Best Certifications for Fitness Professionals
Our #1 pick for best fitness certification is from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) because of its industry reputation.
10 min readUpdated April 15th, 2024
MLRNCWritten By Meg Lambrych RN, NASM, CPT
OVERVIEW
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
American Council on Exercise (ACE)
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
International Sport Science Association (ISSA)
National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)
As a personal trainer myself, I can tell you that being a great trainer requires much more than a love of exercise. First and foremost, it requires education and certification.
The best fitness certifications provide an understanding of the personal trainer's role and scope of practice and cover basic anatomy, behavior modification, exercise programming, and progression.
Best Fitness Certifications for Fitness Professionals
We'll cover the five best and most respected fitness certifications available, including their unique advantages, total investment, and the most important considerations when choosing a fitness certification.
Individual Reviews
Courses starting at $37 per month
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
Best Overall
- Certified Personal Trainer Courses
- Nutrition Coach Certification
- Certifications recognized globally
Best Overall | National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
Total certification cost: $749 bundle ($599 for exam + $150 for study materials)
Exam pass rate: 74% (2020 data)
Prerequisites: Must be 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and an approved CPR & AED certification
Since 1987, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has been one of the most respected names in fitness education, and its personal training certification is the gold standard for PTs.
You can become a NASM CPT for $749, and with a pass rate of 74%, you know you'll be prepared for the exam. I am a NASM-CPT, so I can attest to the quality of their education and the thoroughness of their exercise science, professional development, and movement instruction.
NASM provides a solid foundational knowledge of all aspects of fitness and coaching but is best known for the quality of its movement screens, exercise programming, and corrective exercise instruction.
As a personal trainer, I use that corrective exercise knowledge daily, and no one teaches this topic more effectively than NASM. Overall, the NASM PT certification is my personal favorite and a fantastic option for new personal trainers and experienced coaches alike.
Its thorough and detailed exercise science instruction and corrective exercise guidance are the best in the industry for any personal trainer working with general fitness populations.
After you pass your personal training exam, you can keep learning with their excellent blog content and best-in-the-industry specialization courses.
NASM Pros
- Highly respected & widely recognized
- Accredited
- Great corrective exercise content
- Excellent PT content
NASM Cons
- Difficult exam
Certifications starting at $335
American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Best for new personal trainers
- Self-paced, online study programs
- Foundational knowledge & practical skills
- On-demand study support
Total certification cost: $675 bundle ($499 for exam + $176+ for study materials)
Exam pass rate: 69% (2023 data)
Prerequisites: Must be 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and an approved CPR & AED certification
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is a leading non-profit fitness education organization credentialing personal trainers since 1985. They are a highly respected certification provider that offers a well-rounded education for personal trainers for $675.
I received my first personal training certification through ACE back in 2014, and it was a great experience. ACE is so respected that my university actually offered a PT course that prepared you for the ACE PT exam over one semester.
ACE provides excellent foundational fitness education throughout the course, including anatomy, human movement, program development, and behavior change. You'll also learn how to use the ACE Integrated Fitness Training Model (ACE-IFT), their framework for coaching clients.
ACE does a great job covering the basics of exercise science and personal training but doesn't offer much business skill development which is crucial for long-term success in the fitness industry. They do have a great blog, though, with more professional development education.
Overall, the ACE personal training certification is an affordable option that's best for first-time personal trainers new to the industry thanks to its accessible content and pass rate of 69%.
ACE Pros
- Highly respected & widely recognized
- Accredited
- Great intro content
- Affordable
ACE Cons
- No business content
Total certification cost: $649 bundle ($399 for exam + $250+ for study materials)
Exam pass rate: 55% (2022 data)
Prerequisites: Must be 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and an approved CPR & AED certification
The personal training certification from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is one of the most respected options in the industry. Their personal training exam is also the toughest, with a 55% pass rate and a minimum investment of $870.
Since 1990, the ACSM has educated and certified thousands of PTs and other fitness professionals, and its certification is known for its academic rigor and science-heavy content.
The ACSM PT certification course goes far beyond the others in the industry to cover exercise science and physiology in depth and has a unique clinical focus that no other companies offer. However, it could do a better job of covering strength training instruction and program design.
