Last Updated: March 26, 2024
Despite being one of the newer CPT companies in the industry, Fitness Mentors is making an impact in the health and fitness certification industry.
With a curriculum on par with bigger competitors, and the lowest price on the market, Fitness Mentors is a hidden gem for personal trainers looking to get certified. They offer quality programs and are making strides in the online personal training world.
Curious to learn more? Insurance Canopy is taking a closer look at the details of this new certification program in our Fitness Mentors review.
What Is Fitness Mentors?
Founded in 2014, Fitness Mentors is a certification program dedicated to helping personal trainers learn about both in-person and online training. They value continuing education where they help fitness professionals learn more about specialized topics, grow their skills, and learn how to better manage their business.
Whether you are just starting or looking to expand your business, Fitness Mentors has the resources you need. They support trainers throughout their whole career—not just through certification.
About Fitness Mentors Certification
Fitness Mentors’ Personal Trainer Certification is known for being one of the most affordable programs available.
All of their courses, materials, and tests are 100% online, so you can focus on being a trainer from the comfort of your own home or in between client sessions at the gym.
Fitness Mentors breaks down their certification into four study timelines, allowing you to pick a program best suited to your schedule.
They also use FORM, the Form Over Resistance Model, in their curriculum. This helps to emphasize the focus on a client’s form during resistance training. You will look at methods using bands and cables, as well as other free-standing resistance equipment.
With a variety of study tools available, Fitness Mentors caters to several different learning styles. They even offer free resources to help trainers prepare for their certifications with other companies—that’s how dedicated they are to helping fitness professionals.
Pros & Cons of Fitness Mentors Personal Trainer Certification
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| Fitness Mentors | NFPT | ACSM | NETA | NSCA | AFAA | NAFTA | ISSA | NASM | ACE | NAFC | |
| Qualify |
18 years of age High school diploma or GED CPR/AED certified |
18 years of age High school diploma or GED Adhere to NFPT’s Code of Conduct |
18 years of age High school diploma or GED CPR/AED certified |
18 years of age High school diploma or GED |
18 years of age High school diploma or GED CPR/AED certified |
18 years of age Valid photo ID CPR/AED certified Virtual testing equipment |
18 years of age High school diploma or GED CPR/AED certified First Aid certified valid photo ID |
18 years of age CPR/AED certified |
High school diploma or GED CPR/AED certified |
18 years of age High school diploma or GED CPR/AED certified Valid photo ID |
18 years of age High school diploma or GED CPR/AED certified |
| Costs |
Starter: $399 Plus: $699 Pro: $899 Ultimate: $1,499 |
Standard: $299 Premier: $349 Exam only: $199 |
Member Price: $299 Non-Member Price: $399 Exam only: $349 |
Self-Study Workshop: $599 Self-Study Standard: $549 Exam only: $499 |
Member Price: $300 Non-Member Price: $435 |
Certification program: $499 Textbook: $79 |
✗ No prices available |
Fast track: $99 CPT: $994.30 Fitness Coach: $999.60 Elite Trainer: $1,256 Master Trainer: $1,749.70 |
Self-Study: $899 Nutrition Bundle: $1,798 CPT Essentials Bundle: $2,397 Exclusive Bundle: $3,295 |
Basic: $675 Plus: $745 Advantage: $975 |
Self-Study: $499 Self-Study Plus: $649 Exam only: $149 |
| Length | 3+ months of prep | 60–90 days of prep | 3 months of prep | 30–45 days of prep | 6 months of prep | 3–9 months | 60–70 hours of prep for GEI | 2–6 months of prep | 4–25 weeks of prep | 3–6 months of prep | 2–3 months of prep |
| Accredited | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ GEI only | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ by NBFE |
| Specialty Certs | ✓ | ✗ CPT only | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CECs / CEUs |
2 CEUs every 2 years –$99 fee –CPR/AED certification |
2 CECs every year Flexible options: –Self-tests –Workshops –Seminars –CPR/AED |
45 CECs every 3 years –Option to retake and pass CPT exam –$45+ in fees |
20 CECs every 2 years –6 CECs must be from NETA –$75 fee |
1–6 CEUs every 3 years Flexible options: –Events –Teaching –Activities –Tests |
15 CEUs every 2 years –$99 fee –Optional one-time $399 fee + CEU discounts |
15 CEUs every 2 years –Limited information –Varies by the program –Workshops available |
2 CEUs every 2 years –CPR/AED certification –No fee for ISSA CEUs |
2 CEUs every 2 years –CPR/AED certification –One-time Recertify for Life available –Renewal fees |
2 CEUs every 2 years –$129 fee –CPR/AED certification –CEC Power Pass available |
2 NAFC credits every 2 years –20 hours of NAFC CECs –Compete a recertification application |
| Pros |
✓ CPT is good for 2 years. ✓ The exam is easier than other programs. Only a 70% is needed to pass. ✓ Large focus on online fitness. ✓ Free resources and study materials for other CPT tests available. ✓ Best for virtual trainers. |
