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I got certified by the top 8 easiest NCCA-accredited personal training certifications. I’ve created my PTP Ease Rating, based on 7 key easy/quickness certification criteria, and ranked them from 1-8. This article will take you through the best CPT options for anyone who wants to get certified quickly and easily.
After I go through each certification, I’ll explain the 7 criteria I used to rate them and dive into more details on how these certifications stack up based on each criteria.
First, I recommend taking this quiz to determine which CPT is right for you, so you can easily figure out the best certification for your needs and wants.
A quick shout out to Trainer Academy, who helped me pass all 8 of these certifications. Make sure to use the buttons to find out more about each certification.
| Certification | PTP Ease Rating | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| IPTA CPT | 10/10 | Learn More |
| ISSA CPT | 9.5/10 | Learn More |
| NASM CPT | 9/10 | Learn More |
| NCSF CPT | 8.5/10 | Learn More |
| ACE CPT | 8/10 | |
| NSCA CPT | 7.5/10 | |
| AFAA CPT | 7/10 | |
| ACSM CPT | 6/10 |
My 7 Scoring Criteria for Determining the Easiest 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.
Easiest Personal Trainer Certification Reviews
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)
Number one on my list of the easiest certification programs is the IPTA Certified Personal Trainer (IPTA-CPT). IPTA stands out as one of the easiest certifications to obtain due to its highly accessible and supportive training resources. Here’s why IPTA tops the list for ease of certification:
Study Materials
IPTA provides a wealth of study resources to ensure candidates are well-prepared for the certification exam.
- Free Textbook Access: Anyone who signs up for a trial gains access to a free online textbook, allowing them to start studying without an upfront investment.
- Advanced Online Learning Platform: The platform includes spaced repetition flashcards and highly realistic exam-like questions to improve knowledge retention.
- Interactive Study Tools: IPTA’s SurePass AI analyzes a candidate’s readiness for the exam and provides personalized study recommendations.
- Helpful Study Guides and Mnemonics: Clear, comprehensive study guides and mnemonic devices help simplify complex concepts for easier memorization.
Curriculum
The IPTA certification program is designed for accessibility and ease of learning while ensuring a strong foundation in personal training.
- Flexible Study Plans: Various study plans accommodate different learning styles and schedules, making preparation more manageable.
- Comprehensive Preparation Resources: IPTA’s structured curriculum and learning technologies make studying more efficient and effective.
- Exam Pass Guarantee: Candidates receive additional support with an exam pass guarantee, reinforcing confidence in their success.
- IPTA also offers their textbook for free if you sign up the free trial to their study system.
Exam
IPTA’s certification exam is structured for convenience and accessibility.
- High Pass Rate: With a 75% pass rate, IPTA’s exam preparation methods are effective and supportive.
- Online Exam Convenience: The certification exam can be taken entirely online with a live remote proctor, allowing candidates to schedule the test at their convenience.
- Unlimited Exam Retakes: Higher-tier packages include unlimited exam retakes, reducing pressure and offering additional chances to pass if needed.
Price
IPTA offers cost-effective certification options with flexible payment plans.
- Affordable Certification Packages: The base package is priced at $399, making it one of the most budget-friendly certifications in the industry.
- All-Star Package ($599): Includes free first recertification (saving approximately $200).
- MVP Package ($999): Offers additional benefits, including free CPR/AED certification, first recertification, unlimited exam retakes, and advanced study tools.
- 12-Month Payment Plan: Available for the MVP package at $99 per month with no interest, making certification more financially accessible.
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
Number two on my list of the easiest certification programs is the ISSA Certified Personal Trainer (ISSA-CPT).
Study Materials
ISSA provides a variety of resources to support candidates in their certification journey.
- Comprehensive Study Materials: The curriculum covers essential topics such as functional anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, and proper exercise techniques.
- Flexible Learning Approach: ISSA’s online format allows candidates to study at their own pace.
- Free ISSA Study Guide & Practice Test: Additional resources are available to help candidates prepare effectively.
