Striving to help improve the country’s access to health and wellness resources, the National Aerobics and Fitness Trainers Association (NAFTA) is on a mission to educate and certify fitness professionals across the nation.
NAFTA’s programs are used by a wide variety of instructors—from children’s aerobics teachers to senior personal trainers. Let’s take a closer look at what their certification programs include and how it may benefit you.
What Is The National Aerobics & Fitness Trainers Association (NAFTA)?
NAFTA is an education and certification program for fitness professionals who are starting and continuing their careers.
One of their biggest missions is to combat preventative lifestyle diseases, such as obesity, through health and wellness education. NAFTA believes an early awareness of these topics can help people access the tools they need to make healthier choices and empower them to commit to a more active lifestyle. They help further this initiative by certifying fitness teachers and instructors who can then share their knowledge and education with others.
About NAFTA Personal Trainer Certification
NAFA’s personal trainer certification takes a look at different concepts and theories of health and fitness. Topics focus on:
- Exercise Science
- Anatomy
- Exercise Physiology
- Kinesiology
- Biomechanics
- Health & Fitness Assessments
- Exercise Programming for Healthy Adults
- Principles of Nutrition & Weight Management
- Communication
- Behavioral Change
Pros & Cons Of NAFTA
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| NAFTA | NFPT | ACSM | NETA | NSCA | AFAA | Fitness Mentors | ISSA | NASM | ACE | NAFC | |
| Qualify |
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 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 |
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 | ✗ No prices available |
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 |
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 | 60–70 hours of prep for GEI | 60–90 days of prep | 3 months of prep | 30–45 days of prep | 6 months of prep | 3–9 months | 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 |
15 CEUs every 2 years –Limited information –Varies by the program –Workshops available |
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 |
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 |
✓ 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 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. |
✓ 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 |
✗ No CPT is available, but there are some PT-focused CECs. ✗ Limited information about the programs is 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. |
✗ 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. |
To further our NAFTA reviews, we have created a list of pros and cons we found with their education and certification programs.
Pros
- NAFTA offers a lot of continuing education courses, so you will have a variety of options to choose from.
- You can find CECs on business topics, not just fitness topics, which can help if you are trying to manage your own fitness business.
- They offer military and tactical fitness styles certifications for those who want to focus on a more specialized style of training.
Cons
- The website can be hard to navigate, and it doesn’t give any clear information on pricing, so we are unaware of how much a NAFTA certification costs.
- NAFTA is not as well known as their competitors, so you are not buying into a big name brand benefit like other programs.
- The education level can seem more basic when compared to other advanced courses available.
Requirements
To qualify for the NAFTA personal trainer certification program, you must:
- Have completed high school (or equivalent)
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a current CPR/AED certification with a live skills check
- Present a current government-issued photo ID with signature
Specialized Certification Programs
NAFTA strives to push their education beyond the basic fitness instructor certification programs. They offer a wide range of speciality certifications which can be added on to a personal trainer certification. This can help you learn more niche skills and customize your career.
Some of the specialized certifications offered by NAFTA are:
- Aqua Aerobics
- Barre Instructor
- HIIT High Intensity Training
- Power Cycle Instructor
- Power Pump Instructor
- Power Step Instructor
Continuing Education & Recertification
Each NAFTA certificate is valid for two years before you must recertify. This allows you to refresh and maintain a working knowledge of the fitness industry, as well as help you deepen your understanding of certain topics.
In order to qualify for recertification, you must complete 15 continuing education credits (CECs). NAFTA has the largest list of CEC courses available, offering you a very robust curriculum.
Topics for NAFTA’s continuing education include:
- Business
- Customer Service
- Disease & Disability
- Finance and Accounting
- Group Exercise
- Human Resources
- Instructor Training
- Microsoft Software Training
- Nutrition
- Older Adults
- Pregnancy & Exercise
- Safety
- Strength Training
- Young Athletes & Children
How NAFTA Certification Benefits You
While Insurance Canopy recognizes NAFTA as having a great continuing education program, we do not recommend it for new personal trainers looking to get certified. However, it could be a great resource for a more experienced trainer looking to learn more about specialized topics.
Whether you’re a new or seasoned professional, another type of certification all trainers need is personal trainer insurance. Getting insurance is simple, fast, and cheap with Insurance Canopy. Our online application allows you to be instantly insured in just 10 minutes or less. Plus, our coverage is made to work with trainers who operate a small business, train online, or work in more than one location.
Frequently Asked Questions About NAFTA Personal Trainer Certification
Yes, NAFTA is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
15 CEUs are needed for NAFTA recertification. Every two years you must complete 15 units of continuing education courses.
