Last Updated: April 25, 2024
With a global reach, top-tier ratings, and over 475,000 students worldwide, the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is a trusted name for personal trainers. Whether you want to start your fitness career or grow your business, ISSA is an industry leader and a popular choice for personal trainer certification.
Curious about the ISSA personal training certification program? Insurance Canopy lays out what to expect. Learn the costs, pros and cons, and how an ISSA certification can benefit you on your journey to becoming a better trainer.
What Is ISSA?
ISSA is a fitness certification organization with the mission to bring healthier living to 100 million people by 2030 through education and community. The cornerstone of that plan is equipping fitness professionals to find and enjoy successful careers.
Thanks to features like the program’s fast-tracked certifications and Success Coaches, ISSA-certified personal trainers have a high rate of finding jobs after their program. ISSA even offers a risk-free job guarantee and partners with the staffing departments of over 6,000 gyms.
Pros & Cons of ISSA Personal Training
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| ISSA | NFPT | ACSM | NETA | NSCA | AFAA | NAFTA | Fitness Mentors | NASM | ACE | NAFC | |
| Qualify |
18 years of age CPR/AED certified |
18 years of age High school diploma or GED Adhere to NFPT’s Code of Conduct |
18 years of age High school diploma or GED CPR/AED certified |
18 years of age High school diploma or GED |
18 years of age High school diploma or GED CPR/AED certified |
18 years of age Valid photo ID CPR/AED certified Virtual testing equipment |
18 years of age High school diploma or GED CPR/AED certified First Aid certified valid photo ID |
18 years of age High school diploma or GED CPR/AED certified |
High school diploma or GED CPR/AED certified |
18 years of age High school diploma or GED CPR/AED certified Valid photo ID |
18 years of age High school diploma or GED CPR/AED certified |
| Costs |
Fast track: $99 CPT: $994.30 Fitness Coach: $999.60 Elite Trainer: $1,256 Master Trainer: $1,749.70 |
Standard: $299 Premier: $349 Exam only: $199 |
Member Price: $299 Non-Member Price: $399 Exam only: $349 |
Self-Study Workshop: $599 Self-Study Standard: $549 Exam only: $499 |
Member Price: $300 Non-Member Price: $435 |
Certification program: $499 Textbook: $79 |
✗ No prices available |
Starter: $399 Plus: $699 Pro: $899 Ultimate: $1,499 |
Self-Study: $899 Nutrition Bundle: $1,798 CPT Essentials Bundle: $2,397 Exclusive Bundle: $3,295 |
Basic: $675 Plus: $745 Advantage: $975 |
Self-Study: $499 Self-Study Plus: $649 Exam only: $149 |
| Length | 2–6 months of prep | 60–90 days of prep | 3 months of prep | 30–45 days of prep | 6 months of prep | 3–9 months | 60–70 hours of prep for GEI | 3+ months of prep | 4–25 weeks of prep | 3–6 months of prep | 2–3 months of prep |
| Accredited | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ GEI only | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ by NBFE |
| Specialty Certs | ✓ | ✗ CPT only | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CECs / CEUs |
2 CEUs every 2 years –CPR/AED certification –No fee for ISSA CEUs |
2 CECs every year Flexible options: –Self-tests –Workshops –Seminars –CPR/AED |
45 CECs every 3 years –Option to retake and pass CPT exam –$45+ in fees |
20 CECs every 2 years –6 CECs must be from NETA –$75 fee |
1–6 CEUs every 3 years Flexible options: –Events –Teaching –Activities –Tests |
15 CEUs every 2 years –$99 fee –Optional one-time $399 fee + CEU discounts |
15 CEUs every 2 years –Limited information –Varies by the program –Workshops available |
2 CEUs every 2 years –$99 fee –CPR/AED certification |
2 CEUs every 2 years –CPR/AED certification –One-time Recertify for Life available –Renewal fees |
2 CEUs every 2 years –$129 fee –CPR/AED certification –CEC Power Pass available |
2 NAFC credits every 2 years –20 hours of NAFC CECs –Compete a recertification application |
| Pros |
✓ CPT is good for 2 years. ✓ Online CPR/AED certification. ✓ Unlimited exam time and 90% of people pass. ✓ Free retests on the CPT exam. ✓ Job placement guarantee. ✓ International recognition. |
✓ CPT is good for 1 year. ✓ Receive materials to help you start and run a PT business. ✓ Free and low-cost CEC courses. ✓ No fee to submit recertification. ✓ Free online retest for the exam. ✓ Specialty CECs. |
✓ CPT is good for 3 years. ✓ Known for a robust focus on special education certification. ✓ Best for trainers planning to work with clinical populations or special needs clients. ✓ Free CPT Facebook group. |