- Group Fitness Certification Option: For those interested in group training, ISSA offers the Group Exercise Instructor (ISSA-GEI) certification.
- Marketing & Sales Training: ISSA prepares trainers with business and sales strategies to help them start their careers successfully.
Curriculum
ISSA’s curriculum is well-structured and designed to provide a thorough education in personal training.
- Strong Foundation in Exercise Science: The course starts with foundational concepts before transitioning into hands-on applications.
- Focus on Resistance Training & Periodization: ISSA emphasizes program design and resistance training techniques.
- Coaching & Injury Prevention: The curriculum includes proper form and injury prevention to enhance trainer effectiveness.
- Special Populations Training: ISSA provides knowledge on working with various client demographics, making it valuable for trainers in health clubs and gyms.
- Limited Focus on Behavioral Change: While ISSA covers client motivation strategies, its behavioral change section is not as in-depth as some other certifications.
Exam
ISSA offers two exam options with different levels of difficulty and credibility.
- DEAC-Approved Open-Book Exam: This version has an easier format and a high pass rate of approximately 90%.
- NCCA-Accredited Exam: The more challenging option, with a pass rate of 65-70%, requires candidates to take a proctored, closed-book test.
- Exam Structure: Both exams follow the same curriculum, but the NCCA-accredited version carries more industry recognition.
- Recertification Requirements: Trainers must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years and pay a $75 recertification fee.
Price
ISSA’s pricing and payment options provide flexibility for candidates.
- Good Value for the Price: Given its strong curriculum and certification credibility, ISSA offers competitive pricing compared to other top certifications.
- Base Certification Cost: The most affordable package, which includes study materials, is priced at $828 before tax.
- 12-Month Payment Plan: Candidates can opt for an interest-free plan, starting at $69 per month.
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
Next up, we have the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) personal trainer certification.
The NASM-CPT is one of the most reputable certifications you can get behind your name.
Its online training course has high industry recognition and is globally regarded as one of, if not the best, fitness certifications.
Study Materials
NASM provides a range of study resources to ensure candidates are well-prepared for the certification exam.
- Comprehensive Study Materials: The NASM-CPT course covers fundamental exercise concepts and corrective exercise techniques.
- Free Study Guide & Practice Test: Additional resources, including a study guide and practice test, are available for better preparation.
- Behavioral Change & Special Populations Training: NASM includes behavioral coaching and training for special populations as part of the curriculum.
- Business & Sales Skills: The course offers guidance on business and sales strategies to help trainers succeed in the industry.
Curriculum
The NASM-CPT curriculum is built on the OPT Model, which is a structured, science-backed system for training clients.
- Focus on Corrective Exercise: NASM emphasizes injury prevention and corrective exercise through its specialization programs, such as the NASM-CES.
- Exercise Science Fundamentals: The curriculum covers stabilization, strength, and power training, ensuring trainers understand proper movement patterns.
- Client Program Design: The OPT Model breaks down training into different phases, making it easier to develop structured client programs.
- General Wellness & Fitness: The NASM approach suits those working with everyday clients who want to improve overall health.
- Training for Special Populations: The course provides insights into working with various demographics, from seniors to individuals with medical conditions.
Exam
NASM offers two versions of the certification exam, allowing candidates to choose based on their preference and career goals.
- NCCA-Accredited Exam: The proctored version has a pass rate of approximately 79% and is widely accepted at gyms.
- Non-Proctored Online Exam: A fully online, open-book option with a 90% pass rate for those seeking an easier certification process.
- Preparation Time: Candidates typically need at least three months to study effectively, especially if new to the fitness industry.
- Recertification Requirements: Trainers must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years and pay a $99 recertification fee.
Price
NASM offers multiple certification packages to suit different budgets and learning preferences.
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Gold Standard Cert | A Good Option | Best CPT for you?  |
- Self-Study Package: Starts at $894 for those who prefer a self-paced learning approach.
- Premium Self-Study Package: Priced at $1,115, offering additional resources.
- CPT Essentials Bundle: Costs $1,444 and includes an additional nutrition certification (NASM-CNC).
