The National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) is a highly respected organization known for quality certification programs and hand-on learning experiences for personal trainers.
Today Insurance Canopy takes a deeper look at what NETA’s personal trainer certification program entails and how a NETA certification may benefit you.
What Is The National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA)?
NETA is a non-profit organization focused on educating fitness professionals through accessible and affordable certification programs. For more than 45 years, they have worked with over 160,000 fitness professionals. NETA uses industry insights and ideas, science-based research, and career resources to help improve your experience as a trainer, and the experience of your future clients.
About NETA Personal Trainer Certification
Committed to offering some of the best programs on the market, NETA is one of three organizations who have both their personal training and group exercise certifications accredited by the NCCA. Their personal trainer certification combines traditional study materials with hands-on experiences to help you go from instruction to application with ease.
Requirements
In order to enroll in the NETA personal trainer certification program, you must be at least 18 years of age and hold a current CPR/AED certification.
Cost
Because everyone’s schedules and learning styles vary, NETA offers two different personal trainer certification packages. The first option utilizes live workshops to give trainers hands-on experience in a classroom setting, while the second option is a self-guided learning program. The NETA certification costs are as follows:
- Option 1: Self Study + Live Workshop
- Early Bird (scheduled more than 30 days in advance): $549
- Standard: $599
- Option 2: Self Study
- Standard: $549
There is a test only option that is sold separate from study materials and workshops. It costs $449 to only take the personal trainer certification exam.
Specialized Certification Programs
Many fitness professionals like to specialize in different areas of health and wellness. This type of expertise requires additional learning and certification. NETA’s Fitness Specialty Certifications is an advanced credential program that can help you open the door to new fitness careers and increase the amount of clients you can work with.
NETA’s specialty certifications are:
- Barre Connect
- Nutrition Coach
- Indoor Group Cycling
- Intermediate Indoor Group Cycle
- Youth Fitness
- Kettlebell
- Advanced Kettlebell
- Pilates Mat
- Advanced Pilates Mat
- Pilates Reformer
- Senior Fitness
- Wellness Coach
- Yoga Foundations
- Yoga – 200 Hour Teacher Training
- Corrective Exercise Specialist
Continuing Education & Recertification
NETA’s personal trainer certification is valid for two years. In order to renew your credentials, you must complete 20 continuing education credits (CECs), have a current CPR/AED certification, and pay a $45 recertification fee. Six of your 20 CECs must be earned through NETA while the rest may be completed from another accredited program.
Pros & Cons of NETA
It’s important to know if a certification is right for your needs as a trainer. After looking at NETA personal training certification reviews, course curriculum, and additional benefits, we’ve created a list of pros and cons.
Pros
- You have the option to include live workshops as part of your learning experience, so it’s not all strictly online materials.
- NETA’s personal training certification is NCCA accredited.
- A free practice exam is available to help you better prepare for the certification test.
Cons
- There is a lack of extensive study materials when choosing the self study option.
- Not all study materials are congruent with the curriculum.
- If you only wanted to take the exam, the personal trainer test only option is almost double the cost of the other test only programs—plus you don’t receive any study materials.
How NETA Certification Benefits You
Insurance Canopy feels NETA is best suited for personal trainers looking to train groups or classes. This program can help give group personal trainers the knowledge and tools they need to work with smaller, private groups, or larger, event-style groups. You will learn how to connect with those you train and lead multiple individuals toward their fitness goals.
NETA cares about seeing trainers find success in their careers, even after certification, which is why they help students access tools and resources like personal trainer insurance. However, NETA currently only partners with one insurance company. It’s important to research your insurance options as a trainer since every facility and contract may have different insurance requirements.
Insurance Canopy’s personal trainer insurance policy challenges the coverage offered by NETA’s suggested partner with a lower price, higher limits, and a plan made to be customized to your needs as a trainer. Our online application makes it easy to get a policy, customize your coverage, and instantly access a Certificate of Insurance. And for as little as $129 a year, our annual coverage for full time trainers just can’t be beat.
Your high quality certification deserves a high quality coverage plan to match it. Discover how you can protect yourself as a trainer and save money with Insurance Canopy today.
Frequently Asked Questions About NETA Personal Trainer Certification
To be NETA certified, you must complete an online education program and pass an exam focusing on topics such as exercise science, nutrition, weight management, and fitness basics.
NETA CPT certification costs range from $549 to $599 depending on the plan you choose. You can also opt for a test only option for $449, but this plan does not include any study materials.
Yes, NETA is NCCA accredited in both their personal trainer certification and group exercise certification programs.
