what is the course fee for personal trainer certification

by Prof. Sonya Harvey I 8 min read

We cover the specifics of how much each certification body charges for the exam and study materials below, but the range is between $399 and $799. So, you can figure it will cost you around $500 to get certified as a personal trainer for most certification bodies.Apr 5, 2022

Full Answer

How much does it cost to get a personal trainer?

How much does a personal trainer cost? Personal trainers charge $25 to $50 per 30-minute session, $40 to $70 per hour session, and $60 to $100 per 90-minute session. Hiring a personal trainer to come to your home costs $60 to $100 or more hourly….Personal Trainer Rates Per Hour. Session Length.

What is the average fee for a personal trainer?

Personal trainers cost $39-$100 per hour nationwide. The average personal trainer cost is $60 per hour.Your location, the length and number of sessions, and the type of session (group training or personal training) all affect personal trainer costs.

How much does an online personal trainer actually cost?

Most apps range from $50 to $150 a month and the majority of individual trainers will charge similar prices, sometimes reaching $200 a month, depending on the coach. Comparatively, trainers ...

How much to charge for personal training?

Personal trainers charge between $10 and $127 per hour, which is a pretty broad range. So, how can you decide how much to charge for personal training in YOUR specific situation? Pricing is a tricky area that’s half science, half art-form. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach since everyone’s situation is different.

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How much does NASM certification cost?

The basic package for NASM costs $699 before coupons are applied, and it includes the cost of the exam, a digital copy of the textbook, access to video tutorials, and practice quizzes with answers.

How much does the CPT exam cost?

NSCA-CPT Exam Registration FeeMember Rate*Non-Member RateRegistration Fee$300$435

Which personal trainer certification is best for me?

Best Personal Trainer Certification Programs for 2022Best Overall: National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)Best for Basic Certification: American Council on Exercise (ACE)Best Low-Cost Certification: Action Personal Trainer Certification.Best Online: International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)More items...•

Is a personal trainer certification worth it?

Career after Getting Certified The salary range for professional personal trainers ranges from $39,000 to $49,000 on average. But there are also professionals in this field who earn as much as $200,000 in a year.

What is the age limit for CPT exam?

Early registration is allowed to enable the student to prepare for the CPT along with his/her 10+2 course. AGE REQUIREMENT: There is no stipulation as to the minimum age required for registering for the course.

How do I get NCCA certified?

To get certified, students must achieve a passing score on the NCCA-accredited NCCPT certification exam. Certifications are valid for two years. During that time, certificants must obtain continuing education units (CEUs) and pay a renewal fee in order to remain certified.

Are PT courses hard?

The added depth is the main reason so many potential students end up delaying, looking for concrete answers as to how hard a PT course is. And, in truth, a PT course is going to be harder than a Level 2 Gym Instructor course.

How long does it take to get personal trainer certification?

To receive a personal trainer certificate through bodies like ISSA, NASM or ACE and work in a globo gym takes on average 3-6 months to study the course materials and pass the test. To study and pass the OPEX Coaching Certificate Program quizzes and case studies takes most fitness coaches 6-12 months.

Is the personal trainer test hard?

The ACE CPT Exam is known for being one of the most difficult personal training certifications to pass. Out of the almost 800-page textbook they select 150 questions that need to be completed in a three hour time limit. This can cause major anxiety as knowing what to study can be hard to determine.

Which is better ace or NASM?

It all depends on your career path and goals. If you want to work with general populations, ACE will suffice. Whereas if you want to focus more on corrective exercise techniques, then NASM would be a better option.

Can you make money as a personal trainer?

On average, a personal trainer's salary in 2020 was around $40,510. Depending on the sector, this can be more. For example, the average private personal trainer averages $78,000 per year. The highest-paid personal trainers are making thousands per day.

Is personal training a good career?

If you're passionate about health and fitness and helping others, personal training can be a great career path. Median pay for personal trainers is $38,160, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and demand is expected to grow by about 8 percent.

How much does it cost to become a personal trainer?

The cost of personal trainer certification varies by certification level. Whereas an entry-level personal trainer certification can cost $400-$600, a master certification can cost upwards of $2,000 for the materials and exam. Specialist certifications for strength training, senior fitness, or youth fitness typically cost between $400 and $500.

