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Earn Your Personal Trainer Certification


Introducing our NASM Certified Personal Trainer course - the most comprehensive, revolutionary program on the market! Start now and become a certified fitness trainer online in as few as 4 weeks.

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Step 1:
Study Your Online Self-Study Course Material

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Step 2:
Choose an exam option:

  • NASM Personal Trainer Certificate (non-proctored exam)
  • NASM Personal Trainer Certification (NCCA Exam)
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Step 3:
Become a Certified Personal Trainer and start your dream career!

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Why NASM?


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Why NASM? For over 35 years, National Academy of Sports Medicine has developed the most successful personal trainers in the fitness industry. We’re proud to announce our Personal Trainer program now includes two exam options, the NCCA accredited Personal Trainer Certification (NCCA exam) and the NASM Personal Trainer Certificate (non-proctored exam), providing you more choices to fit your needs. Our Certified Personal Trainer program provides you with the most scientifically accurate information, all delivered in our revolutionary digital learning platform. If you want to become one of the best, most respected fitness trainers, it’s as simple as getting certified online with NASM.

Plus sign with circle Expand Why NASM

  • Our Self-Study Course Makes Learning Fun & Easy!
  • This is not your typical 'science' self-study course. Our Certified Personal Trainer course utilizes an ‘edutainment’ style of learning - making the self-study course fun, easy, and accessible for everyone studying for their personal trainer job! With dozens of Hollywood-style videos and state-of-the-art graphics, you’ll truly enjoy the learning process from start to finish, regardless of your learning style.

  • Learn the Latest Training Strategies
  • Don’t learn outdated information! Our self-study course is decades ahead of our competitors and is by far the most comprehensive fitness training the industry has ever seen. This self-study course uses the most accurate and up-to-date science, then teaches you how to transform that science into real-world scenarios.

  • Build a Successful Fitness Career
  • Learn everything you need to build a successful fitness career working in a gym, or even being your own boss and setting your own hours. The industry’s best personal trainer certification will prepare you for a long and lucrative fitness career working with everyone from weekend warriors to professional athletes.

  • Train Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime with NASM’s World-Renowned OPT™ model
  • The foundation of NASM’s Certified Personal Trainer course is the exclusive Optimum Performance Training® Model. It’s your blueprint for success. The OPT™ Model provides you with a systematic approach to developing personalized and unique training plans that allow you to see predictable outcomes for every client. It’s a flexible and comprehensive system that allows you to create individualized training plans for any client, any time.

  • Master Accurate, Effective Client Assessments
  • Assessing, instead of guessing, is critical to successfully training a client. By understanding where the issues in their body are, you can then begin to figure out how to properly address underlying problems that could prevent them from reaching their end fitness goals.

  • Learn the Art of Behavior Change
  • Having a plan for your future personal trainer job is great, but knowing how to convince your clients to stick to it is even better. That’s where behavior change comes in. Within our self-study course, you’ll learn the keys to helping people alter behaviors that prevent them from becoming the ultimate version of themselves.

  • Revolutionary Digital Learning Platform
  • Our revolutionary digital learning platform is learning for the 21st century. Learn online, anywhere, from any device, with all the tools you need to make your studying journey easy and enjoyable. Click here for a quick tour of the platform.

  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer Program Outline
  • Click here to view the table of contents and authors. Listen to an audio review of each chapter here.

What You'll Learn


cpt and client exercising

For over 30 years, the National Academy of Sports Medicine has developed the most successful personal trainers in the fitness industry. Our NCCA-accredited personal trainer certification provides you with the most scientifically accurate information, all delivered in our revolutionary digital learning platform. If you want to become one of the best, most respected, and highest-paid fitness trainers, it’s as simple as getting certified online with NASM.

Our Self-Study Course Makes Learning Fun & Easy!

This is not your typical 'science' self-study course. Our Certified Personal Trainer course utilizes an ‘edutainment’ style of learning - making the self-study course fun, easy, and accessible for everyone studying for their personal trainer job! With dozens of Hollywood-style videos and state-of-the-art graphics, you’ll truly enjoy the learning process from start to finish, regardless of your learning style.

