In my many years as a personal trainer, I’ve seen the industry undergo radical transformations. From the days when “being fit” was a niche passion to our current era, where fitness is deeply embedded in mainstream culture, one thing has remained constant: the thirst for knowledge and credibility.
I remember starting bewildered by the array of certifications available even back then. Now, the options have exponentially grown with the digital age in full swing. Yet, the dilemma remains: which certificate will set you on the path to success?
The certification you choose is more than just a piece of paper. It’s your foundation, your introduction to this vast world of health and well-being, and most importantly, your bridge to earning trust from your clients.
In this article, I’ll leverage my decades of experience to guide you through the maze of online trainer certifications. Together, we’ll uncover the gold standard, ensuring you’re not just another face in the crowd but a recognized and respected professional. Dive in, and let’s embark on this journey to excellence together.
- Jump to my Top Picks for Personal Trainer Certification
- Jump to information about the American College of Sports Medicine – ACSM
- Jump to information about the National Strength and Conditioning Association – NSCA
- Jump to information about the National Academy of Sports Medicine – NASM
- Jump to information about the American Council of Exercise – ACE
Why Certification Matters
Certification is vital for several reasons, but primarily it does two things. First, a certificate shows your established authority in the personal health space. You’ve proven your knowledge, and the certification tells potential clients they can trust you, the certified professional.
The second essential reason certification matters is that it teaches you the general concepts and safety concerns you must pay heed to or suffer your clients will.
You display your foundational professional knowledge to your clients and the world by receiving your certification. Having a certificate will also open doors for employment opportunities, so you can now go after that elusive gym training job you’ve coveted.
According to a National Institute of Health survey, 89% of participants held a personal training certification. Here’s the breakdown of which credentials were the most common:
| Training Certification | Percentage of Trainers Certified |
| ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) | 89% |
| NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) | 28.9% |
| NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) | 12.4% |
| ACE (American Council of Exercise) | 10.2% |
Top Online Personal Trainer Certifications
I tend to agree with selecting from the certifications I mentioned in the table above, but here’s a little more about each one to help you understand what you’re up against.
American College of Sports Medicine – ACSM
Certifications
- Group Exercise Instructor
- Prerequisites:
- 18 yrs or older
- High school diploma (HSD) or equivalent
- Adult CPD/AED (first aid)
- Prerequisites:
- Personal Trainer
- Prerequisites:
- 18 yrs or older
- High school diploma (HSD) or equivalent
- Adult CPD/AED (first aid)
- Prerequisites:
- Exercise Physiologist
- Prerequisites:
- Bachelor’s Degree in exercise science, physiology, or kinesiology
- Adult CPD/AED (first aid)
- Prerequisites:
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist
- Prerequisites:
- Master’s Degree in a related field like clinical exercise physiology or equivalent plus 600 hours of hands-on clinical experience
- Prerequisites:
OR
- Bachelor’s Degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, or equivalent plus 1,200 years of hands-on clinical experience
- Basic life support provider or CPR for professional rescuer certification
Exam Cost
- Group Exercise Instructor – $399
- Personal Trainer
- CPT Practice Exam – $ 50 USD
- Regular Exam – $ 399
- Exercise Physiologist
- Practice Exam – $ 50 USD
- Routine Exam – $ 449
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist
- Practice Exam – $ 50 USD
- Routine Exam – $ 449
Features
ACSM offers four separate course exams to get certified. Membership in the ACSM gives the professional and alliance memberships an additional 20% off certification exam fees. Here’s the breakdown of the ACSM membership tiers:
ACSM Membership Cost
- Student – $30 annual fee
- Alliance (Alliance of Health and Fitness Professionals) – $110 yearly fee
- Professional-in-training – $160 annual fee
- Professional – $260 annual fee
Time To Complete (Exams)
- Group Exercise Instructor – 2.5 hours
- Personal Trainer – 2.5 hours
- Exercise Physiologist – 3.5 hours
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist – 3.5 hours
Why I Like It
ACSM certifications are the gold standard for the industry. I like that I can schedule my Exam right on their website. Furthermore, most professional personal trainers will want to maintain active membership, which provides a nice-looking resume and also a discount of 20% on the exams.
Considerations
All ACSM professional and alliance members get an additional 20% discount on ACSM certification exams, so it’s worth looking at becoming a member (it also looks good on your resume).
