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NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT)
Price
$79.00 /month
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Course Details
Course Description
Launch a rewarding career in fitness with NASM's Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) program-the gold standard personal training credentials. This comprehensive, self-paced course equips you with the science-backed knowledge and practical skills needed to design effective fitness programming and coach clients with confidence. Completing the program and earning the NCCA-accredited NASM-CPT certification will help you stand out to employers and increase your earning potential in the life-changing industry.
Please note: Purchase of NASM-CPT self-study or preperation material is not required to be eligible to sit for the NASM-CPT exam and does not guarantee a passing score. If you would like to purchase the exam only, visit us here.
Prerequisites
To be eligible for this personal training course, you must have:
- High school diploma or GED
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification
- 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 exam.
Course Sections
Section 1: Professional Development and Responsibility
Define your role, explore career paths, and learn to coach ethically in today’s fitness landscape.
Section 2: Client Relations and Behavioral Coaching
Master behavior change, build rapport, and coach with empathy to drive lasting client success.
Section 3: Basic and Applied Sciences and Nutrition Concepts
Understand movement, body systems, and nutrition to coach with precision and purpose.
Section 4: Assessment
Use assessments to uncover imbalances and personalize programs for measurable progress.
Section 5: Exercise Technique and Training Instruction
Apply the OPT™ Model to coach movement confidently across all training modalities.
Section 6: Program Design
Design inclusive, goal-driven programs tailored to every client’s needs and conditions.
Program Development & Scientific Rigor
The NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) program is built and peer-reviewed by a team of 33 expert contributors, 18 of whom hold doctoral degrees (PhD or EdD), alongside licensed physical therapists and a registered dietitian.
The learning content is supported by 1,223 scholarly references and evaluated by four independent peer reviewers before publication — a level of scientific rigor that sets NASM apart among NCCA-accredited personal trainer certifications.
Exam Details
Successful completion of the exam is required to become a Certified Personal Trainer.
NASM-Certified Personal Trainer (NCCA Accredited Certification Exam)
This closed-book, proctored exam has 120 questions. You must pass with score of 70 or better. It can be administered either in-person or online, and you will have two hours to complete the test. You must take this exam within 180 days of your date of purchase.
The NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) credential is proudly accredited by the NCCA, so you will be earning a certification that’s recognized and respected throughout the fitness industry. The NCCA is a nationally recognized third-party agency that accredits certification programs which are able to meet and comply with its standards. This accreditation assures employers and participants of the quality and credibility of your certification, further enhancing your professional reputation and career opportunities.
Rated brand in the industry
1.9M+
Professionals trained by NASM
14,000+
Partnerships with gyms and health clubs
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CPT Self-Study
Self-Paced. Backed by NASM Expertise.
$79.00 / Monthly
*$49 down + 12 payments
- Pay in full
- 4 monthly payments
- 12 monthly payments
- 17 monthly payments
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LEARN ONLINE AT YOUR OWN PACE
- 100% Flexibility & Fully Digital
- Practice Exams, Quizzes, and Instructional Videos
- Best-in-Class Test Prep with NASM’s Edge App (Flashcards & Practice Questions)
- Call 844-902-6486 for a fitness career consultation and get a free gift with purchase
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Learner Orientation
- Get started with easy-to-follow tips on managing your time, studying smarter, and finding your way around the course.
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CPT Premium Self-Study
Study Coach + Job Guarantee
$99.00 / Monthly
$112.00*$49 down + 12 paymentsOVER 10% OFF
- Pay in full
- 4 monthly payments
- 12 monthly payments
- 17 monthly payments
- SUPPORT FOR BETTER EXAM PREP
- Everything in CPT Self-Study: Flexibility, Fully Digital, Practice Exams, Learner Orientation, Practice Exams, Quizzes, Instructional Videos, and Edge App
- Unlimited Access to Study Support Coach
- NASM’s study support coaches are ready to answer course content questions, providing valuable guidance and encouragement.
- Job Guarantee*
- 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.
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CPT Essentials Bundle
Coach In & Out of the Gym
$114.00 / Monthly
$208.00*$49 down + 12 payments45% OFF
- Pay in full
- 4 monthly payments
- 12 monthly payments
- 17 monthly payments
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CPT + CAREER BOOSTERS
- Everything in CPT Premium Self-Study: Flexibility, Fully Digital, Learner Orientation, Practice Exams, Quizzes, Instructional Videos, and Edge App
- Unlimited Access to Study Support Coach
- Job Guarantee*
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Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) Self-Study Course
- Expand your earning potential by offering comprehensive nutritional support to your clients, instead of outsourcing their needs to other pros.
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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.
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CPR/AED Certification
- Required for all CPTs – learn CPR and AED skills to act fast and save lives.
