The 5 Best Personal Trainer Certifications of 2024, According to CPTs

While the best personal training apps can offer a great exercise experience, some folks still prefer in-person training. If you’re looking to break into the field of fitness training and coaching, there’s no better way than by getting a personal training certification. The best personal trainer certifications are offered through many organizations at different price points and provide you with study materials and information that will help you become a successful trainer. For example, most programs have chapters that take you through topics like human anatomy, nutrition and supplement information, writing a fitness program, and ways to market yourself.

The personal trainer certifications on this list are all accredited by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), but they vary a bit in what they offer specifically — some cater to special populations and elite athletes, while others focus more on the general fitness population. Use our list to help you narrow in on the correct personal training certification for you.

The 5 Best Personal Trainer Certifications of 2024

• Best Overall Personal Training Certification: ISSA Personal Trainer Certification
• Best Personal Training Certification for Coaching Athletes: NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• Best Personal Training Certification for the Money: ACE Personal Trainer Certification
• Best Personal TrainingCertification for National Recognition: NCSF Personal Trainer Certification
• Best Personal Training Certification for General Fitness Clients: Fitness Mentors Personal Trainer Certification

Best Overall Personal Training Certification: ISSA Personal Trainer Certification

Pros

Covers training material for a variety of client demographics

ISSA offers a wide range of packages

Multiple instructional options — online textbook, audio, video

Cons

Some may need specialized cert

Information covered is more basic than a kinesiology degree

When it comes to the best overall personal trainer certification, you’ll want one that prepares you to work with all types of clientele — from young adults to older individuals and every fitness level in between. This one fits the bill.

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Personal Trainer Certification will help teach you the skills you need to motivate any client to reach their fitness goals. You’ll learn all about the body’s musculature and skeletal structure, along with how these joints, bones, and muscles work and function. Plus, you’ll also gain confidence using the cert’s Purpose-Driven Training Model to create custom programs that focus on the most effective exercises for your trainee and ways to ensure they stay injury-free in the process.

When you sign up for this certification, you’ll receive access to an online textbook, online practice quizzes, audio and video lecture options (for those who prefer to hear or watch the information), an online workout, an online student forum, an open book or proctored exam option, a CPT education boot camp, as well as a free professional website post-certification. 

This does place it above other certifications such as NASM or ACE, but the price of ISSA does begin to make sense when adding all the deliverables up. We recommend opting for a cheaper certificate such as the aforementioned NASM or ACE if budget is a concern.

“I appreciate the level of structure with this certificate,” notes our tester, a certified personal trainer. “This can be a huge benefit to those who may struggle with the freedom of self-learning.”

Keep in mind that if you already have a background in fitness, you may want to find a more specialized certification. The information presented is comprehensive but more basic than what you’ll have learned while obtaining a kinesiology degree. Our tester also notes a lack of information on athlete assessment. “To my knowledge, assessments are only covered in one chapter. I think adequate lessons on client assessment should be a pinnacle focus of any certification, so I think ISSA has room to grow in this category,” they add.

The material in the ISSA personal training certification is comprehensive, has a variety of learning methods, and provides plenty of additional study aids to help you pass your course. Plus, the free coaching website that it provides is a solid perk to help your business get started.

Read our full ISSA Personal Trainer Certification Review.

Best Personal Training Certification for Coaching Athletes: NASM Personal Trainer Certification

Pros

Science-backed model is ideal for working with experienced clients

Focus on adapting programming suits developing long-term clients

Learn about business fundamentals

Cons

Requires high school diploma or GED

Model-based training certification may be complex for some

When it comes to working with athletes or clientele with a higher fitness IQ and ability, it’s important to know exactly which exercises these individuals should be doing to excel in their sport or field. This cert provides in-depth knowledge about overactive and underactive muscles, and it shows how to pinpoint muscle imbalances via static postural, dynamic, and strength assessments.

The main philosophy of the National Academy of Sports Medicine certification is what the company refers to as the Optimum Performance Training Model (OPT). The model focuses on five specific phases of training: stabilization endurance, strength endurance, muscular development/hypertrophy, maximal strength, and power — in that order. 