How much does a personal trainer make?

However, if you’re concerned about the practical return on investment spending hundreds or thousands on a personal trainer certification, consider this: The median annual salary for a personal trainer in the U.S. is currently $58,875 (and some salaries are as high as $81,690). Becoming certified as a personal trainer will give you the credentials to quickly build a client list, which means you’ll see a return on your financial investment in no time.

Why Get Certified?

The demand for personal training professionals is predicted to grow by 10 percent by 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With the growing popularity of the profession and the fact that personal training is an unregulated industry, anyone can call themselves a personal trainer—even if they don’t have a certification, training, or experience.

What is the demand for personal trainers in 2026?

The demand for personal training professionals is predicted to grow by 10 percent by 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With the growing popularity of the profession and the fact that personal training is an unregulated industry, anyone can call themselves a personal trainer—even if they don’t have a certification, training, or experience.

Do you have to pay a rental fee for a gym?

Rental fees: If you’re working out of a gym, you’ll likely have to pay a rental fee for use of the space in either a flat monthly fee or percentage of your session fee or hourly rate.

What is the best certification for personal trainers?

Accreditation. One important caveat when considering which is the best personal trainer certification to go for is, of course, accreditation. This is a seal of approval that authenticates the quality of knowledge and method of administration in a certifying agency’s curriculum.

How old do you have to be to be a personal trainer?

Basic prerequisites for becoming a certified personal trainer include the following: you must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or the equivalent (GEDs accepted), a current and valid CPR/AED certification, and a valid government-issued ID.

What is an ACE certification?

ACE Certification Take Away. ACE is a solid grounding when it comes to all-around knowledge resources for health and fitness. It helps you deal with the average man, woman, and child, and is a good direction if your career goal is just to promote health consciousness and good lifestyle habits.

What are the three accrediting bodies for personal training?

Try and avoid anything that isn’t stamped with one of these, and these being NCCA, DEAC, and NBFE. All the top personal training certification courses have a stamp of approval from one of these 3.

What are the skills needed to become a personal trainer?

The most essential skills needed to be a successful personal trainer include the following: communication, motivation, dedication, professionalism, and passion for helping others achieve their health and fitness goals.

What is a fitness mentor?

Fitness Mentors have a great approach to the business of being a personal trainer, while still equipping you with the necessary fundamentals with regards to the science of health and fitness.

Does CPT come with sports nutritionist?

No crazy tiers to choose from, just go with the gold standard CPT package that comes bundled with the Sports Nutritionist course free of charge!

What is the cheapest personal trainer certification?

the crown for cheapest accredited personal trainer cert goes to ACTION CPT. at only $99 for all student resources and exam access, this is the only certification on this list that costs a double digit figure. Find out more about ACTION in my review here.

How much does an ISSA certification cost?

Although to buy one certification, the international sports and sciences Association sits right in the middle at $499. They often offer a special deal if you purchase multiple certifications. For example their elite trainer package includes their CPT, their nutritionist certification and a third certification of your choice for only $999 which brings each certification down to $333. This is a fantastic deal. Check out the current price for the elite trainer package. Check out my free ISSA study guide and practice test here.

What is the discount code for NASM CPT?

Here are the current prices and my discounted price. Readers of my site can use my personal discount code PTP25 to save 25% on all NASM CPT certifications.

How much does it cost to take the NASM exam?

NASM will cost you $699 to get you into the exam and get you the necessary prep material. But, for visitors of my website, you can use my personal discount code to bring 25% off the overall price which makes it $524. Overall, NASM is one of my top two rated certifications. Check out my free NASM study guide and practice test here.

How much does the NFPT cost?

The standard package and premier package, which respectively go for $249 and $349. More on NFPT in my full review.

What is accreditation in certification?

Accreditation is an essential indicator when you’re out trying to choose a new certification. As I mentioned, accreditation is how a certification gets authority and credibility.

How often do you have to recertify a product?

It’s an industry standard the usually sees you re-certifying every 2 years, more in certain cases.

What is the hardest decision to make as a personal trainer?

