The cost of becoming a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or the American Council on Exercise (ACE) depends on the package and exam option you choose. NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) packages range from $999 to $3,446 while ACE Certified Personal Trainer study programs range from $989 to $1,749.
The package price may not be the only cost. Exam fees, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) certification, retakes, continuing education, and recertification can all affect what you pay initially and over time.
Heather Cherry
NBC-HWC, IC-FHS, CPT, NTP, Content Strategist
How Much Does the NASM CPT Cost vs. the ACE CPT?
NASM and ACE offer several Certified Personal Trainer packages at different price points, but the prices do not always cover the same things. The easiest way to compare costs is to look at the package price, exam, and study resources included with each option.
NASM packages include an attempt at the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)-accredited NASM-CPT exam. ACE study programs include an open-book certificate exam, while the NCCA-accredited ACE Personal Trainer Certification Exam has a separate fee.
NASM vs. ACE CPT Price Comparison
<ul>
<li>
<p>Row 1</p>
<ul>
<li>Organization</li>
<li>Package</li>
<li>Price</li>
<li>What’s Included</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<p>Row 2</p>
<ul>
<li>NASM</li>
<li>CPT Self-Study</li>
<li>$999</li>
<li>Self-paced online course, instructional videos, quizzes and assessments, practice exams, flashcards, practice questions, and NCCA-accredited NASM-CPT exam.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<p>Row 3</p>
<ul>
<li>NASM</li>
<li>CPT Premium Self-Study</li>
<li>$1,399</li>
<li>Self-Study resources plus additional exam preparation, study support, and career support.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<p>Row 4</p>
<ul>
<li>NASM</li>
<li>CPT Exclusive Bundle</li>
<li>$3,446</li>
<li>Premium resources plus CPR/AED certification course, CPT Practical Skills Workshop, Certified Nutrition Coach, Corrective Exercise Specialization, and additional learning and career resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<p>Row 5</p>
<ul>
<li>ACE</li>
<li>Basic</li>
<li>$989</li>
<li>Digital textbook and study companion, one practice test, basic study support, and open-book Certificate Exam; NCCA-accredited certification exam available for an additional fee.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<p>Row 6</p>
<ul>
<li>ACE</li>
<li>Plus</li>
<li>$1,169</li>
<li>Basic resources plus an additional practice test, hardcopy textbook, live Q&A webinars, and supplemental anatomy course.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<p>Row 7</p>
<ul>
<li>ACE</li>
<li>Advantage</li>
<li>$1,749</li>
<li>Plus resources plus two additional practice tests, audiobook, facilitated study groups, and expedited shipping.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Prices and package content can change. Prices shown above were checked on October 15, 2026.
What Is Included at Each Price Point?
NASM and ACE packages include different levels of study materials, practice resources, and support. Here’s what to consider.
NASM Certified Personal Trainer Packages
NASM offers Certified Personal Trainer Self-Study, Premium Self-Study, and All-Inclusive packages. Each includes study resources and an attempt at the NCCA-accredited NASM-CPT exam, with additional resources included at different package levels.
Certified Personal Trainer Self-Study
NASM Certified Personal Trainer Self-Study provides a self-paced path to prepare for the NASM-CPT exam. The program covers client assessment, exercise technique, program design, behavior change, and other core personal training concepts through online coursework, instructional videos, quizzes, practice exams, flashcards, and practice questions. The NCCA-accredited NASM-CPT exam is also included.
The fully online, self-paced format lets you work through the material on your schedule while preparing for the certification exam.
Certified Personal Trainer Premium Self-Study
NASM Certified Personal Trainer Premium Self-Study builds on the Self-Study package with additional exam preparation, study support, and career support. The package also includes NASM’s Job Guarantee, subject to eligibility requirements and terms and conditions.
This option provides more support throughout the certification process while maintaining the flexibility of self-paced study.
Certified Personal Trainer Exclusive Bundle
NASM Certified Personal Trainer Exclusive Bundle expands the Premium package with additional learning and practical preparation, including a CPR/AED certification course, Certified Personal Trainer Practical Skills Workshop, Certified Nutrition Coach, and Corrective Exercise Specialization.
