If you’re looking to become a personal trainer, but you already have some knowledge of the industry or need a program with more specialized topics, then the National Association for Fitness Certification might be right for you.
Also known as NAFC, the National Association for Fitness Certification offers an in-depth intermediate curriculum coupled with a variety of niche courses. Insurance Canopy took a closer look at what the NAFC Personal Training Certification has to offer and how it can benefit trainers like you.
What is the National Association for Fitness Certification (NAFC)?
NAFC is a fitness certification program setting a high standard in personal training education. They put a large emphasis on body movement science and believe in strong training regulations—leading to safer training environments and healthier clients. They combine several different learning formats to help ensure their students can understand and apply the curriculum, and take a very hands on approach with learning.
Where NAFC truly stands out is in their continuing education programs. They offer a variety of niche focuses to help broaden trainers’ knowledge in different areas of the fitness, health, and wellness industry. Their focus on growing fitness professionals’ careers is apparent in the “practical application” method they use in their programs.
About NAFC Personal Training Certification
Being the only fitness certification program that is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), NAFC takes their personal training program seriously. The curriculum goes beyond becoming a personal trainer who works in a gym or health club.
NAFC’s fitness certification takes a more practical approach to fitness and looks at how to heal the human body to help better support future clients. It also helps fitness professionals learn how to grow their business.
The NAFC Personal Trainer Certification program is broken down into four parts. The first looks at the foundation of fitness and exercise, the second dives deeper into personal trainer fundamentals, the third studies fitness assessments and building programs, and the fourth teaches personal training skills.
Pros & Cons of NAFC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAFC | NFPT | ACSM | NETA | NSCA | AFAA | NAFTA | Fitness Mentors | ISSA | NASM | ACE | |
| 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 High school diploma or GED CPR/AED certified |
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 |
| Costs |
Self-Study: $499 Self-Study Plus: $649 Exam only: $149 |
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 |
Starter: $399 Plus: $699 Pro: $899 Ultimate: $1,499 |
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 |
| Length | 2–3 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 | 3+ months of prep | 2–6 months of prep | 4–25 weeks of prep | 3–6 months of prep |
| Accredited | ✓ by NBFE | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ GEI only | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specialty Certs | ✓ | ✗ CPT only | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CECs / CEUs |
2 NAFC credits every 2 years –20 hours of NAFC CECs –Compete a recertification application |
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 –$99 fee –CPR/AED certification |
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 |
| Pros |
✓ 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. |
✓ 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. ✓ 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 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. |
| Cons |
✗ Curriculum is only self- taught, which may not be best for all learning styles. ✗ Courses start at an intermediate level, not a beginner level. |
✗ 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 as recognized as other programs. ✗ A small list of CECs and niche career focuses. ✗ The ultimate plan may not be worth the cost. |
✗ 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. |
NAFC is a highly specialized program that may not appeal to all personal trainers—and that’s okay! If you have some experience or are already familiar with the industry, NAFC might offer the more in-depth learning you are looking for. Let’s look a little more at some of the pros and cons NAFC has to offer personal trainers.
Pros
- You can earn dual certifications, and save time and money by counting CECs to multiple certification renewals (as long as they are renewed at the same time).
- Course material is hyper focused and detailed, giving you the opportunity to grow as a trainer and grow your business.
- CECs cover unique topics beneficial to all fitness professionals.
- Learn specialized, niche topics about personal training.
Cons
- NAFC is not as broadly known as their competitors, causing some to question their validity.
- The course levels start at intermediate level, so a new training or someone with no prior knowledge in the industry may struggle to learn the material and pass the exam.
- The curriculum is self-taught online with provided materials, which some people may struggle with such an independent format.
It’s important to look holistically at what a program can offer you before you start the certification process. This way, you know it meets your needs and follows a format you like. Check out what some customers have to say with these NAFC certification reviews.
Requirements
Like most other programs, NAFC requires you to have a high school diploma or equivalent GED, be at least 18 years of age, and have a current CPR/AED certification.
NAFC does list their course education level as intermediate, so having some previous knowledge, education, or understanding of the fitness, health, and wellness industry may be helpful.
Cost
There are two versions of the NAFC Personal Training Certification program. The only difference between the two is one of them does include their Job Placement Guarantee. This means you will secure a job in the health and fitness industry within 90 days of completing the program, or your money will be fully refunded to you.
Pricing is as follows:
- Self Study program: $499
- Self Study Plus program: $649
You can also just purchase the NAFC test by itself for $149. This option would be best suited for someone who already has a knowledge in fitness, physiology, nutrition, and the assessing, programs, and legalities of the fitness industry.
(Additional terms and conditions may apply to the Job Placement Guarantee).
Specialized Certification Programs
In addition to the personal trainer certification, there are a few other NAFC fitness certification programs offered. These include:
- Group Fitness Instructor
- Nutrition Coach Foundations
- NAFC Yoga 200 Certification
- Pilates Coach Mat 1
- Pilates Coach Reformer 1
NAFC works hard to build certification programs that will help you stand out in your field. Each program will help fitness professionals learn the fundamentals of their expertise and gain valuable, specialized skills.
Continuing Education & Recertification
Your NAFC personal trainer certificate lasts two years before you must recertify. Doing so will help you stay up to date with the latest information in your field and allow you to gain a deeper understanding of niche topics. As a personal trainer, this allows you to better help your clients and offer more specialized training.
To recertify with NAFC, you must complete 2.0 CECs (Continuing Education Credits) and show proof of a current CPR/AED certification. You will also have to pay a renewal fee, provide a copy of your expiring certificate, and create an outline of the CECs you earned.
How NAFC Personal Training Certification Benefits You
At Insurance Canopy, we feel NAFC is best for fitness professionals looking to expand their knowledge of the training industry. They offer a variety of continuing education opportunities, plus PowerCerts to help personal trainers hone in on very niche markets.
NAFC’s fitness certification includes comprehensive, advanced training programs that enhance your ability to train others. They can help you take your career to the next level. But without personal trainer insurance, you may find your training opportunities limited. Insurance Canopy offers comprehensive, affordable policies that help you meet insurance requirements and pay for costly claims if an accident occurs.
Even if you take all the precautions to safely train a client, they may still end up injured. If they choose to sue, and you win the lawsuit, you still have costly legal fees to pay from defending yourself. Having the right coverage could help you cover those costs.
Insurance Canopy is trusted by thousands of fitness professionals around the nation. We meet most insurance requirements set by gyms, studios, private facilities, health clubs, and more. Plus, we even insure trainers who work online or out of their homes. The best part is, our coverage is one of the cheapest plans with the highest coverage limits. You can buy a policy online in minutes and be instantly insured today.
Grow as a trainer with NAFC, and grow your business opportunities with Insurance Canopy.
Frequently Asked Questions About NAFC Personal Training Certification
Yes, the NAFC is accredited by the International Accreditors of Continuing Education and Training (IACET). NAFC is the only certification program that is IACET certified. The IACET applies strict standards for education content development, examination development, objective alignment, and quality of fitness programs.
To be NAFC certified, you must finish a certification program within six months and pass the corresponding exam with a score of 80% or higher. Most students take 2–3 months to complete a program.
