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I got certified by the top 8 NCCA cheapest personal training certifications. I’ve rated them based on price AND by my unique PTP Value Rating based on 5 key value criteria. This article will guide you towards the best personal trainer certification for your career.
Not sure which CPT to pick? This quiz should help. Also, a quick-shout out to Trainer Academy who helped me pass all 8 of these certifications. Their exam-pass guarantee is worth checking out. Let’s look into the cheapest certifications.
While I’ll provide a detailed cost comparison of all, I will particularly emphasize those that offer the best value for money, highlighting our top picks based on their prices, comprehensive features, bonuses, and overall package value.
This unique rating system is designed to help you find not just the most affordable, but the most valuable certification for your investment.
| Certification | PTP Value Rating | Cheapest Price | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPTA CPT | 10/10 | $399 | Learn More |
| ISSA CPT | 9/10 | $868 | Learn More |
| NASM CPT | 8.5/10 | $948 | Learn More |
| NCSF CPT | 8.2/10 | $479 | Learn More |
| ACE CPT | 7.5/10 | $587 | - |
| NSCA CPT | 7/10 | $870 | - |
| ACSM CPT | 6.5/10 | $735 | - |
| AFAA CPT | 6/10 | $578 | - |
My 5 Scoring Criteria for Determining the Cheapest Personal Trainer Certifications
Note: All the certifications I’ve listed on this list are NCCA-accredited (or offer a NCCA-accredited exam). This is important as NCCA-approved certifications are often required for employment.
Why I’m Qualified to Rank These Certifications
Hi, I’m Tyler Read. With over 15 years as a personal trainer-both in-person and online and a B.S. in Kinesiology, I’ve helped thousands of trainers choose the right certification and pass their CPT exams. This comparison is based on my firsthand experience with each certification and exam. If you want my quick recommendation, go for the ISSA Elite Trainer (3 certs), NASM’s BOGO deal (2 certs), or IPTA for the best value in a CPT-only program.
International Trainer Academy (IPTA) Certification
- Best price with many free perks
- Free textbook & trial to test it out
- Quick to complete and 100% online
- No Live Classes
- No specialty certifications (yet)
IPTA-CPT, the International Personal Training Academy is number one on my list of the cheapest personal trainer certifications.
IPTA’s CPT certification offers exceptional value. The program includes free online textbooks available upon trial registration, comprehensive study materials, and flexible payment plans. This approach minimizes upfront costs and spreads the financial burden, making it one of the most affordable and valuable CPT certifications on the market.
IPTA Price
IPTA’s certification packages are among the most cost-effective in the industry, particularly noted for the base package priced at $399. IPTA offers a free online textbook to anyone who signs up for a trial. This feature allows prospective trainers to begin studying and familiarizing themselves with the course content without any initial investment, reducing barriers to entry.
For those considering more comprehensive options, IPTA’s All-Star and MVP packages provide substantial additional value without a steep increase in cost. The All-Star package, for example, includes free first recertification (saving approximately $200) and, is priced at just $599.
The MVP package, though more premium at $999, is packed with extras that greatly outweigh the initial investment. It includes free CPR/AED certification, which could otherwise cost about $100, and the first recertification for free. These features, combined with unlimited exam retakes and advanced learning tools like SurePass AI and performance reporting, make the MVP package an exceptional deal.
12-Month Payment Plan: For those who prefer to distribute the costs, IPTA offers a 12-month payment plan for the MVP tier, costing about $99 per month. This plan is free from interest and crafted to ease the financial burden of obtaining certification.
IPTA Value
IPTA has rapidly become a leader in personal training certification due to its exceptional value and affordability. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why IPTA scores a perfect 10 out of 10 on our PTP Value Rating scale, especially highlighting the benefits included even in its most economical packages:
- World-Class Study System: IPTA utilizes a cutting-edge online learning platform that includes interactive study guides, audio lessons, and SurePass AI technology. This system is designed to adapt to individual learning styles and speeds, ensuring that all candidates are well-prepared for their certification exams.