If you’re thinking of starting a career as a personal trainer, one of the hardest decisions is which certification to choose. This is made more difficult by the wide range of prices for learning materials, exams and recertification.

How much does it cost to get a CPR certificate?

Fortunately, getting a CPR/AED certificate is relatively cheap. The Red Cross, for example offers a course in Adult First Aid, CPR and AED for $88. You’ll need to pay more if you want the pediatric equivalent, although this is often taught at the same class.

How many CEUs are required for ACE?

While ACE is expensive to renew, the organization only requires 20 CEUs in a two-year period. In contrast, NSCA, which costs $50 every three years, requires 60 hours. This is important, as CEUS can be one of the most expensive ongoing costs as a personal trainer.

How much does ACE cost?

The most expensive is ACE, which costs $139 every two years. NSCA is much cheaper at $50 every three years. Some organizations also offer a lifetime renewal fee. That’s only part of the story though. While ACE is expensive to renew, the organization only requires 20 CEUs in a two-year period.

What is the biggest upfront cost for a college student?

The biggest upfront cost is learning materials. These are offered in packages that may or may not include an exam – and the price can vary depending on which materials are included.

How much does it cost to renew your ACE certification?

The average cost to maintain your certification ranges from $50 up to $150. The most expensive is ACE, which costs $139 every two years.

How much will personal trainers increase in 2020?

Did you know the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the hiring of personal trainers will increase by 24% between 2010 and 2020?

How much does it cost to become a personal trainer?

The actual cost of the test to become a certified personal trainer should be no more than $300. There are some places that, if you fail the test the first time, will allow you to retake the test for $99 or more. You may find that this cost fluctuates a bit, depending on where you live and who in your area is offering the exam, but in most cases, it shouldn’t be much more than $300 .

How Much Will It Cost to Get Personal Training Education?

The reason for this is that the cost will vary depending on what kind of education you are going for, where you are educated, and whether or not you are going to pursue multiple certifications or just the basic CPT.

How Long Will It Take for Me to Complete My Personal Training Program?

Again, this depends on what program you choose. If you go to college for a degree, it will take you 2 to 4 years. Here is a breakdown of the time it takes for the above-listed schools:

How much does it cost to retake the ACE test?

To retake the test if you fail costs $150. American Council on Exercise (ACE) – $399 for the program and $249 for the test. To retake the test if you fail costs $184. International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA) – $459 for the test, which includes the materials and the exam. A retest costs $79.

How much does a retest cost?

A retest costs $79. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) – $799, which includes the cost of the materials and the testing. To retest, the cost is $199. National Council of Strength and Fitness (NCSF) – $309 for the program, which includes materials, $44 for the exam and $60 for the retest. National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association ...

How much does the NSCA exam cost?

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) – $468 for the program and materials. The exam costs $405 and the retake costs $355.

How much does it cost to pass the CPT exam?

With materials, you can expect to pay $400 to $700. The CPT exam is a series of 150 multiple choice questions and many of the questions focus on muscle groups, anatomy, health concerns and more, so study materials are usually required in order to pass the exam.

How much does it cost to become a personal trainer?

The total cost to be a Certified Personal Trainer through ACTION is $198.

How Do These Prices Compare to Other Personal Trainer Certification Costs?

The popular American Council on Exercise (ACE) personal trainer examination costs $498 . The American College of Sports Medicine charges (ACSM) charges $349 to non-members taking the exam.

What Is the Least Costly Accredited Personal Training Certificate?

The student resources and exam fees for this program amount to only $99!

What Is the Best Personal Training Certification?

Likely, the best certification program would be the one that’s the perfect fit for you. The structure of the program, the material on the test, and the cost all contribute to what would be right for you. Neither the least expensive nor the most expensive certification may be the best.

What is the difference between the Premier and Standard certification?

The standard certification package comes with a study guide, trainer manual, and online learning tools. The premier package offers the same components as the standard package along with assessment video reviews, practice tests, and expert support. If you fail the exam, you may retest with either program.

How much does it cost to retest for NFPT?

If you fail the exam, you may retest with either program. NFPT’s retest fee is $119. ACTION has no fee for a retest, but you must pay a fee of $99 for the testing center.

What is the reward of being a personal trainer?

