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CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER

Ready to do what you love for a living? Launch your new career as a highly respected fitness professional with an industry-leading Personal Trainer Certification.

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  • Join our community of 1,500,000+ personal trainers who are winning using the program

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  • A self-paced online program makes it easy and convenient to launch your new career from home in as little as 4 weeks

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  • Two Exam Options included for you to select your preference:

    1. NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NCCA Accredited Certification Exam) - Monitored Exam

    2. NASM Personal Trainer Certificate - Open Book Exam

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  • Master up-to-date, evidence-based training strategies including NASM’s renowned Optimum Performance Training® (OPT™) Model

     

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  • Optional add-ons include Job Guarantee Program**, CPR certification, specializations and more

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  • Four program options to best suit your needs

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Become a Certified Personal Trainer from the world’s most trusted source of fitness training. NASM is a distinguished name that will stand out to employers, help launch your fitness career, and grow your earning potential in this life-changing industry.

When you choose NASM to become a Certified Personal Trainer, you’ll get access to:

  • • World-class fitness experts

  • • Peer-reviewed content from the brightest minds in the industry

  • • State-of-the-art digital learning platform designed to meet multiple learning styles

  • • A curriculum that is consistently reviewed and updated with the most up-to-date material available

  • • Gain the knowledge and skills to master the art of personal training and positively impact your clients’ lives

See the full Certified Personal Trainer curriculum here.

NASM’s online program makes becoming a Certified Personal Trainer as easy and convenient as can be. By completing the self-guided study materials at your own pace, you can become a Certified Personal Trainer and begin working with clients in as little as 4 weeks.

All you have to do is:

  1. 1) Select your program and register now for as little as $49 down. No-interest financing with low monthly payments is available.

  2. 2) Complete the self-guided online study materials in your own time from the comfort of home.

  3. 3) Pass your exam.

For your Certified Personal Trainer exam, you have two choices:

  • • NASM Personal Trainer Certificate (Non-Proctored Exam). This exam is open-book and you have 3 hours to answer 100 questions.

  • • NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NCCA Accredited Certification Exam). This exam can be administered either in-person or online. It’s closed-book and you have 2 hours to answer 120 questions.

The non-proctored exam requires a score of 70% or better to pass. The proctored exam requires a scaled score of 70 or better to pass.

NASM has over 35 years of experience training the world’s top fitness professionals, and we do it better than anyone else. NASM credentials stand out to employers and distinguish you as a highly trained fitness professional.

Since our formation, we’ve trained over 1.5 million fitness professionals in 100+ countries. In that time we’ve developed extensive partnerships with over 14,000+ gyms and health clubs. That means we have the connections necessary to help you get in the door and gain employment from the fitness company of your dreams.

 

Register Now to Become a Certified Personal Trainer

All payment plans are 0% interest, with no fees, penalties or credit check!

Choose your number of monthly payments, then select your program below:

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Self-Study

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Benefits

  • 100% Online Course

  • Learner Orientation The NASM Learner Orientation sets you up for success with practical tips on time management, study strategies, and course navigation.

  • Two Exam Options • NASM Personal Trainer Certificate (Non-Proctored Exam)
    • NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NCCA Accredited Certification Exam)
    • No Hidden Fees: Both exam options are included with your program!

  • 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
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Premium Self-Study

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Benefits

  • Everything in Self-Study plus...

  • Job Guarantee** Want help getting your first personal training job? With our Job Guarantee program, you're guaranteed to get a job within 90 days of passing your NASM CPT exam, or the cost of the Job Guarantee will be refunded to you.

  • Unlimited Access to NASM Fitness Experts
  • Exam Retest
  • $899 added value
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CPT Essentials Bundle

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Benefits

  • Everything in Premium Self-Study plus...
  • Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC)
  • CPR/AED Certification Online

  • CPT Practical Skills Workshop Led by NASM Master Instructors, this video-based learning experience equips you with the knowledge and skills to confidently assess, design, and administer fitness programming.

  • $1,149 added value
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  • Everything in CPT Essentials Bundle plus...
  • Corrective Exercise Specialization (CES)
  • Call 844-902-6487 to Customize Your Bundle
  • $899 added value
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Questions?

Talk to an NASM Program Advisor.

Our team of experts is ready to help you decide which program is best for you.

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SEE THE REVIEWS

Jack T.
“

NASM offers a diversity and assortment of certifications across the board, they have the professionals to help you get there and that's something that I love. Their online program is flawless. I love everything about them.

Jack T. | NASM CPT

Ashley Kaltwasser
“

NASM strategically constructed this training program with competitors and coaches so you’re getting the best, and that’s what they do. It’s definitely been proven to be a successful method.

Ashley Kaltwasser | 3x Ms Bikini Olympia Champion and IFBB Fitness Pro

Prentiss R.
“

The reason why NASM is a leader in fitness education and training. There's a clear path from assessment. You can build a program based on the person's individual needs and their goals.

Prentiss R. | Master Instructor

Chris Powell
“

I wanted the most broad certification that I could apply to the general population. Getting certfied through NASM, it was the perfect foundation for me to begin my journey.

