Why We Are Qualified to Rank the Top Personal Trainer Certifications

Hi, I’m Dominic Angelino. With over a decade of experience in the fitness industry and a solid background in exercise science, I've dedicated my career to understanding and teaching the nuances of personal training.

This article has also been reviewed by Tyler Read, a personal training certification expert with over 10 certifications and the owner of PTPioneer.com, bringing a wealth of knowledge to ensure the accuracy and depth of our analysis.

Our rankings are the result of collaboration across the entire Trainer Academy staff, who collectively bring over 100 years of personal training experience and hold 15 certifications. Our team’s extensive expertise spans leadership roles, education, and hands-on training, allowing us to provide a thorough and reliable evaluation of the top personal trainer certifications. Also, check out our article on the best nutrition certifications.

Best Overall: ISSA Certified Personal Trainer

OVERALL

PROS

Business skills coverage Solid aerobic programming Great Cert combo packages High exam pass rate

CONS

Higher cost Insufficient behavior change skills

Summary:

• Accreditation options: NCCA and Non NCCA
• Cert Combo packages: Yes: Elite trainer, Master trainer, Bogo
  (Check them all out here)
• Starting price: $599
• Exam Pass Rate: 75%
• Gym acceptance: Accepted at all gyms
• Average study time: 3 months
• Payment options: One-time, Financing

View Current ISSA Offers

ISSA overview

The International Sports Sciences Association was founded in 1988. Their certified Personal Trainer (ISSA-CPT) is an industry-leading personal training certification that does a superb job of preparing aspiring fitness trainers for the demands of working in fitness settings.

The ISSA is our top choice for all around training certification, offering the best combination of skills, value, and career prospects.

ISSA-certified personal trainers tend to earn some of the highest compensation compared to their peers with other certifications. This may be in part due to the emphasis on and coverage of personal training business skills within the learning modules. Learning how to close a sale is a vital skill for success in the fitness industry, and sets ISSA apart in terms of practical skill sets for real-world fitness sales training. Adoption of exercise is something that many clients struggle with, and personal trainers who are positioned to fully support clients in committing to engaging in regular exercise will find a lot of success.

The ISSA CPT also has great coverage of special populations training and emphasizes aerobic training, which is very helpful when working with a general population. Many clients who seek support from a professional are managing or at risk of a chronic disease. Cardiorespiratory and metabolic diseases are highly prevalent in the United States, which underscores the importance of trainers being well versed in principles of aerobic exercise and aerobic exercise physiology.

The weakest areas of ISSA is its coverage of corrective exercise, which is often required for training clients who need to restore balance in their muscles prior to performing heavy workouts. Additionally, the behavioral change curriculum is somewhat lacking, which is a needed skill set for coaching clients who are resistant to change. Although ISSA is effective at developing trainer skills at increasing exercise adoption, it falls short with what comes next: client retention. We also wish ISSA had a slightly more comprehensive program design framework that allowed smooth progression between various fitness training programs. Exercise programming and prescription can be difficult for certification programs to teach to entry level trainers because it is a complex topic that has to be condensed to fit within a certification. This means that some personal trainer certification programs present program design in a way that has a few blind spots. 

Nevertheless, the ISSA personal trainer certification is bar-none our top choice when it comes to starting a successful career as a fitness trainer if you are planning on working with the general population. The weaker areas of ISSA will be rounded out as you gain experience and earn your CEUs, and the earning potential with ISSA ensures a solid financial future as you work your way through the fitness industry. Check out our NASM vs ISSA article.

Best training model: NASM CPT

OVERALL

PROS

Exceptional OPT Model High industry credibility Good for corrective exercise

CONS

Challenging exam Less suitable for advanced clients

Summary: 

• Accreditation options: NCCA and Non NCCA
• Cert Combo packages: Yes: CPT Pro bundle (CPT, CNC, CES +CPR)
  (Check it out here)
• Starting price: $894
• Exam Pass Rate: 64.3%
• Gym acceptance: Accepted at all gyms
• Average study time: 4 months
• Payment options: One-time, Financing

View Current NASM Offers

NASM overview

The National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer certification (NASM-CPT) is among the most well-known personal training certifications in the industry. NASM equips its students with both the essential knowledge and hands-on skills to design and guide clients through science-backed workout programs for a wide variety of fitness goals using the NASM Optimum Performance Training model (NASM OPT).

