The National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) really brings some muscle to the personal trainer certification space. Their background in strength and conditioning training helps to lift trainers into a more niche training environment.
Insurance Canopy takes a look at the NSCA’s certification to help you learn more about the costs, curriculum, and how it can benefit you as a personal trainer.
What Is The National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)?
The NSCA is a non-profit organization started in 1978 by researchers, educators, and experienced coaches. According to their website, the NSCA is, “dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning and related sport science professions around the world.”
Through evidence-based knowledge and practical application of industry practices, NSCA is helping a community of fitness professionals maximize their impact in their work. They continually work with sport scientists, certified trainers, and industry professionals to adapt new practices and further industry standards.
About NSCA Personal Trainer Certification
While strength and conditioning training is the NSCA’s primary focus, they also conduct a high quality, research-driven personal trainer certification program. They help you learn skills to lead safe and effective exercises, create fitness plans, motivate clients, and even how to respond in an emergency situation. This course is designed to help you grow as a professional and an individual in the fitness industry.
Pros & Cons of NSCA
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| NSCA | NFPT | ACSM | NETA | AFAA | NAFTA | Fitness Mentors | 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 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 |
Member Price: $300 Non-Member Price: $435 |
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 |
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 | 6 months of prep | 60–90 days of prep | 3 months of prep | 30–45 days 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 |
1–6 CEUs every 3 years Flexible options: –Events –Teaching –Activities –Tests |
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 |
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 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 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 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 |
✗ No practice exam. ✗ Study materials range from $435 to more than $1000. ✗ CEU recert process can be confusing. |
✗ 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. |
✗ 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. |
We understand being certified through a strength and conditioning program might not be for everyone. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons based on NSCA reviews, curriculum, and program benefits.
Pros
- The personal trainer certification program has very extensive resources and a well thought out workbook.
- The NSCA is one of the most recognized associations in the industry.
- You can select from a comprehensive list of CEU opportunities in different niches.
Cons
- There is a lack of online materials within the program, such as no practice exam included in study materials.
- NSCA does not offer courses focusing on client behavioral or nutritional coaching skills.
Requirements
In order to enroll in the NSCA personal training certification program, you must be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and hold a valid CPR/AED certification.
Cost
When it comes to NSCA certification costs, there is only one registration fee. This one fee gives you access to both the study materials and the exam. However, NSCA Members can save $135 on registration for their certification program. Prices are as follows:
- Member rate: $300
- Non-member rate: $435
There is no fee or limit to the number of times you may attempt the exam, you must only wait 90 days before retaking the test.
Specialized Certification Programs
NSCA offers more than just a personal trainer certification program—after all they are an association for strength and conditioning training. Some of the other specialized certification programs you offered through NSCA are:
- Certified Performance & Sports Scientist (CPSS)
- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- Certified Special Population Specialist (CSPS)
- Tactical Strength & Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F)
- Foundations of Coaching Lifts Course
- Tactical Strength & Conditioning (TSAC) Practitioners Course
Continuing Education & Recertification
In order to maintain a current personal trainer certificate, you must recertify every three years. This time period is a year longer than other certification programs, plus they give you two options on how to recertify.
Option One: Continuing Education
This option requires you to complete a specific number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) based on your certification date (see table here). You will need to complete anywhere from 1–6 CEUs and pay a per credential fee. The prices vary based on NSCA membership status.
Option Two: Retake & Pass Exam
Instead of taking CEUs, you can retake and pass your certification exam. The exam and curriculum are updated each year, so you will be paying the same registration fee you did to take the exam the first time. You will also need to review any new materials to help you pass the exam.
How NSCA Certification Benefits You
After our NSCA CPT review, Insurance Canopy recognizes NSCA as the best certification program for personal trainers who want to focus on strength training and mass building exercises.
NSCA can offer you tools and resources such as training tips, client assessments, program design, and business advice. You also have the opportunity to join NSCA’s Personal Trainers Professional Development Group. This is a place where you can connect and network with other personal trainers like yourself.
Before you jump into your training, it’s important you have the right protection in place. Strength training can come with a fair share of risks—such as pulling a muscle during a set, injuring a hip for improper form, or dropping a heavy weight onto another person’s foot by mistake. Accidents like these may lead to lawsuits, medical bills, or repairs you are expected to pay for.
Personal trainer insurance may help you cover the cost of claims if an incident does occur during your training. With Insurance Canopy, you can instantly get a policy online for as little as $15 per month. You wouldn’t have your clients lift without a spotter, so why would you train without insurance? Learn more and get a free quote with Insurance Canopy today!
Frequently Asked Questions About NSCA Personal Trainer Certification
NSCA stands for the National Strength and Conditioning Association. The NSCA is an educational program helping fitness professionals earn and maintain certification in the industry.
NSCA certification is a program to receive knowledge and skills in a chosen field of health and fitness from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Certified instructors can receive valuable training from experts in the fitness industry.
