With 2023 on the horizon, lots of folks think about their New Year’s resolutions. By far one of the most common resolutions is to become healthier, whether that means updating your diet, committing to an exercise routine, or something else.
Updated March 9th, 2023.
Becoming a personal trainer opens the door to an exciting new career. As a personal trainer, you can become your own boss, help others with the skills you have, and motivate people to be their best.
While the training course to prepare for the certification exam will give you the knowledge you need, holding that certification puts everyone at ease, knowing they are in capable hands. But with so many certifications available, how can you know which one to get?
Here are the 10 best personal trainer certifications that we’ve come across with a breakdown of each to help you can make the best choice for your situation.
ISSA Certified Personal Trainer Certification is first on the list, and rightly so. ISSA is one of the best personal trainer certifications available for several different reasons.
Because of how the ISSA Certified Personal Trainer Certification program is structured, you can finish it as quickly as you would like.
ISSA goes above and beyond, offering support through its study coaching program, a free website upon completion, support after course completion, and much more. The ISSA program offers multiple different exam options, including an open-book option if preferred.
ISSA also has more reviews than most, with over 8,500 reviews at the time of this writing. ISSA also includes a money-back job placement guarantee, promising to help land you a personal training job within 6 months of graduation or your money back.
ISSA also offers multiple tiers of certification, with additional tiers providing things like a specialization program, nutrition coaching, HIIT training, and more. As an industry leader, the ISSA Certified Personal Trainer Certification is widely believed to be one of the best options for the support you receive before, during, and after the exam to help you build and establish a career.
Get our full ISSA review here.
Highlights:
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NCSF, as the name implies, is a certification program for personal trainers with an emphasis on strength. Still, NCSF offers personal trainer certifications in addition to their strength coaching and sports nutrition specializations.
These certifications are backed by accreditation by the NCAA and have certified trainers around the world. Like many online personal trainer certifications, the NCSF has multiple tiers of training. The base tier of home study courses includes a digital textbook and videos to provide all the information you need to start your career off right as a CPT.
In addition, it includes the cost of membership for the first year and the cost of the initial certification exam. The next tier higher offers a hard copy of the textbook to keep with you. From there, additional certification tiers include advanced specialization in select areas.
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NASM is another long-standing personal trainer certification organization. The NASM CPT certification is known for being a difficult certification to obtain. NASM has been accredited by the National Commission for certifying agencies, or NCCA.
This additional accreditation has helped the NASM to stand out as a reputable and trustworthy certification agency. The NASM personal trainer certification program is designed to be covered over the course of 12 weeks, but typically it is expected to take longer.
Those with an anatomy and physiology background may find it easier to complete this course within the allotted time.
Upon purchase of the course materials, you have 180 days before you must sit for the exam. NASM offers a number of package deals that will bundle other similar certification and specialization programs that they offer. Traditionally, this certification program costs around $1,000, but discounts can be found readily.
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Action personal trainer certification is a newer personal trainer certification agency that has changed how they structure its program. By sticking to a strictly online program for accreditation, they can offer a lower rate than the competitors.
That said, it has been noted that this certification program may be more difficult for those that do not study well on their own. Because of the deeply discounted rate, more responsibility is placed on the student to take the lead in their own education. Still, an action personal trainer certification proves that you were able to pass the exam required. Action offers two different certifications.
One is the online certificate in personal training. This is an online-only certificate that is not nationally accredited. Check with your state guidelines to ensure that this certification will be sufficient in your area. The other certification offered is an NCAA-accredited certified personal trainer exam.
This exam is nationally accredited and more reputable on a resume. There is another option for an exam-only path that does not offer study material. This option is best for those already working in a similar occupation but wanting to branch out.
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ACE is another well-established personal trainer certification agency that can provide the tools needed to address the needs of a variety of clients. ACE offers 3 tiers of certification and training. The Basic tier gives access to their proprietary ACE University, where you receive all the training and information you need to pass the exam.
In addition, they provide a proctored certification exam to take at home. The Basic plan comes with 1 practice test, a digital textbook covering the personal trainer materials, and a study guide. Moving up to the Plus tier, you gain all the benefits of the Basic tier in addition to an extra practice test, a hard copy version of the textbook, a hard copy of the study guide, and access to live Q&A webinar sessions.
