NASM Recertification and Renewal
Requirements
Every two years, NASM and AFAA certified professionals are required to apply for recertification or renewal. This process helps ensure that you stay up-to-date with the latest industry knowledge and keeps your credentials active, so you can continue providing excellent service.
Select a certification to learn about recertification and renewal requirements.
FITNESS
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- NASM Personal Trainer Certificate
- NASM International Certified Personal Trainer
- AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor
WELLNESS
NUTRITION
Looking for a simpler, more cost‑effective way to stay certified? Join NASM One™, the all‑in‑one membership designed to support and elevate your career. As a member, your Recertification/Renewal Application fees are covered, and you’ll unlock a suite of exclusive benefits that make renewal easier than ever.
NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT)
Maintaining an active NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) credential is essential to demonstrate your ongoing commitment to excellence and professionalism. By meeting recertification requirements, you ensure your knowledge and skills remain up to date with industry standards—reinforcing your credibility and supporting the continued success and safety of your clients. To keep your credential current, NASM-CPTs must:
- Recertify every two years by earning 2.0 NASM-approved CEUs. This includes 0.1 CEUs from the mandatory CPR/AED certification
- Upload documentation to the Recertification Portal
- Pay your recertification fees, if applicable
Learn more about NASM-CPT recertification guidelines here.
NASM Personal Trainer Certificate (PTC)
Remain up to date with the latest industry standards and best practices by continuously enhancing your skills and knowledge. Maintaining your NASM Personal Trainer Certificate (PTC) demonstrates your commitment to learning and safe and effective training practices. NASM Personal Trainers are required to:
- Renew every two years by earning 2.0 NASM-approved CEUs. This includes 0.1 CEUs from the mandatory CPR/AED certification
- Upload documentation to the Recertification Portal
- Pay your recertification fees, if applicable
Learn more about PTC renewal guidelines here.
NASM International Certified Personal Trainer (ICPT)
Our professionals who hold the NASM International Certified Personal Trainer (ICPT) will also need to renew their credential every two years. Staying up to date on the global trends and current standards will help you to stay on top of your field. International Certified Personal Trainers are required to:
- Recertify every two years by earning 2.0 NASM-approved CEUs. This includes 0.1 CEUs from the mandatory CPR/AED certification
- Upload documentation to the Recertification Portal
- Pay your recertification fees, if applicable
If you obtained your NASM-ICPT certification through an NASM International Partner, you may need to contact that distributor for detailed submission instructions. For information on how to reach your international distributor, clickhere.
AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor (CGFI)
By recertifying your AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor (CGFI) credential, you not only fulfill industry requirements but also reinforce your credibility, helping you stand out in a competitive market. Recertification ensures you remain current with the latest fitness trends, safety protocols, and teaching methodologies, so you can offer the best experience to your classes. AFAA CGFIs must:
- Recertify every two years by earning 1.5 CEUs (continuing education units) and maintaining your current CPR/AED certification (0.1 CEU)
- Upload documentation to the Recertification Portal
- Pay your recertification fees, if applicable
Learn more about AFAA’s CGFI recertification guidelines here.
NASM Certified Wellness Coach
Wellness Coaches guide their clients on a holistic health journey that goes beyond the gym, fostering better life satisfaction, enhanced mental and emotional well-being, improved sleep and recovery, and improved physical performance. Staying up-to-date with certification is essential to keep pace with evolving scientific advancements. Wellness Coaches must:
- Recertify every two years by earning 1.9 NASM-approved CEUs
- Upload documentation to the Recertification Portal
- Pay your recertification fees, if applicable
To learn more about renewing your certification, click here.
NASM Certified Nutrition Coach
As a Nutrition Coach, you make a difference in clients’ lives through inspiring them to fuel their bodies to reach their health and fitness goals. With that level of commitment, it's important to ensure that your knowledge is up-to-date. To renew your credential, NASM Certified Nutrition Coach must:
- Recertify every two years by earning 1.9 NASM-approved CEUs
- Upload documentation to the Recertification Portal
- Pay your recertification fees, if applicable
Find out more about renewing your credential here.
NASM Certified Sports Nutrition Coach
NASM Certified Sports Nutrition Coaches know the value of keeping up with the latest nutrition trends in fitness and performance. So, it’s important to renew and keep current on best practice guidelines to continually develop your knowledge of sports nutrition beyond the basic levels. NASM Certified Sports Nutrition Coaches must:
- Recertify every two years by earning 1.9 NASM-approved CEUs
- Upload documentation to the Recertification Portal
- Pay your recertification fees, if applicable
Learn more about renewing the NASM-CSNC credential here
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, with all the resources you need to enhance and advance your career.
Continuing Education Courses
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FAQs
What is a CEU?
CEU is an acronym for Continuing Education Unit. CEUs are intended to continue to develop knowledge and skills, as well as enhance professional skills beyond the levels required for entry-level practice.
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 pre-approved?
Continuing education courses not pre-approved with NASM can be reviewed by petition only. A $25 nonrefundable administrative fee is required for each course/event petitioned. You may petition a course in the recertification section in your NASM Student Portal.
What does it mean if my Recertification/Renewal application is under "audit"?
When an application is under audit, it signifies a random selection in which the submission is reviewed personally by one of our staff. If any documentation is missing or additional information is required, you will be notified via email.
Once you successfully complete your recertification or renewal requirements, an updated Digital Certificate and Digital Badge will become available to you within 24 hours, but in most cases immediately. Simply log in to the Customer Portal to access both.
If I renewed my CPR/AED card after my certification expiration date, will it still be accepted for my renewal?
If the CPR/AED card is completed with the 90-day grace period after your certification, it will be accepted for your renewal.
Can I take my CPR/AED certification online?
INASM offers an online CPR/AED certification. However, you can meet the required CPR/AED certifications through the following organizations: American Heart Association, American Red Cross, American Safety and Health Institute, St. John Ambulance, Emergency Care & Safety Institute or Emergency Medical Technician.
What is Recertify for Life?
NASM's Recertify for Life gives NASM professionals the opportunity to avoid recertification and renewal application fees with a one-time fee of $399. NASM-CPTs are still required to submit a recertification/renewal application and show proof of 2.0 CEU's (including a mandatory copy of a current CPR/AED card) every 2 years.
*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.