Learn the Latest Training Strategies

Don’t learn outdated information! Our self-study course is decades ahead of our competitors and is by far the most comprehensive fitness training the industry has ever seen. This self-study course uses the most accurate and up-to-date science, then teaches you how to transform that science into real-world scenarios.

Build a Successful Fitness Career

Learn everything you need to build a successful fitness career working in a gym, or even being your own boss and setting your own hours. The industry’s best personal trainer certification will prepare you for a long and lucrative fitness career working with everyone from weekend warriors to professional athletes.

Train Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime with NASM’s World-Renowned OPT™ Model

The foundation of NASM’s Certified Personal Trainer course is the exclusive Optimum Performance Training® model. It’s your blueprint for success. The OPT™ Model provides you with a systematic approach to developing personalized and unique training plans that allow you to see predictable outcomes for every client. It’s a flexible and comprehensive system that allows you to create individualized training plans for any client, any time.

Master Accurate, Effective Client Assessments

Assessing, instead of guessing, is critical to successfully training a client. By understanding where the issues in their body are, you can then begin to figure out how to properly address underlying problems that could prevent them from reaching their end fitness goals.

Learn the Art of Behavior Change

Having a plan for your future personal trainer job is great, but knowing how to convince your clients to stick to it is even better. That’s where behavior change comes in. Within our self-study course, you’ll learn the keys to helping people alter behaviors that prevent them from becoming the ultimate version of themselves.

 

Personal Trainer Certification Curriculum

To be eligible for this personal training course, you must have a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, you need a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification. You may enroll in the self-study course before having your CPR and AED certifications; however, you must have them before you take your final exam.

Chapter 1: The Modern State of Health and Fitness
Learn to distinguish your role as a personal trainer, identify common chronic health conditions, differentiate evidence-based practice from fitness fads, and define your scope as a professional.

Chapter 2: The Personal Training Profession
Fitness professionals have the option to work for a variety of employers or to work for themselves. This chapter explores industry growth and the overall career outlook for personal trainers.

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7 Infographics

Video

6 Videos

Audio Book

2 Audio Lectures

Check List

12 Knowledge Checks

Digital Device

7 Infographics

Videos

6 Videos

Audio Book

2 Audio Lectures

Check List

12 Knowledge Checks

Chapter 3: Psychology of Exercise
The role of psychology in fitness and wellness is extremely important. It can deal with several topics, including the way exercise participation affects someone’s mood in both the short and the long term, the effect of weight loss on self-esteem, the motivations to become physically active, and how social influences affect overall exercise behavior.

Chapter 4: Behavioral Coaching
This chapter covers clients’ expectations, assessing behavior change, structuring optimal sessions, communicating effectively, and implementing exercise adherence techniques using behavior change.

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8 Infographics

Videos

5 Videos

Audio Book

2 Audio Lectures

Check List

10 Knowledge Checks

Digital Device

8 Infographics

Videos

5 Videos

Audio Book

2 Audio Lectures

Check List

10 Knowledge Checks

Chapter 5: The Nervous, Skeletal, and Muscular Systems
Because all fitness professionals need an understanding of anatomy and the Human Movement System, this chapter covers the fundamentals of the Nervous, Skeletal, and Muscular Systems.

Chapter 6: The Cardiorespiratory, Endocrine, and Digestive Systems
You will learn how to identify the structure and function of the cardiorespiratory system, how to categorize the function of the endocrine system, as well as the digestive system.

Chapter 7: Human Movement Science
You will gain an understanding of the basics of biomechanics and motor behavior as they relate to working as a personal trainer.

Chapter 8: Exercise Metabolism and Bioenergetics
This section of the course breaks down the various energy systems within the body, providing essential insight into the ways we use food for fuel.

Chapter 9: Nutrition
Improving health and fitness means more than just exercise; it also requires a commitment to improve the way the body is fueled. Although specific diet prescription is outside a trainer's scope of practice, this chapter will provide the basics needed to support nutritional discussions with clients and make recommendations on how to support their goals through a healthy diet.

