The NASM certification focuses on programming and corrective exercise with its OPT (Optimum Performance Training) model while the NSCA CSCS certification focuses more on strength and conditioning and athletic performance. Both certifications are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Let’s find out which one you should go with.

CPT	ACSM vs ACE Quick Breakdown	Features	Price
	NASM	NCCA accredited program The most popular and recognized certification providers in the world Specializing in corrective exercise technique methodology Great for newcomers and seasoned professionals More expensive Difficult exam	View on the NASM website
	NSCA	NSCA accreditation Huge NSCA network NSCA clinics NSCA accredited schools Great CEU opportunities Fair NSCA membership costs Membership discounts and benefits Access to the NSCA Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Lacks coverage on the personal training business, marketing, and sales Some CPT exam prep material is inadequate	View on the NSCA website

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NASM vs NSCA: About Each Certification

Both the NASM Certified Personal Trainer and the NSCA Certified Personal Trainer certifications are highly respected, but I want to give you some insights that can help you decide which one might suit you best. Having gone through this decision myself, I know how overwhelming it can feel to weigh these options, especially when both NASM and NSCA are recognized as top-tier credentials in the industry.

To guide you, I’ll cover a mix of official statistics and personal observations about each certification. This way, you’ll get a balanced view that’s both data-driven and experience-based, helping you make a choice that aligns with your career goals.

Both of these certifications stand alongside other industry leaders like the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). While they do have some basic prerequisites, like a high school diploma, understanding the unique features of each certification will give you a clearer sense of which one will best set you up for success.

So, let’s dive into the key details to help you decide which personal trainer certification might be your best fit!

About NASM

The National Academy of Sports Medicine, or NASM, is one of the most widely recognized names in personal training. Since its founding in 1987, NASM has built a reputation for delivering top-tier sports science education aimed at optimizing physical performance.

Based on what I’ve seen, NASM’s CPT certification is by far the most popular choice for trainers across the country. The program’s reputation is strong, and it’s widely respected by clients and employers alike.

NASM also offers specialized certifications in corrective exercise, special populations, and even nutrition (like the NASM CNC), which makes it convenient if you’re interested in broadening your skillset all under one roof.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned was that helping clients achieve real results requires a combination of training and nutrition guidance.

Whether a client’s goal is muscle gain, fat loss, or general fitness improvement, being able to create a customized training program paired with nutrition advice allows you to provide a complete package. This approach not only helps clients reach their goals faster but also strengthens your reputation as a knowledgeable, versatile trainer.

With this level of expertise, you can confidently charge more for your services, and clients will see the value. Plus, if you’re aiming to work in a gym setting, your dual certification in training and nutrition makes you a stronger asset, increasing your client load and hours since you’re equipped to address multiple aspects of their fitness journey.

With all this said, getting both certifications can be quite costly, but luckily NASM’s Nutrition and Fitness bundle is actually quite reasonable. Check the website, but we believe it’s currently only $999, which is a steal for what you get.

About NSCA

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is truly a cornerstone in the world of sports science and professional fitness training. Founded in 1978, nearly a decade before NASM, NSCA brings a long history of expertise, with a strong focus on rigorous academic foundations in sports science.

I’d say that the NSCA has a slightly different reputation compared to other certifications. While NASM might be more popular among general trainers, NSCA is deeply respected within professional circles, particularly for those who want to take a research-based approach to training.

It’s a nonprofit organization that prioritizes professional development and cutting-edge research, offering unique value for anyone who wants to dive into the science behind strength and conditioning.

Their NSCA-CPT certification is a fantastic option for personal trainers, but their NSCA-CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) is where they truly shine. This certification is considered a gold standard, especially for those aiming to work with college athletes, sports teams, or even elite organizations.

If you’re passionate about sports-specific training or envision yourself working as a strength coach at a high level, the CSCS is definitely worth considering.

While NSCA may be less common than NASM among general fitness trainers, it holds a special place for those who want to align themselves with an academic approach. Plus, from a value perspective, the NSCA’s credentials are an investment that pays off, particularly if you’re drawn to the strength and conditioning field.

If you go with the CSCS, Trainer Academy has some quality information to help you ace the test: CSCS study materials and CSCS practice questions

Accreditation

One of the first things I looked at when choosing my personal training certification was accreditation. This stamp of approval is critical because only the top certifying bodies achieve accredited status, meaning their curriculum and delivery methods have been vetted by a panel of industry experts.

