Certified Personal Trainer
Recertification/Renewal Process

Q: How Often Do I Need to Recertify?

The NASM-CPT certification must be recertified every two (2) years in order to support our commitment to protect health and safety. This ensures that NASM-CPTs are up-to-date with the most current guidelines, best prices, and skills.

Q: Can I recertify if my current certification has expired?

The NASM-CPT credential will expire if all recertification requirements have not been met by the certification expiration date. Recertification applications will be accepted up to one year from the certification expiration date if all continuing education courses have been completed before or within 90 days of the certification expiration date. A late fee is charged for applications received up to 90 days post expiration. After the 90 days, an additional fee is applied and the recertification application must be received before one year after credential expiration.

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Recertification/Renewal: An Opportunity to Expand Your Skills!

As an NASM Certified Personal Trainer, you are required to earn 2.0 NASM-approved CEUs every two-year period. This includes 0.1 CEUs from the mandatory CPR/AED certification. CEUs ensure you're current with best-practice guidelines, plus they provide an opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills. Choose from a variety of course topics, including but not limited to:

How To Recertify/Renew

Step 1: Complete Your CEUs & CPR/AED Certification

NASM Certified Personal Trainers are required to earn 2.0 NASM-approved CEUs every two-year period. This includes 0.1 CEUs from the mandatory CPR/AED certification. You can earn up to 1.9 CEUs from NASM's Continuing Education courses.

We also accept CEUs from NASM's Preferred Providers. Courses that are not preapproved with NASM require a petition, which can be completed in the recertification section in your NASM Student Portal.

See our recertification guidelines for the NCCA-Accredited Personal Trainer Certification (NCCA exam) here.

The renewal guidelines for the NASM Personal Trainer Certificate (non-proctored exam) can be found here .

female trainer and client using the ropes

Step 2: Upload Documentation to the Recertification/Renewal Portal

Log into your NASM account and click on the link to the NASM Recertification/Renewal Portal. Click on My CEUs under the Continuing Ed. section in the left menu column.

Enter your CEUs by choosing Provider/Petition CEUs or Add Other CEUs. Include documentation of continuing education courses completed (e.g., certificates of completion), as well as a copy of the front and back of your adult CPR/AED certification. If you have taken any NASM developed courses, they will automatically be listed in Category A. Please note: It can take up to 2 hours for an NASM course to show in the portal after completion.

Watch Video: Recertification Portal How-To
PDF Download: Recertification Portal User Guide

female trainer showing a male client a notebook

Step 3: Pay Your Recertification Fee

Click on Recertification/Renewal under the Certifications section in left menu column. Check the box next to your CPT expiration date and click on Recertify/Renew or Recertify for Life (for purchase). If you have already purchased Recertify for Life, you will simply click the Recertify/Renew button.

You will be directed to the NASM checkout cart to pay your recertification/renewal fee(s). Please note: Random users will be chosen for audit. A confirmation email will be sent to the email address on file once your application has been processed.

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 to develop knowledge and skills, as well as 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 the 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 nonrefundable administrative fee is required for each course/event petitioned. You may petition a course in the recertification/renewal section in your NASM Student Portal.

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 Recertification/Renewal Process