National Strength and Conditioning Association – NSCA
See to the NSCA Certifications
Certifications
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®)
- Prerequisites:
- Minimum bachelor’s Degree or currently enrolled as a college senior
- CPR/AED certification
- Prerequisites:
- Accredited Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS)
- Prerequisites:
- 3 Potential Eligibility Routes:
- 1. Bachelor’s Degree in sport science or related + 3 years full-time experience (internship not acceptable)
- 2. Master’s Degree in sport science or related + 480 hours applied experience (may include internship)
- 3. Doctoral Degree in sport science or related
- 3 Potential Eligibility Routes:
- Prerequisites:
- NSCA Certified Personal Trainer®(NSCA-CPT®)
- Prerequisites:
- Min 18 years old
- High School Diploma (HSD) or equivalent
- CPR/AED certification
- Prerequisites:
- Certified Special Population Specialist® (CSPS®)
- Prerequisites (one of the following):
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related field like exercise science or related, or
- A physical therapist, physical therapist assistant license, registered dietitian, athletic trainer license, or
- A current NSCA certification (CSCS, NSCA-CPT, or TSAC-F), or
- An NCCA-accredited personal trainer certification
- Prerequisites (one of the following):
- Tactical Strength & Conditioning Facilitator®(TSAC-F®)
- Prerequisites:
- Min 18 years old
- High School Diploma (HSD) or equivalent
- CPR/AED certification
- Prerequisites:
Exam Cost
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®)
- NSCA member – $ 340 USD
- Non-member – $ 475 USD
- Certified Performance and Sport Scientist® (CPSS®)
- Application Fee – $ 25 USD
- NSCA member – $ 340 USD
- Non-member – $ 475 USD
- NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT®)
- NSCA member – $ 300 USD
- Non-member – $ 435 USD
- Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator® (TSAC-F®)
- NSCA member – $ 300 USD
- Non-member – $ 435 USD
Features
Just like other program certifications, the NSCA offers members with discounted exam costs. Furthermore, the CPI tier membership also includes liability insurance, so it’s well worth it.
NSCA Membership Cost
- Student – $70 annual fee
- Professional – $130 annual fee
- CPI Membership – $359 annual fee
Time To Complete (Exams)
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) – 4 hours
- Certified Performance and Sport Scientist® (CPSS®) – 2.75 hours
- NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT®) – 3 hours
- Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator® (TSAC-F®) – 3 hours
Why I Like It
One thing that stands out to me about the NSCA certifications is that they are some of the more comprehensive in the industry. What does that mean? The Exam might be more challenging, and you’ll need to cover more material to get a good grade. However, it also means that you’ll have a leg up on the competition because many who receive NSCA certifications have completed more comprehensive training.
Considerations
Due to the comprehensive nature of all NSCA certifications, they are a great way to start in more complex or higher educational training courses. In other words, if you plan to get top credentials in the industry, then NSCA is one of the best options.
National Academy of Sports Medicine – NASM
Courses with Certifications
NASM hosts over 70 fitness-related courses. Many of their courses have certificates including, but not limited to:
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Certified Nutrition Coach
- Certified Wellness Coach
Course Cost
NASM Fitness Certifications
- Certified Personal Trainer Program – $1,899 USD
- Certified Personal Trainer Program (Self-Study) – $899 USD
- Certified Personal Trainer Program (Exam Only) – $599 USD
- Certified Nutrition Coach – $ 899 USD
- Certified Sports Nutrition Coach – $ 899 USD
- Certified Wellness Coach – $ 6,499 USD
AFAA Fitness Certifications
- Group Fitness Instructor – $ 399 USD
- G.E.A.R. Certification – $ 449 USD
Features
The NASM courses include the Exam, so you get all the necessary training in one convenient place.
NASM Membership Cost
Registering on the NASM site is free, and NASM does not have memberships readily available on its website. They are more of a course provider and not so much an organization like the NSCA or ACSM.
Time To Complete (Exams)
As NASM hosts over 70 courses, please check with the individual course exam you want to take.
Why I Like It
NASM has a variety of courses to allow you to learn at your own pace and specialize in exactly what you want.
Considerations
What struck me as odd about the NASM site is that they seem to focus on getting you to buy their courses, and many lack vital information like the prerequisites. This fact leads me to believe that the NASM prioritizes sales above all else.