The Plus course also introduces an additional course, “exercise science 101”. The top tier, Advantage, gives all the benefits of the plus tier with an additional 2 practice tests, an audiobook copy of the textbook, and dedicated support from staff.
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Visit the ACE website to learn more.
AFAA is the first on this list to offer something other than a Certified Personal Trainer certification. Instead, they offer a Personal Fitness Trainer Certification.
While this may seem like a simple issue of semantics, a graduate of the AFAA Personal Fitness Trainer Certification course could not technically use the title “CPT”.
However, this certification covers the same type of information that most personal trainer certifications would cover. The AFAA focuses, not just on helping clients perform exercises safely, but on helping mold behaviors and improve habits. In order to keep the content fresh in mind, the courses must be completed within 1 year of enrollment.
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The ACSM is another certification program with a wealth of knowledge backing it. The American College of Sports Medicine offers a number of certification programs, including programs specifically for those with an educational background in anatomy and kinesiology to take their skills to the next level.
What that means for the personal trainer certification program is that you receive training and have access to upper-level materials that other programs would not. An ACSM CPT certification is designed to help place you into a job you love, whether that is in a gym, health club, or even other community and public settings.
ACSM also has measures in place to help you reach out to other students to form support and study groups, helping you reach your educational and networking goals at the same time. On top of all of that, ACSM also offers something called prepU.
This is a study guide program that adapts to your personal needs as you study. It will automatically focus on things you need to improve upon while checking off the things you’ve mastered.
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An NFPT certification is more than just a certification. While an NFPT certification will give you the opportunity to work in gyms and health clubs, the NFPT has set out to do more than simply provide education. The NFPT was created by a family and continues to believe that all of its trainers are choosing to become a part of that family.
As such, there are a number of additional supports in place to help NFPT-certified trainers succeed in their careers. Additionally, the NFPT has worked hard to make sure that all education and training are relayed in simple, easy-to-understand terms.
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The NSCA is not simply an organization designed to certify personal trainers at an entry-level but offers a wide variety of additional certifications. This includes performance and sports science, special population specialization, and tactical strength and conditional facilitator certifications.
These certifications all work in tandem with their dynamic personal trainer certification programs, making for more specialized trainers. This is a good organization to choose if you plan on furthering your career through one specific agency as you build your specializations based on your clientele.
Since the NSCA gets students from a variety of backgrounds, they offer a number of different study plans based on how familiar you are. For example, someone with an exercise science-related degree and hands-on experience estimates that it would take about 3-6 weeks to prepare for the exam.
For those without either, it can take 6-9 months. If you have a degree but no experience or experience but no degree, you can expect it to take about 3-6 months.
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NESTA, like the AFAA, offers a personal fitness trainer certification instead of a personal trainer certification. Still, this certification program has been accredited by the NCAA, making it a well-respected program in the fitness world.
In addition to the base trainer certification, they also offer master personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and sport yoga instructor certifications for an additional cost. NESTA is the only personal training certification that lasts for 4 years, not the traditional 2 or 3.
They also offer lifetime support and access to online training information to help you establish yourself and succeed in your career.
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Even beyond these 10, there are plenty more personal trainer certifications available that can help you reach your goals. After comparing these programs, it is easier to know what you are looking for in a certification course.
They can all give you the support you need as you reach for your fitness, finance, and career goals all at once. Choose wisely 😀
Becoming a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) is a great way to pursue your passion and jumpstart your career in wellness. With over 475,000 personal trainers in 176 countries, ISSA is backed by a rock-solid job placement guarantee!
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There are several accreditation programs that offer certification in personal training. How can you pick the right one? A good personal training certification should go further than just offering an exam so you can use the title “Certified Personal Trainer”.
For a personal training certification to really be beneficial, you should learn all that you need to get started training others safely and effectively and it needs to be backed and accredited by the most trusted players in the game.
ISSA is accredited by the two most trusted programs in the fitness industry: DETC and NCCA. They are well respected everywhere and will help you land that first job!
Let’s get started in our review of one of the most, if not the, trusted names in the industry – The International Sports Science Association (ISSA).
There are several other accredited certifications out there. You can get our full breakdown of the top 10 best personal trainer certifications but here is a quick breakdown.
A personal trainer can give personalized recommendations to help you meet your specific goals (losing weight, bulking up, increasing endurance, etc.) while at the same time giving you tips to keep you from injuring yourself.
