The NASM certification covers programming and corrective exercise using its Optimum Performance Training model whereas the ACSM certification focuses more on advanced research and exercise science education. Both personal trainer certifications are NCCA accredited which most employers and gyms require.

Let’s check them out to see which is best for you.

CPT	ACSM vs ACE Quick Breakdown	Features	Price
	NASM CPT	The most popular and recognized certification providers in the world Specializing in corrective exercise technique methodology Great for newcomers and seasoned professionals NCCA accredited program	View on NASM website
	ACSM CPT	Good exercise science, behavior change, and special populations training Covers basic business and sales skills Lacks comprehensive program design framework Weaker coverage of resistance training technique Weak on corrective exercise	View on ACSM website

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About NASM and ACSM

Before we begin to unravel all the important facts and tidbits between two of the biggest personal trainer certification organizations, ACSM vs. NASM, let’s take a deep dive into what they represent.

About NASM

NASM, established in 1987, has been a leading force in sports science and professional fitness certification for over three decades. I’ve seen its influence firsthand, as it’s widely regarded as a gold standard in the industry, particularly in North America. However, NASM recently expanded internationally, making its certification accessible to aspiring trainers worldwide.

The heart of NASM’s curriculum is the OPT (Optimum Performance Training) model, a system designed to help trainers enhance clients’ functional movement, strength, and long-term independence. The OPT model’s structure begins with a stabilization phase before progressing to strength and power.

This has been a game-changer in my approach to training, providing a clear path for client development.

With its stellar reputation and value, NASM remains one of the most popular choices for anyone aiming to build a solid foundation as a personal trainer.

NASM also has some incredibly well-priced packages if you want to combine training with nutrition.

We all know that your diet is just as important as your workouts when it comes to improving your health and fitness.

If you want to have all the tools to help your clients succeed, having a nutrition certification as well a training credential should be a strong consideration.

If you have both certs, you get the added benefit of the knowledge you accrue, and you can charge more hour when your clients share their incredible results they achieved with you to their friends and co-workers.

If you go work for a gym or a company, having both certifications means they don’t have to hire two new staff members because you can do both exercise and nutrition.

There are a lot of benefits, which is why at Trainer Academy we recommend getting both certifications as soon as you can.

Normally getting two different programs is expensive, but NASM’s Nutrition and Fitness bundle is $999, which will save you a lot of money.

Make sure to check the website to see what the current price is, because sometimes these deals don’t last.

About ACSM

The ACSM-CPT certification, established back in 1954 by a small group of physical educators, is one of the oldest in the industry. Its history goes back to a time before fitness became a consumer industry. This is why ACSM is deeply rooted in community impact and advancing scientific research.

With its reputation as a leader in exercise science research, ACSM’s curriculum is highly respected, with many other certifying agencies integrating ACSM findings into their own materials.

Being a nonprofit organization, ACSM also offers competitive pricing on its certification packages—a great advantage for those of us wanting a top-tier certification without a hefty price tag.

Accreditation

Before diving into specific certifications, it’s essential to evaluate their legitimacy, and that starts with accreditation.

Accreditation acts as a “certification for the certification,” proving that the certifying organization meets standards for curriculum quality, educational delivery, and overall authenticity. In the personal training field, where trust and professionalism are crucial, accreditation is non-negotiable. When I first researched certifications, I realized that this seal of approval was a key indicator of a program’s credibility.

In North America, the primary accreditation body is the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The NCCA carefully evaluates organizations based on strict criteria to ensure that only those meeting high standards earn accreditation.

This is why, when choosing a certifying body, looking for NCCA accreditation was at the top of my list—it guaranteed that the education I was receiving was both recognized and respected within the industry.

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Accreditation is crucial not just for credibility, but also for protecting you from scams. Personally, I was surprised by how many shady certification options existed—especially online. With the growth of digital platforms, the number of “certifications” available has exploded, but not all of them are legitimate.

Some of these so-called “certs” are little more than basic online courses, while others are outright fake.

I quickly learned that checking for NCCA accreditation was an easy way to filter out these questionable programs and avoid wasting money on something that wouldn’t be recognized by employers. NCCA accreditation gives you confidence that your certification is both credible and valuable in the real world.

Cost of Study Packages

Price is definitely an important factor—after all, you want to know if the cost matches the value you’ll be getting, and whether it’s within your budget in the first place.

