If you’re planning to become a Certified Personal Trainer, certification is only the beginning. Reputable fitness certification organizations require you to maintain your credential through continuing education, CPR/AED certification, and periodic renewal. This ensures that Certified Personal Trainers stay up-to-date on industry best practices, changing science, and more.
The details vary, though: Some organizations use CEUs, others use CECs, and the amount of continuing education you need can range from 20 hours every two years to 45 credits every three years.
Those differences will affect how much time and money you spend maintaining your credential, which is a big part of your career in fitness. This guide covers certification renewal for Certified Personal Trainer programs through NASM, ACE, ISSA, NSCA, and ACSM.
Amanda Capritto
CPT, CES, CF-L1, FTS, CNC, CSNC
The table below gives you a starting point for comparing five major certification organizations. Keep in mind that the organizations use different terminology and structures, so the numbers are not always directly interchangeable.
<ul>
<li>
<p>Row 1</p>
<ul>
<li>Certification Body</li>
<li>Continuing Education Required</li>
<li>Renewal Cycle</li>
<li>Renewal Fee</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<p>Row 2</p>
<ul>
<li>NASM</li>
<li>2.0 CEUs</li>
<li>2 years</li>
<li>$99</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<p>Row 3</p>
<ul>
<li>ACE</li>
<li>2.0 CECs (20 hours)</li>
<li>2 years</li>
<li>$129 for one credential</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<p>Row 4</p>
<ul>
<li>NSCA</li>
<li>Varies by certification date; up to 6.0 CEUs in the current three-year cycle</li>
<li>3 years</li>
<li>$60 to $90, depending on member status and certification date</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<p>Row 5</p>
<ul>
<li>ACSM</li>
<li>45 CECs for ACSM-CPT</li>
<li>3 years</li>
<li>$60</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<p>Row 6</p>
<ul>
<li>ISSA</li>
<li>20 CEUs</li>
<li>2 years</li>
<li>$99</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
*Fees and requirements can change. Verify current requirements and fees with the certification organization before renewing.
As shown above, most recertification cycles are fairly straightforward, requiring a specific amount of continuing education within a specific time period from earning your credential. For instance, with NASM, ACE, and ISSA, you need 2.0 approved CEUs/CECs every two years, with 0.1 of those coming from required CPR/AED certification.
The NSCA and ACSM operate differently. The NSCA’s three-year recertification cycle uses a prorated CEU system based on when you earned your credential. Someone certified before 2024 needs 6.0 CEUs, while someone certified during 2025 needs 2.0, and someone certified during the second half of 2026 has no CEU requirement for the current cycle. Future cycles may differ, so check the NSCA’s current recertification planning tool.
The ACSM also operates on a three-year basis, but there’s no prorated cycle: You just need to earn the required 45 CECs within three years of your certification date.
The Difference Between CEUs, CECs, and Contact Hours
CEU, CEC, and contact hour are related terms, but they don’t always mean exactly the same thing across certification organizations.
A CEU, or Continuing Education Unit, is the measurement used by NASM, NSCA, and ISSA. A common convention is that one CEU represents 10 contact hours of continuing education. Under that convention, 20 hours equals 2.0 CEUs.
A CEC, or Continuing Education Credit, is the terminology used by ACE and ACSM. ACE requires 20 hours/credits, or 2.0 CECs, every two years. ACSM uses CECs for its recertification system and requires 45 CECs for the ACSM-CPT over three years.
A contact hour is generally defined as a learning hour, and one contact hour typically equates to 0.1 CEU or 0.1 CEC.
Certifying bodies use different units to measure continuing education, so always look at the number of hours, activities allowed, reporting rules, and renewal period to ensure you’ll successfully renew your credential on time.
What Activities Count Toward Renewal?
Continuing education generally needs to relate to your professional scope of practice, and each organization determines which activities it accepts.
Depending on your certification, qualifying activities can include approved online courses, workshops, conferences, professional events, college or university coursework, publications, additional certifications, and other professional-development activities.