✓ CPT is good for 2 years. ✓ Hands-on experience through workshops. ✓ Accessible for those without a degree. ✓ Programs cover a wide range of fitness and health topics. ✓ Self-taught curriculum. |
✓ CPT is good for 3 years. ✓ No fee or limit to the number of times you may attempt the exam. ✓ Known for a good curriculum and practical application for real-world use. ✓ Best for trainers looking to enter the field of strength and conditioning. |
✓ CPT is good for 2 years. ✓ The program is fairly priced. ✓ Subsidiary of the highly regarded NASM. ✓ Good for trainers wanting a self-paced course. ✓ Best for understanding group and general fitness. |
✓ GEI is good for 2 years. ✓ Good for trainers looking to get certified in Group Exercise Instruction (GEI). ✓ Largest provider of CECs in the world. ✓ Best for trainers wanting diverse and affordable specialty CECs/CEUs. |
✓ CPT is good for 2 years. ✓ The exam is easier than other programs. Only a 70% is needed to pass. ✓ Large focus on online fitness. ✓ Free resources and study materials for other CPT tests available. ✓ Best for virtual trainers. |
✓ CPT is good for 2 years. ✓ Most specialty courses and certifications are for CEUs. ✓ State-of-the-art digital learning platforms. ✓ NASM is highly recognized and respected. ✓ Comprehensive course materials and diverse specializations. |
✓ CPT is good for 2 years. ✓ Certification bundles available. ✓ Known for a focus on behavior change and a client-centered approach. ✓ Great for new and experienced trainers. ✓ Online learning offers flexibility. |
✓ CPT is good for 2 years. ✓ Job placement guarantee available in the Plus Program. ✓ Earn dual certifications. ✓ Count CECs to multiple certification renewals. ✓ Course material is hyper-focused and detailed. |
| Cons |
✗ Not all programs are NCCA accredited but are by the DEAC. ✗ Some of the most expensive CPT programs available. |
✗ Less emphasis on advanced fitness concepts. ✗ Mostly geared toward first-time trainers. ✗ Only focuses on personal training. |
✗ Lack of in-person teaching and experiences built into the curriculum. ✗ Separate costs for study materials and exams. |
✗ Study materials are limited. ✗ The exam-only option is expensive and lacks study materials. |
✗ No practice exam. ✗ Study materials range from $435 to more than $1000. ✗ CEU recert process can be confusing. |
✗ Limited to a single option. ✗ Not as widely recognized as other associations. ✗ Materials may not fully prepare you to pass the test. |
✗ No CPT is available, but there are some PT-focused CECs. ✗ Limited information about the programs is available. |
✗ Not as recognized as other programs. ✗ A small list of CECs and niche career focuses. ✗ The ultimate plan may not be worth the cost. |
✗ The proctored exam can be a challenge for some. ✗ Requires a significant time investment to understand materials. ✗ Costly plans. |
✗ Business skills and nutrition training courses aren’t included in the most basic program package. ✗ Not certified in the UK by REPs. |
✗ Curriculum is only self- taught, which may not be best for all learning styles. ✗ Courses start at an intermediate level, not a beginner level. |
Choosing the right personal training program is a marathon, not a sprint. To jump-start your research, check out the highlights of our ISSA certification review in these pros and cons:
Pros
- ISSA programs offer science-focused education.
- It adds to your credibility—the program has global recognition with students in 174 countries.
- You’re set up for success, as the ISSA personal trainer certification exam boasts an 89.9% pass rate.
- Continuing education units (CEUs) include business training courses to help grow your client base and your income.
- ISSA has the lowest retest fee in the industry at $50.
- As a new trainer, you’ll have access to more industry information and study guides.
Cons
- Study material bundles can be costly, leaving you with extra fees.
- Specialized courses lack focus on corrective exercises you might be looking for.
- You’ll have to pay for recertification every 2 years.
Not sure ISSA is right for you? See more Insurance Canopy reviews of the best personal trainer certification programs, so you can choose with confidence.
What to Know About ISSA Certifications
Founded in 1988, ISSA was one of the first personal trainer programs to offer distance courses and is still a leader in online certification. Digital textbooks, online forums, and live video coaching keep this program flexible and accessible.
