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.
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 2024, 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)