NASM
NASM accepts CEUs from NASM-approved providers, and courses that have not been preapproved can be submitted for review through its petition process. NASM also allows qualifying college coursework and offers CEUs through additional certification courses, such as the Certified Nutrition Coach or Certified Wellness Coach programs, as well as specializations such as the Behavior Change Specialization or Performance Enhancement Specialization.
ACE
ACE requires ACE-approved continuing education, though you can submit unapproved activities for review via the petition process. Its renewal requirements include 20 hours of approved continuing education, with at least 0.1 CEC focused on Professional Conduct & Ethics. ACE also allows certain CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications to contribute to CECs (up to 0.4 credits).
NSCA
NSCA uses defined categories and requires CEUs from at least two different categories per recertification cycle. Accepted activities include professional conferences, preapproved home-study courses, publications, college coursework, additional certifications, and certain professional-development activities. However, content must relate to the scope of practice and detailed content outline for your NSCA-CPT credential.
ACSM
ACSM allows CECs from a range of professional activities through a network of approved providers and, new as of 2025, permits up to five CECs per year from CPR, AED, or First Aid completed during the recertification window.
ISSA
ISSA requires 20 CEUs from ISSA, an ISSA continuing education provider, or another approved activity. ISSA also specifically states that CPR/AED certification can count for one CEU when completed through ISSA.
What Doesn’t Count for Continuing Education?
Generally, activities outside your organization's approved scope or activities that lack the required documentation won’t count toward your continuing education for the recertification cycle. Requirements differ by certification body and by credential, so don't assume that a course advertised as "continuing education" automatically qualifies for your credential.
If you're considering a course from an outside provider, check its approval status before spending the time and money.
Cost of Staying Certified
The cost of maintaining your credential includes more than the renewal fee. You also need to account for the continuing education itself and, where applicable, CPR/AED renewal.
NASM
NASM’s standard NASM-CPT recertification fee is $99 every two years. With NASM One™, you can recertify without paying this fee and get unlimited access to more than 400 continuing education courses, including a complimentary CPR/AED course to help you meet your recertification requirements. Course extension and retest fees are also waived with an active membership.
ACE
ACE currently charges $129 to renew one credential on time. ACE also offers reduced renewal rates when you maintain multiple ACE credentials and sells continuing education packages that can include a renewal voucher. Late renewal fees cost $169 (up to three months past credential expiration) or $199 (up to six months past expiration). The ACE CEC Power Pass (about $40/month) can help offset some costs, offering free credential renewal, unlimited access to six specialist programs and more than 100 CEU courses, CPR/AED certification, and registration to ACE Health & Fitness Summits.
NSCA
NSCA's recertification fee varies according to member status and where your certification falls within the current cycle. For credentials earned before 2024, for example, the current fee is $65 for members and $90 for nonmembers. NSCA also offers a professional membership ($130/year) that provides access to five scientific journals, free CEUs, and discounts on event registration and exam fees.
ACSM
ACSM charges $60 to recertify the ACSM-CPT and $70 for its higher-level exercise physiology credentials. The late fee (six-month grace period) is $80. With an ACSM professional membership ($260/year), you’ll receive access to some free webinars and classes, scientific journals, and networking opportunities; however, membership doesn’t waive or discount renewal fees.
ISSA
ISSA's standard renewal fee is $99, but the fee may be waived when all 20 required CEUs are earned through ISSA-approved options. ISSA CEU courses cost anywhere from $19 to $200+ per course, depending on the content and number of learning hours.
Calculating Your Total Recertification Cost
Whatever the organization, the renewal fee is only one part of the calculation. Make sure to factor in the cost of the actual learning content, as well as your CPR/AED recertification. Also, be mindful of late fees.
Using CEUs to Advance, Not Just Renew
Continuing education is a requirement for Certified Personal Trainers, but it doesn't have to feel like a box you check every two or three years. You can utilize your required CEUs strategically by choosing topics that align with the population you want to serve.