Another thing that sets ISSA courses apart is the Fast Track personal trainer program. For an extra fee, this guided study streamlines the normal 12-week course to help you finish in four weeks. Trainers who want to get into the field faster or have more experience may prefer this route.
Requirements
Trainers must be at least 18 years old and show proof of current CPR/AED* certifications to enroll in the ISSA personal training certification program.
To get certified, you will need to check all of these boxes:
- Complete the Certified Personal Trainer program
- Submit all course quizzes
- Score 70% or higher on the final exam
- Have current CPR/AED* certificates
*Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) / Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Cost
All ISSA Certified Personal Trainer programs include online practice quizzes, workbooks, lectures, and more. While the basic version gives you the tools to become certified, other plans add options to specialize (with a higher price tag).
The ISSA personal trainer certification costs break down into four tiers:
- Certified Personal Trainer: $93.28/month or $994.30/year
- Fitness Coach: $99.97/month or $999.60/year
- Elite Trainer: $145.80/month or $1,499.65/year
- Master Trainer: $174.98/month or $1,749.70/year
Compare personal training programs to find options that fit your goals.
Specialized Certification Programs
ISSA courses aim to help fitness professionals level up their careers, whatever their personal goals. Adding specializations and extra certifications can help you stand out in your field.
Trainers can enroll in the following ISSA Specialization Courses:
Online Coach
Nutritionist
Strength & Conditioning (+ NCCPT Exam)
Bodybuilding Specialist
CPR/AED Certification Program
Glute Specialist
Kickboxing Instructor
Performance Enhancement Coach
Powerlifting Instructor
Tactical Conditioning Coach
Corrective Exercise Specialist
DNA-Based Fitness Coach
Exercise Recovery Specialist
Exercise Therapy Specialist
Health Coach
Transformation Specialist
Yoga Instructor (+ NCCPT Exam)
Group Exercise (+ NCCPT Exam)
Group Personal Training
Indoor Cycling (+ NCCPT Exam)
Lifespan Coach
Weight Management Specialist
Youth Fitness Instructor
Senior Fitness Instructor
Running Coach
Continuing Education & Recertification
You will need to recertify with ISSA every two years to keep your status active. To renew:
- Complete 20 hours of CEUs
- Have a current CPR/AED certification
- Pay renewal fees
Renewing your ISSA personal training certification keeps you at the top of your game. Even though it takes extra time and money, continuing education can grow your expertise, business, and opportunities. Clients will also benefit from up-to-date information about fitness trends and new techniques.
What You Can Do With an ISSA Personal Trainer Certification
Insurance Canopy recommends ISSA as the best certification program for personal trainers getting certified for the first time.
The ISSA-certified personal trainer program is designed to support you if you are new to the field. With unlimited access to a personal Success Coach, online materials, and detailed expansion packs, new trainers have the resources to start strong.
Why Certified Personal Trainers Need Insurance
Once you earn your shiny, new ISSA certification, it’s time to go to work. But one thing the program doesn’t provide is fitness instructor insurance.
Even qualified, careful trainers can’t avoid every snapped exercise band or strained muscle. Liability insurance protects you from paying for common claims like client injuries, damage to facilities, and broken equipment.
Personal trainer insurance is highly recommended and it’s often required by many locations where you might want to train clients. The ability to show this extra security net to gyms and other fitness centers can help you find training locales, land jobs, and expand your client base.
Luckily, Insurance Canopy offers top-rated and affordable personal trainer insurance designed to help you meet these requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About ISSA Personal Training
Is ISSA a Good Certification?
ISSA courses have earned over 10,000 five-star reviews. This organization has almost 500,000 students and is one of the most popular choices for personal trainer certification.
How Much Does the ISSA Personal Trainer Certification Cost?
The ISSA Certified Personal Trainer program costs $994.30 per year. You can pay in full or choose a 12-month payment plan for $93.28/month.
How Long Does ISSA Certification Take?
The ISSA Certified Personal Trainer program takes 4–12 weeks to complete, depending on your choice of the Fast Track or self-guided program. You have six months after buying the program to complete the certification exam.
How Do I Become ISSA Certified?
To become ISSA certified, you must complete online courses and pass a 200 multiple-choice question exam. To maintain your status, recertify, renew your CPR/AED certification, and complete 20 CEUs every two years.
What Gyms Accept ISSA Certification?
Over 10,000 gyms accept the ISSA personal trainer certification. The organization’s preferred club partners list is a strong sample of major gyms that recognize this credential. The personal trainer exam is also NCAA accredited, which many gyms prefer.