The pass rate is the lowest in the industry, and they charge you $199 to retake the exam if you fail, which is rough.
Overall, I think the ACSM is a great personal training certification for PTs interested in pursuing higher education in an allied health profession eventually.
ACSM Pros
- Highly respected & widely recognized
- Accredited
- Rigorous exercise science content
- Good for clinical positions
ACSM Cons
- Difficult exam
- Exam retake fee - $199
- Continuing education requirements
Starting at $100/mo
International Sport Science Association (ISSA)
Best for group fitness instruction
- Guaranteed job placement
- Certifications accepted at 10,000+ gyms
- NCCA Accredited
Total certification cost: $994 bundle ($599 for exam + $395+ for study materials)
Exam pass rate: 90% (estimated)
Prerequisites: Must be 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and an approved CPR & AED certification
The International Sport Science Association (ISSA) is a certifying body that offers personal training certification starting at $994.
ISSA does an excellent job covering what matters most in day-to-day personal training, including exercise instruction, programming, resistance training, and periodization. ISSA also offers a group training certification, which is well-respected in the industry.
The scientific background knowledge they teach is basic but enough to get you by as a new personal trainer without additional education. However, the brand is not known for being academically rigorous, as the exam is open book. This does hurt its reputation a bit compared to all the other certifications on this list.
ISSA certifications are unique, though, because they have a job guarantee for new personal trainers, which is neat. A certification from ISSA is best for group fitness instructors and PTs who are okay with a self-paced, less scientifically rigorous fitness certification.
ISSA Pros
- Good for 3 years
- Group training & PT certs
- Great exercise programming
- Accredited
- Job placement guarantee
ISSA Cons
- Expensive
- Less rigorous certification
Certifications starting at $340
National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Best for sports performance
- Evidence based focus on certifications
- Widely recognized certifications
- 60,000+ members and certified coaches, trainers, educators
Total certification cost: $870 bundle ($435 for exam + $435 for complete study materials)
Exam pass rate: 66%
Prerequisites: Must be 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and an approved CPR & AED certification
If you're interested in going into athletics or strength and conditioning, then a PT certification from the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) is what you want.
Strength and conditioning coaches work with athletes rather than the general population. For that reason, this PT program is lesser known but still well-respected in its niche.
The NSCA PT certification focuses more on sports performance and related topics, but it will still provide value if you're new to fitness. The exam is quite challenging, with a pass rate of 66%, and you can get certified for $870.
There are better certifications if you want to work in a commercial gym with average folks. But if your dream is to get into the strength and conditioning world, it's a great starting point.
NSCA Pros
- Highly respected
- Accredited
- Good for 3 years
NSCA Cons
- Difficult exam
Benefits of a Fitness Certification
There are many reasons you should prioritize fitness certification, and I share the ones I believe are most important here.
Certifications Are Fitness Industry Standard
The most important reason you should get a personal training certification or require them for your staff is that 99% of commercial gyms require them. It's the industry standard for personal trainers working in a gym to be certified.
Fitness Education Is Crucial
No matter which certification you choose, starting your fitness career on a firm, well-rounded foundation of evidence-based practice is crucial for your success as a trainer and your future client's safety.
The science of health and fitness is evolving every single day. Discoveries are constantly being made, so we must understand and apply the latest best practices in our field as allied health professionals.
The fitness industry can feel like the Wild West at times. Countless uneducated and overconfident influencers start dangerous or ineffective trends, and people blindly follow them.
By starting your career with a solid understanding of anatomy, human movement, exercise form, and behavior modification, you will be equipped to help clients reach their goals safely and effectively.
Continuing Education Is Important
Personal trainers must never stop learning. This is why personal training certifications require the completion of continuing education credits to re-certify every two to three years.
This is one reason the certifications on this list are well-respected in the industry. As a personal trainer, you will learn most of your knowledge on the job and on your own time. The best coaches are dedicated to excellence and committed to professional growth.
It Proves Expertise
People like working with experts. They want to know that if they're paying a premium price, they're receiving a premium service. By prioritizing PT education, you can differentiate yourself from the competition and build trust with your clients much easier.