Chapter 10: Supplementation
It is important that the personal trainer understands what supplements are and how to educate clients on risks associated with various supplements. Within you will learn the necessary information to discuss supplementation with a client while remaining within your scope of practice.

Digital Device

115 Infographics

Videos

19 Videos

Audio Book

6 Audio Lectures

Check List

30 Knowledge Checks

Digital Device

115 Infographics

Videos

19 Videos

Audio Book

6 Audio Lectures

Check List

30 Knowledge Checks

Chapter 11: Health, Wellness, and Fitness Assessments
After this chapter, you will be able to explain the importance of assessments, collect and summarize subjective client information, identify steps for conducting body composition assessments, and choose the correct cardiorespiratory assessments on an individual basis.

Chapter 12: Posture, Movement, and Performance Assessments
Posture, movement, and performance assessments are an integral part of the intake process for all clients and will assist the fitness professional in developing customized fitness programs to enhance a client’s well-being.

Digital Device

15 Infographics

Videos

14 Videos

Audio Book

2 Audio Lectures

Check List

10 Knowledge Checks

Digital Device

15 Infographics

Videos

14 Videos

Audio Book

2 Audio Lectures

Check List

10 Knowledge Checks

Chapter 13: Integrated Training and the OPT™ Model
After complete interpretations of assessment results, a comprehensive training program can be developed through application of specific acute variables defined in the NASM OPT™ Model.

Chapter 14: Flexibility Training Concepts
Learn the scientific rationale for flexibility training, proper stretching exercises, stretches for beginners, and more within this chapter of the course.

Chapter 15: Cardiorespiratory Training Concepts
Cardiorespiratory fitness reflects the ability of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to supply oxygen-rich blood to skeletal muscles during sustained physical activity. You will learn more within the course.

Chapter 16: Core Training Concepts
A properly designed core training program can be a key component of an overall training plan used to achieve a broad range of goals. The objective of core training is the development of core stability, endurance, strength, and power. Learn more within.

Chapter 17: Balance Training Concepts
The ability to maintain postural control or balance is a fundamental component of performance, injury resistance, and rehabilitation that follows an injury. Learn how to incorporate balance training within your clients’ programming.

Chapter 18: Plyometric (Reactive) Training Concepts
You will learn how to explain plyometric training and its three phases, summarize the benefits of the modality, identify proper progressions, and teach proper cueing techniques.

Chapter 19: Speed, Agility, and Quickness Training Concepts
Speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) trainingis a useful and effective method of fitness training that stimulates muscular, neurological, connective tissue, and even cardiovascular fitness adaptations.

Chapter 20: Resistance Training Concepts
You will learn how to summarize resistance training principles to clients, categorize exercises for different types of goals and adaptations, and employ safe methods and resistance training variables.

Digital Device

26 Infographics

Videos

102 Videos

Audio Book

8 Audio Lectures

Check List

42 Knowledge Checks

Digital Device

26 Infographics

Videos

102 Videos

Audio Book

8 Audio Lectures

Check List

42 Knowledge Checks

Chapter 21: The Optimum Performance Training® Model
Creating and modifying exercise programs for clients can be a complicated process because there are many variables to consider, including the client’s goals, their tolerance for exercise, and their unique physical abilities and medical history. The Optimum Performance Training® Model makes it simple.

Chapter 22: Introduction to Exercise Modalities
Within this chapter you will learn how to categorize different exercise modalities, describe their uses depending on different clients, and determine the correct resistance and proprioceptive uses on an individual basis.

Chapter 23: Chronic Health Conditions and Special Populations
This chapter covers important information and recommendations for assessing and designing exercise programs for clients with selected chronic health conditions or functional limitations.