- Interest-Free Payment Plan: NASM provides flexible payment options, making certification more accessible.
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 of Strength and Fitness (NCSF) isn’t the easiest exam, but it isn’t the hardest on this list.
The 150 multiple-choice NCSF-CPT exam focuses mainly on program design material, exercise form, and corrective exercise prescription, which give you the skills to help anyone achieve their fitness goals.
Study Materials
NCSF provides a range of study resources to help candidates prepare effectively for the certification exam.
- Comprehensive Study Packages: Study materials include self-paced learning, video instruction, digital self-tests, and practice questions.
- Pre-Recorded Webinars: A great feature for visual learners, allowing candidates to review key concepts in a structured format.
- Instructor Support: Full instructor support via chat or phone for personalized assistance.
- Physical & Digital Study Options: Candidates can choose packages that include physical textbooks for a more traditional study experience.
Curriculum
The NCSF-CPT curriculum is structured to provide a strong foundation in fitness training principles.
- Deep Focus on Anatomy & Biomechanics: Covers the fundamentals of movement and exercise mechanics.
- Behavior Change & Client Assessments: Helps trainers understand how to motivate clients and perform initial assessments.
- Resistance Training & Program Design: The core focus is on practical application, ensuring trainers can design effective programs.
- Flexibility & Special Populations Training: Covers the basics, though not as in-depth as some other certifications.
- Limited Business Training: Lacks a business skills section, requiring trainers to seek external resources for sales, liability, and insurance knowledge.
Exam
The NCSF-CPT exam is moderately challenging and offers flexibility in test-taking.
- 150 Multiple-Choice Questions: Focuses on program design, exercise form, and corrective exercise prescription.
- Pass Rate: Approximately 69%, making it neither the easiest nor the hardest certification.
- Exam Options: Can be taken online or at an in-person testing center.
- Recertification Requirements: Trainers must complete 10 CEUs (20 contact hours) every two years to maintain certification.
Price
NCSF offers budget-friendly pricing compared to other major certifications.
- Exam-Only Option: Costs $299 for those who don’t need study materials.
- Home Study Package: Priced at $399, offering self-paced learning resources.
- Combo Packages: Range up to $699, including additional certifications like sports nutrition or strength coaching.
- Earnings Potential: NCSF-certified trainers earn between $21.31 and $24.54 per hour on average, with self-employed trainers earning up to $60 per hour.
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 (ACE) is another big, expert rating personal training certification that still is very popular.
ACE has a more general approach to fitness training and offers good core principles to carry you into a lucrative personal trainer career.
Curriculum
The ACE-CPT program is built around a general, well-rounded fitness approach, making it accessible for trainers of all levels.
- Integrated Fitness Training (IFT) Model: A structured system for assessing and programming workouts for clients of all fitness levels.
- Behavior Change Coaching: Teaches motivation and coaching strategies to help clients stay consistent.
- Core Exercise Science Principles: Covers biomechanics, anatomy, and program design.
- Limited Business Training: While great for training fundamentals, ACE does not emphasize business or sales skills, requiring additional learning for those wanting to grow a client base.
Exam
The ACE-CPT exam is moderately challenging but requires preparation to pass.
- Exam Format: The test includes a mix of applied knowledge questions related to program design, client assessment, and exercise principles.
- Pass Rate: 65%, which is lower than some expect, meaning preparation is essential.
- Preparation Time: Most candidates need 2-3 months of study to pass the first time.
- User-Friendly Testing Experience: The online platform is easy to navigate, and scheduling is straightforward.
- Recertification Requirements: Trainers must complete 2.0 CECs (20 hours) every two years to stay certified.
Price
ACE offers multiple pricing tiers to accommodate different study needs and budgets.
- Exam-Only Option: Costs $499 for those who prefer self-study.
- Basic Package: Priced at $587, includes the ACE study portal and digital textbook.
- ACE Plus & Advantage Packages: Available for those who want additional learning resources, with prices up to $675.
- Flexible Payment Plan: Financing starts at $49 per month, making certification more accessible.
