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Best Personal Trainer Certification Programs Of 2024, According To Experts
By Emily Laurence , Alena Hall
Contributor , Editor
Fact Checked
Jessica Lester EditorUpdated: Jun 18, 2024, 4:41am
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In order to be a credible personal trainer, you must obtain a certification. “Getting certified ensures exposure to important content and concepts that are relevant to the profession,” says Liz Minton, the senior director of PT development at Equinox who hires personal trainers for the fitness club nationwide. “It also demonstrates a level of achievement, competence and commitment to prospective clients.”
Personal training certification programs are an investment, so it’s important to do your research to determine whether the one you’re considering is credible, in alignment with your personal goals and worth both your time and money. To help with your search, the Forbes Health editorial team compared and deeply researched all the options to bring you the best personal trainer certifications.
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Our Top Personal Trainer Certification Programs
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American College of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer Certification
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American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer Certification
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National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer Certification
Best Personal Trainer Certification Programs of 2024
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National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer Certification
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American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer Certification
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National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer Certification
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Why You Can Trust Our Expert Methodology
To determine the best personal trainer certification programs, Forbes Health consulted a panel of four experts who sit on the Forbes Health Advisory Board and represent a range of expertise, including sports medicine, physical therapy and exercise and sports science. With their advice, Forbes Health exclusively ranked certifications issued by organizations that are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), an organization established in 1977 to develop standards of excellence for voluntary certification programs throughout the health care industry.
After accounting for NCAA accreditation and industry reputation according to experts, Forbes Health ranked each certification program based on its starting price, number of recommendations from the panel and whether coursework and examination is available both in person and online.
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What Is a Personal Trainer Certification Program?
In order to be a certified personal trainer (CPT)—the credential most gym and fitness studio managers look for when hiring, according to Rieders—interested individuals must pass a certification exam hosted by an accredited academy, organization or association. Some of these groups also require their enrollees to complete a study program prior to taking a final exam. While there are no current national or state licensing requirements for an individual working as a personal trainer, a CPT certification proves to prospective clients that a trainer is knowledgeable about their field and may make it easier for a trainer to find a position at a gym or fitness center.
Personal trainer certification programs held in high regard in the fitness industry are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), says Minton. A personal trainer certification program that has an NCCA accreditation teaches enrollees how to work with clients and help them achieve their personal health and fitness goals. These programs cover anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition and how to use a variety of fitness machines and equipment safely and effectively. Enrollees also learn what to do should an emergency occur during a fitness class or training session.
Typically, a person must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent education to enroll in a personal trainer certification program. Before sitting for a certification exam, an enrolled individual must also earn an adult CPR and AED certification.
Different Types of Personal Trainer Certifications
A number of academies, organizations and associations—some of which are NCCA accredited—offer a version of a CPT certification. “It’s important to identify which certification is the best fit for [your] current objectives or interests,” says Minton.
For example, someone who primarily wants to work with athletes should select a certification program that focuses on this athletic training specifically. A person looking to work specifically with clients interested in weight loss or who are ages 65 and older should seek a certification program specializing in this clientele. Many specializations are offered as continuing education after an individual completes their initial CPT certification.
For people without a specific client, demographic or workplace in mind, Minton recommends starting with a general personal training certification program.
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How Much Does a Personal Trainer Certification Program Cost?
The cost of personal trainer certification programs varies, ranging in price from $800 to $3,000, according to American Fitness Professionals and Associates. Prices fluctuate depending on the organization providing the certification, the certification level, the study materials and support offered, and the price of the certification exam itself. While many programs offer payment plans to help with financing, some may not include the cost of earning a CPR/AED certification, which is required for most programs and can add about $75 to the total cost of certification.
Minton also recommends considering the costs of personal training once one obtains a certification. For instance, self-employed personal trainers may need to rent space in a gym or fitness club to work with clients. Many trainers also invest in liability insurance, which costs an average of $1,735 per year for small businesses. Equipment, such as hand weights, kettlebells, yoga mats, resistance bands or portable speakers for music, can also add to potential costs should a trainer need to purchase equipment for client use.
Lastly, many CPT certifications require trainers to participate in continuing education courses, keep their CPR/AED certification up to date and pay certification renewal fees every few years, all of which can add significantly to the total cost of maintaining their certification. Some continuing education courses can cost several hundred dollars, and recertification fees can exceed $400.
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Summary: Best Personal Trainer Certification Programs
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1.American College of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer Certification5.0
2.National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Certification 4.3
3.American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer Certification4.1
4.National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer Certification4.0
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What personal trainer certificate is most respected?
Certified personal trainer programs accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) are considered to be verified and respected certifications in the health care and fitness industry.
Article excerpted from Forbes Health
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Emily LaurenceContributor
Emily Laurence is a journalist, freelance writer and certified health coach living in Raleigh, North Carolina. She specializes in writing about mental health, healthy aging and overall wellness. For six years, she was an editor and senior writer at Well+Good, covering everything from food trends to public health issues like the opioid epidemic. She graduated from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University with a bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism. Find her on Instagram at @EmLaurence.
Alena HallEditor
Alena is a professional writer, editor and manager with a lifelong passion for helping others live well. She is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and a functional medicine certified health coach. She brings more than a decade of media experience to Forbes Health, with a keen focus on building content strategy, ensuring top content quality and empowering readers to make the best health and wellness decisions for themselves.
Jessica LesterEditor
Jessica is a writer, editor and media professional who has spent her career working with some of the most influential names in media. Prior to joining Forbes Health, Jessica was the manager of creative communications at Hearst, where she specialized in high-level production and project management. As a freelance writer, Jessica has written across a range of topics, including entertainment, travel and career. Her work can be found in Variety, Paste Magazine, The Muse and on her personal website (jessicamlester.com).
© 2024 Forbes Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. Our website services, content and products are for informational purposes only. While our team of experienced journalists and medical experts offers timely wellness insights, news and reviews, we do not provide medical advice, diagnoses or treatment.
All four Forbes Health panelists recommend the CSCS certification from the NSCA for prospective enrollees who are particularly interested in designing training programs for a diversity of clients. “The test requires people to answer numerous multiple choice questions about creating training programs for different sports and how to adjust a plan to target specific training goals over different time frames for people at all different levels,” says Rachel Tavel, a doctor of physical therapy and Forbes Health Advisory Board member who completed the certification herself. “It’s one of the highest level (if not the top) certifications a trainer can get. It requires a thorough understanding of science and how it applies to athletic training and is very comprehensive.”
Joshua Rieders, a doctor of physical therapy and Forbes Health Advisory Board member, adds that the CSCS certification is considered the gold standard for higher level athletes and athletic performance, and it’s highly reputable throughout the fitness industry. “Most professional, collegiate and Olympic trainers have this [certification],” he notes.
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ACE is a non-profit organization with a widely recognized and respected personal trainer certification that allows exercise professionals to deliver safe and effective personalized programs to a variety of individuals. It’s also known for its focus on inclusivity and supporting behavior change in a range of settings, says Jo.
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Rieders describes NASM’s CPT certification as the “most popular and recognized with trainers in local gyms.” In addition to providing an evidence-based personal training foundation, the academy aims to support trainers in their careers after they complete their exam, whether they plan to join a gym or fitness studio or start their own business.