American Council of Exercise – ACE
Courses with Certifications
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Prerequisites:
- Min 18 years old
- High School Diploma (HSD) or equivalent
- CPR/AED certification
- Prerequisites:
- Certified Group Fitness Instructor
- Prerequisites:
- Min 18 years old
- High School Diploma (HSD) or equivalent
- CPR/AED certification
- Prerequisites:
- Health Coach Certification
- Prerequisites:
- Min 18 years old
- High School Diploma (HSD) or equivalent
- CPR/AED certification
- A completed and current NCCA-accredited certification in fitness, nutrition, or related
- An associate’s Degree or higher in fitness or related
- A completed health coach training and education program (NBHWC approved)
- A minimum of two years of documented work experience in a related field
- Prerequisites:
Cost
- Certified Personal Trainer – $ 675 to $ 975 USD
- Certified Group Fitness Instructor – $ 285 to $ 465 USD
- Health Coach Certification – $ 850 to $ 2,990 USD
Features
Much like NASM, ACE is another course provider so you can take your certification course and Exam from one source.
Time To Complete
Depending on the program, you’re looking at as little as a few months or as long as a year.
Why I Like It
I like the fact that you pay one fee for your course and that fee includes the Exam. It makes managing easier when you don’t need to take a class from one provider and register for your Exam with another.
Considerations
ACE Fitness is a course provider and not an organization in the same way that the ACSM or NSCA is.
Key Components of a Quality Online Certification Program
Most of the best certifications are available online via remote learning. You can get certified fast if you are knowledgeable enough to pass the Exam. However, I’d recommend taking an entire course. Many of the courses require that you have specific prerequisites before taking the course or Exam.
What’s Inside The Training?
There are a few things I recommend that you look for when assessing your potential certifications. I’ll review a few of the essential things you need to look for.
Matches Demand
One of the first things you need to look for relates to finding work. If you intend to learn the ropes by working at a local gym or club, you must know which certifications they look for when hiring personal trainers. Take a trip to your favorite gyms and ask about their personal trainers’ credentials. Then, you know which one is the most valuable in your target area.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Covering anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and program design is essential to a comprehensive course. All of the noted certifications teach some to some degree. Still, you want to ensure that you get in-depth knowledge to provide maximum service for your clients. I’ve always found that my clients appreciate when they learn something new from me, significantly if it can benefit their health or help avoid injury or strain.
Experienced and Knowledgeable Instructors/Course Creators
I’ll talk about accreditation in a moment. Still, when picking an online personal training course, you don’t want to choose the cheapest one. Instead, find the most accredited, experienced, and knowledgeable course instructors or creators. Even though the course is online, you still need to ensure that if you need assistance, there’s someone knowledgeable to help.
Meets Your Learning Objectives
If you’re anything like me, you like learning from interactive sources. I don’t like it when there’s nothing but dry text to read to learn something. Most personal trainers are very hands-on in learning, so it’s good to look for online certification that provides a diverse training regimen, including reading, video, quizzes, and other interactive means to keep you engaged in the course.
Reputable Accreditation
The most essential aspect of getting certified is ensuring that where you learn is a reputable and accredited source. Just because a company says they offer certification does not mean a recognized body like the ACSM officially sanctions it.
Final Thoughts on Certifications
Choosing the best online trainer certification is an endeavor that will likely have long-lasting implications for your career. The intricacies and considerations can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to remember why we’re on this path: to empower ourselves with knowledge, establish trust with potential clients, and deliver transformative results.
The data speaks for itself. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the National Academy of Sports Medicine(NASM), and the American Council of Exercise (ACE) are among my top picks for certifications. Their long-standing credibility, comprehensive curriculums, and keen focus on delivering practical knowledge ensure they stay relevant in an ever-evolving industry.
However, as I’ve emphasized throughout the article, the certification you choose should not just be about the popularity or the numbers but how aligned it is with your career goals and personal preferences.
In many ways, the “best” certification is a deeply personal choice. It’s about where you see yourself in the industry, what skills you aim to acquire, and the kind of clientele you wish to attract.
Being wary of certifications and prioritizing sales over genuine education is also crucial. These might provide a quick way to add a title next to your name but might not hold the same weight or offer the depth of knowledge that others do.
Lastly, remember that certification is just the beginning. Continuous education, real-world experience, and a genuine passion for helping people will determine your success in the fitness industry.
As you continue this journey, ensure that every step you take aligns with your vision for yourself and the value you wish to provide to those around you. Fitness isn’t just about physical transformations—it’s about transforming lives, and with the proper certification, you’ll be well-equipped to do just that.
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Article Sources and Resources
- Waryasz GR, Daniels AH, Gil JA, Suric V, Eberson CP. Personal Trainer Demographics, Current Practice Trends and Common Trainee Injuries. Orthop Rev (Pavia). 2016 Oct 3;8(3):6600. doi: 10.4081/or.2016.6600. PMID: 27761219; PMCID: PMC5066109.
- American College of Sports Medicine
- National Strength and Conditioning Association
- National Academy of Sports Medicine
- American Council on Exercise