In a world full of glow-ups and body transformations, personal trainers are in high demand. But not just any gym rat can cut it as a personal trainer. There is a science behind personal training that ensures safe and effective practices are being used to help guide individuals to their fitness goals. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy ways to become a certified personal trainer online.
NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) is one of the best online personal training certifications for prospective fitness trainers, but there are other online courses that meet accreditation standards for becoming a certified personal trainer.
Keep reading to find out about what makes a good online learning resource for CPTs and what to expect regarding the price and workload of each certification.
Article Contents
Can You Get Your Personal Training Certification Online?
One of the great parts of being a personal trainer is the flexibility that is inherent in the job. You can make a living as a trainer anywhere from gyms to health spas to schools or even in your own home.
Anyone can become a certified and accredited fitness trainer by taking online courses. A real benefit of online learning is the ability to create your own schedule and proceed through the work when it is most convenient for you. Keep in mind that there may be requirements for these courses.
Courses may utilize a learning portal or other platform to organize all of your lessons and provide you with study resources. There are plenty of textbooks, videos, and other learning resources devoted to fitness science, and each course will offer its own unique set of training materials.
Most online personal training courses will take a few months to complete, but the process may be sped up if you have more time to commit each day to your studies. During these sessions, you will get valuable hands-on training that is critical if you want to master various motions and exercises.
The culmination of your training comes in the form of an examination which will test both your knowledge of health and fitness as well as your prowess as an instructor and motivator. These tests are usually proctored in-person, however, live remote proctoring is becoming more common.
What Makes a Great Online Personal Training Certification?
As mentioned before, there are A TON of different online personal training courses, so it may be a bit daunting to find the one that is just right for you. Before you choose a course, you should do a little research to understand both the style of the course and its track record.
The Personal Training Course Is Accredited
The NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies) is a non-governmental body that ensures training programs are up to snuff. They are the ones who set teaching standards so that you can be sure that you are being trained properly.
NCCA is the gold standard for personal training accreditation, but there are others like ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools) and DEAC (Distance Education Accrediting Commission) that are widely respected and reputable.
Most gyms will not even let you in the door as a fitness coach if you do not have a certification from an accredited program. All of the online training certifications that we have covered in this article are fully accredited, but there are programs that exist that are not properly credentialed. Don’t waste your time with those.
The Curriculum Is Diverse and In-Depth
A good personal trainer certification will give you a broad range of knowledge as well as practical training. Fitness science is a growing field, one that combines many diverse topics, and your certification program should reflect this with an evidence-based course load.
Whichever course you go with, it should cover a similar curriculum consisting of:
- Nutrition
- Health and Wellness
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Kinesiology
- Weight Management
There is a good deal of variance to the style of teaching and methods used in each different training certification program.
You will see that some courses are more fast-paced and intense while some are more laid back. Some courses require bootcamp style in-person teaching. Then there’s the examination component, which for certifications like the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) is notoriously difficult.
The Certification Has Value for Your Money’s Worth
The value of the online certification program you go with should be worth your money. Great instruction does come with a price tag, but the best certifications will offer a good value for their services.
The average cost for a basic personal training learning package and certification exam is around $600-$800 depending on the service. Prices do widely vary depending on the level of instruction and added benefits of each certification. If you want a more hands-on experience with more involved instruction, don’t be shocked to pay over $1000.
Keep in mind that there are costs associated with retaking examinations and adding specializations, as well as annual costs to maintain certification. These additional expenses can add up, so make sure you find a certification that meets all of your needs and is transparent about all of the costs upfront.
Which Is The Best Online Personal Training Certification?
When looking for online personal training certification, the best option will have a robust and scientifically grounded curriculum. Being on the cutting edge of nutrition, fitness, and sports medicine is crucial for anyone who wants to be on the top of their game as a fitness trainer.
The NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) is the best online personal training certification thanks to its ever-evolving commitment to the study of athletic performance and the intuitive nature of its online learning system.