From my research, ACSM generally offers the more affordable option between the ACSM and NASM, making it attractive for those starting out or on a tighter budget.

But, of course, price is just one aspect to consider. Let’s dive into the details to see how the two certifications stack up.

NASM Cost

The NASM certification is known for being on the pricier side compared to other certifications. In fact, their top-tier package can cost over $1,500.

When I was weighing my options, I found that NASM breaks down its offerings into four distinct package tiers, each with unique features and high-quality content tailored to different needs.

Although the investment can seem steep, I appreciated the range of study options NASM provides, allowing you to choose a package that best fits your goals and budget.

ACSM Cost

ACSM is definitely a more budget-friendly option compared to NASM when it comes to up-front costs. However, unlike NASM, ACSM requires you to purchase study materials separately from the exam, which adds to the overall expense.

When I considered ACSM, I also noticed that membership fees could influence the final price. Being a member can give you access to additional resources, so it’s worth weighing the extra cost against the benefits you’d gain as an ACSM student.

As you can see, the membership benefits bring the price down considerably, so it might be worth looking into the membership fees.

Quality of Study Materials

When determining certification value, I assessed the quality of ACSM and NASM study materials.

When choosing a personal trainer cert, it’s essential to feel confident that the resources, content, and support you’re getting are worth every dollar you spend. You want to be sure that the package you’ve invested in truly delivers on its promises.

NASM Study Materials

The NASM online certification provides a solid range of study materials, divided into four packages at different price points. These are the basic Self-Study package, Self-Study Premium, Guided Study and the All-Inclusive package. Each of these includes access to the online study portal.

The Self-Study package, this basic tier includes essentials like exam registration, a digital textbook, some video lectures, and practice tests. While it’s the most minimal package, I found that for those with a solid study routine, it could be enough, though a little extra preparation could go a long way.

The next three tiers each build on the offerings, adding more variety and resources.

The All-Inclusive package, in particular, caught my attention. Though it’s a bigger investment, it includes a suite of business and networking resources, which I found invaluable.

Another perk in the top two packages (Guided Study and All-Inclusive) is the inclusion of a hard-copy textbook. Although digital access is provided in all packages, having a physical copy was a game-changer for me. Being able to highlight and bookmark important sections helped me retain information more effectively.

Plus, a hard copy frees you from relying on technology—whether your computer’s in the shop or there’s an internet outage, having a textbook on hand keeps your studies on track.

The comprehensive All-Inclusive package is a valuable investment if you fully engage with all its resources. For those who are ready to make the most of every tool available, this package truly delivers.

However, some may argue that NASM’s certification could feel overwhelming with its extensive resources, making it tricky to determine what to focus on. I experienced this myself—deciding what to prioritize among all the available materials took a bit of effort.

My advice? Take some time to research each resource in your package to figure out what best suits your study style and goals.

For those who prefer a more streamlined approach, Trainer Academy offers the MVP study package. It’s ideal if you’re short on time, aiming for a high pass rate (99%), and comes with a money-back guarantee, giving you confidence without the need to sort through countless materials.

Enjoy the benefits of the NASM MVP study package here.

ACSM Study Materials

If you’re wondering how to study for the ACSM-CPT exam, navigating their study materials can be a bit challenging. When you enroll in the ACSM-CPT program, your purchase only covers the exam fee—study materials like practice questions and the study guide are all sold separately. This setup requires you to decide which materials you need and pay for each individually.

To simplify things, here’s what I recommend aiming for in a basic study package:

• Latest edition textbook
• Corresponding workbook or study guide
• Practice exam, quizzes, or assessments
• Lecture or workshop based resources

These components make up a well-rounded study plan and increase your odds of success.

In my experience, Trainer Academy’s MVP study package is incredibly helpful if you’re looking to streamline your prep for the ACSM exam. It’s packed with proven resources and study techniques, designed not only to help you pass but to retain the knowledge you’ll use with future clients.

You’ll be getting a good deal if you opt for the ACSM MVP study package.

Exam Layout and Passing Grade

Understanding the exam layout really makes a difference. Knowing the content is crucial, but exams rarely cover all topics evenly. I remember initially spreading my study time too thin focusing on the wrong concepts before realizing which areas were most emphasized in the final test.

Let’s break down each exam, see how it’s organized and administered, and pinpoint where to focus so you’re fully prepared to pass.

