Personal Trainer Certification Organizations

Below is a list of accredited and well-known certification organizations along with their website addresses and basic certification requirements.

ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)
Home study available? Yes, exam taken on location.
Cost: $219 to $279 for exam, workshops and study materials are extra
Prerequisites: A high school diploma or equivalent, 18 years of age and a current adult CPR certification .
Accredited by NCCA

ACE (American Council on Exercise)
Home study available? Yes, exam taken on location or online (cost is extra).
Cost: $219 to $249, review course and study materials are extra
Prerequisites: 18 years old, CPR/AED certified
Accredited by NCCA

AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America)
Home study available? Yes, exam is taken on location.
Cost: $469 for a 3-day workshop that includes certification.
Prerequisites: N/A
Accredited by Vital Research, going through accreditation with Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)

AFPA (American Fitness Professionals and Associates)
Home study available? Yes, exam taken at home.
Cost: $370
Prerequisites: 18 years of age and high school diploma
Currently going through the accreditation process with DETC

IFPA (International Fitness Professionals Association)
Home study available? Yes, exam taken on location.
Cost: $349, study materials extra
Prerequisites: N/A Accredited by NCCA

ISSA (International Sports & Sciences Association)
Home study available? Yes, weekend seminar also available.
Cost: $595
Prerequisites: CPR/AED certified
Currently going through the accreditation process with DETC

NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
Home study available? Yes, exam taken on location.
Cost: $549, study materials or workshops extra
Prerequisites: Must be 18 years old and have current CPR/AED certification
Accredited by NCCA

NCSF (National Council on Strength and Fitness)
Home study available? Yes, exam taken on location.
Cost: $549
Pre-requisites: Must be 18 years old and have current CPR/AED certified
Accredited by NCCA

NFPT (National Federation of Professional Trainers)
Home study available? Yes, different exam options.
Cost: $450 (Cost depends on study option chosen)
Prerequisites: High school diploma
Accredited by NCCA