Compare Personal Training Certification programs quickly and easily with our easy to use chart. With a number of options, it can be difficult to determine which program is right for you. When you select a partner, there are many factors to consider. Here is a comparison of some key factors. You can also view our full PDF chart (PDF) to compare personal training certification programs.
Compared to our closest competitors, NETA offers the most affordable NCCA-Accredited Personal Trainer Certification package.
Comparison of NCCA-Accredited Personal Trainer Certifications*:
NETA |
Most Popular Package $549 |
Test Only $449 |
Exam Questions 120 |
Exam Time 120 minutes |
Pass Rate 65% |
On-time Recertification Fee◊ $75 |
ACE |
Most Popular Package $745 |
Test Only $499 |
Exam Questions 150 |
Exam Time 180 minutes |
Pass Rate 69% |
On-time Recertification Fee◊ $129‡ |
ACSM |
Most Popular Package $649 |
Test Only $399 (non-member) |
Exam Questions 135 |
Exam Time 150 minutes |
Pass Rate 61% |
On-time Recertification Fee◊ $55 |
NASM |
Most Popular Package $1,399 |
Test Only $599 |
Exam Questions 120 |
Exam Time 120 minutes |
Pass Rate 79% |
On-time Recertification Fee◊ $99 |
NSCA |
Most Popular Package N/A |
Test Only $435 (non-member) |
Exam Questions 155 |
Exam Time 180 minutes |
Pass Rate 66% |
On-time Recertification Fee◊ $90 (non-member) |
*As of March 2025, thirteen organizations offered an NCCA-accredited Personal Trainer certification. This comparison represents only five of the thirteen certification programs.
** CECs = Continuing Education Credits, CEUs = Continuing Education Units
† 0.1 ACE CEC, 0.1 NASM CEU, or 0.1 NSCA CEU = 1.0 NETA CEC or the equivalent of one hour. 1.0 ACSM CEC = 1.0 NETA CEC. ACSM CECs and NSCA CEUs must be petitioned for approval of NETA CECs.
‡ $129 for those holding one ACE certification, $69 each for those holding two ACE certifications, $59 each for those holding three ACE certifications, $49 each for those holding four ACE certifications.
◊ NASM provides a 90-day reinstatement grace period; NETA, ACE, and ACSM provide at 180-day reinstatement grace period; NSCA provides a 30-day late renewal and reinstatement at any time conditional on meeting reinstatement requirements and $200 reinstatement fee plus unpaid past recertification fees.
View Full Comparison of NCCA Accredited Personal Trainer Certifications (PDF)