✓ CPT is good for 1 year. ✓ Receive materials to help you start and run a PT business. ✓ Free and low-cost CEC courses. ✓ No fee to submit recertification. ✓ Free online retest for the exam. ✓ Specialty CECs. |
✓ CPT is good for 3 years. ✓ Known for a robust focus on special education certification. ✓ Best for trainers planning to work with clinical populations or special needs clients. ✓ Free CPT Facebook group. |
✓ CPT is good for 2 years. ✓ Hands-on experience through workshops. ✓ Accessible for those without a degree. ✓ Programs cover a wide range of fitness and health topics. ✓ Self-taught curriculum. |
✓ CPT is good for 3 years. ✓ No fee or limit to the number of times you may attempt the exam. ✓ Known for a good curriculum and practical application for real-world use. ✓ Best for trainers looking to enter the field of strength and conditioning. |
✓ CPT is good for 2 years. ✓ The program is fairly priced. ✓ Subsidiary of the highly regarded NASM. ✓ Good for trainers wanting a self-paced course. ✓ Best for understanding group and general fitness. |
✓ GEI is good for 2 years. ✓ Good for trainers looking to get certified in Group Exercise Instruction (GEI). ✓ Largest provider of CECs in the world. ✓ Best for trainers wanting diverse and affordable specialty CECs/CEUs. |
✓ CPT is good for 2 years. ✓ Online CPR/AED certification. ✓ Unlimited exam time and 90% of people pass. ✓ Free retests on the CPT exam. ✓ Job placement guarantee. ✓ International recognition. |
✓ CPT is good for 2 years. ✓ Most specialty courses and certifications are for CEUs. ✓ State-of-the-art digital learning platforms. ✓ NASM is highly recognized and respected. ✓ Comprehensive course materials and diverse specializations. |
✓ CPT is good for 2 years. ✓ Certification bundles available. ✓ Known for a focus on behavior change and a client-centered approach. ✓ Great for new and experienced trainers. ✓ Online learning offers flexibility. |
✓ CPT is good for 2 years. ✓ Job placement guarantee available in the Plus Program. ✓ Earn dual certifications. ✓ Count CECs to multiple certification renewals. ✓ Course material is hyper-focused and detailed. |
| Cons |
✗ Not as recognized as other programs. ✗ A small list of CECs and niche career focuses. ✗ The ultimate plan may not be worth the cost. |
✗ Less emphasis on advanced fitness concepts. ✗ Mostly geared toward first-time trainers. ✗ Only focuses on personal training. |
✗ Lack of in-person teaching and experiences built into the curriculum. ✗ Separate costs for study materials and exams. |
✗ Study materials are limited. ✗ The exam-only option is expensive and lacks study materials. |
✗ No practice exam. ✗ Study materials range from $435 to more than $1000. ✗ CEU recert process can be confusing. |
✗ Limited to a single option. ✗ Not as widely recognized as other associations. ✗ Materials may not fully prepare you to pass the test. |
✗ No CPT is available, but there are some PT-focused CECs. ✗ Limited information about the programs is available. |
✗ Not all programs are NCCA accredited but are by the DEAC. ✗ Some of the most expensive CPT programs available. |
✗ The proctored exam can be a challenge for some. ✗ Requires a significant time investment to understand materials. ✗ Costly plans. |
✗ Business skills and nutrition training courses aren’t included in the most basic program package. ✗ Not certified in the UK by REPs. |
✗ Curriculum is only self- taught, which may not be best for all learning styles. ✗ Courses start at an intermediate level, not a beginner level. |
After diving into the details of the Fitness Mentors certification program, we checked out customer reviews of Fitness Mentors and found some notable pros and cons.
Pros
- The personal trainer certification exam is easier than other competitors, plus you only need 70% to pass.
- Fitness Mentors offers programs exclusively centered around online fitness careers.
- The curriculum is created by college professors with experience in the health and fitness industry.
- Some certification packages include a year of mentorship to help you grow your business.
- You can find free resources to help you prepare for certification with companies like NASM, ACE, and ISSA.
Cons
- Because Fitness Mentors is still a newer certification program, they don’t have as much recognition as some of their competitors.
- They have a small list of specialized certifications and niche career focuses.
How Does Fitness Mentors Stack Up Against Other Top CPT Programs?
Fitness Mentors is highly regarded as a well-trusted certification program for personal trainers looking for a quality educational program at a reasonable cost.
It was recently regarded as the best online certification program in 2023 for trainers who want an online learning experience and are aiming to work with clients virtually. And they made our list of the best personal trainer certification programs for resistance training.
Fitness Mentors programs are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
They are also an affiliate of the National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE). This means their curriculum is up-to-date with national standards for personal trainers and your CPT will be accepted by gyms and health clubs requiring you to have an accredited certification.