- Free Textbook: Unlike many other certification bodies that charge additional fees for essential study materials, IPTA provides a comprehensive digital textbook for free to anyone who signs up for a trial. This can save candidates between $100 and $200, reducing initial costs significantly.
- Free First Recertification: IPTA supports long-term career growth by offering the first recertification for free, which typically costs around $200 with other organizations. This not only reduces costs but also encourages ongoing professional development.
- Complimentary CPR and AED Certification: Often an additional expense with other certifications, IPTA includes CPR and AED training in its higher-tier packages at no extra cost, typically saving candidates an additional $100 to $200.
- Unlimited Exam Retakes: Recognizing the challenges that come with mastering a broad curriculum, IPTA allows unlimited retakes of the certification exam without additional fees, whereas other programs may charge over $200 for each additional attempt.
- Comprehensive Career Support: IPTA’s packages, particularly the MVP tier, include job assurance guarantees and business training courses, which are critical for those looking to establish themselves quickly in the industry.
- Flexible Learning and Payment Options: IPTA offers various study plans tailored to different learning paces and schedules, along with 0% interest financing options to spread the cost over time, enhancing accessibility for all prospective trainers.
- Seasonal Promotions and Discounts: IPTA frequently offers limited-time discounts and promotions, making their valuable packages even more accessible and allowing candidates to receive even more for their investment.
These features, especially the free resources accessible from the trial phase, underscore IPTA’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education that supports both aspiring and existing fitness professionals. IPTA’s strategic pricing and inclusive package options make it an unbeatable choice for anyone looking for the most affordable route to becoming a certified personal trainer.
International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Certification
Best business skills coverage
Excellent resistance technique
Good value with combo deals
High price for single certification
Lacks best behavioral coaching content
ISSA, or the International Sports Sciences Association, is a massively popular certifying agency.
It is a pioneer in many ways.
Firstly, as its name suggests, ISSA was the first genuinely international personal trainer certification program provider. Because of this, it was also the first distance-based fitness institute in the US.
That is why DEAC initially accredited ISSA instead of the more prevalent NCCA.
However, ISSA is also the parent company of NCCPT, a certification provider I’ll discuss later in this topic.
The collaborative resources of the two providers mean that ISSA offers both a DEAC and an NCCA accredited credential.
In terms of exam difficulty, the ISSA DEAC final test is a lot easier than the NCCA-accredited certification exam.
ISSA Price
The price for just the ISSA CPT alone costs $999, which is more expensive than some of these other certifications, but ISSA has a really sweet Elite Trainer package that gives you training, nutrition, and a third specialization for only $1308, which is only $436 per certification.
This is by far the best deal from a major certification provider and it also includes study materials for each program included.
With three credentials, you have the flexibility to be able to provide more value to your clients.
ISSA Value
Value-wise, ISSA scores well in my book. It may look a bit expensive to pay $999 for one certification, but, if you go for the three certs together in the long-run, you are going to benefit greatly from the knowledge and prestige of having a nutrition certification and a specialization to help you stand out in the crowded fitness marketplace.
Check out my full ISSA Certification review here for an in-depth look on the skills, knowledge, and concepts learned in this program. ISSA gives you solid weight training program design concepts, anatomy and physiology, and special population information.
Exclusive PTP CPT Offers |
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Most Popular Cert | Best Online NCCA Cert | Best Study Materials |
Gold Standard Cert | A Good Option | Best CPT for you?  |
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certification
Superb programming format with OPT Method
Great corrective exercise coverage
The most popular certification
Challenging exam
Not the best program for people who just study the textbook
NASM is the National Academy of Sports Medicine, an organization considered to be one of the most recognized names in health and fitness certifications and credentials.
NASM’s CPT is one of the most sought after in the PT job market, and personal trainers holding this cert range from group fitness instructors in some of the best gyms on the globe all the way to fitness entrepreneurs with their own personal training studios.
NASM Price
NASM’s packages probably have the most diverse variance in price, with the most expensive package being the most expensive overall.
But you can get their Nutrition and Fitness Coach bundle, which gives you their training certification and nutrition program for only $999, making each certification cost $499.