Many personal trainers also expand their scope by receiving specialization in a specific area or by covering nutritional information. A personal trainer needs to have a broad knowledge base to make for a safe and effective exercise session.
To equip them for this, a good personal trainer certification program is essential. A good CPT program should provide quality education, tools to help you succeed as a trainer, and an easy-to-follow format to help you achieve your goals quickly.
The International Sports Science Association (ISSA) offers a top-rated, high-quality program that can help you reach your fitness and career goals at your pace.
It starts at only $69-$99/month (depending on their current promo) per month for 12 months.
The quality of CPT courses available varies, but it can be hard to know which ones are worthwhile without purchasing the courses. Thankfully, ISSA offers transparent programs, countless reviews, and even a guarantee!
Instead of leaving things vague, ISSA tells you what you can expect to learn from the course. This includes such important points as:
By giving details about what is included in the course, you can have a better feel for what to expect before investing. In addition, ISSA CPT reviews are rated number 1, with 4.8/5 stars on Trustpilot at the time of this writing. Here are some of the more recent ISSA CPT reviews, showing just how helpful this training course is:
“This product is incredible! The guided study is my favorite part of all ISSA products allowing you to fast-track it or go at a slower pace. It is incredibly interactive and keeps you focused so you get to the final feeling confident that you know the material. Most practical, time efficient, and value for money! Highly recommend any of their certifications.”
“The ISSA CPT course was well set up, well written, and easy to work through. It was a good re-hash of my previous training experience and a good mix of theoretical and practical work. I would highly recommend it for those interested in personal training, or for re-visiting their own knowledge for health and fitness.”
Both reviews go to show just how beneficial this instruction is. The ISSA doesn’t just hope that you will learn what you need from these courses, though.
The ISSA takes it a step further, guaranteeing you will find a job within 6 months or your money back.
All you have to do is take the course and pass the exam, interview with at least 3 gyms within 6 months, and if by then you still don’t have a job, they will either help place you in a job or pay your money back!
Most ISSA CPT reviews will mention that you get more than just a course when you study with the ISSA. Not only do you get accurate and up-to-date information, but you also get a number of other benefits. Many ISSA CPT reviews also include the fact that the courses offer a flexible schedule to fit your busy lifestyle.
While some CPT courses give you textbook material and leave you to learn on your own, ISSA CPT courses also include unlimited study support with a coach to help you succeed on the exam and in your career. The exams offered range from fully NCAA-accredited exams as well as open-book options.
Even if you don’t learn best on your own, ISSA CPT courses provide alternative ways of taking in this information. While a text portion is available, ISSA also offers audio or video lectures and reviews of the material covered in the textbook. Easy-to-follow videos show the exact form and safety techniques needed to succeed as a personal trainer.
Online discussion groups and forums give you access to the knowledge base of experts as well as other students, giving you the support you need. ISSA also offers online live lessons, letting you get the benefit of a live, in-person course without having to fit your busy schedule into that of a course.
If you want to follow a more intensive live study program, ISSA also offers a CPT Bootcamp, included free with the purchase of a certification course. This Bootcamp covers everything you need to know to successfully pass the CPT exam and start your career as a personal trainer.
With hours of live training and plenty of time for asking questions, you can see not just what to study, but how to study it in a way that you will be able to retain it and use it in your career. This also gives you a nice opportunity to learn from the minds that designed the ISSA CPT course.
Flexible OptionsDepending on the tier of courses you purchase, you can also receive specialization courses. These courses include strength specialties like becoming a Running Coach or Powerlifting Instructor, recovery specializations like becoming a Sleep, Stress, & Recovery Coach, group-based specializations like becoming an Indoor Cycling Instructor, or even special population specializations like becoming a Senior Fitness Instructor or Tactical Conditioning Specialist.
On top of the specialization programs, you can also receive nutrition coaching and weight loss specialist courses as well, thoroughly preparing you to have a successful career as you grow and expand.
In addition to the actual courses offered, ISSA provides a flexible timeline for finishing your training. You get an eight-month exam voucher, so you have plenty of time! Are you the type who will spend 40 hours a week studying? Then you’ll fly through the material and be ready to take the CPT exam in no time.
