- Last Updated:
- 10/17/2024
- Julis Navarro
In the health and fitness space, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is highly regarded as one of the top choices for personal training certification programs. With a community boasting over 1.5 million certified professionals and 12,000 gym and health club partnerships — NASM offers serious name recognition.
Looking for a breakdown of NASM certification reviews? Start here for the need-to-know info, including how much money you could be making after just four weeks of study!
What Is NASM?
NASM is an NCCA-accredited educational provider whose mission is to provide world-class fitness professionals with the knowledge and tools to transform lives. They provide certifications for personal training, nutrition, wellness, and other specializations.
Particularly known for its science-based strategies, NASM takes a personalized multimedia approach to fitness education. An independent board oversees the certification programs, including eligibility, content, and exam scoring.
Quick Facts:
- Formed in 1987
- Certified trainers in 100+ countries
- Over 1.5 million trained professionals
- Accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)
- Overseen by the NASM/AFAA Certification Governing Board (NASM/AFAA CGB)
Pros & Cons of the NASM CPT Program
Pros
- Widely recognized by local gyms and other venues as one of the big PT certifications — check your local job listings to see for yourself!
- NASM personal trainers earn about $42,000 in the first year after getting certified. From there, the average NASM trainer in the U.S. makes $56,700 annually (with highs of around $70k/year!).
- Multiple program options to fit your specific experience level.
- 0%-interest payment plans are available in increments of 4, 12, or 18 monthly payments if you don’t want to pay all at once.
- You can choose a specialization program if you want to enhance your knowledge in a particular niche.
- Add-on options like the Job Guarantee Program, CPR certification, and more.
- All programs include access to an online learning platform with videos, audio summaries, and practice exercises.
Cons
- NASM can be more expensive than other personal training certifications.
- The hardcopy book, certification retest option, and access to fitness expert support are not included in the lowest pricing model.
- Because of the rigorous curriculum, the exam pass rate could be lower than competing programs.
- To maintain your certification, you’ll need to complete CEs and pay for renewal.
If you’re looking for comprehensive personal training education, want to spend less upfront, and don’t mind paying more in the long run, NASM might be a good fit for you.
Want to compare NASM to other options? Check out Insurance Canopy’s reviews of the best personal trainer certification programs, so you can choose with confidence.
What to Know About the NASM Personal Training Certification
The National Academy of Sports Medicine offers multiple certifications, but its main focus is personal training. Many of its bundles build upon the personal training certification as a base.
Once you pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you receive access to your digital credentials the following day. This qualifies you to begin training with customers or to start your own personal training business.
While you don’t have to go through a NASM personal training certification program to take the exam, they do help you prepare for the exam, refresh your knowledge, ensure you’re up to date with the latest requirements (currently offering the 7th edition guide), and keep you at the top of your training game.
Requirements
Beyond having a passion for health and fitness, there are some requirements you need to meet before enrolling in the NASM Certified Personal Trainer program.
You must have a:
- High school diploma or GED
- Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification
- Current automated external defibrillator (AED) certification
NASM offers online (even same-day!) CPR/AED certification to meet these requirements.
NASM Certification Cost
For the personal trainer certification, there are multiple study tiers and bundles available. Here’s a glimpse of NASM costs based on a 12-month payment plan with $25 down.
- Self-Study: $79/month or $899/year
- Premium Self-Study: $124/month or $1,399/year
- All-Inclusive: $99/month (18 total monthly payments; phone-only exclusive)
- CPT Essentials Bundle: $215/month or $1,540/year
- CPT Pro Bundle: $297/month or $1,661/year
- Exam-Only Option (no study materials): $599
These programs often go on sale. For example, at the time of this writing, the pro bundle is currently discounted at 50% off, so be aware that you can get these at a lower rate. And for the best price possible, we recommend calling NASM to see what their representatives can offer you.
If you’re familiar with the curriculum already and just recertifying, you can choose a self-study option. But if this is your first time learning the material, it’s best to opt for one of the guided study options.
You can compare the NASM prices for each program type.
Specialized Certification Programs
NASM understands many trainers specialize in different areas of expertise and need more specific educational courses. A specialization course is an advanced credential program that can supplement your knowledge.