Digital Device

2 Infographics

Videos

8 Videos

Audio Book

3 Audio Lectures

Check List

19 Knowledge Checks

Digital Device

7 Infographics

Videos

8 Videos

Audio Book

3 Audio Lectures

Check List

19 Knowledge Checks

Successful completion of the final exam is required to become a Certified Personal Trainer. You have 2 exam options:

Option 1. NASM Personal Trainer Certificate (Non-Proctored Exam)
This non-proctored and open-book exam has 100 questions and requires a passing grade of 70%. This exam is administered online only. You will have 3 hours to complete the exam, and you must take the exam within 180 days of your enrollment date.

Option 2. NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NCCA Accredited Certification Exam)
The NCCA is a nationally recognized third-party agency that accredits certification programs which are able to meet and comply with its standards. The NCCA exam is a nationally accredited exam. This closed-book exam has 120 questions. You must pass with a scaled score of 70 or better. This proctored exam can be administered either in-person or online, and you will have 2 hours to complete the test. You must take this exam within 180 days of your enrollment date.

The choice is yours, and selecting which exam to take will depend on your goals.

NASM Certified Personal Trainer program FAQs

If you have additional questions about this self-study course, check out the FAQ page or contact us today 1-800-460-6276!

You must recertify/renew every two years to ensure that your NASM Personal Trainer certification stay up to date with current best-practice guidelines and skills. You will be required to earn 2.0 NASM-approved CEUs every two-year period. This includes 0.1 CEUs from the mandatory CPR/AED certification.

The number of questions for each exam option are different:

Option 1. NASM Personal Trainer Certificate (Non-Proctored Exam)
This non-proctored, open-book exam has 100 exam questions.

Option 2. NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NCCA Accredited Certification Exam)
This proctored, closed-book exam has a total of 120 exam questions.

The retest requirements are different for each exam option:

Option 1. NASM Personal Trainer Certificate (Non-Proctored Exam)
You have 3 attempts to pass this exam option. If you do not pass after 3 attempts, a retest can be purchased by calling NASM Member Services at 1-800-460-6276.

Option 2. NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NCCA Accredited Certification Exam)
If you do not pass this exam option the first time, a retest can be purchased. Please call NASM Member Services at 1-800-460-6276. A retest is included with the Premium Self Study and All-Inclusive programs.

You must have a high school degree or GED. You're also required to have a current CPR and AED certification before you take the exam.

NASM accepts online and in-person CPR/AED credentials.

You will have 180 days from the date of enrollment to take either of the exam options. An extension for the exam can be purchased by contacting NASM Member Services at 1-800-460-6276.

Option 1. NASM Personal Trainer Certificate (Non-Proctored Exam)
This non-proctored, open-book exam is administered online only.

Option 2. NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NCCA Accredited Certification Exam)
This proctored, closed-book exam can be taken online or in-person. For more information click here.

 

You can complete your personal training certification in as few as 4 weeks. In addition to its interactive multimedia-rich content, learning tools, resources, and comprehensive study-planning guide, you can also receive assistance from NASM experts when questions arise.

Not only are we the most reputable, science-based provider, but joining the NASM community grants you access to a job guarantee program for select exam options and packages; your top choice of gyms to work for, access to fitness experts, and so much more.

 

Not sure which program is right for you?

 

How much support do you want through your course?

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Your Results

Certified Personal Trainer : Self-Study

$79 /month

Interest-free payment plans


or


$999

  • NCCA Accredited Exam
  • NASM-CPT Digital Textbook
  • Content Learning Videos
  • Exercise Video Library
  • Practice Exams & Quizzes
  • Virtual Coaching Specialization

Have questions? Call 1-800-460-6276 to speak to a Program Advisor

Your Results

Certified Personal Trainer : Premium Self-Study

$107 /month

Interest-free payment plans


or


$1399

  • NCCA Accredited Exam
  • NASM-CPT Digital Textbook
  • Exercise Coaching Demonstrations
  • Job Guarantee
  • One-year NASM EDGE Trainer Plus
  • Virtual Coaching Specialization

