SUPERCHARGE YOUR FITNESS CAREER AS AN NASM MASTER TRAINER.

Apply Now

Only the best of the best can call themselves an NASM Master Trainer. But for those with the courage to put themselves to the test, the rewards are many: A distinguished credential. Specialized training. Increased earning potential. Exclusive NASM support. And the confidence that comes from knowing you’ve been ranked among the best personal trainers in the world.



Male NASM trainer leaning on punching bag

DARE TO REACH YOUR POTENTIAL

Do you have a consuming passion for fitness, a relentless ambition to improve, and the tenacity to never settle for second best? Then accept the challenge and apply to become an NASM Master Trainer, our professional advancement program designed for the world’s most elite fitness professionals.

Apply Now

Eligibility Requirements:

All requirements must be met before purchasing the NASM Master Trainer Summit.

  • Three years training 10+ client hours per week using the OPT™ Model
  • Attendance at an NASM-sponsored workshop
  • The following valid and up-to-date credentials:

    • Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

    • Corrective Exercise Specialization (CES)

    • Performance and Exercise Specialization (PES)

    • One additional NASM Specialization or an approved college degree*

Application Requirements:

  • Professional resume
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Short essay
Female typing on iPad while sitting on a couch
NASM trainer assisting athletes with outdoor workout
 

JOIN THE WORLD’S ELITE FITNESS
PROS AS AN NASM MASTER TRAINER.

Apply Now

The NASM Master Trainer Summit provides you with expert-level training and assessment to develop your coaching skills and verify that you’re an elite-level trainer. There are 4 steps to completing your journey to becoming an NASM Master Trainer:

1. Application

    Contact an NASM Advisor at 1-800-460-6276 to apply. You’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements as explained above before you can submit your application.

2. Advanced Training

    Once accepted, you’ll complete a rigorous online training component. This program will sharpen your critical thinking skills and provide expert targeted feedback on your progress. You have 4 weeks to pass the online course before you can move on to the next step.

3. Live Evaluation

    After completing the online component, you’ll attend an in-person or virtual workshop where you’ll learn from NASM Master Instructors. They will evaluate your ability to apply the foundational OPT™ Model, coach effectively, obtain client results, and design effective customized programs.

4. Final Examination

    Once you have successfully completed both the online and instructor-led evaluations, the last step is to pass a final examination. Once that’s complete, congratulations—you’ll be an official NASM Master Trainer! You’ll receive a number of exclusive benefits to help further your fitness career.

Rick Richey and client

Call an NASM Advisor to Learn More

1-800-460-6276

Get Started

2024 NASM Master Trainer Summit

Date: May 11th & 12th
Location: NASM Headquarters in Gilbert, AZ

Date: September 21st & 22nd
Location: Virtual

Space is limited and spots fill up fast! Call 1-800-460-6276 or fill out the form to start your application for the 2024 summit dates.

Fill out the form to learn more about the NASM Master
Trainer Summit.

 
Female and male NASM trainers posing against cement wall
 

THE AWESOME PERKS OF
BEING A MASTER TRAINER

Get Started

Being a Master Trainer comes with some amazing benefits. Because when you dedicate yourself to becoming the most knowledgeable trainer you can, we believe it’s only right to reward you with exclusive benefits and opportunities befitting your elite fitness status.

Exclusive NASM
Master Trainer Apparel
Recertify for Life Membership Included
Join NASM’s Master Trainer Facebook Group
Inclusion on NASM’s Master Trainer Page
Join Upcoming NASM Pilot Projects

Call an NASM Advisor to Learn More

1-800-460-6276
Group of NASM trainers inside gym
 

Choose Your Specialization

Apply Now

To apply for the NASM Master Trainer program, you’ll need to complete one NASM specialization in addition to the basic requirements (NASM CPT, CES, and PES). Here are some of our most popular specializations to choose from:

Athlete foam rolling calf

Certified Wellness Coach (CWC)

  • Learn our 5-pillar approach to holistic wellness and use it to help clients achieve mental, emotional, social, and physical well-being.
  • Practice wellness coaching scenarios in a guided and risk-free environment.
  • Join the rapidly growing $7 trillion wellness industry.
Trainer assisting client with workout

Certified Sports Nutrition Coach (CSNC)

  • Fuel your clients with the nutrition they need to give their best during every game, match, and practice.
  • Help your athletes gain a competitive edge beyond what they can achieve through exercise alone.
  • Learn the advanced science of periodization and nutrient timing to ensure optimal performance and recovery.
Trainer assisting client with workout
Nutrition coach helping client making smoothie

Certified Nutrition
Coach (CNC)

  • Learn the latest evidence-based nutrition science.
  • Evaluate client nutrition needs and provide guidance on a diet that supports their fitness goals.
  • Use behavior change strategies to develop long-lasting weight loss and nutrition habits.
NASM trainer assisting client on treadmill

Weight Loss
Specialization (WLS)

  • Understand the science of weight loss to help clients lose weight and improve their health.
  • Learn effective evidence-based nutrition, exercise, and behavioral change strategies.
  • Help clients overcome the real-world obstacles that can sabotage their weight loss efforts.
NASM trainer assisting client on treadmill
Group of NASM trainers on beach

Group Personal Training Specialization (GPTS)

  • Grow your impact and your income by learning to provide personal training for multiple clients simultaneously.
  • Gain the skills and methods you need to design and deliver a successful group personal training experience.
  • Learn the business essentials to market your services and expand your business with high-retention group sessions.
Group of NASM trainers smiling at camera
 

JOIN THE BEST. JOIN NASM MASTER TRAINERS.

