Certified Personal Trainer
Recertification Process
What You Need to Know
If you’re a NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT), you must renew your credential every two years by earning 2.0 approved Continuing Education Units (CEUs). This includes 0.1 CEUs from a required CPR/AED certification. Continuing education keeps you up to date and helps you grow your skills.
Popular CEU Topics
You can also use CEUs from NASM’s Preferred Providers. For courses not already approved, submit a petition using instructions in the Recertification Portal User Guide.
How to Renew Your NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) Credential
Step 1: Complete Your CEUs: Earn your required 2.0 CEUs for your NASM-CPT credential.
Step 2: Apply Online:
- Log in to the NASM Customer Portal. From the top menu, go to Credentials and select Recertification.
- Find your NASM Certified Personal Trainer credential and click Manage Renewal to enter the Recertification Portal.
- Upload your Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and complete all required fields in the application.
Step 3: Pay Your Fees:
Pay any recertification fees directly in the portal. You’ll receive a verification email when your application is received.
Note: Some applications are randomly audited. You’ll receive confirmation once yours is processed.
Helpful Resources
Watch the Recertification Portal Walkthrough Video
Download the Recertification Portal User Guide (PDF)
Discover NASM One™
The Best Place to Start When Renewing Your Credential
For about the same cost as a standard renewal, NASM One™ gives you so much more including:
- Waived recertification and renewal fees
- Unlimited access to 350+ CEU courses to fulfill your continuing education requirements
- Free retests and/or extensions if your courses are incomplete or expired
- 50% off Certifications and Specializations*
- Complimentary CPR/AED course
Renewing your credential is an important step, and with NASM One, you can take your professional growth even further—offering all the resources you need to enhance and advance your career.
FAQs
How often do I need to recertify/renew my Certified Personal Trainer Credentials?
Your NASM Certified Personal Trainer Credentials must be recertified/renewed every two years. 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.
What is a CEU?
CEU is an acronym for Continuing Education Unit. CEUs are intended to continue developing knowledge and skills and enhance professional skills beyond the levels required for entry-level practice.
Can I recertify/renew if my current credentials have expired?
If all recertification/renewal requirements have not been met by the expiration date, the NASM Certified Personal Trainer Credentials will expire. Recertification/Renewal applications will be accepted up to one year from the expiration date if all continuing education courses have been completed before or within 90 days of the expiration date. A late fee is charged for applications received up to 90 days post expiration. After 90 days, an additional fee is charged, and the recertification/renewal application must be received before one year after credential expiration.
How do I find a list of NASM approved providers and CEUs?
You can find NASM's Continuing Education courses by clicking here. To locate NASM-approved CEUs, visit our Course Providers page by clicking here.
Does NASM accept courses that are not preapproved?
Continuing education courses not preapproved with NASM can be reviewed by petition only. A $25 non refundable administrative fee is required for each course/event petitioned. Please refence the Recertification Portal User Guide for instructions on accessing the portal and the petition process.
What happens if my recertification/renewal submission is selected for audit?
There will be a random audit performed on all recertification/renewal applications submitted. If your application is chosen for audit, you will have 30 days to submit all supporting documentation to the NASM Recertification/Renewal Department.
*Certified Personal Trainer programs and bundles, Personal Trainer Certificate programs, exam-only purchases, workshops, Gymternship, Recertify-for-Life products, administrative fees, re-enroll packages, and courses already included in NASM One are excluded from the 50% discount.