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Accredited Online Personal Training Certifications

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Are you active on social media? If yes, then you probably already know just how popular the fitness industry is today. But to give you a better understanding as to just how much this industry is booming, here’s a quick overview of facts:

  • Gym revenue is projected to reach over $200 billion by 2030.
  • Employment for fitness instructors is projected to grow 14 percent until 2033.
  • More than 64 million Americans hold gym memberships.

As you can see, personal training is an uprising industry. Many professionals today are looking to expand their skills and knowledge in this field. Consider this: personal training not only pays well but will actually benefit your health and physique!

Featured Programs

But here’s the thing: the field is competitive. With easy access to social media videos, you’ll find that you’re going to compete with millions of fitness instructors.

So, how do you stand out?

Simple. By earning a personal training certification. If you’re currently working in another field, you can pursue accredited online personal training certifications. These certifications help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary for the field without requiring you to travel for classes. They save you time and money.

You must know how to choose a certification. You should only consider accredited online personal training certifications. There are different types of accrediting bodies for these certifications, including:

  • NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies)
  • DEAC (Distance Education Accrediting Commission)
  • NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)

In this guide, we will explore the best online personal trainer certification programs for personal training careers. After we go through the importance of these certifications and the list of the top certifications, we‘ll explore the criteria for choosing the best one for you.

Related:

Why Choose an Accredited Online Personal Training Certification?

It can be tempting to choose an unaccredited personal training certification because they’re easier to earn. However, doing so will not benefit you in the long run. All you will get from unaccredited certifications is wasted time and money. You will also find yourself having a hard time making a name and getting respect in the industry.

When you visit gyms, especially big ones, you’ll see posters where it says “Only accredited trainers are qualified to work here. Unaccredited trainers are not welcome.” This is a very clear reminder of just how much accreditation matters.

Gyms, health clubs, and clients want to work out to be healthy. Having someone unaccredited teach/lead them goes against that goal. It could end up doing more harm than good to the client and the whole community.

Now, let’s talk about why you should consider accredited online personal training certifications:

  1. You can learn at your own pace, which makes it simpler to coordinate your studies with other responsibilities such as work or personal life.
  2. They are generally less expensive than their on-campus counterparts, which helps you save on tuition and other costs such as transportation or books.
  3. You’ll get easier access to study materials, practice exams, and other helpful resources that make learning more convenient and interactive.

After completing online personal trainer certification programs, holders can then apply for several positions, such as:

  1. Gym-based personal trainer
  2. Online fitness coach
  3. Corporate wellness trainer
  4. Private personal training business

Best Accredited Online Personal Training Certifications

It’s time to break down the top 5 certified personal trainer online courses that are recognized and respected in the industry.

1. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) – Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

  • Accreditation: NCCA
  • Key Features: NASM is known for its science-based approach to personal training, with a strong emphasis on corrective exercise and biomechanics. This is also one of the fastest online personal trainer certification programs.
  • Cost: $999-$1,597
  • Best For: Science enthusiasts and those seeking a rigorous, evidence-based approach.
  • Cons: It has a very challenging exam and might not be the best option for inexperienced coaches.

2. American Council on Exercise (ACE) – Certified Personal Trainer

  • Accreditation: NCCA
  • Key Features: ACE focuses on behavior change and coaching techniques, making it a good option for those looking to work with clients on motivation and mindset as well as fitness.
  • Cost: Starts at $649
  • Best For: Beginners who want an easy-to-follow, holistic training program.
  • Cons: The price has gotten more expensive, but there is still little sales skills coverage.

3. International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) – Certified Personal Trainer

  • Accreditation: DEAC
  • Key Features: Flexible and fully online, ISSA also offers business training, which can be a big plus if you’re thinking about starting your own personal training business.
  • Cost: Starts at $948
  • Best For: Those seeking international recognition and an entrepreneurial edge. It is the best personal training certification for beginners.
  • Cons: It lacks behavioral coaching content.

4. National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) – Certified Personal Trainer

  • Accreditation: NCCA
  • Key Features: Known for its focus on strength training and athletic performance, NSCA is among the best online fitness trainer certification options.
  • Cost: $300 (members); $435 (non-members)
  • Best For: Trainers working with athletes or those focused on high-performance fitness.
  • Cons: It doesn’t have a study system and does not teach you how to build a training business.

5. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) – Certified Personal Trainer

  • Accreditation: NCCA
  • Key Features: ACSM is known for offering one of the most affordable online fitness certification programs. Its emphasis is on exercise science and working with clinical populations (like those with chronic health conditions).
  • Cost: $349-$800
  • Best For: Trainers looking to work with medically-based clients or in rehabilitative settings.
  • Cons: It does not offer content on exercise techniques.

How to Choose the Best Online Personal Training Certification for You

When choosing a certification program, keep these factors in mind:

  1. Accreditation: Only choose a program accredited by a recognized body. Many prefer NCAA-accredited personal training certification programs.
  2. Career Goals: Consider whether you want to work with the general public or specialize in specific populations, such as athletes or seniors.
  3. Cost: Compare the costs of various programs and check for available payment plans.
  4. Study Format: Decide if you want a self-paced or more structured course.
  5. Exam and Retake Policies: Some certifications have open-book exams, while others require in-person proctoring. Make sure the exam format fits your preferences.

Exam and Certification Process

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:

  • Exam Format: Multiple-choice questions are common, but some programs may also include case studies or practical exams.
  • Prerequisites: You’ll generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, plus a current CPR/AED certification (many programs will allow you to get this certification as part of your coursework).
  • Study Materials: Most online programs offer digital study guides, practice tests, and access to webinars.
  • Timeline: Expect to complete your certification in 4-12 weeks, depending on how fast you study.

Career Opportunities and Job Placement Support

The beauty of a personal training career is the flexibility. You can work in a gym, do online fitness coaching, become a corporate wellness trainer, or, for more money, build your own private personal training business.

Here’s how much you can expect to earn:

  • Entry-Level: $25,000-$40,000 per year.
  • Experienced Trainers: $50,000+ per year.
  • Online Personal Trainers: Potential for even higher earnings due to remote coaching.

If you’re new, you should consider pursuing personal training certification with job placement in gyms like ISSA and NASM. They will help you land a job faster.

As an aspiring personal trainer, you should know that creating your brand is entirely in your own hands. Here are our few tips:

  1. Showcase your expertise, share fitness tips, and connect with potential clients.
  2. Encourage satisfied clients to recommend your service to friends and family.
  3. Attend fitness events, join online fitness communities, and build relationships with other trainers and clients to grow your reputation.

Continuing Education and Specializations

Once you’ve got your certification, you’ll need to keep up with continuing education to maintain it. Plus, you can specialize in areas like:

  • Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) for injury prevention.
  • Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) for athletes.
  • Senior Fitness Specialist (SFS) for older adults.
  • Youth Fitness Specialist (YFS) for working with kids.

Conclusion

We cannot stress just how competitive the fitness industry is. If someone searches “how to lose weight,” they’ll find thousands of videos and content, making it hard to stand out.

The best thing you can do is earn an accredited online personal training certification. This will give you the knowledge to create personalized plans for clients and help you build your reputation.

So, do your research, choose the best certification for your career goals, and take the first step toward an exciting career in fitness.