Becoming a personal trainer has its rewards. You can take the knowledge you amassed from years of dedication to health and fitness and turn it into a career. Some trainers choose to supplement their income while others earn great sums of money working full-time.

Value vs. Cost

Quality and cost are correlated when we talk about professional certification courses. Here quality is more important than cost because it determines the result. To understand the quality of personal trainer certs better, here are 4 judging factors we will talk about.

Accreditation

Personal training certifications are accredited by two organizations. They are NCCA (National Commission of Certifying Agencies) and DEAC (Distance Education Accrediting Commission). NCCA accreditation is more widely recognized compared to DEAC. Nevertheless, DEAC holds equal credibility as NCCA but has a narrow focus.

Industry Recognition

There are only a few certifications that gyms and training facilities consider or prefer during employment. So, apart from the accreditation, you have to check if your organization is well-recognized in the industry or not.

Re-certification

Recertification is a way to revise the course of certification after a fixed interval of time. This ensures that you stay updated on the latest discoveries in health and nutrition and train your clients using advanced methods.

Difficult Level of the Exam

Some CPT exams have a higher risk of failure or are difficult to qualify but generally, these certifications are held as the gold standard in the fitness industry.

9 Cheapest Personal Training Certifications

Now that you know the determining factors of personal training certification, let's dig deeper into the list of cheapest personal training certifications given below.

Final thoughts

With this, we come to the end of the list of 9 cheapest personal training certifications. Here we have discussed the determining factors to pick the right certification for a booming career.

What is a personal trainer certification?

A personal training certification program is a course you can take that will give you the title of Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) so that you can obtain employment as a personal trainer and establish yourself as a respected member of the fitness community. They are designed to provide you with the basic knowledge you need to start working with clients and gain real-world experience as a fitness professional.

How much does a personal trainer study kit cost?

To study for the exam, you can purchase one or more of the resources available on their website. The personal trainer study kit is $206.76 and includes all recommended books to prepare you for the exam.

What is action personal trainer?

Action Personal Trainer Certification will give you all the skills needed to train, educate, and motivate personal training clients. It was accredited by NCCA in 2014, making it one of the newer certifications around, and it’s a good choice if you are a self-employed personal trainer, already have other fitness certifications, or prefer to study at your own pace.

What is NFPT certification?

National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) offers a personal training certification program that is NCCA-accredited, comprehensive, and available in a two-day weekend format . The NFPT program covers all the basics of personal training including anatomy and physiology, fitness testing, stretching techniques, nutrition, and legal and professional practices.

How long is a trainer certification good for?

They have several advanced certifications to choose from if you want to further develop your skills as a trainer. Certification is good for three years and you must obtain 45 CEUs to recertify.

How much does it cost to take the NCCA certification?

You must take your exam at a Prometric testing site and the registration fee for the exam is $99. Their basic option does not include an NCCA-accredited exam and is therefore not recognized by major gyms. Additionally, the exam is not as research-based as other certifications we reviewed, but this is likely because it is designed for the entry-level personal trainer.

How much does it cost to take the ACE test?

Their basic package is $509 and includes access to their online study materials, cost of the exam, one practice test, and a digital textbook and study companion. Their other options include additional study materials and support and range from $599-$899. If you fail the test the first time you can retake it for $249.

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Why Get Certified?

Certification Costs

  • The cost of personal trainer certification varies by certification level. Whereas an entry-level personal trainer certification can cost $400-$600, a master certification can cost upwards of $2,000 for the materials and exam. Specialist certificationsfor strength training, senior fitness, or youth fitness typically cost between $400 and $500. Addit...
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Other Costs and Fees

  • There are other expenses and fees to consider on top of the guides, materials, and exam costs of earning a personal trainer certification, including: 1. CPR certification: Many certification organizations require CPR/AED certification, which run about $75. 2. Rental fees: If you’re working out of a gym, you’ll likely have to pay a rental fee for use of the space in either a flat monthly fee …
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The Real Roi

  • The thought of watching your future clients transform their lives through healthy living might seem like a reward in and of itself for the amount of time and money you’ll be investing in getting certified. However, if you’re concerned about the practical return on investment spending hundreds or thousands on a personal trainer certification, consider this: The median annual sala…
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