If you want to work with older adults, look for continuing education focused on age-related changes, resistance training, balance, and exercise considerations for older populations, like NASM’s Balance Training CEU course. If you want to work with endurance athletes, prioritize courses that expand your knowledge of strength programming, energy systems, recovery, and sport-specific programming—info you can learn in NASM’s Advanced Cardio Programming course.
You can also use continuing education to build toward a specialization. NASM offers specialized learning in areas such as corrective exercise, senior fitness, nutrition, sports performance, and wellness, allowing you to develop skills that complement your Certified Personal Trainer credential.
Specializing makes your required continuing education more targeted and useful: Instead of collecting random credits to satisfy a deadline, you're deliberately building expertise that help you serve your clients.
What Happens If You Let a Certification Lapse
Every organization has a process for dealing with an expired credential, but the rules vary.
NASM
NASM allows recertification applications for up to one year after expiration under specific conditions. Additional fees apply after the initial grace period of 90 days, and you must meet the applicable continuing education requirements within that 90-day permitted timeframe.
ACE
ACE allows late renewal for up to six months, with increasing fees depending on how long the credential has been expired. After six months, you’ll need to contact ACE to determine your options; reinstatement may be available in certain circumstances.
NSCA
If your NSCA-CPT lapses, there is no grace period. You can either retake and pass the certification exam, or go through the reinstatement or appeals process.
ACSM
ACSM provides a six-month grace period. After that period, the certification is considered lapsed and must be reinstated rather than simply renewed. ACSM lists a $225 reinstatement fee.
ISSA
ISSA provides a one-year grace period, although a late fee applies. If more than one year has passed, ISSA states that you must complete the full certification course again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strength and Conditioning Certifications
How many CEUs do you need to renew a personal trainer certification?
The amount depends on the certification organization. NASM requires 2.0 CEUs every two years, while ISSA requires 20 CEUs every two years. ACE requires 2.0 CECs, or 20 hours, every two years. ACSM requires 45 CECs for the ACSM-CPT every three years. NSCA requirements change based on when in the certification cycle you earned your credential.
How often do you have to recertify as a personal trainer?
Through December 31, 2029, you must hold at least a bachelor's degree and current CPR/AED certification to sit for the CSCS exam. Beginning January 1, 2030, U.S. applicants will need a bachelor's degree from a CASCE-accredited program, subject to NSCA's stated provisions.
Is the NSCA-CPT NCCA-accredited?
All major certification organizations require renewal every two or three years. NASM, ACE, and ISSA use two-year renewal cycles, while NSCA and ACSM use three-year cycles. The exact renewal process, continuing education requirement, CPR/AED rules, and fees vary by organization. Always check your credential's current renewal policy.
What is the difference between a CEU and a CEC?
CEU stands for Continuing Education Unit, while CEC stands for Continuing Education Credit. The terms are used differently by certification organizations. NASM uses CEUs, while ACE and ACSM use CECs. Because each organization establishes its own requirements and conversion methods, compare the actual contact hours and renewal rules.
Does CPR certification count toward CEUs?
Generally, CPR/AED counts toward continuing education for Certified Personal Trainers. NASM requires CPR/AED certification and counts 0.1 CEUs toward the 2.0-CEU renewal requirement. ACE awards up to 0.4 CECs for CPR, AED, and First Aid. NSCA treats CPR/AED as a separate requirement and does not award CEUs for it. ACSM allows up to five CECs for CPR, AED, and First Aid.
How much does it cost to renew a personal trainer certification?
The cost depends on your certification provider. Current fees include $99 for NASM-CPT, $129 for one ACE credential, $60 for the ACSM-CPT, and $99 for ISSA. NSCA fees vary based on membership and certification date. Continuing education and CPR/AED costs may add to the total.
What happens if your personal trainer certification expires?
Your options depend on the certification organization and how long the credential has been expired. NASM, ACE, ACSM, ISSA, and NSCA each have different late-renewal, grace-period, or reinstatement policies. In some cases, you can complete outstanding requirements and pay a late fee; in others, you may need to reinstate the credential or retake the exam. Check your provider's current policy before allowing your credential to lapse.
