Certification Organizations
| Certification | Requirements | Examination Content | Recertification | NCCA | Web Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Council on Strength and Fitness Certified Personal Trainer (NCSF-CPT) | 18 y of age, high school diploma or equivalent | 150 MC questions, 3-h proctored examination | Every 2 y, 10 CEUs | Yes | www.ncsf.org |
| National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) | 18 y age, CPR certification | 120 MC questions, 2-h proctored examination | 2.0 NASM CEUs | Yes, 2003 | www.nasm.org |
| National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer (NSCS-CPT) | 18 y of age, high school diploma or equivalent, CPR certification | 140 questions, 3-h proctored examination | 3 y, 6 CEUs; 2 different categories (conference, research publications, etc) | Yes, 1996 | www.nsca-lift.org |
| National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCS-CSCS) | BA/BS degree or chiropractor degree, CPR certification | Scientific 80-question, 1.5-hour proctored examination, practical 110 MC 2.5-hour proctored examination | 3 y, 6 CEUs as above | Yes, 1996 | www.nsca-lift.org |
| American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer | 18 y of age, adult CPR certification | 150 MC questions, proctored examination, 2 written simulations | 2 y, 2.0-hour ACE approved | Yes, 2003 | www.acefitness.org |
| American Council on Exercise (ACE) Clinical Exercise Specialist | 18 y of age, adult CPR certification, 300 h of work experience, current ACE-PT | 150 MC questions, proctored examination | 2 y, 2.0-hour ACE approved | Yes, 2003 | www.acefitness.org |
| National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) | 18 y of age, high school diploma or equivalent, 2 y of experience | 120 MC questions, 2-h proctored examination | 2 CEC per year | Yes, 2005 | www.nfpt.com |
| American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer | High school diploma or equivalent, adult CPR certification | 150 MC questions, proctored examination | 3 y, CEC 45 h | Yes | www.acsm.org |
| American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Health Fitness Instructor | Associate's or bachelor's degree in health-related field, adult CPR certification | Written examination, 140 MC questions, proctored examination | 3 y, CEC 60 h | Yes | www.acsm.org |
| International Fitness Professional Association (IFPA) | No requirements | 105 questions at certification site | 2 y, 12 CEC | No | www.ifpa-fitness.com |
| American Fitness Professional Association (AFPA) Personal Trainer | 18 y of age, high school diploma or equivalent, adult CPR certification | Home examination, 90 d to complete | 2 y, 16 CEC | No | www.Afpafitness.com |
| International Sports Science Association (ISSA) | No requirements | Home examination | www.issaonline.com | ||
| National Strength Professional Association (NSPA) Personal Trainer | 18 y of age, adult CPR certification | Two 10-h lectures, written/practical examination, 50 MC questions, 5 practicals | 2 y, 24 NSPA CEC | No | www.nspainc.com |
As of 2006, instructor certifications received by the following groups are certified by the National Committee for Certifying Agencies (NCCA): National Strength and Conditioning Association, American College of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise, National Council on Sports & Fitness, National Academy of Sports Medicine, and the National Federation of Professional Trainers. CPR indicates cardiopulmonary resuscitation; MC, multiple choice; CEC, continuing education credits, CEU, continuing education unit.