Because of NASM’s amazing OPT model and overall commitment to backing all of their recommendations up with science while providing a straightforward training template, the NASM Personal Training certification ranks among the most recognized personal trainer certifications in the market.

The National Academy of Sports Medicine was founded in 1987 to further the fitness industry through evidence-based exercise methodologies. Overall, NASM stands as a leading provider among fitness certification companies, offering many different specializations that help trainers advance their careers and expertise within the various fitness industry niches.

NASM certifications earn respect from employers and fitness experts alike, in large part because of the rigorous and difficult NASM CPT exam. The content standards of personal training certifications vary by organization, but NASM is one of the few certifying bodies that has a content standard similar to what you would find in a University setting. This is especially valuable for trainers who aim to work with clients that have more complicated exercise programming needs.

From our professional standpoint, NASM's dedication to scientifically grounded fitness education makes the NASM CPT one of the most outstanding personal trainer certifications available. 

As we’ve mentioned, to really succeed as a fitness coach and deliver results to your clients, you need to combine personal training and nutrition coaching. This is important because the two areas often overlap. This is true both behaviorally and physiologically. Behaviorally, if a client struggles with one area, they are more likely to give up on the other. Physiologically, exercise and diet interact with one another to impact the way your body adapts and changes over time. Although personal trainers are not registered dietitians and there are limitations to what personal trainers can do when it comes to nutrition and dietary support, within their professional scope of practice, personal trainers are still able to take action to support healthy eating habits for their clients.

On that note, we recommend combining your NASM CPT with a nutrition coaching certification. This two-pronged certification combination allows you to deliver complete fitness solutions to clients, since accomplishing any fitness goal depends on both nutrition and fitness approaches.. I also endorse pursuing further specializations in areas like strength and conditioning for those aiming to coach athletes. The more you further your education, the more well equipped you will find yourself to meet the needs of diverse clientele. This serves to both set you up for greater professional success and set your clients up for greater success with their personal goals.

If you do choose the combination of fitness and nutrition, NASM has a very competitive NASM Nutrition Coach and Personal Trainer Bundle.

Such additional specializations have significantly accelerated many of our team’s careers in fitness, and they can boost yours as well—both in terms of your professional growth and earnings.

NASM offers a few solid package deals for certification, including the NASM Elite Bundle, which combines CPT and NASM Nutrition Coach in addition to a selection of NASM specializations such as the NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist, Performance Enhancement Specialist, Behavioral Change Specialist, or Certified Group Fitness Instructor.

From my first hand observation, NASM's certification is valuable for the majority of trainers and fitness professionals aiming to work with the general population. Its strategies are highly effective in transitioning individuals from a deconditioned state to a fit one.

If you're considering additional fitness specializations after your base personal certification, which we highly recommend, then NASM is an ideal choice.

Based on our team’s experiences working in various gyms and fitness centers, hiring teams are definitely on the lookout for NASM certified personal trainers, and certifications from NASM are often prioritized over lesser known alternatives. Consequently, finding a personal trainer job position as a NASM certified personal trainer is a realistic goal once you’ve obtained your certification.

NASM has a great reputation and has a useful and practical personal training certification that equips you with the tools necessary to be an effective fitness instructor.

With the high-quality course content, use of the Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model, and job guarantee, we rate NASM as the second best all-around option for any fledgling trainer who wants a bright outlook in personal training.

Best for Exercise Science: NCSF CPT

OVERALL

PROS

Competitive pricing High-value learning portal

CONS

Less name-brand recognition Limited business coaching skills

Summary: 

• Accreditation options: NCCA Only
• Cert Combo packages: Yes, Master trainer (CPT, SNS + CSC)
  Check out the master trainer.
• Starting price: $479
• Exam Pass Rate: 57.4%
• Gym acceptance: Accepted at all gyms
• Average study time: 4 months
• Payment options: One-time, Financing

View Current Offers

NCSF overview

The National Council on Strength and Fitness was founded in 1996. Their certified Personal Trainer (NCSF-CPT) is an alternative to the mainstream ISSA and NASM CPT certifications that comes at an extremely affordable price without sacrificing much, if any, of the quality you find in the more mainstream certifications. 