The first stage of the model includes stabilization endurance, which focuses on balance and stabilization. Stage two is all about strength and encompasses the strength endurance, hypertrophy, and maximal strength stages. The third and final stage centers around power and includes the power phase of training.

While the philosophy behind this certification is entirely based on science, making it reputable for training athletes, NASM works hard to keep the material fresh and exciting. You’ll learn how to perform different types of postural, strength, and cardiovascular assessments in order to determine compensations and muscle imbalances and the corrective strategies to fix them. “I also enjoyed the self-paced structure of the program that allowed me to work through the chapters on my own time,” notes our tester, a certified personal trainer.

When you purchase this program, you’ll have the option of either a self-study program or premium self-study, plus a choice between two exam options, NASM Personal Trainer Certificate (Non-Proctored Exam) or NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NCCA Accredited Certification Exam). One thing to note is that a high school diploma or a GED is a prerequisite for this program, so if you don’t have one, you’ll need to get that first.

“The NASM CPT certification is one of the most well-rounded programs in the fitness industry thanks to NASM’s highly-respected reputation,” notes our tester, a certified personal trainer. It will teach you training techniques and how to apply them, as well as how to perform a new client assessment and build a successful career with sales tips and tricks. It also provides some information on supplements and nutrition, too. That said, if you are interested in further insight on supplementation and nutrition, we recommend NASM’s Certified Nutrition Coach or Certified Sports Nutrition Coach programs.

Read our full NASM Personal Trainer Certification Review.

Best Personal Training Certification for the Money: ACE Personal Training Certification

Pros

Self-pacing learning style

Budget-friendly

Access to ongoing support and guidance

Cons

Minimal information on training clients with specific needs

If you’re new to personal training or switching professional fields, you may want to start with an affordable certification and widely recognized option like this one.

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Training Certification is one of the most recognized certifications in the field. The program options are Basic, Plus, and Advantage, each increasing in price. However, they often offer promotions and sales, making the cert rather affordable (especially compared to others).  

You’ll learn about human anatomy, modifications for clients with special considerations, as well as how to assess, program and make progressions as your clients grow and gain. “I, myself, am an ACE-certified personal trainer and I really enjoy the coverage of special considerations,” says our one tester. “Plus, there are multiple specialist certifications to choose from if you want to work with specific clientele.”

There are three different personal training certification packages available for ACE. All packages include the core study program, the final exam, practice exams, a digital textbook, and a digital trainer study companion, with the most affordable package (labeled fittingly as “Basic”) costing just $675. Upgrade to “Plus” for just $70 more, and you’ll also get a hard copy of the textbook and trainer study companion, as well as live Q and A webinars.

The “Advantage” package costs $975 and includes everything from “Plus” with additional audiobook options and facilitated study groups. It’s not the least expensive certification that you’ll find, but it’s lower than many others, and the materials you get make it well worth the cost.

When you purchase the ACE Personal Training Certification, you’ll be able to complete the program online at your own speed. Other programs such as ISSA and NASM also offer this self-paced format, so be sure to weigh your options regarding price and accreditation.

Most complete the ACE program and exam in about three to six months, or the equivalent of about 80 to 100 hours. The ACE Personal Training Certification is NCCA Accredited, too. “The only time constraint of note, though, is in scheduling your exam,” notes our tester. “You have six months to schedule your test from the time you purchase the programming, so be sure to remember to do that.”

Best Personal Training Certification For National Recognition: NCSF Personal Trainer Certification

Pros

Four different study bundles

Self-paced study

Globally-recognized certification

Cons

Minimal individual support

If you’re looking to get a training certification that you can use in different states or even different countries, it’s important to choose one with national recognition. Having an NCCA Accredited certification is the way to go.

The National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF) Personal Trainer Certification is an NCCA Accredited certification, so you’ll automatically earn that recognition, and the cert is globally recognized. The cert features the NCSF Easy Learning System, which is an advanced e-learning platform, so you can fully study and test online. However, if you need one-on-one support or group study forums, you may find this certification lacking.

