The Best Personal Training Certification Programs

Personal trainers are the glue that holds your gyms together — their one-on-one work with motivated members can be crucial for clients reach their wellness goals. Plus, the impressions they leave with clients can make or break a business plan. 

Health and fitness aren’t always one-size-fits-all, which is why a lot of clients want a knowledgeable trainer who knows their stuff. How do you show those clients that you have the necessary experience and education to help them? For a lot of trainers, getting certified is often the best option.

One way to stand out and build more trust with your clients is by getting the best personal training certification. These popular certification programs can help potential gyms and personal trainers start on the right foot.

The Benefits of Personal Trainer Certifications 

While people are not required to get certified in order to practice as a personal fitness trainer, there are some real perks. Once trainers go through an accredited course for their fitness instructor certification, they can:

• Advertise themselves as a certified personal trainer
• Enjoy more credibility
• Get better employment opportunities
• Be better equipped to help clients
• Provide a better experience for clients
• Gain special skills, like teaching virtual classes
• Improve the financial wellbeing of the facility they work at

Not only do these benefits help individual trainers, but they also make the gyms and facilities they work at even more appealing to clients.

The Best Personal Training Certification Programs

When someone chooses to become a professional personal trainer, they are looking for a program that will help them reach their career goals. Some may specialize in strength training or specifically work with athletes — whatever the case, some certifications are more beneficial than others. 

Most of the programs below are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which means that each of these certification programs meets rigorous standards for excellence in the field. This, along with cost, training materials, testing cost, and accessibility are all important factors to consider for certification programs.

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) offers one of the most respected personal training certification programs in the country. Accredited by the NCCA and recognized by all major gyms, NASM is a top choice for trainers, especially those focusing on sports and athletic training. When evaluating whether this program is right for your trainers, you will want to consider:

Pros

Comprehensive Curriculum

• NASM's program includes education on strength and conditioning, corrective exercise, and nutrition.
• The curriculum covers the latest best practices in personal training, ensuring you’re learning up-to-date information.
• It also dives into the science behind exercise and nutrition, providing a deeper understanding of the advice given to clients.

Focus on Athletic Training

• For trainers working with athletes, NASM offers specialized courses on sports and athletic training, making it an ideal certification for this niche.

Business and Continuing Education

• NASM includes courses on the business aspects of being a professional personal trainer.
• They offer continuing education courses to help current trainers stay updated with the latest industry trends.

Flexibility

• The program offers online remote courses and online self-study options, allowing trainers to learn at their own pace and according to their schedule.

Promotions and Payment Plans

• NASM frequently offers special promotions to reduce the overall cost.
• Various payment plans are available to accommodate different budgets.

Cons

No In-Person Instruction

• NASM does not offer traditional in-person courses, which might be a drawback for students who struggle in a remote learning environment.

Cost

• NASM is one of the more expensive personal training certification programs available.
• Despite the payment plans and promotions, the cost may still be prohibitive for some budgets.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all certification, opting for a program with a robust curriculum and flexible learning options can elevate your gym’s training standards and client satisfaction

International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is another popular personal training certification program. ISSA provides courses on subjects like human anatomy, nutrition, and exercise science.

Pros

Convenience

• The program and study materials are entirely online, making it one of the more convenient options.

Variety of Certifications

• Three different certifications are available depending on the depth of learning desired: Live Learning Experience (basic program), Elite Trainer program, and Master Trainer course.

Customer Service

• ISSA is known for its excellent customer service, so most people have a positive, well-rounded experience during their course.

Cons

Accreditation

• ISSA is accredited by the National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE) rather than the NCCA.
• If someone’s goal as a personal trainer requires them to be NCCA certified, they will need to take an NCCA exam separately, which will end up costing more down the line.

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

Most people have heard of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) — after all, it’s been around since 1954, making it one of the most recognized organizations in the fitness industry. A lot of fitness organizations will know and appreciate a certificate from this place, so many personal trainers with this under their belt can find employment.

Pros

Continuing Education

• ACSM is known for its continuing education opportunities.
• They have an annual conference where trainers can earn most of the CEUs needed to renew their certification.

Thorough Prep Course and Resources

• The prep course includes over 400 lessons and 200 interactive “knowledge checks,” providing thorough preparation for the exam.
• There are tons of resources like digital flashcards or online practice tests that people can buy.

Flexible Exam Options

• Students can take the exam in person at an approved testing site or opt for live remote proctoring.