The NCSF has over 325,000 certified personal trainers spread across the globe, advancing the fitness industry and providing top-tier fitness training to clients of all types.

While the NCSF is less well-known than NASM or ISSA, it still holds some weight and accreditation as the mainstream fitness certifications. 

However, the standard price of $799 is often offered at a discounted rate ofat $449 for the basic package. If you take advantage of this commonly offered discount, you absolutely cannot beat the price for the NCSF CPT program most months of the year. In fact, in terms of price vs value, NCSF is arguably the winner, coming in at less than half the cost of the entry level NASM CPT and ISSA CPT courses. Even if it isn’t as comprehensive as other certifications out there, it is stable able to help land you a job working at a conventional gym, which will still allow you to earn money as a personal trainer and progress your career.

The NCSF CPT curriculum spreads across 17 different textbook chapters covering everything from functional anatomy and training instruction, kinetic chain function, and human physiology to the guidelines for exercise programming. Additionally, the NCSF offers some great certification combination options that give you the dual nutrition-personal training combination that allows you to better deliver results to clients. Extra certification offerings make up for gaps in content in the main personal trainer certification, but naturally cost more money to add on. This essentially balances out the price of the overall program, since you would have to pay more money to cover bases that are more sufficiently covered in the base version of other certifications on the market.

Best for Behavioral Change: ACE CPT

OVERALL

PROS

Excellent ACE IFT ® Model Good behavioral change skills

CONS

Limited business skills Less-respected exam

Summary:

• Accreditation options: NCCA and Non NCCA
• Cert Combo packages: No
• Starting price: $680
• Exam Pass Rate: 65%
• Gym acceptance: Accepted at all gyms
• Average study time: 6 months
• Payment options: One-time, Financing

ACE overview

The American Council on Exercise was founded in 1985. Their Certified Personal Trainer program (ACE-CPT) is a straightforward certification that aims to get you certified quickly with the skills you need to design programs and instruct exercise technique starting on day one.

The ACE Integrated Fitness Training Model (ACE-IFT) provides a very straightforward framework for creating custom workout programs. With a comprehensive exercise library labeled according to each phase of the ACE IFT, you can quickly plug-and-play exercises into your custom program and get the technique you need to properly show your clients how to perform the exercise.

Additionally, ACE has an excellent system for behavior change coaching, known as the Mover Model®. In fact, the ACE CPT is among the few certifications that has a specific proprietary framework for getting clients to make positive lifestyle changes.

As a non-profit organization, the American Council on Exercise is fairly committed to focusing on research and advancing the personal training field. They also often have partnerships with universities, allowing you to get certified as part of more robust coursework. Some University classes base their structure on a single certification, so that students complete the course with the knowledge needed to take the certification exam immediately afterwards. ACE is one of the organizations whose personal training certification is sometimes used as a template for a single college course.

ACE also has tons of great workshops that can help you get certified initially or support you to earn continuing education credits for a variety of NCCA-accredited certifications that are partners with ACE.

ACE offers a complete online study portal system for its personal training certification studies.

The ACE textbook is offered in a digital and print format, spanning 16 chapters that cover anatomy and practical skillsets in tandem.

The ACE exam is fairly easy, especially for an NCCA-accredited fitness certification. This is in part because it has more of a behavioral than physiologic focus than other options on the market. It’s easier to intuit answers to behavioral questions on an exam. However, this doesn’t make it less valuable in practice. Trainers who don’t have a strong foundation in psychology or human behavior are more likely to experience lower client uptake and lower client retention because they are less proficient at dealing with the nuances of the human aspect of personal training. Understanding feedback, motivation, and psychology in general can give you a big leg up on establishing a successful personal training career because you will be positioned to have somewhat low client turnover rates. However, the ACE CPT isn’t going to position you to best optimize for clients with more complex needs, like athletes.

Overall, getting your ACE CPT is a good path if you do not want to deal with the rigorous exam of ISSA, NASM, and NCSF CPT exams, but still want the NCCA accreditation and practical skill sets for real-world personal training.

