM’s personal trainer certification packages cost around $1,997.50, while ACE’s packages average closer to $990. This price difference is mainly because NASM’s top-tier packages include multiple certifications, which can make the initial investment steeper.

When you look at the lower-tier options, though, the prices between NASM and ACE are much closer since these tiers focus on essential study materials without the added certifications.

Quality of Study Materials

So, which is better—NASM or ACE? Both NASM and ACE certifications provide top-quality study materials, so it really comes down to what you need from a program.

When I first explored both certifications, I noticed their basic packages were quite similar. Both include a hard copy of the textbook, practice tests, access to the final exam, and some supplemental materials—everything you need to get started. However, ACE tends to offer more value in these early tiers, with a solid range of study aids at a lower cost.

For those considering a more extensive package, NASM shines with its higher-tier offerings. NASM’s top packages include additional certifications and a broader range of materials, which is part of why these packages are more expensive.

From my experience, having access to these extra resources was invaluable, as it allowed me to dive deeper into specialized areas and set a strong foundation for my career as a personal trainer.

These tables break down the study materials, support options, and unique benefits each organization offers, helping you choose the best certification for your needs. Whichever study package you go with, both ACE and NASM cover similar core content: foundational exercise science, biomechanics, anatomy, exercise physiology, behavior change, and the essentials of professional practice.

They also both offer resources for exercise progressions through their own versions of exercise libraries.

One thing that really stood out to me with NASM was the wealth of resources in their higher-tier packages. ACE has solid offerings too, but NASM’s upper tiers offer a broader variety.

Most personal trainers kick off their careers in a commercial gym setting, which typically involves splitting session revenue with the gym. While revenue splits can range from 30% to 70%, independent work tends to be more lucrative in the long run.

Since many trainers eventually move toward independent or online training, I found it helpful that NASM’s higher-tier packages include a Business Accelerator program, designed to set trainers up for success as entrepreneurs.

At the end of the day, both ACE and NASM offer solid support and valuable study materials, each scoring a well-deserved 7/10.

The expert team at International Personal Trainer Academy, having passed both certifications, has developed highly effective study materials to help you succeed on your first attempt with either exam.

Use the link to access the NASM MVP study package and ACE MVP study package.

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Exam Layout and Passing Grade

The NASM exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, all of which you need to complete within a two-hour time frame. Originally, this exam was only offered at registered testing centers, but NASM now allows candidates to take it remotely with a live proctor—a convenience I appreciated. To pass, you’ll need a score of 70% or higher.

I can tell you that understanding how the NASM exam content is divided can really help you target your studies. By focusing on key content areas, I was able to optimize my study sessions and improve my chances of passing on the first try. Let’s take a closer look at the breakdown of content in the NASM exam.

Looking at the exam structure, the NASM certification emphasizes Exercise Technique, Training Instruction, Program Design, and Assessment—consistent with what most major personal trainer certifications prioritize. This focus makes sense, as these skills are foundational to effective personal training.

Now, let’s explore how the ACE exam is structured. The ACE certification exam includes 150 questions with a three-hour time limit, although many test-takers finish early.

Like NASM, ACE offers the convenience of taking the exam at an approved testing center or remotely with a live proctor, ensuring secure monitoring through your computer’s webcam.

The ACE exam covers four main domains, each with different weightings. Understanding this breakdown helped me tailor my study plan, making it easier to focus on the areas that count the most.

The ACE CPT exam places a strong emphasis on exercise programming and the practical application of exercise science, similar to the NASM exam and other leading certifications.

This focus on real-world skills aligns with the goal of all NCCA-accredited exams: to assess a candidate’s ability to practice safely and effectively as a personal trainer. From my experience, both ACE and NASM exams concentrate on the core competencies needed to guide clients toward their fitness goals.

Both exams are well-structured and accurately reflect the daily responsibilities of personal trainers.

Exam Difficulty and Pass Rate

The pass rates for these exams are fairly close: NASM has a 74% pass rate, while ACE’s pass rate is slightly lower at 65%. This suggests that NASM candidates are statistically more likely to pass on their first try.

Several factors could contribute to this difference. For instance, NASM places a stronger emphasis on exercise mechanics, while ACE leans more into the psychosocial aspects of training. This difference can attract candidates with varying backgrounds and strengths, potentially influencing pass rates.

