The 12 Best Personal Training Certifications

There are many options for obtaining top personal training certifications, but it's important to choose one that is accredited by a reputable organization. Accredited personal training schools offer programs that meet industry standards and ensure that students receive high-quality training.
One of the top personal trainer certifications is the NESTA certification, which has received positive NESTA certification reviews from many fitness professionals. NESTA offers a comprehensive program that covers topics such as fitness training, nutrition, and business management.

Other top 5 personal trainer certifications include the NASM-CPT, ACE-CPT, ACSM-CPT, NSCA-CPT, and ISSA-CPT. ISSA certification is particularly popular, and many gyms accept ISSA certification for personal trainers.

Accredited personal trainer programs may also provide students with opportunities for hands-on training, internships, and job placement assistance. It's important to choose a program that fits your needs and goals, and that offers an accredited personal training certificate upon completion.

Some personal trainer certification programs also provide additional benefits, such as a free professional website and marketing tools to help you grow your business. While a high school diploma may be required for admission to some programs, many programs do not have a formal education requirement.

In summary, when choosing a personal training certification program, it's important to consider factors such as accreditation, program content, and additional benefits offered. By choosing a reputable program, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful personal trainer.

1. ISSA – International Sports Sciences Association

www.issaonline.com

ISSA has several different fitness certifications available, including the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) qualification. ISSA was established in 1988. So, with a long history in the industry, you can be sure that the ISSA brand will provide a course that will take you from a fitness enthusiast to a fitness pro.

You'll receive knowledge based on the latest exercise science and fitness research findings with the course material. Once you completed your certification course, you'll have an understanding of anatomy, learn how you can assess clients and their unique movement patterns and strength, and you will also be able to advise them on other areas of their lifestyle.

Once you're an ISSA qualified personal trainer, you'll have access to all their continuous development courses, including Strength and Conditioning Certification, Online Coach Certification to help you become the best online personal trainer, and Yoga Instructor Certification. In addition, the Master Trainer Certification and Elite Trainer Certification are both excellent options to consider when advancing your skills and presence.

2. ACSM – American College of Sports Medicine

www.acsm.org

There are a lot of different benefits that you will reap by going down the ACSM route. The cost of recertification is very cheap, and it is only needed every three years. In contrast, a lot of other course providers require this every two years. Aside from this, the certification is accredited by NCCA, and it also boasts an adaptive quiz platform for studying, which is a great help. Founded in 1954, this is another organisation with a great history in the industry.

3. NASM – National Academy of Sports Medicine

www.nasm.org

NASM has been advancing successful personal trainers in the fitness industry for more than 30 years now. The program they have designed ensures that you are given all of the most scientifically accurate data delivered by a modern and new digital learning platform.

Many people champion the NASM certification because of the approach to learning, which is all about making it as easy and fun as possible. Not only are you taught about the different training strategies, but you will learn everything you need to know about how to apply them correctly as well.

4. NFPT – National Federation of Professional Trainers

www.nfpt.com

NFPT is a family-operated and family-owned organisation. They are known for their personal and friendly touch when tutoring future personal trainers. You can expect to receive ongoing education and support throughout, with plenty of different resources and lots of advice for anyone who wants to be a personal trainer. Plus, they provide straightforward financing, with pay later options for those who cannot afford to pay for all of their certification requirements in one go. There are no finance fees or interest either, so you do not end up paying more.

5. ACE – The American Council on Exercise

www.acefitness.org

The ACE has an excellent reputation in the industry regarding the various certifications designed for those wanting to work in the fitness industry. Not only will you be able to get going with their personal training courses, but you can advance your skills and add a specialism to your repertoire by taking one of the other certifications that they have available.

This includes Health Coach certification and Group Fitness Instructor certification. You may even decide to brand out and take their course in becoming a Medical Exercise Specialist.

6. TPMUK - The PT Mentor UK

www.theptmentor.uk

The PT Mentor is an excellent course provider for UK based aspiring personal trainers. If you are looking to go beyond the basic curriculum and ensure you have all the skills and knowledge required to run your personal training business, The PT Mentor UK has you covered.

The Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification is very popular. You will cover a wide range of subjects, from medical and lifestyle factors that impact wellbeing to the physiology, anatomy, functional kinesiology, and components and concepts of fitness. This is a comprehensive course that will leave no stone unturned while ensuring you get the support and education you require.

7. AFAA – Athletics and Fitness Association of America

www.afaa.com

With over 35 years of experience in the industry, the AFAA is another trusted body that will look great on your CV if you decide to go for the personal trainer course that they offer. This course covers many different subject areas, including the basics of weight management and nutrition, fitness screening, health assessment and prevention, behaviour modification and communication, and exercise physiology and the human body. There are different payment plans available, including an interest-free option that breaks the payment into four manageable amounts.

8. NCSF – National Council on Strength & Fitness

www.ncsf.org

When looking for the best personal trainer certification, you want to consider the presence of the body around the world. As a globally recognised brand, the NCSF certainly ticks that box. They have provided their courses for more than 250,000 people across 160 countries.

One of the great things about choosing this option is that you will get access to one of the best e-learning platforms available today, meaning you can learn at a pace and in a manner that suits you. You can choose between home study and workshop education as well, enabling you to select the approach that best suits you.

9. NSCA – National Strength and Conditioning Association

www.nsca.com

The NSCA also has an excellent personal trainer course to bring to the table. Four key domains are covered in this course. The first is fitness assessments and client consultation. Another section of the course covers program planning. After this, you have exercise techniques. The final element of the system is the safety, emergency procedures, and legal issues segment.

Program planning and exercise technique make up the most considerable percentage of the exam. Some of the different methods you will cover include cardiovascular machines, free weight exercises, machine resistance exercise, flexibility exercises, and much more.

10. NPTI

https://nationalpti.org/

The National Personal Training Institute (NPTI) is a well-known institution that offers personal training programs in various locations, including New York. If you are looking to become a personal trainer in New York, the NPTI may be a great option to consider.

The NPTI program provides students with comprehensive training in fitness, nutrition, and business management. This program is designed to prepare students for careers as personal trainers in various settings, including gyms, fitness centers, and private studios.

One of the benefits of the NPTI program is its hands-on approach. Students have the opportunity to learn through practical, real-world experience, which includes training actual clients. This approach allows students to develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed as a personal trainer in New York.

11. NESTA – National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association

www.nestacertified.com

Another option that is well worth considering is the NESTA Certified Personal Trainer course. One of the distinct advantages that this course has over the other options in the industry today is that it is valid for four years. A lot of the other options are only valid for two years.

With NESTA's approach, all of your training is done online, and you can expect lifetime support. Moreover, there is a business and career system included, so you will learn about everything from online coaching to social media so that you can get your career up and running smoothly.

12. NCCPT – National Council for Certified Personal Trainers

www.nccpt.com

Last but not least, we have the NCCPT personal training certification. This certification will demonstrate that you have all of the necessary knowledge to work effectively as a personal trainer. There is a handbook that will cover everything you need to know and several different course providers that offer training for the NCCPT exam.

You will need to register for your exam. Once you do so, you will have 12 months to sit the exam from the registration date, so you must keep this in mind when plotting your career path.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it: everything you need to know about 12 of the best personal training certifications available for people today. If you want to make it as an expert personal trainer, it is imperative to have marks and symbols of your quality, and there is nothing better than a relevant PT certification for this. If you opt for one of the solutions mentioned above, you will enhance your profile and brand as a personal trainer.