- Last Updated:
- 10/03/2024
- Chelsea Ramsey
The National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) is a highly respected organization known for quality certification programs and hands-on learning experiences for personal trainers.
Take 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.
Pros & Cons of NETA
It’s important to know if a certification is right for your needs and goals as a trainer. After looking at NETA personal training certification reviews, course curriculum, and additional benefits here are some pros and cons to consider.
Pros
- You can 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.
Not sure NETA is right for you? See more Insurance Canopy reviews of the best personal trainer certification programs, so you can choose with confidence.
What to Know About NETA Personal Trainer Certification
Committed to offering some of the best programs on the market, NETA is one of three organizations that has both personal training and group exercise certifications accredited by the NCCA.
The 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.
*Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) / Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Cost
- Self Study + Live Workshop
- Early Bird (scheduled more than 30 days in advance): $549
- Standard: $599
- Self Study: $549
- Test Only: $449
Because 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 is a self-guided learning program.
The test-only option is sold separate from study materials and workshops and only includes the personal trainer certification exam.
The Test
NETA’s Group Exercise Instructor and Personal Trainer exams consist of:
- 120 multiple-choice questions
- 100 scored questions
- 20 “experimental” questions that do not affect your final score
- 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete all questions
Specialized Certification Programs
Specializations in different areas of health and wellness require 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 expand the types of clients you can work with:
- 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.
What Can You Do With a NETA Personal Trainer Certification
NETA is especially well-suited for personal trainers looking to train groups or classes. It gives group exercise 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 towards 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 their own curated job board.
Why Certified Personal Trainers Need Insurance
Accidents happen, no matter how practiced or attentive you are: equipment can break; clients can get hurt.
Regardless of how unlikely these things are, a claim could end up costing you thousands. Fitness professional insurance is designed to help protect against the costs of claims in the event something does happen.
Many facilities also require trainers to have their own liability insurance before allowing them to work there. The ability to show this extra security net to gyms and fitness centers right off the bat can help you find training locales, land jobs, and expand your client base.
Frequently Asked Questions About NETA Personal Trainer Certification
As of 2024 the pass rate for NETA’s personal trainer exam is 65%.
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.