You will not find a certification program that is better at providing relevant and evidence-based training. While it is not the cheapest option around, you will be able to become certified without breaking the bank, and they are one of the only courses to offer a full money-back guarantee if you are not able to secure a job within 90 days of completing the program.
The 7 Best Personal Training Certifications Online
Now it’s time to get a little taste of the best online personal training certifications around. While there might be some overlap between courses, expect each to offer a unique perspective on fitness training and utilize different methods of teaching.
Before you choose which certification is right for you, know that you are required to be CPR/AED-certified before you can take a certification exam. This is an industry-wide practice, so there’s really no way around it.
Thankfully, most of the programs mentioned offer CPR/AED certification in addition to their regular course load. It is also a standard requirement to be over the age of 18 and have a high school diploma in order to participate in these courses.
1. ACE (American Council on Exercise)
This is a great option for anyone looking for a straightforward approach and a more general field of study. ACE is NCCA accredited and is one of the most common CPT courses used by professional trainers.
The main focus of ACE is on the prospective client. You will receive a lot of guidance on how to create specific workout plans for individuals of all different body types and fitness goals.
Understanding the psychology of your client is the central tenet of the ACE training philosophy, and is meant to impart practical knowledge that will be relevant to your everyday life as a personal trainer.
ACE makes use of the IFT (Integrated Fitness Training) which is a model that is used to create personalized workout plans based around a mix of cardiorespiratory training and muscular training.
The IFT model also places a lot of emphasis on establishing connections and building rapport with your clients as a way of positively influencing certain behaviors in order for them to lead healthier lives.
Price-wise, ACE is around the average of most CPT courses. They offer three study packages:
- Basic ($599)
- Plus ($799)
- Advantage ($1299)
All of the costs for exams and learning materials are covered in each package. Recertification happens every two years for a $139 fee.
2. ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)
This certification has been around since the fifties and is still widely used today. The ACSM has set the standard for scientific research in the industry, devoting a ton of funding and energy to advancing scientific understanding of fitness. This commitment to scientific development and evidence-based training is one of ACSM’s real selling points.
ACSM has a number of specializations and certifications beyond just personal training, including certifications to become a group exercise instructor or an exercise physiologist. You can also earn specialty credentials in Inclusive Fitness training and Cancer Exercise training.
Of all the certifications available, this is one of the most rigorous and intense. The exam is made up of 150 questions and you must complete it in two and half hours. According to the Exercise Science Guide, the pass rate for the ACSM exam is a stingy 54%.
This certification is best suited for individuals looking to pursue a career in clinical medicine or other healthcare-related fields of fitness training. The intensity of the training lends itself well to academic settings and those looking for a more scientific approach to their studies.
The web-based seminars for learning the ACSM material are $200, and then there is a separate exam fee of $350. There are also two-day in-person workshops available for an additional $200. ACSM recently has begun to offer at-home exam options via online proctoring.
3. NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association)
If you are serious about becoming a strength and condition guru, this is the choice for you. NSCA is a respected and popular choice for personal trainers seeking to work with athletes and other individuals looking to push the boundaries of human performance. It has the distinction of being the first personal training certification to be accredited by the NCCA.
Much like the other certifications, NSCA will teach you how to craft workout regimens, diet plans, and other wellness strategies that are individualized for your future clients. They break down their method into four distinct areas:
- Client Consultation/Fitness Assessment
- Program Planning
- Exercise Techniques
- Safety/Emergency Issues
What sets NSCA apart from the rest of the field is its higher-level distinctions that you can pursue after becoming a CPT. The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam is a must for any trying to become a professional strength coach, and it is only available to individuals with a bachelor’s degree.
The NSCA website is filled with videos and literature that will give you a general overview of the material you need to know for the exam. The CSCS Digital Package is a great resource for anyone trying to prepare for the CSCS exam, which is $215 for non-NSCA members.