While Fitness Mentors may not have the same level of brand recognition as some long-established organizations like ISSA or ACE, their focus on online training and modern approaches to fitness education have made them a top choice for thousands of trainers nationwide.
What to Know Before You Enroll in the Fitness Mentors Personal Trainer Certification Program
Requirements
In order to enroll in a Fitness Mentors certification course, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Hold a current CPR/AED certification
Once you are registered, you will need to score a minimum of 70% on the final personal trainer certification exam to receive your certification.
Every 2 years you will need to complete the exam with the same minimum passing score and complete at least 20 hours of Continuing Education Units to remain eligible.
*CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and AED stands for Automated external defibrillator.
Cost
Fitness Mentors has four levels of personal training certification programs, with the Ultimate Bundle giving you access to six certifications at once. Most of the programs give you access to a year of mentorship, helping you grow as a trainer and grow your business.
The Fitness Mentors certification prices are as follows:
- Starter: $399/year
- Plus Bundle: $699/year
- Pro Bundle: $899/year
- Ultimate Bundle: $1,499/year
Specialized Certification Programs
With a heavy focus on online fitness, you can find some specialized certifications offered by Fitness Mentors. These programs help you further your career by learning valuable business skills and focusing on more niche needs your clients may have.
Fitness Mentors specialized certification programs are as follows:
- Online Trainer
- Virtual Group Fitness Instructor
- Virtual Nutrition Coach
- Virtual Health Coach
- Business & Sales
- Program Design Specialist
- Pain Management Specialist
- Special Populations Exercise Specialist
- Fitness Nutrition Specialist
- Health Coach
Continuing Education & Recertification
Your Fitness Mentors Personal Trainer Certification will need to be renewed every two years in order to remain eligible. The requirements to renew are:
- Complete 2.0 CEUs (20 hours of Continuing Education Units)
- Have a valid CPR/AED certification
- Pay a renewal fee $99
CEUs can be completed through Fitness Mentors online programs, or with an approved outside program (such as NASM or ACE). By completing these units, you are helping to better yourself as a fitness professional and stay in the know with the latest trends in the industry.
How a Fitness Mentors Certification Benefits You
Because the Fitness Mentors CPT program is so affordable, it allows you to more easily achieve your goals of becoming a personal trainer, online coach, and more.
Graduates will have the certifications they need to:
- Start their own training business
- Become independent contractors
- Get hired to train in a fitness facility
- Earn additional certifications for specialized services
- Create online fitness programs
Most Fitness Mentors trainers enjoy the focus on online training and resistance training that allows them to later specialize in these areas in their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fitness Mentors' Personal Trainer Certification
Is Fitness Mentors Legit?
Yes—Fitness Mentors is a legitimate and reputable program for those looking to receive a personal training certification.
Their CPT (certified personal trainer) and COPT (certified online personal trainer) curriculum is accredited and they are an NBFE affiliate, giving them national recognition.
Is Fitness Mentors Accredited?
Yes! Fitness Mentors Personal Trainer Certification (CPT) program is accredited by the NCCA and the Certified Online Personal Trainer (COPT) program is accredited through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
How Much Does the Fitness Mentors Personal Trainer Certification Cost?
Fitness Mentors Personal Trainer Certification starts at $499 a year and includes a digital textbook, lecture videos, audiobooks, a study guide, practice tests, and access to a Facebook support group.
Are There Success Stories From Personal Trainers Who’ve Completed the Fitness Mentors Program?
Yes, Fitness Mentors shares testimonials from trainers on their website. Plus, nearly every page on the Fitness Mentors site features success stories and testimonials.
They also have 4.9/5 stars on Trustpilot where you can read reviews from other trainers.
What Career Support Does Fitness Mentors Offer Its Certified Trainers?
Fitness Mentors offers free business coaching and lifetime expert guidance to all trainers who enroll in their certification programs.
They also have access to a private Facebook group where they can get advice, ask for help, and network with other trainers.
Fitness Mentors also has a CEU course focusing on business and sales as a trainer.
Pair Your Fitness Mentors Certification With High-Quality Liability Insurance
While being a certified trainer can be great for business, it doesn’t mitigate the risks that come with being a fitness professional! Our liability insurance protects you and your finances from a myriad of potential claims, from trip and fall injuries to property damage and more.
To further your professionalism and credibility, combine your personal trainer certification with Insurance Canopy’s low-cost, high-quality personal trainer insurance specifically created for fitness professionals. You can get general and professional liability insurance in the same policy.
Additionally, you can find coverage for your gear and equipment, personal and advertising injury, product liability, damage to premises rented to you, cyber liability, medical expenses, and dietitian and nutritionist work.
You can customize your coverage online and even get an instant Certificate of Insurance today! Our policies start at $15/month and are trusted by trainers across the nation.