Get Started


Call an NASM Advisor to Learn More

1-800-460-6276
Athlete side throwing weighted ball
 

MASTER TRAINER FAQ

Is there a cost for the NASM Master Trainer program?
The Master Trainer program has a one-time cost, with no ongoing membership fees or dues. Contact an NASM Advisor for more information regarding NASM Master Trainer Summit costs.

Can I participate if I am not certified through NASM?
No. To become an NASM Master Trainer, you must be an NASM Certified Personal Trainer.


What do I do if my NASM CPT expired before or during being in the Master Trainer program?
A current and valid NASM CPT certification is required to be part of the Master Trainer program. If your certification is not valid, you must either recertify or retake and pass the NASM CPT exam.


* What are the types of approved college degrees?


Approved degrees include:


    • Exercise Science

    • Exercise Physiology

    • Kinesiology/Biomechanics

    • Physical Education

    • Nutrition/Dietetics

    • Athletic Training

    • Physical Therapy

    • Chiropractic

    • Occupational Therapy

    • Health Education

    • Public Health

    • Sports Management


How many specializations do I need to participate in the NASM Master Trainer program?


The following credentials are required:


    • Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

    • Corrective Exercise Specialization (CES)

    • Performance and Exercise Specialization (PES)

    • One additional NASM Specialization or an approved college degree (see the question above for approved college degrees)


Do I need all specializations prior to applying for the Master Trainer program?
Yes, you must meet all the requirements at the time of application.


I am certified with NASM but have credentials with other organizations. Can those count towards a specialization?
No. Only NASM specializations or an accredited college degree in an exercise science-related program can be counted in the NASM Master Trainer program.


Do CEU from the NASM Master Trainer Program CEUs apply to my NASM CPT recertification?
Yes, all CEUs will be counted toward NASM CPT recertification.

Why should I complete the NASM Master Trainer program?
As an NASM Master Trainer you’ll gain credibility and recognition as an elite fitness professional. This designation also offers unique marketing and branding opportunities to help support your business, clients, and career. NASM will also recognize you through branded promotional items, online recognition, and product discounts.


How long does it take to complete the NASM Master Trainer program?
It typically takes at least 2 years of training experience to complete the entire program, depending on your education, work history, and level of dedication. Here are the typical time requirements for each part of the program (some of which you may have already completed):


    • Become an NASM Certified Personal Trainer (typically takes 2-6 months)

    • Pass 3 NASM specializations (typically takes 4-12 months)

    • Complete the NASM Master Trainer Summit (typically takes 2-3 months)


What’s the difference between an NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and an NASM Master Trainer?
NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM CPT) has displayed the necessary competence to complete and pass an accredited certification to work as a certified personal trainer.
An NASM Master Trainer is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer with additional advanced specializations who has been evaluated by NASM faculty and passed 3 rigorous examinations to be professionally recognized as an NASM Master Trainer.


What if I’m considered a “Master Trainer” at my current employer?
Earning the NASM Master Trainer credential will add to your current credentials and further improve your reputation as an accomplished fitness professional.


What if I’m considered a “Master Trainer” at my current employer?
Earning the NASM Master Trainer credential will not interfere with any designations you currently hold. In fact, earning the NASM Master Trainer credential will add to your current credibility and reputation as an accomplished fitness professional.


Will my clients know what an NASM Master Trainer is?
Some clients may know about the NASM Master Trainer program, while others may not. After successfully completing the NASM Master Trainer program, you’ll be given access to unique branding and marketing opportunities to spread the word about your success.

What happens if I do not pass the online component of the NASM Master Trainer Summit?
The NASM Master Trainer Summit experience is designed for NASM Certified Personal Trainers to audit and enhance their practical skills in personal training, corrective exercise, and performance enhancement with the help of NASM Master Instructors.


The Summit consists of 3 parts:


Part 1: An online training component. This training will cover many aspects of fitness training, including: fitness testing and evaluation, exercise technique, program design, coaching, and communication. You must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher to be invited to Part 2 of the Summit.


Part 2: A 2-day workshop (virtual or in-person) where our NASM faculty will evaluate and assess your mastery of coaching, communication, confidence in defining concepts, and training elements. Participants will be asked to speak, demonstrate, and coach on a variety of topics while being evaluated by NASM faculty. You must pass with a 70% or higher to receive access to Part 3 of the Summit.


Part 3: A final examination. You will be given access to the final exam and will have 7 days to complete it. You must pass the exam with a score of 70% or better to earn the title of a Master Trainer.


What should I bring to the NASM Master Trainer Summit experience?
Wear workout attire and have a notebook and pen handy. We also suggest having an area of 8x8 feet to demonstrate certain techniques, exercises, etc. You will need a foam roller and a band and/or dumbbells available for demonstration purposes.


How long do I have to complete the online component?
You will have 4 weeks to complete the online course.


What’s required to pass the NASM Master Trainer Summit?
Passing the NASM Master Trainer Summit requires a score of 70% for each of the 3 parts of the process, including:


    • The online component

    • Evaluation component during the in-person/virtual component

    • A post-event examination


If you do not pass any of these sections, you will not pass the Summit


What happens if I do not pass the online component?
If you do not pass the online portion with a score of 70% or higher, you will not be allowed to progress to the other 2 portions of the program and will have to re-apply at a later time.


If I don’t pass, is there a waiting period to try again?

If you don’t pass the Summit, you must wait one year before you can re-apply. During this time, we suggest you review the foundational courses offered through NASM: CPT, CES, and PES.

If you have additional questions,
please contact an NASM Advisor at

1-800-460-6276
  • 1-800-460-6276