- Trainer Earnings Potential: ACE-certified trainers earn an average of $53,693 per year, with rates varying based on experience and location.
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
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is a notorious certifying agency when it comes to exam difficulty.
By now, I’ve mentioned how difficult the NSCA-CSCS is, probably one of the hardest tests out there with a 55% pass rate.
But that’s because the CSCS certification is geared toward exercise science and athletic performance optimization.
Specialized types of fitness certifications are often more difficult than general personal trainer certifications due to the specificity of the content and the certification’s more narrow focus.
The NSCA-CPT, however, is a general personal trainer certification, so you’d assume it’s easy, yes?
Unfortunately, that’s not the case, which lands the NSCA CPT pretty high up on this list, and with a 66% pass rate, it’s clear to see why.
Study Materials
NSCA provides in-depth but text-heavy study resources for candidates preparing for the CPT certification.
- NSCA-CPT Textbook: Covers 25+ chapters on stabilization, weight training, plyometrics, and performance training.
- Limited Multimedia Resources: Unlike NASM or ACE, NSCA primarily offers PDFs and textbooks rather than video-based learning options.
- Practice Exams & Quizzes: Available separately but not bundled into an all-in-one study package.
- NSCA Journal of Strength & Conditioning: Membership includes access to peer-reviewed research and cutting-edge performance training insights.
- Supplementing with Outside Resources: Many candidates find it beneficial to use additional study materials due to the self-study nature of the program.
Curriculum
NSCA-CPT is structured for trainers who want to specialize in strength and conditioning, with an emphasis on athletic performance.
- Focus on Performance Assessments: A key differentiator, making it an ideal certification for those working with athletes.
- Deep Dive into Strength & Conditioning: Provides an advanced approach to resistance training and exercise programming.
- Technical Content: More detailed than some other CPT programs, particularly in biomechanics and performance training.
- No Business Training: Unlike some other certifications, NSCA does not provide a strong focus on sales, marketing, or client acquisition.
- Membership Benefits: NSCA-certified trainers get access to discounts, conferences, and networking opportunities.
Exam
The NSCA-CPT exam is more challenging than many general CPT certifications, requiring thorough preparation.
- Pass Rate: Approximately 66%, making it tougher than some other certifications.
- Exam Format: Includes performance assessments, strength training programming, and biomechanics-based questions.
- Preparation Time: Candidates typically need at least three months of study due to the in-depth nature of the material.
- Recertification Requirements: Trainers must complete 6.0 CEUs (60 contact hours) every three years, which is higher than most other certifications.
- Flexible CEU Options: CEUs can be earned through research, conferences, or college courses, providing diverse opportunities for ongoing learning.
Price
NSCA’s pricing structure varies based on membership status, with discounts available for members.
- Exam Cost:
- $435 for non-members
- $300 for NSCA members
- Membership Discount: Joining NSCA reduces certification costs and provides access to valuable resources.
- Earnings Potential: NSCA-certified trainers typically earn between $50,000 and $60,000 per year, with higher salaries in strength and conditioning roles.
- Best for Performance-Focused Trainers: NSCA certification helps trainers break into higher-paying athletic performance coaching positions.
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.
The AFAA Personal Training Certification is a respected personal training program.
A few years ago, NASM bought the AFAA to get their group fitness certification; however, the two CPTs are still different.
Study Materials
AFAA provides a solid but somewhat outdated set of study resources to help candidates prepare for the exam.
- Downloadable Study Guide & Video Lectures: Includes key learning materials, though lacking in interactivity compared to NASM.
- Practice Tests: Helps candidates assess their understanding of course content before the final exam.
- Personal Fitness Training: Theory and Practice Textbook: Not included in the base package; must be purchased separately for $79 (or less if bought used).
- Affordable Study Options: While less interactive than other programs, AFAA provides budget-friendly resources that cover fundamental training concepts.
Curriculum
AFAA offers a well-rounded but slightly outdated personal training curriculum designed for general fitness training.
