Thinking about becoming a personal trainer? It’s a fantastic career move where you can be your own boss, help others, and motivate people to reach their best selves. To get started, you’ll need a certification. With so many options out there, it can be hard to pick the right one. Here’s a rundown of the best certifications to help you out.
First up is the ISSA Certified Personal Trainer Certification. It’s highly regarded for several reasons. The ISSA program is structured so you can complete it at your own pace. They offer extensive support, including study coaching, a free website upon completion, and even job placement assistance with a money-back guarantee. It’s flexible with multiple exam options and widely praised for support before, during, and after the exam.
Next, the NCSF offers personal trainer certifications with a focus on strength coaching and sports nutrition. Accredited by the NCAA, their program includes a digital textbook and videos in the basic tier and offers more advanced specializations. Membership for the first year and the cost of the initial certification exam are included in the package.
The NASM CPT certification is known for its rigor and credibility, accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The program typically takes 12 weeks to complete, although it might take longer for some. Purchase comes with course materials and a 180-day window to sit for the exam.
Action Personal Trainer Certification is a newer, budget-friendly option. Its strictly online setup makes it more affordable, though it may be challenging if you prefer structured study environments. They offer a non-accredited online certificate and an NCCA-accredited certification, with an exam-only path for those with relevant experience.
The ACE certification is well-established, offering three tiers of certification. The Basic tier includes training, the exam, a practice test, and a digital textbook. The Plus and Advantage tiers offer additional practice tests, hard copies of materials, live Q&A sessions, and extra support.
AFAA offers a Personal Fitness Trainer Certification, emphasizing not just exercise safety, but also behavior and habit formation. The course must be finished within one year of enrollment.
The ACSM certification program provides top-level materials and training, suitable for those with backgrounds in anatomy and kinesiology. They focus on job placement and networking, and their adaptive study guide program, prepU, caters to your study needs.
NFPT offers more than a certification; it considers trainers part of a family, providing extra support to help you succeed in your career. They prioritize easy-to-understand training and education.
NSCA offers a variety of certifications, including specialized areas like performance science and tactical strength. They cater to students from different backgrounds with tailored study plans.
NESTA offers personal fitness trainer certifications and other specializations like master trainer and sport yoga instructor. Their certifications last for four years and come with lifetime support.
These certifications are some of the best options out there. Carefully comparing them will help you find the right one for your fitness career goals. Good luck!
