Becoming a personal trainer can be a fantastic career move. You can be your own boss, use your expertise to help others, and inspire people to achieve their best. Earning a certification is an essential step as it reassures clients that they’re in capable hands. However, with many certifications available, it can be tough to choose the right one. Here’s a breakdown of the 10 best personal trainer certifications to help you decide.
The ISSA Certified Personal Trainer Certification stands out for several reasons. The program is flexible, allowing you to complete it at your own pace. They offer incredible support, including study coaching, a free website upon completion, and ongoing assistance. There are multiple exam options, including an open-book format. With a job placement guarantee and a variety of advanced certification tiers, ISSA offers comprehensive support before, during, and after the exam, making it a top choice for personal trainers.
NCSF focuses on strength training but also offers certifications in personal training and sports nutrition. Accredited by the NCAA, it provides multiple tiers of training. The base tier includes everything you need to start your career, while higher tiers offer additional materials and specialization options.
NASM is known for its rigorous certification process and is accredited by the NCCA. The program typically takes longer than 12 weeks to complete and is more manageable if you have a background in anatomy and physiology. NASM also offers package deals that can include other certifications and specializations.
Action Personal Trainer Certification offers a more affordable, strictly online program. This may be challenging for those who struggle with self-study. They offer two types of certifications: an online-only certificate and a nationally accredited exam. The latter is more reputable and suitable if you’re already working in a related field.
ACE provides three certification tiers, each offering different levels of study materials and support, from basic access to ACE University to comprehensive packages with multiple practice tests and live Q&A sessions.
AFAA offers a Personal Fitness Trainer Certification, focusing on safe exercise and behavior change, even though graduates can’t use the title “CPT”. Their program requires completion within a year of enrollment.
ACSM offers advanced materials beneficial for those with a background in anatomy and kinesiology. Their certification aims to place you in diverse settings, from gyms to community centers, and offers tools like prepU to tailor your study needs.
NFPT goes beyond certification by creating a supportive family environment for trainers. They ensure all education is easy to understand and provide ongoing support to help you succeed in your career.
NSCA offers a variety of additional certifications beyond entry-level personal training, making it a good choice if you plan to specialize further. Study plans vary based on your background, from 3-6 weeks for those with experience to 6-9 months for those without.
NESTA offers a personal fitness trainer certification accredited by the NCAA, along with other specialized certifications. Unique to NESTA, their trainer certification lasts for 4 years, not the traditional 2 or 3, and includes lifetime support and access to online training materials.
These certifications provide various levels of support, specialization, and accreditation, helping you reach your fitness, finance, and career goals. Choose the one that best suits your needs and aspirations.