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- General Fitness Focus: Less performance-oriented than NASM, making it ideal for training a broad range of clients.
- Practical Experience Component: AFAA includes a hands-on section, setting it apart from purely multiple-choice-based exams.
- NCCA Accreditation: Ensures the certification meets high industry standards.
- Limited Modernization: Some of the curriculum materials feel outdated compared to newer programs like ISSA and NASM.
Exam
The AFAA exam includes a mix of theoretical and practical components, making it unique among CPT certifications.
- Exam Structure:
- 120 multiple-choice questions (20 unscored research questions).
- 120-minute time limit.
- 70% required to pass.
- Pass Rate: Approximately 62%, meaning preparation is necessary.
- Practical Experience Section: Unlike many certifications, AFAA includes a hands-on component to test real-world application.
- Recertification: Required every two years, with CEU requirements and a renewal fee.
Price
AFAA is a budget-friendly certification option compared to NASM and ISSA.
- Certification Cost: $499, making it one of the most affordable NCCA-accredited CPT certifications.
- Additional Costs: The textbook costs $79, though it can sometimes be found for less.
- Total Investment: Just under $600, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious trainers.
- Great Value for New Trainers: AFAA provides a solid certification without the high price tag of premium programs.
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
Best for Clinical Exercise Testing
Great exercise physiology content
Respected organization
Longer recertification period
Little to know exercise programming
No exercise technique content
Textbook is outdated
The ACSM-CPT exam is notorious for being in the same league of difficulty as other more advanced qualifications, such as the NSCA-CSCS.
The ACSM CPT has a global pass rate of 61%, making it one of the hardest certifications of all time.
ACSM is by no means an easy personal training certification.
It is robust regarding what you’ll walk away with, and its deep medical heritage and research culture place it in league with other gold standard fitness certification types.
Study Materials
ACSM offers in-depth, science-heavy study materials that focus on exercise physiology and client safety.
- ACSM Textbook & Flashcards: Covers detailed exercise science and health screening protocols, though some materials feel outdated.
- PrepU Online Practice Questions: Available for $64.99 for three months, providing additional test prep.
- Limited Exercise Programming Resources: Lacks structured programming frameworks found in NASM and ACE, requiring supplemental study.
- Third-Party Study Options: Some external resources provide better deals and even exam pass guarantees, helping candidates avoid the $199 retake fee.
Curriculum
The ACSM CPT program is ideal for those who want a strong foundation in exercise science and clinical applications.
- Deep Focus on Exercise Science & Anatomy: Offers more scientific depth than general CPT programs, making it useful for clinical settings.
- Comprehensive Client Safety & Health Screening Training: Includes thorough coverage of working with special populations.
- Behavior Change Coaching & Business Skills: Provides strong education in client behavior change and business fundamentals.
- Weak in Resistance Training & Exercise Programming: Lacks structured systems for long-term programming, making self-study necessary for personal trainers.
Exam
The ACSM CPT exam is one of the most challenging personal trainer certifications.
- Pass Rate: 61%, making it one of the most difficult CPT exams.
- Exam Difficulty: Comparable to NSCA-CSCS, requiring a strong grasp of scientific concepts.
- Preparation Time: Most candidates study for three months to fully prepare.
- Retake Fee: $199, which makes passing on the first attempt important.
- Recertification: Required every three years, with 45 contact hours of continuing education—1.5 times more than most other certifications.
Price
ACSM certification is moderately priced but requires additional study resources for full preparation.
- Base Exam Cost: $399 for candidates taking the test without extra study materials.
- Additional Study Costs: Prep tools and materials can add $64.99 or more to total expenses.
- Earnings Potential: ACSM-certified trainers earn an average of $50,738 per year, with salaries ranging from $18,500 to $95,500.
- Best for Clinical & Science-Based Careers: Ideal for those interested in working with special populations or in clinical settings rather than general fitness training.
My Scoring Criteria (Detailed)
Curriculum Complexity
IPTA and ISSA and NCSF remain the easiest textbooks to read. All three do a good job of explaining complicated exercise science topics in a way that’s easy to understand.
