NASM, ACE, ISSA, NSCA—if you’re looking to become a CPT, these are names you’ve probably heard before. With so many different options available, and all of them calling themselves the best personal trainer certification, it can be tricky to know which program may be the right one for you.
The truth is, there is no one certification that is better than the rest. Each program has its own unique focus, and it depends on what kind of skills you want to learn as a CPT.
To help you compare your options, Insurance Canopy took a closer look at some of the most popular associations with personal trainer certification programs.
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| NFPT | ACSM | NETA | NSCA | AFAA | NAFTA | Fitness Mentors | ISSA | NASM | ACE | NAFC | |
| Qualify |
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 |
18 years of age 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 |
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 |
Fast track: $99 CPT: $994.30 Fitness Coach: $999.60 Elite Trainer: $1,256 Master Trainer: $1,749.70 |
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 | 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 | 2–6 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 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 –No fee for ISSA CEUs |
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 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. ✓ 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 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 |
✗ 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. |
✗ Not all programs are NCCA accredited but are by the DEAC. ✗ Some of the most expensive CPT programs available. |
✗ 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. |
What Is A CPT?
A CPT is a Certified Personal Trainer. These are people who have passed a personal trainer certification exam and are now “certified” by a specific certification to train. Sometimes trainers refer to themselves as a NASM-CPT or ACE-CPT, meaning they received their certification through that specific program.
CPT programs aim to teach an individual the skills they need to know in order to start working as a personal trainer. They also keep trainers educated and up-to-date with the latest research in the health and fitness industry. Some CPT programs are more geared to certain topics and training styles, making them appeal to trainers who may want to specialize in a more niche form of personal training.
Keep reading to see Insurance Canopy’s CPT certification reviews for some of the most popular programs offered today and what they can do best for trainers like you.
Best Certification For Resistance Training
Fitness Mentors’ program is recognized as being one of the best certifications for personal trainers looking to specialize in resistance training.
The FORM Model (Form Over Resistance Model) used in the Fitness Mentor curriculum places an emphasis on a client’s form during resistance training. This can help you lower the risk of injuries your clients may sustain while doing resistance training. Your courses will cover a variety of methods, including bands, cables, and free-standing resistance equipment.
Click to read the full Fitness Mentors CPT certification review.
Best Certifications For New Personal Trainers
Insurance Canopy recognizes the International Sports Science Association (ISSA) and the National Federation of Personal Trainers (NFPT) as the best personal trainer certifications for new trainers receiving their certification for the first time.
ISSA’s personal trainer certificate program is packed with highly valuable information for first-time trainers. With unlimited access to a personal Success Coach, online materials, and detailed expansion packs, you have the ability to start their careers strong.
Click to read the full ISSA CPT certification review.
NFPT’s curriculum is geared exclusively to helping new trainers develop a love for fitness while learning the skills they need to succeed. They are a great option for first-time trainers looking to gain a well-rounded knowledge in the basics of personal training.
Best Certification For Performance Enhancement
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is recognized as the best certification program for personal trainers looking to put an emphasis on performance enhancement in their work.
The Optimum Performance Training Model (OPT) is a detailed, scientifically-based fitness training system designed by NASM. Personal trainers will learn what it is and how to use it to help their clients reach their fitness goals.
Best Certification For Health Behavioral Change
Insurance Canopy recognizes the American Council on Exercise (ACE) as the best personal trainer certification for fitness and health behavior change education.
Any trainer looking to take their career to the next level can greatly benefit from this certification. It allows you to learn the common roadblocks your clients may face when trying to live a healthier and more active lifestyle. You will learn how to help clients set goals, make healthier choices, and build a foundation for success.
Best Certifications For Advanced CECs
Continuing Education Courses (CECs) are an important part of your personal trainer career. In order to maintain your certification status, most programs require you to meet a minimum number of CEC units. A lot of these programs offer their own courses to allow you to keep learning and growing as a trainer. Two of them stood out the most to us as offering the most advanced and specialized CECs.
One of the biggest benefits to enrolling in advanced CECs is it allows you to grow more specialized in your training and what you can offer clients. This sets you apart from other trainers and can even lead to the opportunity to increase your income.
Insurance Canopy recommends the National Aerobics and Fitness Trainers Association (NAFTA) and the National Association for Fitness Certification (NAFC) as the best personal trainer certification programs for fitness professionals looking to expand their knowledge of the training industry.
Click to read the full NAFTA CPT certification review.
NAFC offers a variety of continuing education opportunities, plus PowerCerts to help personal trainers hone in on very niche markets. Their fitness certification includes comprehensive, advanced training programs that help to enhance your ability to train others.
Best Certification For Strength Training & Mass Building
The National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) is recognized as the best certification for personal trainers who want to learn more about strength training and mass building exercises.
Their curriculum offers a variety of resources such as training tips, program design, client assessments, and business advice. You also have the opportunity to join their private professional development group and network with other like minded individuals.
Best Certification For Special Education Training
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is recognized as the best certification program for personal trainers who want to be certified in special education. These speciality certifications help trainers work with clients who have special medical needs—such as cancer, chronic illnesses or diseases, physical sensory disabilities, cognitive disabilities, and autism.
Best Certifications For Group Fitness Instruction
Insurance Canopy recognizes the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and the National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) as the best certification programs for group fitness instruction.
If you’re a personal trainer who prefers working with groups rather than individuals, then AFAA’s program is designed for you. In this program you will learn the skills to work with smaller groups, such as private classes, or large groups, like at corporate events or health centers.
Click to read the full AFAA CPT certification review.
NETA provides hands-on instruction and material to help personal trainers learn how to work with groups of clients. Trainers will develop the skills to connect with multiple clients, balance varying needs, and lead a group of individuals successfully toward their fitness goals.
“Which Personal Trainer Certification Is Best For Me?”
Every association is different and offers a variety of tools, resources, and learning packages, so it’s important to look around and compare your options. Find a program that meets your learning style, fits your budget, and offers a curriculum you are interested in.
The best personal trainers are certified in their field and further their expertise through a continuing education, networking with other trainers, and protecting their business with liability insurance. The world of fitness is constantly growing and has a need for dedicated trainers like you. Start your career in health and wellness confidently as a certified personal trainer, and get the best coverage tailored to your industry with Insurance Canopy today!