This is an excellent option, it costs you the normal price of one certification, and you get two upon completion of the programs.
NASM Value
NASM is a well known organization and their study resources are among the best. The NASM CPT teaches the fundamentals of everything you need to know as a trainer.
They use their OPT model to give individuals a comprehensive framework to work with and cover the topics of corrective exercise and exercise technique instruction well.
Value-wise, you get a lot with some of the smaller packages, like the Self-study, which is $749, on sale.
Once you start looking into the higher tier options, the price is a lot higher than I think you can justify for what you get.
So, in terms of value, NASM does well with their bundle and lower tier study packages, but it’s a bit too expensive when you choose their higher-priced options, like the All-Inclusive. This decision is up to you, though.
In terms of the specializations I’d recommend, NASM is known for their Corrective Exercise Specialist, so you may want to consider that one as well to help prevent injuries in clients.
National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) Certification
Great value
Up-to-date and easy-to-read textbook
There are no major gaps in the content
Not as well known as NASM and ISSA
Less coverage of business skills
The National Council on Strength and Fitness is one of the lesser-known program providers from a mainstream perspective.
However, in the domain of the fitness industry, it is recognized as a high-quality performance-centric institute, having endorsements from some of the top gyms in the US.
NCSF Price
You can buy the most inexpensive NCSF package for only $299 on sale, making this one of the most inexpensive certs on this list. Even the higher tier study package is around $450 on sale and this includes the exam.
NCSF Value
While NCSF doesn’t have as much clout as some of the organizations higher up on the list, their textbook is quite good.
I consider this the best value certification provider after NSCA.
Take a look at their official site for any updates on discounts and specials.
American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certification
Easy to use exercise framework with IFT® Model
Great online study system
Best behavioral coaching
Less detail about cardiovascular conditioning
More expensive than it used to be
Very little sales skills coverage
The American Council on Exercise is a stalwart in the fitness coach certification game.
Enjoying a relevance that puts it arguably just below my top 3, ACE’s name and reputation carry a value proposition that translates to one of the highest premiums in the certification market.
They are well known for their group fitness and health coach certifications.
ACE Price
ACE has some incredible study resources and their packages range from $489 for the Basic package up to $864 for the Advantage package with the current discount.
This makes ACE a valid option if you include study resources.
As with most other fitness trainer certifications, ACE regularly posts deals and discounts on the cost of ACE certification, so don’t forget to check their official CPT price listing for more information.
ACE Value
ACE does a great job in terms of value. Their study programs are among the best, and even the most expensive option is less than $900. You should also read my full ACE CPT review for more insight.
In addition, ACE also sets the gold standard for excellence in the areas of behavioral coaching and exercise psychology, so if you’re interested in that area of concern, ACE might be the right option for you. ACE also teaches great communication skills for personal trainers.
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certification
Best certification for training athletes
Great CEU opportunities
Great certification if you just like studying the textbook
No study system
Book is long and overcomplicated
Doesn’t go into how to build a training business
NSCA is the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
It’s a certification provider I would consider a legacy institution owing to its long-running heritage and influence.
As the name suggests, NSCA is a strength and conditioning-focused provider, meaning athletic performance and sports coaching programs are part of its fundamental offerings.
Exclusive PTP CPT Offers |
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|---|---|---|
| Most Popular Cert | Best Online NCCA Cert | Best Study Materials |
| Gold Standard Cert | A Good Option | Best CPT for you? |
Because with NSCA’s education, you could potentially become a sports performance professional or sports coach, one of the most lucrative careers in fitness. The NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA CSCS) is their most popular certification outside of personal training.
NSCA Price
The NSCA exam costs between $300 and $435, depending on if you are a member, and the Basic Digital Package goes for $152 for members and $202 without.
This means you spend between $452 and $637 in order to obtain one of the most comprehensive CPTs out there.
Check out NSCA’s current pricing for deals and discounts.
NSCA Value
While the study materials you get from NSCA are a bit bare compared to the likes of ISSA, NASM, or ACE, the actual content in the textbook is incredibly detailed.
You get around 700 pages of high quality information and the newest edition of the textbook is actually a pleasure to read.