When a certification is accredited, it’s a clear indicator that it meets high standards in two key areas: the content they teach and the way they deliver and manage that content.

In the U.S., two main accrediting bodies set the bar for quality in the fitness industry: the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Both NASM and NSCA certifications are backed by the NCCA, which gives both programs a national stamp of legitimacy.

Cost of Study Materials

Another big factor that influenced my decision when choosing a personal trainer certification was the cost—not just of the certification itself but also of the study resources that come with it. The price tag can definitely impact how you view each option, especially when you’re balancing it against the quality and depth of the curriculum.

When it comes to price, the NSCA certification definitely comes out as the more budget-friendly option. Their most comprehensive package, including the exam, tops out at $946, which is quite reasonable compared to NASM’s all-inclusive package priced at $1,539. That price difference can be a game-changer, especially if you’re just starting out and trying to keep costs down.

If you’re looking at the more affordable end, NSCA still has the advantage. The NSCA exam alone is $300, and if you add the optional Digital package for $144, your total comes to just $444—making it one of the most economical certifications available in the industry. In comparison, NASM’s self-study option starts at $799, so there’s still a noticeable price gap.

One unique aspect of NSCA’s pricing structure is that it offers discounts based on your membership status. This annual membership costs $65 for students, $120 for professionals, and $349 for Certified Personal Trainers (CPI). This does more than just save you money on certification. It opens up a world of resources, tools, and networking opportunities within the NSCA’s academic community, which I’ve found to be well worth the investment.

At first glance, NSCA may seem like the better deal based on cost alone, but as I learned, it’s essential to weigh what you’re actually getting in terms of curriculum and support. So, let’s explore the quality and value each certification provides, as this will help determine if the investment is truly worth it for your career goals.

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Quality of Study Materials

Preparing effectively for your final exam is the true endgame with any certification. While your dedication and commitment to studying are absolutely key, I’ve found that the quality of resources available can make a significant difference in how well you’re able to absorb and retain the material.

It’s really a combination of your effort and the support provided by study materials, practice tests, and other resources that ultimately sets you up for success.

Let’s look at the study options for NASM vs. NSCA and see which one has the best quality in terms of study materials.

For this to be more clear, each will be scored out of 10.

NASM Study Material Breakdown

NSCA Study Material Breakdown

It’s clear from the start that NASM offers a broader range of study resources for its certified personal trainer course. Both NASM and NSCA provide four package options, but NASM’s selection of prep materials is more extensive and varied, giving you more flexibility in how you prepare.

Based on this, I’d rate NASM at an 8/10 for study resources, while NSCA comes in at around 6.5/10. It’s worth noting, too, that NSCA’s study materials are sold separately from the exam, whereas NASM includes exam registration with all its packages, which simplifies things if you’re looking for an all-in-one option.

To ensure you get value from your choice of either NASM or NSCA, Trainer Academy is offering its premium MVP study packages, which have become a major gamechanger for lots of personal trainers.

Using the MVP study Packages gives you a 50% reduction in study time due to the use of study techniques like Spaced repetition flashcards, Cheat-sheet, Muscle coloring books, Mnemonics, etc., to not only assimilate but retain information.

Don’t forget our exclusive 100% money-back guarantee offer if you didn’t ace the final exams with flying colors.

You can opt for the NASM MVP Study Package or the NSCA MVP Study Package today; the choice is yours.

We also have some free resources to get you started: a free NASM practice test and a NASM CPT study guide.

Exam Layout and Passing Grade

Once you’ve settled on the certification you want and selected the study package that best supports your goal, the next crucial step is understanding the exam structure and expectations. In my experience, getting familiar with the layout, question distribution, and section weightings can make a huge difference in how effectively you prepare.

To do this, I’ll break down each exam by the number of questions, section weightings, and the passing score required. Each exam places a different emphasis on specific areas of the curriculum, so knowing these details can really help you prioritize your study time and refine your strategy.

NASM Exam Info

NASM has six sections, referred to as domains in the exam and course content.

I’ve ordered them from least to most focused.

Looking at the chart, it’s clear that assessment, programming, and technique/instruction are the highest-weighted domains on the exam. These are also some of the most hands-on, practical areas of personal training.

When I was studying, I found that focusing on these domains not only helped me feel confident going into the exam but also set me up with the foundational skills needed for real-world success.