Also, all three have the shortest textbooks, and IPTA and NCSF are the most recently written.
If you want to look at the IPTA textbook, they are currently letting you view their textbook for free if you sign up the free trial to their study system.
ACSM and NSCA both offer the longest, most complicated textbooks. NSCA recently updated their textbook, while ACSM has the oldest textbook of any CPT. Personally, I found the ACSM textbook the hardest to digest, as it feels more like a medical journal than a personal training guide.
Which Textbooks are Easiest to Read?
| Certification | Easy to read |
|---|---|
| ISSA CPT | 10/10 |
| IPTA CPT | 10/10 |
| NASM CPT | 9/10 |
| NCSF CPT | 10/10 |
| AFAA CPT | 7/10 |
| NSCA CPT | 6/10 |
| ACE CPT | 7/10 |
| ACSM CPT | 5/10 |
Ease of Study Resources
IPTA again comes out on top here with the most helpful study resources. The International Personal Trainer Academy started out as a helpful provider of study resources for other certification companies before they founded their own training certification, so they certainly know how to help people prepare for a test.
Not only is IPTA using AI-based software to help you pass your test with a customized study plan, but the online study system uses gamification to make the process fun.
Other features include: flashcards, an exam simulator, audio study guide, magic mnemonics, and more.
Next on our list is ISSA and NASM who both offer excellent online study portals. NASM has better instructional videos, while ISSA’s guided study program gives you most of the same features as NASM, but at a lower cost.
NSCA and ACSM are bottom of the pack here as neither certification includes study materials in their exam price. Both organizations force you to buy study guides separately and the NSCA study guide amounts to a lengthy handout.
| Certification | Study Resources |
|---|---|
| 1. IPTA | 10/10 |
| 2. ISSA | 9/10 |
| 3. NASM | 9/10 |
| 4. NCSF | 8/10 |
| 5. ACE | 8/10 |
| 6. AFAA | 7/10 |
| 7. ACSM | 6/10 |
| 8. NSCA | 5/10 |
Average Study Time Required
All personal trainer certifications require a few months or more to study for.
You must learn all the required skills needed to be an effective and successful fitness professional like program design, coaching skills, training technique, legal guidelines, and more.
A faster study time can mean you start earning an income quicker, so I’ve compared the top seven CPTs below.
Exam Prep Time:
| Certification | Study Times |
|---|---|
| ISSA | 3-5 months. |
| IPTA | 2-4 months |
| NASM | 3-6 months |
| NCSF | 3-6 months |
| ACE | 3-4 months |
| NSCA | 3-9 months |
| ACSM | 3-4 months |
| AFAA | 3-4 months |
As you can see, IPTA wins out here, followed closely by AFAA, ACE, and ACSM.
Exam Pass Rate
IPTA and ISSA offer the highest pass rates for their NCCA-accredited exam.
Note: the numbers below reflect only NCCA-approved exams, as these are the tests employers prefer over the non-accredited versions.
ACSM and NSCA are the hardest exams based on these statistics. I think this may be due to the academic nature of their textbooks and the lack of excellent study materials.
Certification Pass Rate
| Certification | Pass rate |
|---|---|
| NASM | 66% |
| IPTA | 75% |
| ISSA | 75% |
| NCSF | 69% |
| AFAA | 68% |
| NSCA | 66% |
| ACE | 69% |
| ACSM | 61% |
Exam Accessibility
ISSA, NASM, and ACE give you the most exam options.
While the NSCA does not provide an online exam option, it partners with Pearson Vue for in-person testing. With over seven times the testing locations of its closest competitor, Meazure Learning, Pearson Vue offers greater accessibility for candidates who need to take the exam at a physical location.
| Organization | Online Proctored (NCCA) | In-Person Proctored (NCCA) | Online Non-Proctored (Non-NCCA) | Proctored Through |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISSA | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Prometric |
| IPTA | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Prometric |
| NASM | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | PSI Candidate |
| NCSF | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Prometric |
| ACE | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Meazure Learning/Proctor U |
| NSCA | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | Pearson VUE |
| ACSM | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Pearson VUE |
| AFAA | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | PSI Candidate |
Ease of Recertification
IPTA gives you one free recertification, which saves you $99.
