If you’re a first-time personal trainer looking to be certified by the experts, look no further than the National Federation of Personal Trainers (NFPT). This organization is dedicated entirely to the education and training of personal trainers, giving you the tools you need to learn about this industry and how to build a successful business within it.
Today we are taking a deeper look into the NFPT certification program and how it may benefit personal trainers like you.
What Is The National Federation Of Personal Trainers (NFPT)?
The NFPT was started in 1978 by former U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Ron Clark. After an injury sent him back home for medical recovery, Ron discovered a passion for fitness training. This passion inspired Ron to dedicate his life to helping others reach their personal health and fitness goals.
Ron made it a goal to focus on the basics and not overcomplicate the idea of personal training. These basic principles have stood the test of time and influence the “real-world” certification programs the NFPT has created. Even if you lack any experience or knowledge in the fitness world, the NFPT certification programs are designed to ignite the passion for fitness in you.
About NFPT Personal Trainer Certification
The primary focus of the NFPT is certifying personal trainers, so the curriculum is well thought out and geared exclusively to helping you develop a love for fitness while learning the skills you need to successfully train others.
As an overall NFPT personal trainer certification review, you can expect to find topics focusing on anatomy, physiology, training methods, creating fitness plans, goal setting, professionalism, and the communication skills you need to promote yourself as a personal trainer. Once you are certified, you can access a wide variety of resources intended to help you find jobs, improve client relationships, and grow your business as a trainer.
Pros & Cons of NFPT
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| NFPT | ACSM | NETA | NSCA | AFAA | NAFTA | Fitness Mentors | ISSA | NASM | ACE | NAFC | |
| Qualify |
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 |
18 years of age High school diploma or GED CPR/AED certified |
| Costs |
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 |
Self-Study: $499 Self-Study Plus: $649 Exam only: $149 |
| Length | 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 | 2–3 months of prep |
| Accredited | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ GEI only | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ by NBFE |
| Specialty Certs | ✗ CPT only | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CECs / CEUs |
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 |
2 NAFC credits every 2 years –20 hours of NAFC CECs –Compete a recertification application |
| Pros |
✓ 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. |
✓ 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 |
✗ 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. |
✗ Curriculum is only self- taught, which may not be best for all learning styles. ✗ Courses start at an intermediate level, not a beginner level. |
As part of our NFPT certification review, we have created a list of pros and cons. This can help you decide if the NFPT personal training certification is right for you.
Pros
- The certification programs include materials to help you start and run your own personal trainer business.
- The NFPT is accredited by NCCA and has been inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame.
- Some of the CEC courses are free of charge, with no fee to submit your credentials for recertification.
- There is a free online retest for the certification exam.
Cons
- You do need to complete CECs yearly in order to recertify.
- Most of the materials are geared toward first time and new personal trainers.
Requirements
To qualify for the NFPT personal trainer certification program, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Adhere to NFPT’s Code of Conduct
Cost
NFPT certification costs will vary depending on the type of program package you choose. The standard package comes with a manual, test quiz, chapter quizzes, and curriculum workbooks. The premium package includes the same materials as the standard package, plus an additional practice test, demo videos, client assessment tools, and access to education help.
Pricing for the NFPT personal trainer certification program is as follows:
- Standard Package: $239
- Premier Package: $349
The NFPT also offers an exam only option for $199, and this does not include any course or test prep material. Plus, there are pay-as-you-go financing options available for $169 and $224.
Continuing Education & Recertification
Each year you will need to complete two CECs, or Continuing Education Credits. You can earn these credits in a variety of ways, such as through NFPT Self-Tests, free courses, workshops, seminars, CPR/AED certification, getting liability insurance, and more.
The NFPT is very flexible in how you receive these credits, stating, “If you take the time to do an exercise science or fitness business learning activity, we’ll give you the credit!” There are also no submission fees, which is unique to NFPT.
There are a few specialized CECs you can complete through NFPT. These online courses are offered at a low cost and allow you to specialize your personal training focus. The following is a list of NFPT’s CEC courses:
- MS Fitness Training Specialist
- Cancer Recovery Specialist
- Breast Cancer Recovery Specialist
- Master Fitness Trainer
- Fitness Nutrition Specialist
- MS Fitness Training Specialist
- Functional Training Specialist
- Sleep Coach
- Resistance Training
- Endurance Training
- Anatomy Fundamentals
- Plyometric Training
- Stretching Principles
- Core Training
- Running Mechanics
- Lead Management for Sales Goals
How NFPT Certification Benefits You
Insurance Canopy recognizes the National Federation of Personal Trainers as the best certification program for new trainers looking to explore the basics of different CPT specializations. Their attention to detail in new training education and post-certification courses make the NFPT a great option for first time trainers to gain a well-rounded, robust knowledge in the world of personal training.
We also admire the recognition the NFPT puts into CECs beyond just a course or workshop. Anything you are doing to further yourself as a trainer or grow your business may be counted toward your certification—including purchasing personal trainer liability insurance.
Insurance Canopy has one of the best insurance plans for trainers on the market. For as low as $15 a month, you can get a plan that includes policies for general liability, professional liability, product liability, personal and advertising injury, medical expenses, and damage to premises rented to you.
Get NFPT credit and coverage you can count on with Insurance Canopy today!
Frequently Asked Questions About NFPT Personal Trainer Certification
Yes, the NFPT is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). They are also part of the National Fitness Hall of Fame.
The NFPT certification cost ranges from $199–$449 depending on the package you choose. Pay-as-you-can financing options are also available for $169 and $224.