Best for Training Athletes: NSCA CPT

OVERALL

PROS

Heavily science-focused High authority on strength and conditioning

CONS

Lack of effective online learning materials No full program framework

Summary: 

• Accreditation options: NCCA Only
• Cert Combo packages: No
• Starting price: $735
• Exam Pass Rate: 58%
• Gym acceptance: Accepted at all gyms
• Average study time: 6 months
• Payment options: One-time Only

NSCA overview

The National Strength and Conditioning Association was founded in 1978. Their Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) is the most in-depth certification on our list with regard to details on science-backed strength and fitness coaching protocols. The NSCA personal trainer certification provides an exceptional breakdown of the various approaches to maximizing specific athletic goals. 

From our perspective, this makes it a strong choice for somebody with a long term interest in developing hands-on skills and improving performance in athletes and general fitness clients alike.

The National Strength and Conditioning Association is a highly reputable certifying organization, particularly, as the name suggests, in the field of strength and conditioning. They are very well known for their Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist credential (NSCA CSCS), which is the industry’s leading strength and conditioning certification. The CSCS can best be thought of as a higher level version of a personal training certification, that is specifically designed for working with athletes and other clients who are generally interested in increasing their strength or level of conditioning.

Despite being a general fitness personal trainer certification, the NSCA CPT follows the heavy overall emphasis of the National Strength & Conditioning Association organization, which is providing information and science-backed guidelines for workout prescription and programming geared towards performance related improvements.

Of course, these are highly tied with general fitness goals, but it’s definitely worth mentioning as a contrast to some of the more clinical-vibe certifications like ACSM or behaviorally focused certifications like ACE.

One of the reasons we are a bit hesitant to put it on the top of our list of the best personal trainer certifications is that it can be a bit confusing for entry level trainers to make sense of the NSCA’s programming paradigm. This makes it harder to parse early in your career compared to systems such as the NASM OPT, which immediately gives you a medium-to-long-term progression framework to bring clients closer to achieving their fitness goals from various starting points.

For the NSCA CPT, there are guidelines for individual fitness goals, such as endurance, strength, and hypertrophy, as well as for using various types of programming. The NSCA CPT provides you with the building blocks necessary to craft a comprehensive training program, but it is up to you to put those pieces together in a means that is effective for your clients.

These methods are all discussed individually, but you won’t get as much direct guidance on combining them into a complete program with appropriate progressions for each within the same program, although there are some footnotes on combining these modalities. It leaves more up to the trainer to think through and apply, which sets you up for being more skilled at programming long term, although it can make programming feel less accessible out of the gate.

Regardless of this issue, in the long run, you will learn through experience and additional continuing education and training the various ways to implement different modalities and design long-term meso-and-macrocycles.

Ultimately, you will be better skilled than trainers who strictly follow the NASM OPT Model, but there will be a bit more of an upfront learning curve.

Best for Clinical Exercise: ACSM CPT

OVERALL

PROS

Great behavioral change and special populations training Valid for 3 years

CONS

Weak resistance training compared to other programs Minimal programming framework

Summary:

• Accreditation options: NCCA Only
• Cert Combo packages: Yes: Elite trainer, Master trainer, Bogo
  (Check them all out here)
• Starting price: $649
• Exam Pass Rate: 54%
• Gym acceptance: Accepted at all gyms
• Average study time: 6 months
• Payment options: One-time Only

ACSM overview

The American College of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Training certification (ACSM CPT) is a reputable certification and was founded in 1954. Widely accepted across many gyms and also sought after in the health professional space, the ACSM CPT is a good certification for many fitness-complimentary careers. For example, if you plan to work in a clinical exercise setting, then the ACSM personal trainer certification can be a great option.

As a non-profit research organization, the ACSM is responsible for much of the literature that drives health and fitness recommendations across the industry. Many of their staff have PhDs and are prominent researchers in the field. The ACSM also acts as a sort of central hub for the presentation of scientific and academic works, holding many regional conferences and a national conference for fitness professionals each year. This is commendable and lends credibility to their personal trainer certification.