Therefore, if you don’t need a lot of hand-holding, NSCA presents excellent value for what you pay. You will know a lot by the time you start training clients in the gym. Certain elements shine, such as exercise science, the biomechanics section, programming, and how to train athletes. NSCA also has some of the best assessments in any CPT, meaning you are able to figure out the safety of different exercises and positions for your clients.
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certification
Great exercise physiology content
Respected organization
Longer recertification period
Little to know exercise programming
No exercise technique content
Textbook is outdated
ACSM is the American College of Sports Medicine. It’s the oldest fitness certification body. ACSM has established itself as an academic and research leader, even going as far as providing data and knowledge for the curricula of other certification providers.
ACSM’s complex pricing system includes different membership tiers that activate various discounts.
ACSM Price
If you just pay for the exam, it’ll cost you between $299 and $399, depending on whether you’re a member candidate of the organization.
Realistically, with textbook fees and study resources, that number will be a few hundred dollars more, but if you just look at the exam itself, ACSM does cost less.
The standard prices do fluctuate due to periodic deals and discounts, so make sure you know the current cost and don’t forget to check my full, comprehensive ACSM CPT review here.
ACSM Value
If you just want to take your chances and take a personal trainer exam from a well recognized organization, ACSM presents great value for what you get without the extra coursework.
However, once you factor in study costs with the books you need to purchase, the price will cost around $800 if you take the prep course approach.
I also am not a fan of some of the information in the ACSM textbook as I find it a bit dated, and you don’t get the best understanding of how to program workouts effectively. For this consideration, value-wise, ACSM may not be the best option for fitness professionals.
Athletics & Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Certification
Reasonably priced
NASM owns AFAA
Limited study materials
Less regarded compared to other organizations
The Athletics and Fitness Association of America is a professional fitness certification provider founded in 1983. They are most known for their group fitness certification and were bought a few years ago by NASM, so the larger organization could take over their group exercise certification.
AFAA Price
The AFAA costs $499, including the exam, but not the textbook. With the textbook, you’re looking at $79 extra, so $578 total.
AFAA Value
Value-wise this certification is kind of in the middle. It’s not super expensive, but it’s not as good from a content standpoint as some of the cheaper options like ACE or NSCA.
My Scoring Criteria (Detailed)
Study Packages Price
The IPTA certification offers the most affordable option, with a starting price of $399 and a maximum price of $699. On the other hand, NASM has the highest price range, with the cheapest package at $948 and the most expensive reaching $1,597.
NCSF provides one of the lowest price variations, with packages ranging from $479 to $539.
However, these prices do not take into account the the overall quality of the study materials.
Quality-wise, I’d still rate IPTA at the top, but then NASM, ISSA, and NCSF are the next best.
| Certification | Cheapest Package Price | Most Expensive Package Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. IPTA | $399 | $699 |
| 2. NCSF | $479 | $539 |
| 3. AFAA | $578 | $578 |
| 4. ACE | $587 | $1136 |
| 5. ACSM | $735 | $735 |
| 6. ISSA | $868 | $868 |
| 7. NSCA | $870 | $870 |
| 8. NASM | $948 | $1597 |
Financing
I also compared which certifications allow you to pay for your CPT in installments and which require a credit check to do so.
NASM, IPTA, and ISSA all allow you to break up your costs into monthly interest-free payments.
While this doesn’t decrease the price of your study packages, it does decrease the amount you pay per month, making becoming a personal trainer more attainable if you haven’t saved up the money for the full amount.
Plus, with the interest-free options, its a win-win because you don’t end up paying more, you just pay over time.
| Certification | Number of Interest-Free Payments | No Credit Check Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| NASM | 4 payments | ✅ |
| IPTA | 12 payments | ✅ |
| ISSA | 12 payments | ✅ |
| NCSF | 3 Payments | ❌ |
| ACE | 3, 12, or 18 payments | ❌ |
| AFAA | N/A | N/A |
| NSCA | N/A | N/A |
| ACSM | N/A | N/A |
Future Savings
Once you purchase you certification, your costs are not over. If you fail the exam, often you must pay to retake it. Also, every few years you need complete a recertification process to maintain your personal trainer certification.