Topics covered include functional anatomy, exercise physiology, health and physical fitness, screening and evaluation, nutrition, weight management, exercise programming, training instruction, considerations for special populations, and professionalism and risk management. “In my opinion, I feel the contents of the program are balanced,” notes our tester, a certified personal trainer. “While I’d appreciate a little more information on detailed aspects of training like behavior change or habit formation, I still feel the NCSF program is worthwhile for a majority of the population.”

You can choose from four different study bundles, and all allow for the exam to be taken online or in person at a testing center. “The only true time constraint is that you must take the exam within six months of your initial test registration date,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer. The passing rate for the exam is roughly 80%, but other certificates such as NASM do carry better percentages (albeit for non-proctored tests).

This certification will qualify you to work both with individuals and small groups in-person or online. Not only is this certification recognized nationally, but NCSF also has strong partnerships with some of the top health and fitness clubs in the world.

Best Personal Training Certification for General Fitness Clients: Fitness Mentors Personal Trainer Certification

Pros

Well-rounded course coverage suits general population

Variety of study materials available

Two practice exams

Cons

May not be specific enough for some

Not a robust community of support

If you’re looking to get a certification to work with your average gymgoer, it’s best to get a general fitness certification like this one from Fitness Mentors. By focusing on the fundamentals, you’ll be able to work with all levels of general fitness.

The first three chapters of the Fitness Mentors Personal Trainer curriculum starts with the fitness assessment, then moves on to anatomy, physiology, and the study of human movement, followed by exercise physiology and energy systems. This gives students a well-rounded knowledge base to train general fitness clients.

You’ll also learn about program design, flexibility, mobility, range of motion, and the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as some bits on nutrition, emergency procedures, professionalism, fitness for special populations and online personal training. “I often recommend those focusing on a CPT program also look into becoming a Certified Nutrition Coach, as well,” says our one tester, a certified personal trainer. “The fact that Fitness Mentors covers both areas of study for a more well-rounded curriculum makes it all the more appealing for tending to the general fitness community.”

Related: Best Online Personal Trainers

When you purchase this program, you’ll have access to video presentations, a digital textbook, audiobook lectures, assignments and learning activities, practice quizzes, bonus videos, and flashcards, as well as two practice exams to get you ready for the final examination. While these materials can be excellent tools, if you’re in need of more versatile practice exams that can be taken multiple times over, it may be beneficial to look at ACE, NASM, or ISSA programs.

Fitness Mentors Personal Trainer Certification focuses on developing a well-rounded knowledge base for training the general fitness population. Plus, it is NCCA Accredited and has the highest exam pass rate (according to their website). “I also like the simplified recertification qualifications,” notes our tester. “You just need two continuing education units every 2 years along with a current CPR/AED certification.”

How We Tested and Chose the Best Personal Trainer Certifications

When it comes to picking a personal training certification, it probably comes as no surprise that there are many to choose from. We realize that each individual will have their own wants and expectations when it comes to a certification, and therefore, the best product will vary from one individual to the next. For our purposes, we chose our list of best personal training certifications based on NCCA Accreditation and national recognition, curriculum content, study materials and programming, exam difficulty, and price point.

• NCCA Accreditation and National Recognition: The NCCA develops the standards that voluntary certification programs in all professions and industries must adhere to. The goal of the standards is to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public. Having an NCAA Accreditation makes a certification that much more credible, so we included only certifications that have this accreditation.
• Curriculum Content: While most personal training certification programs will cover the basics of movement, anatomy, and nutrition for training the general fitness population, some certs will focus more heavily on specific fields. We looked at the specific curriculums to see which ones focused on areas that future personal trainers would most likely be interested in.
• Study Materials: You’ll often find online written materials, but many certification programs also offer video and audio content and access to student forums, study groups, and one-on-one tutoring. We included a wide range of study aids to help students with a variety of learning styles.
• Exam Difficulty: While any personal trainer exam should be rigorous and somewhat difficult to pass, it should still be accessible. The programs that we included here provide study aids, practice tests, and periods in which you can study up and retake exams if you don’t pass the first time.
• Price Point: These programs can vary in price, depending on the materials they provide, the accreditation they have, and the time it takes to complete the course. In this list, we’ve included more expensive, high-end certifications loaded with study aids and materials, as well as cost-effective options that may not.