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CPT Exclusive Bundle
The Career Launch Kit
$119.00 / Monthly
$283.00*$49 down + 12 paymentsOVER 55% OFF
- Pay in full
- 4 monthly payments
- 12 monthly payments
- 17 monthly payments
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BEST DEAL + MAX CAREER TOOLS
- Everything in CPT Essentials Bundle: Flexibility, Fully Digital, Learner Orientation, Practice Exams, Quizzes, Instructional Videos, and Edge App
- Unlimited Access to Study Support Coach
- Job Guarantee*
- Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) Self-Study Course
- CPT Practical Skills Workshop
- CPR/AED Certification
- Call 844-902-6487 to Customize Your Bundle
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Corrective Exercise Specialization (CES) Course
- Elevate your value out of the gate by helping clients achieve a better quality of life with movement, performance, and recovery strategies.
What is NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT)?
NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) is an NCCA-accredited professional certification for those who want to coach fitness clients. It prepares you to assess clients, design evidence-based programs, and coach real results using NASM's OPT Model. NCCA-accredited certifications are what most major gyms and health clubs require or prefer. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) is a nationally recognized third party agency that accredits certification programs which are able to meet and comply with its standards.
Why should I choose NASM to become a personal trainer?
NASM is a globally recognized leader in fitness, known for evidence-based programs and real-world application. NASM is built for career growth, not just certification. Your NASM-CPT gives you the recognized, science-backed credential many gyms require or prefer, while NASM’s specializations keep you growing in your career. Start as a personal trainer, then add credentials that match the clients you want to serve and the career you want to build. Whether your goal is to train clients for general fitness clients, athletic performance, weight-loss, wellness and behavior change, or movement quality, NASM has a pathway that supports you every step of the way.
What is the OPT Model?
The Optimum Performance Training® (OPT™) Model is NASM’s proprietary, evidence-based framework for program design. It progresses clients through phases to reduce movement dysfunction and improve performance, giving you a concrete method to follow rather than a loose set of exercises. It is a widely recognized training model in commercial fitness.
What are the prerequisites for NASM-CPT?
A high-school diploma or GED is required for NASM-CPT program, and a current CPR/AED certification is required before you take the NASM-CPT exam. No prior fitness certification or college degree is required to begin. The program is self-paced and fully online, so you can start right away and study around existing responsibilities.
How is the NASM-CPT exam structured?
The NASM-CPT, NCCA-accredited exam, is closed-book and proctored by PSI, taken online or in person. It has 120 questions (100 scored plus 20 unscored pretest items), a two-hour limit, and a scaled passing score of 70. You have 180 days from purchase to take the exam. The course content spans from client assessment and program design to behavioral coaching.
Is NASM-CPT accredited?
NASM-CPT is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accreditation most major gyms and health clubs require or prefer. NCCA accreditation signals the credentials meets recognized national standards, which is what employers check when they verify a personal trainer’s credential.
What is NASM-CPT pass rate?
In 2025, 19,338 of 22,843 candidates passed the NASM-CPT exam, a pass rate of 85% for the NCCA-accredited, proctored exam. NASM also publishes its scoring approach, which uses a scaled score with continuous review, so the passing standard remains consistent over time.
How do you keep NASM-CPT current?
NASM-CPT credential must be recertified every two years by earning 2.0 CEUs, which is about 20 hours of approved continuing education. NASM One™ membership waives the recertification fee and includes select continuing education, business tools, and community access, so active members can maintain the credential without a separate renewal charge. ,
How much do personal trainers earn?*
NASM-CPT qualifies you to work as a personal trainer in gyms, studios, or independently. In the 2026 State of the Personal Trainer Survey (N = 1,133, ±2.9%, 95% confidence), Certified Personal Trainers reported earning 22% more than the industry average, with new personal trainers averaging $48 an hour. To view the full report, click here.
Is NASM-CPT self-paced, and can I do it while working full-time?
NASM-CPT program is entirely self-paced and fully online, designed with working professionals in mind. You can progress on your own schedule and earn certification while managing a full-time job, school, or other commitments. Many candidates complete it in as little as four to six weeks studying 10 to 15 hours per week.
What is the NASM Job Guarantee?**
With NASM's Job Guarantee, you're guaranteed to get a job within 90 days of passing your NASM-CPT exam, or the cost of the Job Guarantee is refunded to you. It's included with CPT Premium Self-Study and select bundle plans. Terms and conditions apply (see T&Cs, Section 5).
How does NASM-CPT support long-term career growth?
NASM-CPT is designed to be the base credential in a longer career pathway. It helps you launch as a personal trainer with the knowledge to coach clients safely and effectively. As your career grows, you can stack NASM specializations to deepen your expertise, expand the populations you serve, and create more ways to earn. Instead of starting over when your goals change, you build on the foundation you already have.
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