Let’s look at these extra costs.
Exam Retake Costs
IPTA gives you free exam retakes while ISSA gives you one free retake. NASM also gives you a free retake (but only with their higher priced study packages).
| Certification | Retake Fee |
|---|---|
| 1. IPTA | Free |
| 2. NCSF | $99 |
| 3. ISSA | $0-$149 |
| 4. AFAA | $149 |
| 5. ACSM | $155 |
| 6. ACE | $199 |
| 7. NASM | $200 |
| 8. NSCA | $435 |
Recertification Costs
IPTA also wins out here by making your first recertification free. ISSA’s recertification is $99, but if you use ISSA courses to earn your CEUs they give you a free recertification as well.
NCSF is also a good pick here as their recertification is only $50 compared to the usual $99.
| Certification | # of CEUs | Cost | Length of time |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISSA | 20 CEUs | $99 | Every 2 years |
| IPTA | 24 CEUs | Free First Recert ($99 After) | Every 2 years |
| NASM | 20 CEUs | $99 | Every 2 years |
| NCSF | 10 CEUs | $50 | Every 2 years |
| AFAA | 15 CEUs | $99 | Every 2 years |
| NSCA | 60 CEUs | $50 | Every 3 years |
| ACE | 20 CEUs | $129 | Every 2 years |
| ACSM | 45 CEUs | $30 | Every 3 years |
CPT Bonuses/Features
Many of these certifications also offer bonuses that either cut down on costs or help you find a job. For instance, the job guarantee that IPTA, NASM, and ISSA offer means that once you achieve your CPT, you can easily find a job with one of their partner gyms.
Other meaningful bonuses include free CPR certification, which every personal trainer must maintain, and a free website which can help you promote your new personal training business.
| Certification | CPT Bonuses/Features |
|---|---|
| ISSA |
|
| IPTA |
|
| NASM |
|
| NCSF |
|
| ACE |
|
| ACSM | N/A |
| NSCA | N/A |
| AFAA | N/A |
Certification Bundles
I strongly recommend that my students pursue multiple certifications to expand their career opportunities and increase their earning potential right away.
For instance, pairing a nutrition coaching certification with a CPT creates a powerhouse combination, allowing you to offer comprehensive fitness solutions to your clients.
Adding a specialized fitness certification can further accelerate your success, especially in your first year as a trainer.
If you’re interested in working with athletes, a strength and conditioning specialization is a game-changer.
With these additional credentials, you’ll immediately stand out, increasing both your value and income far beyond what a CPT alone provides.
Personally, obtaining multiple specializations early on helped me fast-track my fitness career and achieve success much quicker.
Another benefit of bundling certifications is that you end up paying less for each certification.
ISSA, NASM, and NCSF all offer great certification bundles while IPTA, NSCA, ACSM are lacking here.
| Certification | Certification Bundles | Price Per Certification |
|---|---|---|
| ISSA CPT | 4 certifications, 2 certifications | $325, $600 |
| NASM CPT | 4 certifications, 2 certifications | $471, $686 |
| NCSF CPT | 2 certifications | $350 |
| ACE CPT | 2 certifications | $518 |
| IPTA CPT | N/A | N/A |
| NSCA CPT | N/A | N/A |
| ACSM CPT | N/A | N/A |
| AFAA CPT | N/A | N/A |
Cheapest Fitness Certification FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Which is The Cheapest PT Cert?
If you include study materials, IPTA is the most affordable personal trainer certification coming in at just $399.
Which Is The Most Expensive PT Cert?
ISSA or NASM will cost the most if you just go for the PT certification on its own, but they actually end up being much more reasonable if you pick their multiple certification deals.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Certified Personal Trainer?
When asking how long it takes to become a personal trainer, you must consider two things.
Firstly, how much do you understand about health and fitness practice going in, and how much time do you have available outside of established commitments.
Considering all factors, most people take between three to nine months to complete a CPT cert.
Which is The Best Personal Training Certification?
The question of which are the best certifications to get is a tricky one to answer.