Chris Powell | NASM CPT, IFBB Pro
NYT Bestselling Author | Extreme Makeover WL

Courtney F.
“

I have received so many benefits from being an NASM certified trainer. I am a happier person. I am now training thousands of women through the United States and in Europe. And I am so blessed.

Courtney F. | NASM CPT, WLS, CNC

Ricky J.
“

I've learned how to be more proactive and plan, really plan myself for success. That's what NASM does. It really plans your success.

Ricky J. | NASM CPT

 

Questions? Get guidance from our Program Experts

1-800-460-6276

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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.

  • • 7 Infographics

  • • 6 Videos

  • • 2 Audio Lectures

  • • 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.

  • • 8 Infographics

  • • 5 Videos

  • • 2 Audio Lectures

  • • 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.

  • • 115 Infographics

  • • 19 Videos

  • • 6 Audio Lectures

  • • 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.

  • • 15 Infographics

  • • 14 Videos

  • • 2 Audio Lectures

  • • 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.

  • • 26 Infographics

  • • 102 Videos

  • • 8 Audio Lectures

  • • 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.

  • • 2 Infographics

  • • 8 Videos

  • • 3 Audio Lectures

  • • 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.

Personal Trainer
Certification FAQs

As one of the most trusted sources of fitness training certifications in the world, NASM is a distinguished name that will stand out to fitness employers. When you choose NASM for your Personal Trainer certification, you’ll get access to world-class fitness experts, your top choice of gyms to work for, and much more:

• Peer-Reviewed Content from the Brightest Minds in the Industry
• State-of-the-Art Digital Learning Platform
• Programs Designed to Meet Multiple Learning Styles
• 35+ Years Of Experience Training Fitness Professionals
• 1.5M+ Fitness Professionals Trained
• 100+ Countries with NASM Fitness and Coach Professionals
• 14K+ Gym & Health Club Partnerships
• Optional NCCA Accreditation
• NCCA-Accredited Certification includes Job Guarantee Program**, CPR certification, specializations and more

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. For your convenience, NASM offers an online CPR/AED Certification.

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.

The CPT Practical Skills Workshop demonstrates how to best utilize NASM’s Optimum Performance Training® (OPT™) model to customize and align fitness programming for various client goals. The course consists of two modules: Course Introduction and Prep, and CPT Practical Skills Workshop Lecture Videos.

The first module (Course Introduction and Prep) focuses on level setting knowledge by providing a pre-test to gauge where the learner is in their education. It also provides prep and prep materials to review prior to the workshop.

The second module (CPT Practical Skills Workshop Lecture Videos) is a video-based learning experience led by NASM Master Instructors, Ken Miller and Wendy Batts. It covers the Human Movement System, Movement Assessments, the OPT Model, and how you use that information to develop Program Design. It also includes an hour long OPT Model Workout.

Successfully passing the final test with a 70% enables CPTs to earn 0.9 CEUs.

Absolutely! You can complete this program and become a Certified Personal Trainer while also working full-time. The study material is 100% online and self-paced, and can be accessed on a computer, or a mobile device such as a phone or tablet.

You have the choice between two exams—a non-proctored Certificate exam, and a proctored NCCA-Accredited Certification exam. Here are some of the major differences between the two:

• The non-proctored exam has 100 questions; the proctored exam has 120 questions.
• You have 3 hours to complete the non-proctored exam; you have 2 hours to complete the proctored exam.
• The non-proctored exam is open-book; the proctored exam is not.
• The non-proctored exam confers a Certificate as a Personal Trainer; the proctored exam confers an NCCA-Accredited Certification as a Personal Trainer.

The choice of exam is up to you and in most cases simply depends on what your employer requires.

The non-proctored, online-only exam contains 100 questions that must be answered within 3 hours. This exam is open-book, meaning you can refer to your study materials.

The proctored, NCCA-Accredited exam contains 120 questions that must be answered within 2 hours. This exam is closed-book, so you cannot refer to your study materials.

You will have 180 days from the date of registration 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.

The non-proctored exam is administered online only.

The proctored, NCCA-Accredited exam can be taken online or in-person. For more information click here.

For the non-proctored exam, you have 3 attempts to pass. If you do not pass after 3 attempts, a retest can be purchased by calling NASM Member Services at 1-800-460-6276.

For the proctored, NCCA-Accredited exam, you have one attempt to pass. A retest can be purchased by calling NASM Member Services at 1-800-460-6276. A retest is also included with the Premium Self Study and All-Inclusive programs.

You must recertify every two years to ensure that your Personal Trainer certification remains up-to-date with current best-practice guidelines and skills. You will be required to earn 2.0 NASM approved continuing education units (CEUs) every two-year period, which includes 1.9 CEUs from approved coursework and 0.1 CEUs from the mandatory CPR/AED certification.

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).

Notice of textbook error: Please refer to this document for corrections to the NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training, 7th Edition. Please note that corrections are made immediately upon discovery to our online programs. Accordingly, the online information always reflects the most accurate information.

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

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