Not sure if you can devote that much time to studying? Do you have a full-time job, a family, or other obligations that will limit your time? The ISSA understands that, and they make it possible for everyone to cover the material thoroughly with whatever time they can carve out.
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ISSA benefits don’t end when the course is over, though. Along with the job placement guarantee, you also receive lifetime support from the ISSA. The ISSA has also partnered with FitnessProSites to provide a free, professional website to each graduate from their program included free. These sites are easy to customize and are designed with trainers in mind.
By having a personal, custom website you can stand out against the other certified personal trainers and grow your business through online referrals and leads.
The final exam for an ISSA personal trainer certification program is 200 questions long. This test is specifically designed to be a challenge and put you to the test. While it is a challenge, having a more difficult exam also means that those holding this certification are only the best. With the prep materials that are provided, including the text and videos, you can get off to a good start in being certified by ISSA as a personal trainer.
While the sheer length of this test can be intimidating at first, you can be confident that your efforts will be worthwhile. The ISSA personal trainer exam has a pass rate of 90%. That means that the course materials are exactly what you need to succeed in this difficult exam.
In order to successfully pass the ISSA CPT exam, you will need to achieve a score of 75% or more. This test can take up to 2 hours depending on your personal testing preferences.
Unlike other certification exams, the ISSA CPT exam is designed with you in mind. This exam does not have a built-in time limit. Instead, you are given an unlimited amount of time. Sometimes, circumstances don’t allow you to sit down for a couple of hours and focus on a test. With the ISSA CPT exam, you can even log out of the exam page and then log back in later.
Whether you prefer to break up your testing across multiple periods or just don’t like the pressure of having a timer counting down, the ISSA CPT exam makes for a more comfortable testing environment.
Understandably, not everyone is able to pass a comprehensive exam in one attempt. If you do not pass the ISSA CPT exam on your first attempt, don’t worry. You have a 30-day window to retake your ISSA CPT exam without an additional cost. This means you can study extra on the areas in which you need a little improvement, then take the test again once you’re better prepared.
Like many certifications, maintaining your credentials as an active Certified Personal Trainer requires Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The purpose of these additional education units is to keep your knowledge up-to-date on the latest trends in personal training while at the same time fortifying your understanding of the basics so you can provide the best services possible to your clients.
Since you still carry the title of an ISSA-certified personal trainer, the ISSA works hard to keep you informed and educated in the field
When it comes to attending and participating in these continuing education courses, there are a number of different areas you can study. Some of these continuing education courses are live workshops where you can sharpen your skills and learn new techniques to help your clients reach their full potential.
Another option for continuing education is to pursue alternate certifications through ISSA. For example, you can choose to specialize in one type of activity – such as becoming a bodybuilding specialist. On the other hand, you can focus on one particular area of the body- like becoming a glute specialist. Want to branch out and expand your knowledge? You can even learn new skills by becoming a nutritionist and helping your clients in the gym and out.
Once you have picked the area of study you want to select, you can purchase the courses and pass the CEU. After you have completed 20 continuing education units – each of which does have a cost associated – you can renew your certification as a personal trainer for under $100.
Once you have decided that an ISSA CPT course is right for you, how do you start? Simply visit their website (link below) and choose the path that is right for you. Once you’ve decided on the tier that matches your career goals best, you can sign up and start for free.
ISSA CPT courses offer flexible payment plans with no interest so you can start your career on stable footing. As mentioned above, ISSA also guarantees that their course will enable you to find a job with your new skillset or your money back!
While many different companies are offering personal training certifications, ISSA is an industry leader. ISSA has been offering personal trainer certifications for 25 years!
Simply having the approval and certification from such an established institution, is a simple step that can help move your resume to the top of the pile in a competitive job market. Gyms know that there is little that is more valuable than a well-trained certified personal trainer.
By receiving accurate text and video instruction as well as personalized study coaching, ISSA is able to reliably and repeatedly produce the next generation of professional personal trainers.
Questions? Don’t hesitate to drop us a line!
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It’s that time of year again to reflect on what we want to accomplish this upcoming year as well as put a sustainable and realistic plan in place. Sustainability and being realistic are key when thinking about our fitness goals and resolutions.
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Reaching great levels of health and fitness is something many adults strive to accomplish and often spend many hours in the gym, meal planning, and aiming for more steps throughout the day.
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