It ultimately boils down to your fitness career aspirations and the fitness goals of your target market.
Which Is The Best Online Course?
All personal trainer programs mentioned in this article have an online fitness trainer course.
Some include online-only study materials such as study guides and practice exams. At the same time, some have a choice between hard copy and digital materials for their certification courses and CPT exams.
Action CPT is an excellent cheap personal training certification online.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks, a comprehensive list of the 8 cheapest personal training certifications.
While price is the main focus of this topic, I also took the time to shine a light on the importance of value.
Personally, I believe IPTA, ISSA, NASM, and NCSF are your best bets for price and value.
While ISSA and NASM are on the pricier side, the bonuses you get each up saving you more money in the long term.
It’s good to indicate your affordable options, but it’s equally crucial to pick the best certification for what you want to learn.
AMAZING site with the best compilation of info out there!! Can’t THANK YOU enough for this service!! Kudo’s!
No worries Laura, that’s what I’m here for to help all of you find the certification is right for you.
Hi Guys!
I wanna know if the Fitness Mentors Certification is accredited by the NCCA.
Thank you!
Hey there, I do believe that they are accredited by the NCCA although they are not nearly as recognized as some other ones such as the National Academy of sports medicine, or the American Council on exercise. I do believe that you need to pay extra in order to get the ncca accredited version. Whereas with the other organizations that comes standard.
I was wondering if you are able to provide any information regarding the National Association for Fitness Certification- Nutrition Coach Certification? Accredited by NBFE. Are you familiar with this certification? Is this reputable at all? I am aware that it is not top of the list. I am looking for a quick/inexpensive, if possible, cert to get going. Will work towards better/additional certs. I am former D1 athlete, and have coached soccer, track and field, and strength and conditioning at the youth and HS level, and am looking to work with teams, and individual athletes, as well as general population on a 1 on 1 basis. I appreciate any intel you can provide.
Hello,
I have heard of the national Association for fitness certification but I really do not know too much about it besides hearing of the name. If you are looking to work with athletes of any level, I suggest picking up a strength and conditioning certification as well as a youth certification in your circumstance. I would either go with ISSA or NASM. If you have a college degree, the CSCS certification is definitely at the top of the list in terms of recognition.
What do you think about ACT (Athletic Certification Training Commission)?
Hey Tony,
I have heard of the athletic certification training commission but honestly I have not done too much research and I also do not know any personal trainers that are holding that certification. Maybe I will do some more research and write a full review on them in the future, but for now I can’t tell you too much about them.
I have a european cert and need to get a us cert. I have been training for 15 years and think that action CPT seems the best option as I already have my years of experience and cert.
Hey Neill,
That’s pretty cool that you have a European personal training certification. Which certification is that by the way? The action certification will definitely be fine for your situation as it is accredited by the NCCA and should be a breeze for you to pass seeing that you already have 15 years of experience working as a personal trainer. Also the price is very tempting. I say go for it.
Hi Tyler, Its Australian Inst Fitness Master Trainer(AIF). A very intensive 8 week 10 hours a day on-site certification. Price was way more than the list you mentioned at 4000k+ plus food. accommodation was taken care of. It is an awesome cert. Everything was live as well as to get my final exam we had to go into the local gym and ask someone if they would like to do a training session with me for an hour. Then they were interviewed after for feedback. It was awesome.
I read in the NASM handbook “The CPT Exam Only option allows the candidate to challenge the NCCA-accredited
CPT certification examination. Purchase of NASM certification preparation materials is
not required in order to become eligible to sit for the CPT exam, and does not
guarantee a passing score on the exam. Candidates who pass the examination will
be awarded the CPT credential.”
I’ve not contacted NASM, but maybe you can answer; from reading this you can take the test without purchasing anything through NASM. Am I missing anything?
Hey Joel,
You definitely do not need to buy any study materials from anyone if you feel confident that you will pass the exam. That being said, you still do need to pay for the entrance and the ability to take the NASM test. They do on their website have a test only option that does not include any study materials. At the minimum, this is what you will need to purchase to get certified through them.