NCSF also stands out, because it’s recertification is only $50. Plus, they only require 10 CEUs.
From an ease perspective, know that both NSCA and ACSM only require you to renew every 3 years instead of the standard two. This might seem advantageous, but you end up having to take the same overall course load, because the unit requirement is higher.
CEUs Required to Renew
| 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 |
Ease of Employment
To make life easier for you after you graduate, many personal training certifications come with bonuses like free CPR/AED, free recertification, or even a job guarantee through one of their gym partners.
Employment Bonuses
| Certification | Employment Bonuses |
|---|---|
| ISSA |
|
| IPTA |
|
| NASM |
|
| NCSF |
|
| ACE |
|
| ACSM | N/A |
| NSCA | N/A |
| AFAA | N/A |
- NASM: The Job guarantee program and CPR/AED do not come as bonuses on the basic package.
- ACE: The free CPR/AED does not come with all packages.
Easiest Personal Training Certifications FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Which personal trainer certification is easiest?
Which group fitness certification is easiest?
What is the most difficult personal trainer certification?
How hard is the personal trainer certification?
What is the fastest way to become a personal trainer?
Can you become a personal trainer without certification?
What are the basic personal trainer certification requirements?
Is it worth becoming a personal trainer?
Conclusion
So there you have it, the easiest personal training certification programs ranked for your convenience.
Regardless of the ease of the personal training certification program, my top four organizations are IPTA, ISSA, NCSF, and NASM. The CPTs from these companies are the best, in my opinion.
Keep in mind that “easiness” is just one factor and should not be the only thing you look at when deciding which is the best personal training certification for you.
In other words, the easiest path is not always the best one, so be sure to allow a degree of challenge.
This assures you of quality.
I hope that my easiest personal training certificate comparison has helped you on your quest to discover the right certification option for you.
That’s everything, happy training!
![The Top 10 Easiest Personal Training Certifications [In 2023]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tRRuzWVdq1I/0.jpg "Easiest Personal Trainer Certification Guide 20")
Hi Tyler! Thanks for the article. In order to take advantage of the ISSA fast track program (4 weeks), you have to sign up for one of their 12 month programs. I was hoping that was not the case.
Hey Aileen, that does appear to be the case. The fast track program helps simplify studying and shorten your study time.
Good morning,
I’m interested in getting my certification for personal use not for training purposes. I want to learn the correct way to exercise, workouts and nutrition. I kindly ask for your opinion on what you suggested is best for me.
Hey Hope, I think an organization like ISSA or NASM would be most optimal for you. They have strong Exercise Science foundations and they both teach the design of exercise programs well. These are currently my two favorite programs.
Hi Tyler,
Are any of the certificates you mentioned able to work overseas? Especially Asian countries?
Hey Phebe, many of these certification organizations do have an international presence, but since I focus primarily on the US and Canada, it would be best for you to call around and see what certifications are accepted at your ideal place of employment.
Hello and good evening!
I’m havinh trouble picking the right cert. I’m thinking the ISSA CPT might be the best one because im a high school coach in two sports and I just want to be able to train other kids in different sports and possibly do virtual training with clients. In this time i might have to shift my work to virtual and trying to become more licensed in my coaching certs. I’m licensed to coach basketball and soccer. What cert would benefit me most? Thank you for your help!
The ISSA certification is definitely great for online training. All of them are good options as these are General personal training certifications. If you are looking to get a strength-and-conditioning certification as well, I suggest checking out the NASM PES or the CSCS if you have a 4 year degree.
Overall. What is the least expensive, easiest and accredited PT course to take out of them all?
Basically, I just need the credentials on paper to start working.
Hey John,
Well do you want to know what the easiest certification is? Or do you want to know what the cheapest personal training certification is? The easiest certification is ISSA, hands down. The cheapest personal training certification is the Action CPT.