4. ISSA (International Sports Science Association)
In terms of accessibility and flexibility, ISSA is by far the best option. Much like the ACE certification, the ISSA is geared for a general fitness approach rather than some of the more intense and specialized programs. ISSA is in good standing within the fitness training industry, with many gyms and health clubs recognizing it as a valuable training tool.
ISSA takes a streamlined approach, with just a single basic package that you can use to become a CPT. For $69 a month on a 12 month plan, you get access to the trove of learning materials and online forums, as well as free online support. The exam fees are included and you even get one free retake.
This certification is great because so much of it can be completed online. All of the training materials and textbooks come in a digital format, as well as an online exercise lab that provides digital reconstructions of proper exercise technique, motion, and form.
What’s even better is that the exam can be taken online as well. This uncommon practice makes it very easy to complete the exam from home, and you are even allowed to use study resources while taking the test.
It is important to mention that the accredited NCCPT exam is included with purchase which is available for students. And that the study materials will prepare them students for both exams.
It should be noted that the ISSA is accredited by the DEAC, a different accreditation body with a similar pedigree as the NCCA, which points to the viability of ISSA certifications in the job market. Just be mindful that a prospective employment opportunity may require NCCA accreditation which ISSA does not offer.
5. NASM (National Association of Sports Medicine)
As noted above, the NASM is the king of the castle for online personal training certifications. NASM is NCCA accredited and is considered by many in the fitness industry to be the best certification available for personal trainers.
The main reason NASM is so well respected is because of its proven track record of producing an abundance of talented personal trainers. Since its inception 30 years ago, NASM has certified more than a million fitness professionals. But just because so many people have become personal trainers under NASM’s tutelage does not mean the course is a cakewalk.
The OPT (Optimal Performance Training) system is the comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum that powers NASM, and is widely recognized for its ability to teach individuals how to provide quality fitness training for the average person.
The OPT system is broken into five phases:
- Stabilization Endurance
- Strength Endurance
- Hypertrophy
- Maximal Strength
- Power
You can also gain further certifications beyond personal training through NASM. They offer programs for becoming a nutrition coach as well as corrective exercise specialist training for those who want to focus on injury prevention. You can also use NASM to become a master trainer after you have completed your initial personal training certification.
NASM has an abundance of quality training material that is provided in all of its packages. The emphasis they put on high-quality video content makes for intuitive online learning and is a welcomed reprieve from the hours and hours of reading dense material. Each course learning package can be completed 100% online.
The icing on the cake is the Job Guarantee policy. NASM will provide you with a CPT development program that will give you in-depth instruction on the ins and outs of the professional side of being a personal trainer.
They even go so far as to offer a full refund for the cost of the development program if you do not find a job within 90 days of completion. This focus on the career after certification is what sets NASM apart from the rest.
With all these benefits, it should come as no surprise that NASM is on the pricey side. There are four packages that offer a variety of options:
- Self Study With Exam ($629)
- Premium Self Study With Exam ($839)
- Guided Study With Exam ($959)
- All-Inclusive ($1899)
The most popular is the Guided Study option, which is similar to Self Study except you get access to NASM fitness experts for guidance, as well as a free exam retake. If you think you will be okay without the personal guidance, go for the Premium Self Study, as the basic package lacks benefits like the Job Guarantee.
6. NCSF (National Council on Strength and Fitness)
If you are looking for a more budget-conscious certification, then the NCSF may be perfect for you. This NCCA accredited certification focuses on getting you certified quickly while still retaining all of the training practices that make a successful professional personal trainer. The NCSF places a lot of value on professionalism in its philosophy.
In terms of online learning potential, NCSF gets high marks. They pride themselves on their engaging learning environment that increases the retention of information while also speeding up the learning process.
Their Easy Learning System prioritizes e-learning in a way that most of the other options on this list do not. This interactive digital portal is the nerve center for your certification training, where you will find video instruction, practice tests, and digital textbooks. The Easy Learning System is a great feature for those who require a more flexible learning style.