NASM Exam Layout

The NASM personal training exam covers questions across six core study domains that you’ll encounter in the textbook. The test includes 120 multiple-choice questions, and you’ll have exactly 120 minutes to complete it.

One thing I quickly learned was that these domains aren’t weighted equally; some carry more importance in your final score than others. NASM prioritizes certain principles of health and fitness, which affects how heavily each section is weighted. Understanding this weighting helped me focus my study time on the most crucial areas, ensuring I was fully prepared where it mattered most.

When you think about the key responsibilities of a health coach, NASM’s weighting of exam domains does make sense. The emphasis on program design, technique, and instruction reflects the practical skills personal trainers use every day.

In my own preparation, I appreciated this focus because it aligned with what I knew would be essential for working effectively with clients.

That said, the business side of personal training often feels underrepresented, and this is also true with the NASM exam. In my experience, a deeper focus on business skills would better prepare trainers for real-world challenges, especially for those aiming to build independent practices.

The NASM exam itself can be taken at a PSI testing center or remotely with a virtual proctor, which adds a layer of convenience if you prefer to test from home. Having taken exams in both settings, I found the online proctored option helpful in managing my time and environment comfortably.

ACSM Exam Layout

The ACSM-CPT exam is structured around four key study areas, known as Performance Domains, spread across 150 questions. Of these, 30 questions are unscored, meaning they don’t contribute to your final grade.

ACSM uses them to test potential future questions for reliability and difficulty. The catch, though, is that you won’t know which questions are unscored—so it’s essential to answer each one as accurately as possible. When I took the exam, this approach kept me on my toes and motivated me to give each question my best.

You’ll have 165 minutes to complete the test, which provides a comfortable pace if you’re well-prepared. Similar to NASM, the ACSM domains aren’t evenly weighted; certain domains carry more significance in your final score. Understanding these weightings helped me prioritize my study time effectively, ensuring I was ready for the areas ACSM deems most critical. Here’s how ACSM allocates the weighting across its domains:

As with most reputable CPT certification exams, the main areas of focus are in the assessment, programming, and implementation categories.

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Exam Difficulty and Pass Rate

It’s one thing to know the structure of the exam, but it’s equally important to gauge how challenging it will actually be. When comparing the difficulty of the ACSM and NASM certifications, they’re fairly similar, with both exams having a pass rate of around 65%. This makes them moderately challenging—not extremely difficult, but certainly not a walk in the park either.

Compared to other certifications, like ISSA’s CPT exam, which has an 89% pass rate, ACSM and NASM are tougher. Your odds of passing are decent, but the possibility of falling into the 35% who don’t pass on the first try is real.

So, what happens if you end up in that unlucky 35%? Let’s look into your options if a retake is on the horizon.

Retake Fee

If you don’t pass your certification exam on the first try, don’t worry—you’ll usually have the chance to retake it, though this often comes with an additional fee and a required waiting period.

With NASM, you’ll need to pay a $199 retake fee, and you have up to 365 days to attempt the exam again. ACSM, on the other hand, offers a retest voucher, allowing you to retake the exam just 15 days after your first attempt, for a slightly lower fee of $175.

From my experience, having this retake option is reassuring, though the added cost definitely adds pressure to be well-prepared for each attempt.

Certification Popularity

While certification popularity might seem like just a “nice-to-know” detail, it’s actually quite relevant. The demand for a certification speaks to its recognition and acceptance in the industry, which can directly impact your career opportunities after becoming certified.

To assess popularity, I’ve found it useful to look at both enrollment figures and Google search trends. Together, these metrics offer insight into how widely recognized a certification is and the kind of job prospects it might help you access.

The data clearly shows that NASM leads in popularity, which isn’t too surprising. As a for-profit organization, NASM has a strong marketing presence, whereas ACSM, rooted in academia, operates as a non-profit with a different focus.

This distinction does impact the ACSM vs. NASM debate, especially if job prospects are top of mind. In my experience, NASM’s popularity and visibility can be an advantage in the job market, as employers often recognize it immediately. However, both certifications have their own strengths, and it ultimately depends on which aligns best with your career goals.

Expected Study Time

Knowing the expected study time can really help you decide which certification fits best with your schedule and commitments.

So, how long does it take to become a certified personal trainer with NASM or ACSM? A key factor here is understanding the difference between the time you need to study and the time you’re actually given to complete the course and exam—this is known as the enrollment period.