The Benefits of Personal Trainer Certifications

A personal training certification is a necessity for anyone looking to be a trainer in a reputable fitness institution. Taking the time to earn a cert shows that you put in the effort to acquire the knowledge and skill that are required to help someone achieve their fitness goals. Along the way, you will develop a knowledge of anatomy and physiology, gain the ability to learn how to write programming for clients, and build credibility in the fitness industry.

• Credibility: Training shouldn’t be taken lightly and your potential clients want to know that the person creating programs for them isn’t just in good shape. With a relevant certification, you can show that you understand human anatomy and the principles behind creating a cohesive and progressive training program.
• Knowledge of Anatomy: A good trainer understands the human body and the way in which muscles, joints, and skeletal structure work. By getting a personal training certification, you’ll learn all about human anatomy and the skeleton, plus how to recognize compensations and muscle imbalances.
• Create Progressive and Adaptive Programming: After completing your certification, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to create and adapt training protocols to fit a client’s needs and goals. It’s also important to know how to modify or change a program and write individualized programming for clients.
• Professionalism and Client Relationships: If you’re new to the fitness field, it’s not necessarily going to be the easiest field to break into, meaning you will probably have to work to get some clients at the beginning. Personal trainer certifications can teach you skills to help build up your clientele, make sales, and have a successful fitness career.

How Much Do the Best Personal Trainer Certifications Cost?

In general, most personal training certifications range anywhere from around $400 to $2,000, depending on what study materials are included, whether or not you add on specialized certifications, and what kind of student support is offered. Take a look at how each of these options may fit in your budget.

Best Certification Overall	ISSA Personal Trainer Certification	Starting at $799
Best Certification for Coaching Athletes	NASM Personal Trainer Certification	Starting at $999
Best Certification for the Money	ACE Personal Trainer Certification	Starting at $675
Best Certification For National Recognition	NCSF Personal Trainer Certification	Starting at $799
Best Certification for General Fitness Clients	Fitness Mentors Personal Trainer Certification	Starting at $499

What to Consider Before Buying a Personal Trainer Certification

Selecting a personal training certification program is as individualized as selecting a personal trainer. While all of the best personal training certification programs will provide you with the knowledge you need to help clients achieve their goals, they can vary in several ways, including programming, study materials, and the support they offer. When you’re looking for a cert program, consider your ideal clientele, your learning style, and exactly where you want your career to go.

Program and Study Materials

When you’re considering a certification program, it pays to know who your ideal client is. If you want to focus on the general fitness population, all of the programs on this list will equip you. But if you’re looking to train a specific demographic like advanced athletes or special population clients, it pays to find a certification with an emphasis on these types of training.

Also, be sure to read how the certification you’re considering delivers its course material. While you’ll find online written materials in all of these programs, some offer physical textbooks, as well as video and audio content for students. There are also online forums for group study and one-on-one tutoring available with some of these programs if you don’t want to work alone. If you have test anxiety, many of these programs also offer practice exams and quizzes to help you prepare for your final exam. Be sure to do a deep dive into the course materials of whatever program you’re considering to make sure it caters to your learning style.

Support Throughout and After the Program

Some people prefer to study alone, while others work best with a personal instructor or in a group setting. If you work best with others or want some extra accountability, be sure you choose a certification that offers help through group or trainer forums or expert and/or peer guidance. These study aids can also be useful if you find yourself getting stuck in a certain section of your educational materials.

You may want to look into the options and offerings when it comes to job placement post-completion of the certification. Some programs cover the business side of personal training, including marketing and client relations, and others offer perks like a free professional website after completing the program, both of which can be a huge help to someone just starting out in the field.

Continuing Education

As you shop around for a certification program, make sure it has the resources you need to further your career and expertise. Almost all fitness certifications require recertification, so make sure you read and understand what’s required in order for you to recertify and how often you’ll need to. Certifications can last from a year to five years or more, so make sure that you’re willing and able to recertify as often as necessary to keep your certification active.

Also, many of the certifications offer add-on certifications for becoming a nutritional and wellness coach or coaching for specific activities like running or yoga. If you want to develop more skills and broaden your client base, check to see what other offerings the organization you’re getting your personal training certification with offers.

Best Personal Trainer Certifications FAQs