The National Academy of Sports Medicine offers:
- Nutrition Certification (CNC)
- Certified Sports Nutrition Coach (CSNC)
- Certified Wellness Coach (CWC)
- Corrective Exercise Specialization (CES)
- Stretching and Flexibility Coach (SFC)
- Weight Loss Specialization (WLS)
- Performance Enhancement Specialization (PES)
- Home Gym Design Specialization (HGD)
- Virtual Coaching Specialization (VCS)
- Behavior Change Specialization (BCS)
- Group Personal Training Specialization (GPTS)
- Women’s Fitness Specialization (WFS)
- Senior Fitness Specialization (SFS)
- Youth Exercise Specialization (YES)
- MMA Conditioning Specialization (MMA)
- Golf Fitness Specialization (GFS)
- Physique and Bodybuilding Specialization (PBC)
- Behavior Transformation Specialization (CNC, BCS)
- Injury Prevention Specialization (CPT, CES, SFC)
- Business Blueprint Specialization (BB)
- Home Gym Design Specialization (HGD)
- Social Media Fitness Influencer (SMI)
Continuing Education & Recertification
How often does a NASM personal trainer need to renew their certification? Every two years.
You also need to have earned 20 contact hours, or 2.0 CEU credits, during those two years. Part of this requirement is completing a mandatory CPR/AED certification.
This helps ensure you are up to date with the most current guidelines, in line with the correct safety tactics, and gaining the skills you need to stand out in the fitness industry.
NASM recertification costs $99 every two years. Or, you can opt for Recertify for Life, which is a one-time payment that waives your recertification fees for as long as you complete the other recertification requirements. This also gives you 30% off specializations and workshops. You can call for payment options.
What You Can Do With a NASM Personal Trainer Certification
Insurance Canopy recognizes and recommends the National Academy of Sports Medicine as the best certification program for personal trainers who would like to specialize in performance enhancement.
NASM’s Optimum Performance Training Model (OPT) is a detailed, scientifically-based fitness training system. The OPT model is created by and unique to NASM. Personal trainers can use this training system to help their clients more effectively reach their fitness goals.
Overall, the National Academy of Sports Medicine personal training certification is a top-rated, high-quality program with lots of payment and self-study options. It provides you with a comprehensive certification from one of the most recognized names in the industry.
You also feel confident knowing your certification will meet or exceed the certification requirements for most health and fitness centers you choose to work at.
Why Certified Personal Trainers Need Insurance
Getting NASM-certified is just one piece of your career puzzle. After studying up on how to keep your clients safe and strong, you know more than ever just how important it is to provide expert guidance and keep a safe environment.
But accidents — like clients getting hurt, having their things damaged, or causing damage to the gym you work out of — can happen in an instant, no matter how careful you are!
With Insurance Canopy, you can receive top-rated personal trainer insurance for a low cost. Our liability coverage is designed to help you pay for claims, cover your gear, and meet most insurance requirements — all for as little as $15 a month. Being both certified and insured shows gyms and clients you take yourself seriously as a personal trainer.
Prepare for your career with NASM. Protect your future with Insurance Canopy.
Frequently Asked Questions About NASM Personal Training Certification
The NASM personal training certification cost can range from $41/month or $899/year, up to $144/month or $2699/year.
The NASM certification program can take anywhere from 4–12 weeks to complete. This includes finishing your online courses and preparing for the exam.
The program you choose and any CEUs you add can impact the amount of time the certification takes to complete. You have 180 days after you enroll to take the exam.
To become NASM-certified, you must complete 4–12 weeks (at your own pace) of online courses and pass a 120-question exam focusing on topics such as anatomy, physiology, and fitness basics.
The National Academy of Sports Medicine exam is considered moderately challenging, and as of November 2023, the NASM exam pass rate is 79%.
To boost your chances of a personal trainer job, consider opting for NASM’s Job Guarantee program, which helps you get a guaranteed job within 90 days of passing your exam, or the cost of the guarantee will be refunded to you.
Most gyms, fitness centers, and other facilities require personal trainers to carry liability insurance. Increase your chances of getting hired by proactively getting covered.
Julis Navarro | Copywriter
Seattle-based copywriter Julis Navarro leverages her love for yoga, dance, and wellness and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Pepperdine University. Before working at Veracity, she wrote product and editorial copy, ranging from big-brand athleticwear descriptions to health and fitness curations, for online retailer Zulily. Fully trained on Insurance Canopy’s personal trainer coverage, Julis now writes to help match fitness professionals with their perfect insurance policies.
Seattle-based copywriter Julis Navarro leverages her love for yoga, dance, and wellness and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Pepperdine University. Before working at Veracity, she wrote product and editorial copy, ranging from big-brand athleticwear descriptions to health and fitness curations, for online retailer Zulily. Fully trained on Insurance Canopy’s personal trainer coverage, Julis now writes to help match fitness professionals with their perfect insurance policies.