For ACSM, you have up to 24 months to finish your course and take the final exam, which gives a lot of flexibility. NASM, however, sets a shorter window, allowing just 6 months.

When I was considering my options, this difference mattered a lot; ACSM’s extended timeline offered more breathing room, while NASM’s focused period was ideal if you’re looking to get certified quickly.

Ultimately, how much time you’ll need depends on your schedule and time management skills. If you have a busy life, ACSM’s longer enrollment period could be beneficial.

Average Income

Personal training is a career, and like any career, it’s essential to know what earning potential you’re looking at.

Income varies significantly depending on where you work—whether that’s a commercial gym, health club, private studio, online, or as an independent trainer. In terms of average salary, NASM-certified trainers tend to come out on top, though ACSM-certified trainers aren’t far behind. Both certifications offer solid earning potential, especially when you consider the different types of employment opportunities available.

Personal trainer income can vary widely based on factors beyond certification alone. From my experience, if you’re aiming to boost your earnings, a strong business and marketing plan is essential. I’ve also found that investing in further education and exploring the online training space can open up many more opportunities, thanks to the larger client base available online.

In addition to general personal training, other in-demand certifications can expand your skill set and income potential, such as strength coaching, yoga instruction, group fitness, and health coaching. Adding these credentials can diversify your services and increase your value to clients.

Primary Focus of Certification

Each certifying agency has its own specialty, a specific focus that shapes the principles it emphasizes and the types of clients its trainers are best prepared to serve. Understanding this focus can help you decide which certification aligns with your career goals.

NASM centers its approach on corrective exercise and functional performance enhancement, captured in its Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model. The OPT model builds on the pillars of strength, stability, and power, aiming to optimize functional movement. I found NASM’s focus ideal for trainers who want to work with the general population, as it equips you to improve clients’ functional fitness in everyday life.

On the other hand, ACSM’s focus reflects its roots in sports medicine and exercise science, positioning it as a leader in deeper movement sciences and kinesiology.

When I looked into ACSM, I saw it as a great fit for trainers interested in a more clinical or scientific setting, such as exercise science or medical fitness roles. ACSM-certified trainers gain a solid grounding in advanced training concepts, making them versatile and well-prepared for specialized career paths. If you’re looking to work in exercise science or a clinical environment, ACSM may provide a stronger foundation for that direction.

CEU Requirements

Just like everything else, your personal training certification has an expiration date—typically two years. When that time comes, you’ll need to recertify, which involves paying a renewal fee and earning a set number of continuing education units (CEUs).

CEUs, or continuing education credits, can be earned in various ways, such as taking online courses, attending webinars, or participating in live workshops. I’ve found that pursuing additional specializations, like Group Fitness Instruction, Nutrition Coaching, or Special Populations, not only adds value to your career but also counts toward those required credits.

Let’s dive into what’s involved in maintaining your certification:

ACSM requires the highest number of CEUs, making it the most rigorous in terms of continuing education. However, it balances this by offering a longer certification period before renewal is needed. From my experience, the extra effort in CEUs pays off with ACSM’s broader knowledge base.

Another perk with ACSM is its lower recertification fee compared to NASM, making it a more affordable option for maintaining your credentials over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Certification Take Away

Both the ACSM-CPT and NASM-CPT certifications are highly respected, nationally accredited options in the personal training industry. Each has its own strengths and a few limitations.

For those just starting out, NASM is often the best choice—it’s widely recognized and tends to open doors more easily early in your career. When I was new to the field, having NASM on my resume gave me an edge in landing my first few jobs.

For trainers with more experience or an academic background, ACSM is an excellent option. It provides a deeper dive into exercise science and, with an ACSM membership, offers access to valuable resources that can enrich your career.

I hope this overview has helped clarify the unique benefits of each certification, making it easier to choose the one that best aligns with your goals.

References

1. Boerner PR, Polasek KM, True L, Lind E, Hendrick JL. Is What You See What You Get? Perceptions of Personal Trainers’ Competence, Knowledge, and Preferred Sex of Personal Trainer Relative to Physique. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2019;Publish Ahead of Print. doi:https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000003027
2. ‌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
3. ‌Paoli A, Bianco A. What Is Fitness Training? Definitions and Implications: A Systematic Review Article. Iranian journal of public health. 2015;44(5):602-614. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4537617/