NSCA Exam Info

The NSCA CPT exam is divided into four sections, with a heavy emphasis on the practical side of fitness instruction. This focus on hands-on skills is something I’ve noticed across many CPT certifications, and it’s definitely a welcome trend.

In the NSCA exam, program design and exercise technique carry the most weight, overshadowing the other sections. So, when I was preparing, I made sure to prioritize these areas, and I’d recommend you do the same to maximize your study efforts.

The NASM exam has 120 questions to tackle in 2 hours, while the NSCA exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions over a slightly longer time frame of 2.5 hours. You can choose to take both exams either at a testing center or online with a live remote proctor.

One significant difference lies in the scoring.

With NASM, you simply answer all 120 questions within the time limit, and your overall score determines if you pass. NSCA, however, splits the exam into two sections, each scored separately, meaning you need to pass both parts independently to succeed overall.

If you do well in one part but fall short in the other, it’s considered an automatic fail. The upside? If you only fail one section, you’ll only need to retake that portion rather than the entire exam.

Both NASM and NSCA set a 70% minimum passing grade, so aiming for that benchmark in your preparation is essential.

Exam Difficulty and Pass Rate

Familiarizing yourself with the exam content is essential, but it’s equally important to understand the level of difficulty each certification brings. Both NASM and NSCA are known to challenge candidates, but it’s definitely manageable with the right preparation.

In my experience, success largely comes down to planning and staying focused on your study goals. With a solid study schedule, passing these exams is very achievable.

To give you a clearer idea of what to expect, I’ve gathered the latest pass rate statistics for each certification, so you can get a sense of the challenge level involved.

We can see that NASM has the most difficult exam based on pass rate stats. NSCA is much more lenient to candidates, while still providing a great certification and academic experience.

Some would argue that a higher pass rate is indicative of lower quality since the challenge aspect and success barrier of a difficult exam is considered a quality control.

It depends on how you look at it.

Retake Fee

If you don’t pass on your first attempt, don’t worry—you’ll have the opportunity for a retake. Typically, retakes require you to submit a request and, in some cases, wait out a cool-down period before you can try again.

It’s also common to pay a retake fee, which covers administrative costs. Based on my experience, it’s a straightforward process but one you’ll want to be prepared for just in case. Let’s take a closer look at what each certification requires for retakes.

Since the NSCA exam requires passing two individual sections, a retake may only involve one of these sections if you didn’t pass both. This structure is helpful because you can focus your efforts on the specific area you need to improve.

Another factor to consider is how NSCA membership benefits can lower your retake fee, which is a nice perk if you’re a member. However, overall, NSCA’s retake policy feels a bit more demanding compared to NASM’s simpler approach, where you only need to pay a $250 fee to retake the full exam.

Certification Popularity and Recognition

While certification choice isn’t solely about popularity, the level of interest and reputation a cert has within the fitness community is a solid indicator of its quality and relevance.

This popularity also speaks to the certification’s impact on career growth potential, as recognition often signals two key things: endorsement by industry peers and preference among employers.

To provide a measurable look at popularity and recognition, I’ve gathered two sets of data: Google search trends and enrollment figures.

Looking at the data, NASM clearly stands out as the front-runner in popularity. It’s not only the most widely recognized certification in the fitness world, but it also consistently tops enrollment numbers and search interest.

This widespread appeal is largely thanks to NASM’s strong marketing presence and the overall quality of its programs, which have earned a solid reputation.

On the other hand, NSCA, as a nonprofit, is less about generating high enrollment numbers and more about upholding rigorous academic and scientific standards in sports and exercise science.

While both certifications are respected and offer a high level of quality, NASM’s name recognition provides a slight edge.

Expected Study Time

How long does it take to become a personal trainer with NASM or NSCA? Well, that really depends on your personal situation and schedule.

Everyone’s path to certification looks a little different. For some, becoming a trainer might be their first big step after high school, with plenty of time to dedicate to studying. Others might be juggling an existing job, school, or family commitments, which can stretch the timeline for certification.

Both NASM and NSCA offer flexible enrollment periods, giving candidates ample time to prepare and take the exam under typical circumstances. With that built-in flexibility, you can pace yourself and fit studying into your own schedule, no matter what your daily commitments look like.

