- Last Updated:
- 8/12/2024
Also known as NAFC, the National Association for Fitness Certification offers an in-depth intermediate curriculum and a variety of niche courses. It’s best for those who already have some knowledge of the industry and want a program that offers specialized topics.
Insurance Canopy took a closer look at what NAFC certification offers and how it can benefit trainers like you.
What Is the National Association for Fitness Certification (NAFC)?
Created in 1992, the NAFC is a fitness certification program setting a high standard in personal training education. It emphasizes body movement science and the idea that strong training regulations lead to safer training environments and healthier clients.
NAFC’s skill-based approach combines video, text, flashcards, and other learning formats to help students understand and apply the curriculum.
Where NAFC certification truly stands out is in continuing education (CE) programs. It offers a variety of niche focuses to help broaden trainers’ knowledge across the fitness, health, and wellness industries.
NAFC’s practical application method prioritizes theory in action to put growing your career front and center.
About NAFC Personal Training Certification
The NAFC is the only fitness certification program accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). It takes curriculum beyond the book knowledge to become a personal trainer with exams that combine theory and practical application.
The NAFC Personal Trainer Certification program breaks down into four parts:
- Foundation of fitness and exercise
- Personal trainer fundamentals
- Fitness assessments and building programs
- Personal training skills
Pros & Cons of NAFC
NAFC is a highly specialized program that may not appeal to all personal trainers – and that’s okay! If you have some experience or are already familiar with the industry, an NAFC fitness certification offers more in-depth learning.
Pros
- Earn dual certifications and save time and money by counting continuing education credits (CECs) toward multiple certification renewals (as long as they are renewed at the same time).
- Detailed course material is hyper-focused on practical personal trainer skills and business development.
- CECs are available in discounted bundles to meet recertification credit hour criteria or as individual classes to personalize your learning.CEC opportunities include niche topics within personal training and training for special populations.
Cons
- NAFC doesn’t have the same level of name recognition as competitors like the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE), which could affect the perception of your certification.
- Course levels start at intermediate, so a new trainer may struggle to learn the material and pass the exam.
- Curriculum is self-taught online with provided materials. While master trainers are available for questions, this program is best for self-motivated students who thrive in independent study.
- The NAFC blog, newsletter, social media, and workshop pages are not updated regularly, so up-to-date free resources are limited.
- Not a lot of online NAFC certification reviews from students, so satisfaction with the program is hard to gauge.
Need help comparing NAFC to other programs? Check out Insurance Canopy’s reviews of the best personal trainer certification programs to make an informed decision.
It’s important to make sure a program’s format and materials meet your needs before you start the certification process.
Check out NAFC certification feedback for what customers have to say before choosing a program.
What to Know About NAFC Certification
Although it might not be a household name, the NAFC’s accrediting body, the IACET, shapes its approach to education. The IACET was created by the Department of Education in 1968 to build a model for measuring non-academic learning. You’ve probably heard of the result: the continuing education unit (CEU).
IACET accreditation standards give NAFC certification its specific blend of self-study coursework, practical testing, and specialized CEC options.
Requirements
Like most programs, NAFC requires you to have a high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years of age. Courses are listed as “intermediate,” so having some prior knowledge of the industry is helpful.
To get certified, you will need to meet these requirements:
- Pass the 50-question Foundations of Fitness and Exercise Exam with a score of 80% or higher
- Pass the 120-question PT Certification Theory and Practical Exam with a score of 80% or higher
- Have current CPR/AED* certificates
While the NAFC website states that 95% of test takers get certified, that doesn’t necessarily mean the exam is easy. Test takers are told to study 2–3 months before taking their test, giving each of the four course manuals about 20–30 hours of study time.
*Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Automated External Defibrillator
Cost
The cost of the NAFC fitness certification program for personal trainers starts at $499. However, there are two versions of the NAFC Fitness Certification program for personal trainers. The only difference is the Job Placement Guarantee.
The Guarantee package (called Self Study Plus) connects you with a career management specialist and promises a full refund if you don’t secure a job in the health and fitness industry within 90 days of completing the program.
(Additional terms and conditions may apply to the Job Placement Guarantee).
Pricing is as follows:
- Self Study program: $499
- Self Study Plus program: $649
You can also purchase only the NAFC test for $149. This option is best for experienced trainers who already know enough about fitness, physiology, nutrition, and the assessing, programs, and legalities of the fitness industry to pass the exam without extra study aids. There is a $25 retest fee if you don’t pass on the first try.
Specialized Certification Programs
Along with personal trainer certification, other NAFC fitness certification programs include:
- Group Fitness Instructor
- AASDN Nutrition Specialist
- NAFC Yoga 200 Certification
- Pilates Coach Mat 1
- Pilates Coach Reformer 1
For each program except nutrition, NAFC also offers virtual fitness professional shadowing. This add-on is designed to help new trainers support their certification by virtually following an experienced trainer and seeing theory applied to clients.
Continuing Education & Recertification
Your NAFC personal trainer certificate lasts two years before you need to recertify. Renewing your certification helps you stay up to date with the latest methods and gain a deeper understanding of specialized topics relevant to your training clients.
To recertify with NAFC, you must complete 2.0 Continuing Education Credits and show proof of a current CPR/AED certification. You will also have to pay a $75 renewal fee, provide a copy of your expiring certificate, and create an outline of the CECs you earned.
How NAFC Personal Training Certification Benefits You
Insurance Canopy feels NAFC certification is best for non-beginner fitness professionals looking to expand their knowledge of the training industry. The program offers a variety of continuing education opportunities, plus PowerCerts to help experienced personal trainers hone their skills in niche markets.
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Frequently Asked Questions About NAFC Personal Training Certification
Yes, the NAFC is accredited by the International Accreditors of Continuing Education and Training (IACET). NAFC is the only fitness certification program that is IACET-certified. The IACET applies strict standards for content and exam development, objective alignment, and quality of fitness programs.
To be NAFC certified, you must finish a certification program within six months and pass the corresponding exam with a score of 80% or higher. Most students take 2–3 months to complete a program.
NAFC certification is best for trainers who already have some experience. Because courses start at the intermediate level and are self-guided, experienced trainers can skip straight to new information. New trainers may want more personalized support or guidance in the fundamentals than NAFC fitness certification provides.