However, the CPT certification itself focuses on fitness testing and prescription more-so than other training elements. While this prepares personal trainers to deal with a number of chronic diseases and other problems clients may face in an effective manner, it doesn’t focus on teaching more complex exercise programming. This sets up ACSM personal trainers to do well when working with the general population, who have a high prevalence of chronic diseases and other issues that impact the way they train and exercise.

That being said, due to its widespread acceptance and industry recognition, we consider it a solid option within the top ten personal trainer certifications.

If you want to crush your ACSM on the first attempt, check out the Trainer Academy ACSM CPT MVP Study Program. This proprietary study system uses spaced-repetition flashcards, mnemonics, and other premium study materials to ensure you pass your exam the very first attempt.

In this section we will do a deep dive our 10 rating criteria (and their rating weight %) for the 6 certifications on the list.

• NCCA Accreditation (20%)
• Total Cost Over Time (20%)
• Study Materials/Support (17%)
• Payment Options (6%)
• Exam Pass Rate (5%)
• Expected Study Time (10%)
• Job Guarantee/Earning Potential (7%)
• Certification Bonuses (7%)
• Certification Popularity (5%)
• Certifications Focus (3%)

Accreditation plays a critical role in personal training certifications, ensuring trainers meet high standards of quality and competence. Here's a concise overview of the major accrediting agencies and their impact based on our collective experiences. This makes up 20% of our rating criteria.

NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies):

• Reputation and Rigor: To make our list, NCCA accreditation was a key requirement, ensuring that all six certifications featured—ISSA, NASM, NCSF, ACE, NSCA, and ACSM—meet the industry’s highest standards. NCCA accreditation is considered essential for employment opportunities, which is why we’ve weighted it at 20% in our rating criteria. This accreditation guarantees that these organizations provide rigorous exams and produce competent trainers, highly regarded by gyms and employers alike.
• Certification Pass Rates: Pass rates for exams from these organizations reflect their rigor, ranging from 54% - 75%.

DEAC (Distance Education Accrediting Commission):

• Bonus Accreditation: DEAC accredits online and distance education programs, ensuring high-quality curriculum and delivery. While it could be a valuable addition to NCCA accreditation, none of the certifications on our list have both DEAC and NCCA accreditation.

NBFE (National Board of Fitness Examiners):

• Industry-Specific Focus: Dedicated to the fitness profession, the NBFE works to standardize certification and examination processes across certifying organizations.
• Unique Role: Although not a typical accreditor like NCCA or DEAC, NBFE's role is crucial in ensuring fitness professionals meet national standards of practice and competence.
• Affiliations: NBFE partners with organizations like ISSA, which holds both NBFE and NCCA accreditations, enhancing its credibility.

The typical personal trainer certification cost ranges from $479-$894 for a quality NCCA-accredited personal training certification and associated study materials. However, there are many additional factors to consider that affect the ultimate cost for your personal trainer certification and how much you end up paying to get certified. This makes up 20% of our rating criteria.

The base price of a personal trainer certification, covering the exam and basic study materials, is just the start. When considering the long-term costs, we also factor in retest fees, ongoing recertification expenses, CEU costs and more. These combined elements are crucial for a comprehensive financial assessment.

Another crucial element in the cost over time is the cost to recertify. This includes not just the recertification fees, but also the cost of obtaining continuing education units (CEUs) and the time commitment required to complete these educational components. For instance, recertification fees can range from $0 to over $435 every 2-3 years, depending on the certifying body, and CEUs can cost anywhere from $15 to $100 per credit, adding up over a career span. This also depends on these certifying body and the requirements for continuing education.

One key factor is the cost to retest, which is relevant for about 25% to 50% of all exam takers (based on pass rates) who may not pass on their first attempt. The financial implications of needing a retest can be substantial and are often overlooked when candidates initially budget for their certification.

ISSA ranges from $0 to $149, depending on the package (some include a free retake while others do not). These cost over time insights shape 20% of our criteria for selecting top certifications, guiding trainers to make informed decisions that align with their long-term career and financial goals.

We've dedicated 17% of our rating criteria to evaluating the quality of certification study materials and support. These components are vital for a student's success, not only in passing the exam but also in ensuring they are well-prepared to excel as competent personal trainers.

