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 my article on the best nutrition certifications.

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 seven certifications featured—ISSA, NASM, IPTA, 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 $399-$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.

My 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. My 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 my evaluations, I 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.

I 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, ISSA, and IPTA 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.

I 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 and IPTA win 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 my 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 IPTA. 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, ISSA and IPTA. 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 my extensive experience in the fitness industry, I’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.

I 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 I 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. I’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.

My favorite bonuses is 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 my 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, I’ve 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, I’ve 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, I 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 my 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.
• IPTA: If you’re primary goal is to learn the latest exercise research along with the convenience of having the best study program around with great extra features like job guarantee and a free textbook, IPTA is your best bet.
• 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.
• 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.

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