When I took these exams, I noticed both programs cover core topics like exercise mechanics, programming, and applied exercise science. However, candidates with a natural interest in NASM’s detailed focus on biomechanics may find NASM’s content more straightforward. Either way, both certifications require a solid understanding of these essential areas to succeed.

Retake Fee

If you don’t pass the final exam on your first attempt, don’t worry—both ACE and NASM offer the chance to retake the exam shortly afterward.

Each retake comes with an additional fee, which is the same for both certifications. Based on my experience, it’s best to avoid needing a retake if possible.

Retakes not only add extra costs but also extend the time needed to complete the certification, so preparing thoroughly the first time is ideal.

Certification Popularity

ACE and NASM are both NCCA-accredited and widely respected by employers, making them popular choices for aspiring personal trainers.

To gauge the popularity of each certification, there are two key metrics to consider.

The first is enrollment figures, which reflect the average number of candidates who sign up to study for each certification each year. This metric is a direct measure of interest and shows which program attracts more prospective trainers. In my experience, high enrollment numbers can also mean greater recognition in the industry, which can be beneficial when starting out.

The data shows that NASM’s personal trainer certification tends to attract more aspiring trainers than ACE’s.

Another useful metric to consider is the unique monthly visitors to each organization’s homepage, which gives insight into each brand’s broader visibility and recognition.

From my own research, I found that NASM’s site generally sees higher traffic, suggesting that more people are familiar with the NASM brand, even beyond those actively pursuing a certification. This broader awareness can sometimes give NASM-certified trainers an edge in recognition within the industry.

The data indicates that NASM’s website consistently sees more traffic than ACE’s, which aligns with the higher enrollment numbers for NASM’s personal trainer certification.

Interestingly, the difference in unique monthly visitors is even slightly larger than the enrollment gap, likely because NASM offers a range of popular certifications beyond personal training. This broader appeal contributes to NASM’s strong brand recognition compared to ACE.

Tracking unique monthly visitors is particularly useful since it counts individual users rather than repeat visits, giving a clearer picture of each brand’s reach.

In my experience, NASM’s reputation and visibility in the industry can be a significant draw for aspiring trainers and fitness professionals across specialties.

Expected Study Time

The time it takes to become a certified personal trainer with ACE or NASM varies based on each person’s unique circumstances. Factors like your available study time, prior knowledge of the material, and how effectively you absorb information all play a role in determining your study timeline.

Personally, I found that having a consistent study schedule helped me stay on track, though balancing it with other commitments was a challenge.

For someone with limited background in exercise science, it could take longer to feel confident with the material, while those with prior knowledge may move faster.

Additionally, the choice of study package can make a difference. Some packages include tools that streamline learning, which I found especially helpful in breaking down complex concepts.

The difficulty and scope of the exam content are also important to consider. Certain topics, like biomechanics or psychology, can be more challenging depending on your strengths, so it’s worth allocating extra time to areas that feel tougher.

Overall, expect a range in study times, with some needing just a few months and others requiring more.

Ultimately, the key is to complete your studies and pass the exam before your enrollment period ends. The enrollment window spans from the moment you purchase your certification to the deadline for taking the test. Missing this timeframe means you’d need to repurchase the exam to try again.

Here’s a look at how the enrollment periods compare for each certification.

With ACE, you get 50% more study time than with NASM, offering a full nine months compared to NASM’s six-month window. However, most candidates don’t typically need more than six months to prepare for the personal trainer exam, so this extended period may only benefit those with especially busy schedules.

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Average Income

Your earnings as a personal trainer can vary widely based on several factors, and while industry averages are available, they don’t capture the entire picture because personal trainer incomes span a broad range.

I looked into average earnings for trainers certified through ACE and NASM, and the data shows similar figures for both. This suggests that, in terms of income potential, both certifications are effective.

However, salary depends more on what you do with your certification—whether you pursue additional specialties, the type of clients you serve, your work setting, and your experience level all play a role.

That said, having an NCCA-accredited certification like ACE or NASM can open doors to higher income and enhance your career prospects as a personal trainer.

Primary Focus of Certification

Different personal trainer certifications each bring their own unique focus and training philosophy. While all aim to prepare candidates to work with diverse populations, they each have distinct strengths.

ACE’s approach centers on public health and emphasizes behavior change and lifestyle improvements. Using the Integrated Fitness Training (IFT) model, ACE equips trainers to help clients develop healthier habits that last.