Our analysis considers how effectively the study materials cater to various learning styles—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and read/write. We've also included our IPTA study materials in the evaluation. Unique to IPTA, our materials come with an exam pass guarantee plus an exam retake fee coverage, boasting a 99% pass rate for MVP students. We offer tailored study materials for all six organizations on our list, ensuring comprehensive preparation. Here is how the following organizations study materials rank out of 10.

A crucial aspect of study materials is the availability of textbooks. Textbooks remain the most significant resource for most students, whether in digital or physical format. Our comparison includes which organizations offer a digital version of the textbook in their base study package. While all six organizations provide a physical textbook, obtaining one generally requires purchasing a more expensive package or buying the textbook separately.

Support from the certifying organization is another critical factor in a student's journey. Effective support can significantly impact a student's learning experience and success. In our evaluations, we consider the type of support provided (live chat, email, and phone), availability of 24-hour support, and the responsiveness to basic queries during our study process.

We understand that flexible payment options are critical when selecting the right certification program. Each aspiring trainer has unique financial needs, and diverse payment plans are essential to accommodate these requirements. All of the organizations provide one time payments, but we wanted to figure out what pay over time options there are available from each.

While ACSM and NSCA offer only traditional one-time payment methods without pay-over-time plans, organizations like ACE and NCSF provide financing options that require a credit check. This could affect your credit score if you fail to meet the payment terms. On the other hand, NASM and ISSA offer more accommodating terms with 0% interest payment plans over time that do not require a credit check. This flexibility has proven essential for many of us, allowing us to pursue our training without financial stress impacting our educational experience.

We've identified that the exam pass rate significantly influences the choice of certification organization, accounting for 5% of our rating criteria. This reflects not only how well each organization prepares its students but also accounts for the test anxiety, which can vary significantly, with a notable 21% difference between the highest and lowest pass rates.

Additionally, in the section we will discuss other important exam information that could affect your decision in picking the CPT for you.

ISSA wins this section with its exam pass rate of 75%, over 10% above the rest of the field. We believe this is due to primarily to the study materials and support they provide to their students.

ISSA, NASM, and ACE stand out for their test-taking flexibility and options, offering both NCCA and non-NCCA certified exams available online and in-person.

Although the NSCA does not offer any online version of the exam, they benefit from utilizing Pearson Vue for in-person exams. Pearson Vue has over seven times as many testing locations as the next largest provider (Meazure Learning), ensuring greater accessibility for test-takers that need to take the exam in person.

Each organization sets a different number of exam questions, permitted exam duration, and required passing percentage. From our experience, the variance in allotted time—from 120 to 180 minutes—tends not to be as crucial. Often, candidates complete the exam in about half the maximum allowed time.

The estimated required study time for each certification can significantly impact your decision-making process. From our experience, time is indeed money, and the quicker you can prepare and pass your exam, the sooner you can start earning as a personal trainer. Consequently, estimated study time comprises 10% of our rating criteria.

In our experience, most organizations offer similar study durations for their certification programs. However, the urgency to get certified often plays a significant role in the decision-making process, especially for those looking to secure a job quickly.

Key factors that influence this timeline include the quality of study materials provided by each organization and their respective exam pass rates. These resources are crucial as they help candidates effectively navigate through the material.

If your priority is to get certified as quickly as possible, we recommend considering ISSA and NASM. Both organizations offer a broad range of study packages and boast some of the higher pass rates in the industry, making them excellent choices for those looking to fast-track their certification process.

From our extensive experience, one of the most valuable features an organization can offer is a job guarantee with their certification packages. The ability to secure employment quickly can significantly enhance your earning potential by allowing you to start your career earlier, gain more experience, and increase your overall earnings. This factor contributes to 7% of our rating criteria.

Each organization varies in the connections it offers and the terms of its job guarantee, if one is available. These differences can be crucial in choosing the right certification program, as they directly impact your career trajectory and financial success in the field of personal training. For Me the only full fledged job guarantees are provided by NASM and ISSA. But we aware that NASM only offers them on their higher priced packages.