NSCA offers a shorter enrollment period of just four months, while NASM gives you a bit more breathing room with a six-month window, which is more in line with industry standards.

From my experience, most candidates can comfortably prepare for the exam within 10-12 weeks, so both timelines are manageable. However, NASM’s six-month window adds a layer of flexibility, allowing you to spread out your study time if life gets busy or if you prefer a more relaxed pace.

This extra time can be a real advantage, especially for those balancing other commitments.

Average Income

Knowing what your potential income looks like as a certified trainer is essential. That’s why I’m breaking down some key stats and insights into what you might expect to earn with each certification.

Let’s start by comparing average annual salaries for trainers with NASM and NSCA credentials. Surprisingly, NSCA-certified trainers edge out NASM in terms of average income, which caught me off guard. Up to this point, NASM seemed like the frontrunner in most categories, especially given its popularity.

This difference likely boils down to experience levels among certified trainers. NASM is often the go-to choice for new trainers just entering the field, so it’s common to see NASM-certified trainers in entry-level roles or just beginning as independent trainers. As a result, the average income for NASM trainers can lean lower, reflecting this early-career demographic.

On the other hand, NSCA tends to attract more experienced trainers and even sports scientists. Many of these NSCA-certified professionals have established careers, whether in senior positions at training facilities or running successful businesses, which contributes to a higher average salary.

Of course, making a strong income as a personal trainer depends on multiple factors beyond your certification, including your experience, location, and the kind of clientele you attract. While choosing the right cert can help open doors, building a successful career involves much more.

Primary Focus of Certification

Getting a clear sense of the direction each certifying agency takes with its curriculum can really help you choose the certification that best aligns with your career goals.

With NASM and NSCA, the focus areas are quite similar, but each brings its own unique approach. NASM, for instance, emphasizes its proprietary OPT (Optimum Performance Training) model, which is designed to enhance performance by building strength, addressing functional movement, and correcting imbalances. It’s a method that works well for a broad range of clients, from beginners to more advanced athletes.

On the other hand, NSCA places a strong emphasis on strength and conditioning. The organization is deeply rooted in sports science and performance training, making it a go-to for trainers aiming to work with athletes or pursue advanced roles in strength and conditioning.

Ultimately, both certifications carve a similar path in terms of their focus on performance and conditioning, but the nuances in their approaches could be the deciding factor based on where you want to take your career.

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CEU Requirements

Very few certifications are lifetime qualifications.

Every few years, you’ll need to renew your certification to keep it current. This process usually requires submitting continuing education units (CEUs), which you may also hear referred to as continuing education credits.

CEUs are earned by engaging in additional learning activities, such as completing new certifications, attending industry-relevant workshops, or other approved educational experiences. The certifying agency typically provides a list of approved options to ensure the quality and relevance of your credits.

In addition to accumulating the required credits, you’ll likely need to pay a recertification fee. Let’s dive into the specifics of what each certification requires.

NSCA’s recertification policy is more demanding in terms of continuing education requirements. While you do get an extra year to complete the process compared to NASM, NSCA requires three times as many CEUs, which can be quite the commitment.

For fees, NSCA charges between $60 and $90 for non-members and offers a discount for members, who pay between $35 and $65. NASM, on the other hand, has a flat recertification fee of $99, making it slightly pricier overall, even though it’s less intensive in terms of CEU requirements.

Certification Takeaways

Choosing between NASM and NSCA is a win either way, as both certifications bring a lot to the table. NSCA’s rich legacy and scientific foundation offer incredible value, while NASM’s emphasis on practical, progressive training techniques is well-suited to today’s fitness landscape.

Personally, I’d suggest NASM for those just beginning their personal training journey. It offers a supportive structure that can make starting your career a little smoother, especially if you’re looking to build a stable foundation for your business.

If you’re already a seasoned trainer looking to deepen your expertise, NSCA is a fantastic option. Its reputation and rigorous approach add significant credibility, making it a great choice for advancing an established career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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. ‌Schoenfeld B, Snarr RL, National Strength & Conditioning Association (U.S. NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training. Human Kinetics; 2021. https://us.humankinetics.com/products/nscas-essentials-of-personal-training-3rd-edition-with-hkpropel-access
3. ‌Håman L, Yring H, Prell H, Lindgren EC. Personal trainers’ health advice in the fitness gym space from a gender perspective. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being. 2020;15(sup1):1794364. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2020.1794364