Through this model, trainers and clients co-create action plans, which can foster trust, personalize the training experience, and improve adherence. I found that ACE’s emphasis on behavior change helped me connect with clients on a deeper level, making it easier for them to commit to sustainable fitness routines.

The OPT model guides clients from stabilization to strength and finally to power, aiming to correct imbalances, prevent injuries, and build a stable foundation for further progress. I found the OPT model particularly effective for clients who needed targeted exercises to improve weak areas or recover from previous injuries. Starting with stability helped clients build a strong base before progressing to higher intensities, ensuring safety and efficiency.

NASM’s certification leans toward corrective exercise and performance enhancement through their Optimal Performance Training (OPT) model.

In the end, both ACE and NASM aim to improve overall well-being. ACE focuses on health behavior and lifestyle coaching, while NASM zeroes in on physiological adaptation and performance. Each program prepares trainers to build healthier lives, though the emphasis differs slightly, depending on which philosophy aligns best with your career goals.

CEU Requirements

Certifying through an NCCA-accredited organization like ACE or NASM means that to stay current, you’ll need to renew your certification periodically to keep up with new trends and research in health and fitness. Since the industry is constantly evolving with new insights, recertification ensures that trainers continue to apply the latest knowledge in their practice.

For ACE and NASM, this recertification is required every two years. The renewal process involves a fee and submitting continuing education units (CEUs), which can be earned in a variety of ways. Options include taking online courses, attending live workshops, webinars, seminars, and even obtaining additional certifications.

For example, if you’re certified by NASM, you might consider adding a NASM Nutrition certification. Not only does this specialization fulfill CEU requirements, but it also expands your income potential and qualifies you for roles as a nutrition coach. Another popular option is the NASM Group Exercise certification, which can enable you to lead group classes—a skill I’ve seen open doors for trainers looking to diversify their services.

Ultimately, these CEUs ensure that you’re actively engaged in professional growth, allowing you to recertify with confidence and stay relevant in your career as a personal trainer.

Let’s look at the cost and CEU breakdown for both ACE and NASM.

From this, we can see that NASM has a better recertification policy, requiring a lower recertification fee.

Both ACE and NASM have the same CEU requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Certification Take Aways

When it comes to NASM versus ACE certification, both offer high-quality programs with unique strengths. NASM places a greater focus on corrective exercise and performance enhancement, while ACE emphasizes health behavior change and lifestyle coaching.

So, which is the better choice? Overall, NASM tends to come out slightly ahead in terms of industry recognition and the depth of its specialized approach. At the International Personal Trainer Academy, we encourage you to choose the certification that aligns best with your career goals.

Of course, there are other great options as well, like ISSA, NCSF, and ACSM.

Ultimately, the best certification is the one that fits your personal goals and training philosophy.

References

1. Clark MA, Lucett SC, Mcgill E, Montel I, Sutton B. NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training. Burlington Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2018. https://www.amazon.com/NASM-Essentials-Personal-Fitness-Training/dp/1284160084
2. ‌Bryant CX, Sabrena Newton-Merrill, Green DJ, American Council On Exercise. ACE Personal Trainer Manual. American Council On Exercise; 2014. https://www.worldcat.org/title/ace-personal-trainer-manual/oclc/888068865
3. ‌Robinson EM, Graham LB, Bauer MA. The National Strength and Conditioning Association Is the Preferred Certification for Personal Training Employment in Southeastern Massachusetts. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2006;20(2):450. doi: https://doi.org/10.1519/r-16844.1
4. Akerson M. Investigating Personal Fitness Trainers’ Qualifications. Published online January 1, 2014.
5. Waryasz GR, Daniels AH, Gil JA, Suric V, Eberson CP. Personal trainer demographics, current practice trends and common trainee injuries. Orthopedic Reviews. 2016;8(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.4081/or.2016.6600
6. Brust S. Nutrition Content of NCCA Personal Fitness Trainer Certification Curriculums. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2014;114(9):A93. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2014.06.317
7. Craig AC, Eickhoff-Shemek JM. EDUCATING AND TRAINING THE PERSONAL FITNESS TRAINER. ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal. 2009;13(2):8-15. doi:https://doi.org/10.1249/fit.0b013e318198e4cc
8. Cieslinski Q. Comparing Personal Training and Strength and Conditioning Certifications Across Multiple Organizations. Published online January 1, 2016.