The table provided above outlines estimated earning potential for personal trainers through website that have a lot of statistics on careers. However, these figures should be viewed as guidelines, as various factors can significantly influence a trainer's actual income.

Key among these factors is the acquisition of additional certifications or specializations that are highly valuable to clients. Specializations such as nutrition certification, corrective exercise, and other areas like sports performance or senior fitness can dramatically increase a trainer's marketability and value. Combining these specialized skills with robust experience and effective sales and marketing strategies can substantially enhance a trainer's earning potential.

From our extensive experience in the fitness industry, we've observed that trainers who invest in these specialized areas and actively market their skills often achieve earnings that are substantially higher—sometimes up to twice as much—as the average figures reported by job sites.

We define bonuses for a personal trainer certification as anything beyond the exam itself or its study materials. These extras can be highly beneficial for success after passing the exam, providing valuable resources to help you thrive as a personal trainer. That’s why we assign 7% of our overall rating to this section.

One of the most significant bonuses, which we’ve already mentioned in this article, is the job guarantee. We’ll highlight it here again because we believe it's one of the most crucial benefits a certification can offer.

• NASM: The Job guarantee program and CPR/AED do not come as bonuses on the base package.
• ACE: The CPR/AED do not come with all packages.

Our favorite bonuses are the Job guarantee, the free CPR/AED certification, the free website builder (only ISSA) and the free access to the Edge App (NASM only).

The popularity of a certification accounts for 5% of our overall rating criteria. In our experience, there are instances where a gym or fitness club may have a strong preference for one certification over another. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that employers only favor certifications based on popularity.

More commonly, employers prioritize whether a certification is accredited by the NCCA, rather than focusing solely on its recognition or brand. This highlights the importance of accreditation over simple name recognition in many hiring decisions.

To evaluate the popularity of a certification, we utilized two key metrics:

1. The number of exam attempts per year as reported by the certifying organizations.
2. The volume of monthly Google searches for each certification. We gathered this data using AHREFS, a marketing tool that estimates monthly search traffic.

By leveraging these metrics, we ensured a thorough analysis of how well-known each certification is within the industry.

NASM is the only organization that truly wins the popularity contest, With ISSA coming in a far second place. To emphasize once more, we know that either one of these 6 certifications will be accepted wherever you are searching employment. Other factors are much more important than who the coolest kid in school is.

The following table on certification posters draws its data directly from the official catalogs of each certifying organization. However, based on our own experiences, we have developed insights into the general focus of each certification, which we will also discuss in detail.

This only makes up 3% of our rating criteria because it is a subjective rating and can depend greatly on individual preferences.

Based on the extensive experience of the Trainer Academy team and our work with countless personal training students, we've developed a comprehensive overview of the core focuses of each certification:

• ISSA: We selected ISSA as the best overall certification because, in our experience, it prepares trainers to work effectively with a wide range of clients. Whether you're dealing with athletes, the average person, or individuals requiring corrective exercise, ISSA offers a versatile foundation.
• NASM: NASM also stands out as a solid general certification, with a strong emphasis on corrective exercise. We awarded NASM the "Best Training Model" designation for its OPT (Optimum Performance Training) model, which we believe is adaptable for any client type. However, it particularly benefits those new to exercise or in need of corrective programs.
• NCSF: This certification provides a broad scope but with a strong focus on exercise science, making it a solid choice for trainers looking to work with a diverse range of clients. Its emphasis on science-backed techniques is a key strength.
• ACE: ACE places a unique focus on behavioral change, which is essential for first-time clients. This focus, combined with its attention to exercise and nutrition, helps build long-lasting fitness habits.
• NSCA: If your primary goal is to work with strength and conditioning clients or athletes, NSCA is a standout choice. Its focus is even stronger if you pursue the more advanced CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) certification, which specializes in athletic performance.
• ACSM: ACSM adopts a clinical approach, making it an ideal certification for trainers working with clients post-rehabilitation or those needing corrective exercise programs. It’s particularly valuable for those seeking to specialize in clinical fitness.

This breakdown reflects our hands-on experience with these certifications, allowing us to offer informed insights into their respective strengths and focuses.

