Choosing the right personal training certification can be overwhelming with so many options available, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, we’ll help you navigate the certification landscape and find the perfect fit for your goals, budget, and expertise.
Why Get Certified as a Personal Trainer?
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s address the elephant in the room: Do you really need a certification to be a personal trainer?
The short answer is yes. Here’s why:
- Credibility: A certification demonstrates your commitment to professionalism and ongoing education.
- Legal requirements: Many gyms and fitness centers require certification for employment.
- Insurance: Most liability insurance providers require certification.
- Knowledge base: Certifications ensure you have a solid foundation in exercise science, anatomy, and program design.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Certification
With numerous certifications available, how do you choose the right one? Consider these key factors:
- Accreditation: Choose certifications accredited by reputable agencies like the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
- Cost: Factor in the exam fee, study materials, and renewal fees as certification costs vary widely.
- Prerequisites: Some certifications require a high school diploma or a related degree.
- Study materials: Assess the quality and comprehensiveness of the provided study resources.
- Continuing education: Consider the ongoing education needed to maintain your certification.
- Specializations: Look for certifications offering specializations (e.g., corrective exercise, performance enhancement) that match your interests.
Now that we’ve established the importance of certification, let’s explore the top options in the industry.
Top Personal Training Certifications
Best For: Comprehensive Science-Based Training
Cost: $849 (FM Exclusive) with the most popular package at $1499
Exam Pass Rate: 79% (Proctored), 90% (Non-Proctored)
Accreditation: NCCA
NASM is renowned for its Optimum Performance Training (OPT™) model, rooted in scientific research. This certification is perfect for trainers seeking a comprehensive understanding of exercise science, kinesiology, and nutrition. The extensive curriculum covers everything from human movement science to program design.
2. International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
Best For: Flexibility and Online Training
Cost: $828 with the most popular package at $1199
Exam Pass Rate: 72%
Accreditation: DEAC, with an option for NCCA
ISSA offers a flexible, online-based certification that is globally recognized. It covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, and business principles. ISSA also provides specialized certifications in corrective exercise and fitness nutrition, making it a versatile choice for trainers looking to expand their skill set.
3. American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Best For: Holistic Approach
Cost: $675 with the most popular package at $745
Exam Pass Rate: 73%
Accreditation: NCCA
ACE is known for its holistic approach to personal training, focusing on behavior change and client interaction. The curriculum includes the ACE Integrated Fitness Training Model, guiding trainers in designing comprehensive fitness programs.
4. National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF)
Best For: Training Athletes
Cost: $799 with the most popular package at $1399
Exam Pass Rate: 79.76%
Accreditation: NCCA
NCSF is perfect for trainers specializing in athletic training. The curriculum emphasizes exercise prescription and programming, as well as offers a highly regarded Strength Coach certification, making it ideal for those working with athletes.
5. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
Best For: Medical and Clinical Settings
Cost: $349 for members, $499 for non-members
Exam Pass Rate: 69%
Accreditation: NCCA
ACSM is the gold standard for trainers aiming to work in medical or clinical settings. The certification covers exercise physiology, biomechanics, and clinical exercise testing. ACSM is highly respected and often required for roles in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
Best For: Trainers with an Undergraduate Degree
Cost: $340 for members, $475 for non-members
Exam Pass Rate: 63%
Accreditation: NCCA
The CSCS certification is perfect for trainers with a background in kinesiology, exercise science, or related fields. It focuses on strength and conditioning for athletes and is often required for positions with professional sports teams.
7. National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Best For: Trainers with a Bachelor’s Degree
Cost: $300 for members, $435 for non-members
Exam Pass Rate: 78%
Accreditation: NCCA
NSCA’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification is ideal for those focused on training athletes. It is highly respected in athletic and sports performance settings, offering in-depth coverage of strength and conditioning principles with a strong research foundation.
Our Recommendation for Degree Holders
If you have an undergraduate degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field, we recommend pursuing both the CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) from NSCA and a CPT from an NCCA-accredited organization like NASM or ACSM.
The CSCS is the gold standard for working with athletes and complements your CPT, providing a competitive edge and broader career opportunities in various settings, including working with athletes, commercial gyms, or as an independent trainer.
Upgrade Your Personal Training Business with Superset
While certification is crucial, it’s just the beginning of your journey. To truly succeed as a personal trainer, you need the right tools to manage your business and clients effectively. That’s where Superset comes in.
Superset is an all-in-one platform designed specifically for fitness professionals. It streamlines your operations, from client management to workout programming, allowing you to focus on what you do best – helping clients achieve their fitness goals.
Try Superset for free and see how it can elevate your personal training business to the next level.