Important Certification Considerations for Fitness Professionals & Gym Owners
When choosing a fitness certification, check if your intended employer has specific requirements. Many gyms allow you to choose, while others have a short list of certifications they accept for their trainers. Next, go through each category listed below to compile your requirements for a PT certification; from there, it will be easy to decide which test is right for you.
Price
Fitness certifications are expensive, and the price goes up the more study materials and academic support you require. The least costly certification and minimal study materials cost $675 and can go up to $1,500 or more.
However, I think most of these extra study materials are unnecessary and just a way for the company to make more money. Also note that most companies offer financing for their exam and study material packages.
Certification Timeline
Before you schedule your exam, think carefully about how much time you'll need to dedicate to studying. If you're in school or working full time, you'll have to make time for studying each week to stay on top of the exam content and avoid cramming at the end.
I've taken two exams on this list and spent a month or more studying for each. But I also have a degree in Exercise Science, an additional degree in Nursing, and I test well. If you're overwhelmed, super busy, or don't test well–give yourself plenty of extra time to study.
Most PT exams recommend you study for at least two months, up to six months to prepare. Ensure your exam timeline is tailored to your life and is generous to avoid unnecessary stress or a failing grade.
Continuing Education Requirements
You must complete additional education and submit proof of completion to maintain your certification. Please don't make the mistake of waiting until the very end of your certification period only to realize you have to cram in a few dozen hours of coursework (and pay for it, too).
As soon as you pass your exam and get to work on the gym floor, keep an eye out for educational opportunities that interest you, and make sure they're approved as official CEU credit through your credentialing organization before investing in the class.
Keep all documentation, so you can submit it and get credit for the experience.
What Fitness Experts Say About The Best Fitness Certifications
We spoke to five different personal training managers and gym owners with decades of fitness experience, and the clear winner for the most respected and recommended personal training certification was NASM-CPT.
The fitness pros also highly regarded both the ACSM and NSCA PT certifications.
ACSM was lauded for its excellent clinical preparation, including risk stratification and a focus on improving health outcomes. At the same time, the NSCA was highly regarded for its sports performance and exercise programming content.
Compare Best Fitness Certifications
CEU: Continuing education unit. 1 CEU=10 hours of education
CEC: Continuing education credit. 1 CEC= 1 hour of education
| Fitness Certification | Study MaterialsCost | Exam Price | Exam Pass Rate | Length of Certification | Pre-Course Educational Requirements | Recertification Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACE | $176+ | $499 | 69% | 2 years | HS Diploma, CPR & AED Cert | 2.0 CEUs$129 feeCPR & AED Cert |
| ACSM | $250+ | $399 | 55% | 3 years | HS Diploma, CPR & AED Cert | 45 CECs$55 feeCPR & AED Cert |
| ISSA | $395+ | $599 | 90% | 2 years | HS Diploma, CPR & AED Cert | 2.0 CEUs$0-$99 feeCPR & AED Cert |
| NASM | $150+ | $599 | 74% | 2 years | HS Diploma, CPR & AED Cert | 2.0 CEUs$99 feeCPR & AED Cert |
| NSCA | $435+ | $435 | 66% | 3 years | HS Diploma, CPR & AED Cert | CEUs & fees vary CPR & AED Cert |
Bottom Line
The most respected and recognized personal training certification is from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). They do an excellent job of preparing personal trainers to serve general fitness populations by creating a strong exercise science, programming, and corrective exercise knowledge base for new trainers.
Fitness Certification FAQs
Can a fitness certification really improve my gym's credibility with clients?
They most certainly can. By requiring certification for personal trainers and fostering an environment of continual growth and learning, you will lower your liability and improve your reputation because those PTs will be more effective and better to work with than the competition.
Which certifications are best for developing personalized training programs for my clients?
The NASM-CPT is the best certification in the market for general fitness and working with the average population, but ACE is also good. They both provide an excellent framework for coaching others, developing a program, and personalized training.
Will getting a specialized fitness certification limit or expand my clientele?
By requiring your trainers to be certified, you will significantly expand your clientele by widening your trainer's knowledge and competencies.
Resources
- American Council on Exercise. Certification and Recertification Handbook. 2024.
- American College of Sports Medicine. Exam Performance and Certification Annual Report.
- National Academy of Sports Medicine. NASM CPT Stats.
- National Strength and Conditioning Association. NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer Exam Description.
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