The only thing better might be how competitive the pricing is for both the learning materials and the exam costs. NCSF is quite affordable when compared to some of the previous entries while offering a similar quality of training.
There are four tiers available, which all include the cost of taking the exam.
- Home Study ($349)
- Home Study Plus ($399)
- Workshop ($399)
- Workshop Plus ($449)
There seems to be little difference between the standard and plus options, with the only added benefit of the plus packages being you receive a hard copy of the textbook in addition to the digital copy. The Workshop packages will provide you with two in-person learning sessions, coming to sixteen hours in total.
It should be noted that, unlike most of the certifications on this list, the NCSF does not require a high school diploma or CPR/AED certification as prerequisites for the exam. As long as you are over eighteen and have valid identification, you are good to go.
The drawbacks of NCSF are minor and mostly have to do with the fact that it is not as widely known as other options like NASM or ACE. While it is fully NCCA accredited, name recognition in the fitness industry is important to prospective employers, and NCSF has not quite broken through to the point where every gym will hire you when they hear NCSF.
7. Fitness Mentors
Fitness Mentors began as a website devoted to helping novice certified personal trainers navigate the waters of the fitness world. It was developed by college professors to guide individuals through the certification process and, as the name suggests, mentor them in the process of learning fitness training and how to apply that to real-life clients.
Now, instead of reviewing other certifications, Fitness Mentors has decided to jump in the ring as an NCCA accredited certifying body in their own right. They are new to the game but they are making serious noise, as their 100% online learning approach has gained a lot of popularity for people looking for a flexible solution for certification.
Fitness Mentors uses videos, audio-book lectures, and digital textbooks to guide the learning process. You will learn about everything from physiology to nutrition to how to build and market yourself as a personal trainer. This blend of scientific and practical knowledge is seamless and a sign of the value in Fitness Mentors’ approach.
As for the price tag, Fitness Mentors is at the average for this type of certification:
- Starter ($399)
- Plus Bundle ($699)
- Pro Bundle ($899)
- Ultimate Bundle ($1499)
Despite being the new kid on the block, Fitness Mentors is a great option for certification. Through all those years of reviewing other certification services, they have seemed to find the sweet spot in terms of the best practices for effective fitness training.
What Is The Next Step After Getting My Personal Training Certification?
First off, congratulations are in order! You have passed the certification exam and now you can start your journey as a personal trainer. But what do you do first? Starting an entirely new career path can be daunting, but it is far from impossible.
Start Building Your Network
As a personal trainer, you will need to have plenty of contacts, both in terms of potential clients and prospective employers. Learn to market yourself as a personal trainer, especially online. Let your friends and family know about your new life achievement in the hopes that they can connect you with people who may need your services.
(This article will help you find clients as a personal trainer!)
Find Your Path and Make A Plan
Do you see yourself in the world of professional athletics training? Or do you just want to teach a class every now and then to make some money on the side? All are great options, but it is important to pick a path for yourself and plan accordingly. Try to fully imagine what your ideal situation would be as a personal trainer and chart out the necessary steps to get there.
Continue Your Education
Just because you are certified does not mean that you are done learning. It is important to always stay up to date with your training so that you can provide the best service possible, and it is a good idea to expand the scope of what you know, as that will lead to more job opportunities. Consider getting a specialization or certified in another area of fitness.
(You can even learn a lot from just being in different online fitness programs!)
Conclusion
These are your seven best options for online personal training certification. NASM was the favorite thanks to its dominance of the industry, with ACE coming in a close second. ISSA is a great pick despite its unconventional credentials, and NCSF is great for those of you who might be balling on a budget.
Whatever you are looking for, you are sure to find one in the bunch that is perfect for your needs. Now all that is left to do is study hard, do your practice tests, and then pass those certification exams with flying colors.