Cons

Cost

• The additional resources and study aids can lead to increased overall costs.

Exam Difficulty

• The ACSM exam is known to be particularly challenging, with a 69% pass rate for first-time test-takers.
• Most people must dedicate a lot of time to studying to perform well on this one.

National Federation of Personal Trainers (NFPT)

The National Federation of Personal Trainers (NFPT) is another popular personal training certification program, particularly appealing for those on a budget.

Pros

Affordability

• NFPT is less expensive compared to other certification programs, so if trainers are a little more money-conscious, this may be a good option.
• It also offers a range of payment plans, making it easy to get the certification without breaking the bank.

In-Person Workshops

• NFPT is highly regarded for its in-person Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) program.
• Their in-person workshops help prepare for the exam in just two days, offering hands-on practice and other support.

Comprehensive Curriculum and CEUs

• The program covers all of the basics for health and fitness and even go over professionalism skills.
• NFPT offers free CEUs for certification renewal, too — so even though you have to renew every year, there are affordable opportunities.

Cons

Recognition

• NFPT is not as widely recognized as some other personal training certification programs.
• This could be a deal breaker for some fitness centers.

Renewal Requirements

• Students have to renew your certification every year and earn 2.0 CEUs.

Action Personal Trainer Certification (APTC)

Action Personal Trainer Certification (APTC) is a relatively new program that has quickly gained popularity in the personal training field.

Pros

Convenient and Hands-On

• Designed with technology like AI and real-world simulations you can use online, Action Certification prepares students through an app.
• Despite its short duration, the course is extensive and hands-on, appealing to those who prefer a virtual learning environment.

Affordability

• APTC is one of the most affordable options available, so this certification is accessible to more people. 
• There are different pricing tiers, so if students want a little more bang for your buck, such as a job reference letter and free recertification, they can pay more upfront.

Flexible, But Thorough Learning 

• For a two-month course, this is a pretty extensive and hands-on course — though you could finish it faster if that was your goal.
• The online and virtual environment let’s you set your pace when it comes to getting certified.

Cons

Recognition

• This is another newer certification program.
• Though it is accredited by the NCCA, there are job-related risks when your certificate isn’t particularly well-known.

American Council on Exercise (ACE)

Then you’ve got the American Council on Exercise (ACE), another respected personal trainer certification program. ACE teaches the essentials of exercise science, physiology, and fitness, as well as helps its program participants become well-rounded personal trainers who can work well with clients.

Pros

Widespread Recognition

• Due to its widespread recognition, the ACE program is an excellent option for those looking for easier job placement.

Continuing Education

•  It also doesn’t hurt that there are a lot of continuing education options, so most people have plenty of opportunities when recertification time rolls around.

Flexible Learning

• The program offers remote learning options, with a learning experience that is reportedly fun and engaging.
• Free webinars and a library full of educational resources enhance the learning experience.

Cons

Cost

• Money is often the biggest hurdle for students here — the ACE program is one of the most expensive personal training certification programs.
• Fees for recertification and retesting are also relatively high.

Drive Membership Growth for No Cost

Having certified, knowledgeable trainers can help you attract and retain your gym members. Their certifications make them more qualified to teach and support clients, which only boosts the reputation and credibility of your facility. As you boost the satisfaction of your clients, you also build your business.

Investing in well-equipped trainers isn’t the only way to increase your gym membership and revenue. You can also work with Wellhub! Wellhub is a corporate wellness platform that partners with gyms, studios, and other facilities that want to gain returning members from our customer base.

Did you know that 90% of Wellhub members are new customers for our partners? This means partnering with Wellhub can significantly expand your client base. With Wellhub, you can focus on delivering exceptional fitness experiences while your partnership brings in loyal, returning customers. Connect with Wellhub today to learn more about your gym growth opportunities!

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References 

• Best Personal Trainer Certification. (February 13, 2023). Fitness Mentors. Retrieved February 27, 2023 from https://www.fitnessmentors.com/best-personal-trainer-certification/.
• Capritto, Amanada. Gallagher, Grace. (February 24, 2023). Best Personal Trainer Certification Programs. Verywell Fit. Retrieved February 27, 2023 from https://www.verywellfit.com/best-personal-trainer-certifications-4778789.
• Freutel, Natasha. (February 25, 2023). Best Personal Trainer Certification Programs. The Balance. Retrieved February 27, 2023 from https://www.thebalancemoney.com/best-personal-trainer-certification-programs-5104846.