In conclusion, choosing the right personal training certification is not only about prestige but also about its practical impact in an industry worth over $14 billion in 2024​. With the demand for personal trainers projected to grow by 14% by 2034​, the need for well-qualified trainers is clear. Trainers play a critical role in preventing injuries, which occur at a rate of 500,000 cases annually due to improper exercise technique​.

Certified trainers, such as those accredited by any of the 6 organizations listed on this article, are pivotal in reducing these risks while helping clients achieve significantly better fitness outcomes. For example, clients working with trainers saw 7% improvements in aerobic capacity compared to declines in those training alone​.

Try to use our certification criteria when choosing the best organization for you. Good luck becoming a personal trainer!

What personal trainer certificate is most respected?

The most respected personal trainer certifications are those accredited by the NCCA, ensuring rigorous standards. Top choices include ISSA, NASM, and NCSF, which offer NCCA-accredited exams, recognized for aligning with industry best practices and scientific norms. These certifications are highly valued by employers and professionals alike.

How much does it cost to become a personal trainer?

Becoming a personal trainer typically costs between $400 and $1,000. This includes certification exam fees, study materials, and CPR/AED certification. Costs can vary based on the certification program, additional study aids, and recertification fees, which are usually required every 2-4 years.

What are the types of personal trainer certifications?

The types of personal trainer certifications include General Personal Trainer Certifications (CPT), which cover foundational training principles, Corrective Exercise Certifications for injury prevention and rehabilitation, Strength and Conditioning Certifications focused on athletic performance, Group Exercise Certifications for leading classes, and specialized certifications in areas like nutrition, youth, or senior fitness.

What is the Hardest Personal Trainer Certification?

The NASM, ACSM, and NSCA personal trainer certifications are arguably the hardest in the industry, followed by ISSA. All of these certifications are difficult, however, but they prepare you well for a career as a personal trainer.

What is a CPT Certification?

A CPT certification stands for Certified Personal Trainer and is the base level certification that most fitness professionals in the United States and globally should obtain to ensure they have the knowledge and skills required to be a personal trainer.

What are the prerequisites to become a personal trainer?

Basic prerequisites for becoming a certified personal trainer include the following: you must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or the equivalent (GEDs accepted), a current and valid CPR/AED certification, and a valid government-issued ID.

Do you need a certificate to be a personal trainer?

You don’t legally need a certificate to be a personal trainer in the U.S., but nearly all legitimate jobs require an NCCA-accredited certification. Certification programs help you develop the necessary knowledge and skills to train clients effectively and are essential for most employment opportunities.

How hard is it to become a certified personal trainer?

Becoming a certified personal trainer can be challenging, with exam pass rates ranging from 60% to 70% depending on the certification. While it requires dedication to study and understand key concepts, proper preparation and study materials can significantly increase your chances of passing on the first attempt.

Do personal trainers need a college degree?

Personal trainers do not need a college degree to become certified. Most certifications only require a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some advanced certifications or specialized areas may prefer or require a degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field for deeper expertise.

Can I make good money as a personal trainer?

Yes, you can make good money as a personal trainer. Earnings vary based on experience, location, and specialization, but successful trainers often earn a solid income through personal training sessions, group classes, and online coaching. Building a strong client base and expanding services can significantly increase your earnings.

How can you become a certified fitness trainer?

To become a certified fitness trainer: Choose an NCCA-accredited certification, meet prerequisites (like a high school diploma), study the required materials, pass the exam, obtain CPR/AED certification, and start training clients. Continuing education can further advance your career.

What skills are needed to become a trainer?

Knowledge of Exercise Science: Understanding anatomy, physiology, and proper exercise techniques.
Communication: Effectively instructing and motivating clients.
Adaptability: Customizing programs to meet individual client needs.
Problem-Solving: Addressing client challenges and adjusting plans.
Business Acumen: Managing schedules, marketing, and client relations.
Empathy: Understanding and supporting clients’ goals and struggles.

How long does it take to become a certified personal trainer?

Becoming a certified personal trainer usually takes 3 to 6 months, depending on the program and study time. Most certifications, like NASM and ACE, recommend 80-100 hours of study. After completing your studies, you can schedule and pass the exam to get certified.

References

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