Have questions? Call 1-800-460-6276 to speak to a Program Advisor

Your Results

Certified Personal Trainer : Guided Study

$143 /month

Interest-free payment plans


or


$1799

  • Job Guarantee
  • One-year NASM EDGE Trainer Plus
  • 10-Week, Instructor-Led Course
  • Certification Exam Retest
  • NASM-CPT Hardcopy Textbook
  • Virtual Coaching Specialization

Have questions? Call 1-800-460-6276 to speak to a Program Advisor

Your Results

Certified Personal Trainer : All-Inclusive

$243 /month

Interest-free payment plans


or


$2699

  • Job Guarantee
  • One-year NASM EDGE Trainer Plus
  • Certification Exam Retest
  • Gymternship
  • Recertify for Life
  • Virtual Coaching Specialization

Have questions? Call 1-800-460-6276 to speak to a Program Advisor

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Start for $0 Down
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ALL OPTIONS ARE 100% ONLINE AND SELF-PACED FOR YOUR LEARNING CONVENIENCE

 

Self-Study

 

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  • 100% Online Course

  • Two Exam Options • NASM Personal Trainer Certification (NCCA Accredited Exam)

    • NASM Personal Trainer Certificate (NASM Exam)

  • State-of-the-Art, Digital Learning Platform

  • High-End Learning Videos

  • Audio Chapter Summaries

  • Exercise Demonstration Library

  • Biodigital 3D Models

  • Handouts and Resources Library

  • Practice Exam, Quizzes and Knowledge Checks

  • Best-in-Class Test Prep with NASM's Edge Mobile App

  • 100% Online Course

  • NCCA Accredited Exam

  • State-of-the-Art, Digital Learning Platform

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  • High-End Learning Videos

  • Audio Chapter Summaries

  • Exercise Demonstration Library

  • Biodigital 3D Models

  • Handouts and Resources Library

  • Practice Exam, Quizzes and Knowledge Checks

  • Best-in-Class Test Prep with NASM's Edge Mobile App

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  • Everything in Self-Study plus...

  • Job Guarantee** ($499 value) Upon successful completion of your NASM-CPT exam, NASM guarantees that you will get a job within 90 days or the cost of the Job Guarantee will be refunded to you. Terms and conditions apply to the Job Guarantee can be found in the CPT Candidate Handbook

  • Unlimited Access to NASM Fitness Experts ($299 value)

  • Exam Retest ($199 value)

  • $900+ added value

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  • Everything in Premium
    Self-Study plus...

  • Gymternship ($699 value) With this upgrade, you will receive 80 hours of on-site, hands-on experience with actual fitness clients. You'll also get weekly online & practical assignments that incorporate fitness training services, typical facility tasks, and mentoring.

  • Hardcopy Textbook ($199 value)

  • CPR/AED Certification Online ($49 value)

  • $900+ added value

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  • Everything in All-Inclusive plus...

  • Corrective Exercise Specialization (CES) ($899 value)

  • Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) ($899 value)

  • Performance Enhancement Specialization (PES) ($849 value)

  • Fully Customizable Bundle - Call in for Details

  • $2,400+ added value

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The textbook can be added to the Self-Study or Premium Self-Study packages by calling one of our Program Advisors at 1-800-460-6276. Purchase of the textbook is not required in order to become eligible to sit for the exam.

**Upon successful completion of your NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NCCA-Accredited Certification Exam), NASM guarantees that you will get a job within 90 days or the cost of the Job Guarantee will be refunded to you. Terms and conditions apply to the Job Guarantee and can be found in the T&Cs (Section 5).

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Learn about different fitness career paths that are available and how to choose one that's right for you!

 

 

Top Program Bundles

Call 1-800-460-6276 to speak to a Program Advisor about which bundle is right for you, or to create a custom bundle!

Launch your career as a fitness trainer and set yourself up for a lifetime of success with three of NASM's most popular self-study courses.

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Help clients transform their lives and achieve long-term success by becoming both a Certified Personal Trainer and a Certified Nutrition Coach.

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Stand out in the fitness industry with unlimited access to our top 4 fitness self-study courses and additional benefits.

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Gain the tools you need to successfully help clients reach their health and weight loss goals.

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