Including CPR/AED training is especially relevant because a current CPR/AED certification is required before taking the NCCA-accredited NASM-CPT exam. The practical skills component also provides additional preparation for applying personal training concepts.
ACE Certified Personal Trainer Packages
ACE offers Basic, Plus, and Advantage Certified Personal Trainer study programs with different levels of study materials, practice resources, and support. The study programs include ACE’s open-book personal trainer certificate exam, while the NCCA-accredited ACE Certified Personal Trainer (ACE-CPT) exam requires an additional fee, depending on the package.
ACE Basic
ACE Basic includes the ACE University learning platform, digital textbook and study companion, one practice test, basic ACE Answers study support, and the open-book personal trainer certificate exam.
ACE Plus
ACE Plus includes the Basic resources along with a second practice test, hardcopy textbook, live question-and-answer webinars, the Exercise Science 101 supplemental anatomy course, and standard shipping in the United States. The additional resources provide more options for guided study and exam preparation.
ACE Advantage
ACE Advantage includes the Plus resources and expands the study support with four total practice tests, an audiobook version of the ACE Personal Trainer textbook, facilitated study groups, and expedited shipping in the United States.
What Costs Are Not Included in the Package Price?
Additional costs may include NCCA-accredited certification exam fees, exam retakes, CPR/AED certification, continuing education, and recertification. These expenses vary by organization and package, so consider them when comparing the total cost of earning and maintaining your certification.
Exam Retake Fees
If you do not pass the NCCA-accredited certification exam, retaking it may require an additional fee.
- NASM-CPT exam retest: $199.
- ACE-CPT exam retest: $249 if a retest voucher was not purchased with the study program. ACE allows this discounted retake rate for one year after the first exam attempt.
Recertification Costs
NASM and ACE Certified Personal Trainer credentials must be renewed every two years, with continuing education and current CPR/AED certification required to maintain the credential.
- NASM: 2.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), including 0.1 CEUs from CPR/AED certification.
- ACE: 2.0 Continuing Education Credits (CECs), equivalent to 20 hours of continuing education, plus current CPR/AED certification.
- ACE renewal fee: $129 for one credential when renewed on time.
- NASM renewal fee: Varies based on renewal option; NASM One™ members have recertification fees covered.
CPR/AED Certification
CPR/AED certification may be an additional cost if it is not included in your Certified Personal Trainer package. Check the certification requirements and factor the cost of an accepted CPR/AED course into your total if you still need to complete it.
Do NASM and ACE Offer Payment Plans?
NASM and ACE offer payment options that can divide the cost of a Certified Personal Trainer package into multiple payments.
When comparing payment plans, look at:
- Initial payment
- Number of payments
- Amount of each payment
- Any interest or financing fees
- Total amount paid
How Do Promotions Affect the Price?
NASM and ACE may offer promotional pricing throughout the year. When comparing a sale price, look beyond the discount and calculate what you will pay for the package, certification exam, and any other requirements not included.
Which CPT Package Fits Your Study Needs?
The right Certified Personal Trainer package depends on how much structure and support you want while preparing for the exam. Compare self-paced study, practice resources, live support, practical training, and included certification requirements to determine which package best fits your goals.
Prefer to Study Independently
If you’re comfortable managing your own study schedule, look for a lower-tier self-study package with the core coursework and exam preparation resources you need. You may not need to pay more for live or guided study support.
Want Additional Study Support
If you want help staying on track or answering questions, consider a package with added study support, such as live question-and-answer sessions, study groups, or access to study coaches.
Want More Exam Practice
If practice is an important part of how you prepare, look for a package with additional practice exams, quizzes, and review tools. Higher-tier packages may include more opportunities to test your knowledge before exam day.
Need CPR/AED Certification
If you still need CPR/AED certification, consider a package that includes it. Otherwise, factor the cost of completing an accepted CPR/AED course separately into your total.
Want More Comprehensive Preparation
If you want more than the core coursework, compare higher-tier packages that add resources such as printed textbooks, practical training, expanded study support, or career resources. Focus on the extras you expect to use rather than choosing a package simply because it includes more features.
How Should You Choose Beyond Price?
NASM and ACE differ in how they organize assessment, exercise programming, progression, and client coaching. When choosing between them, look at the type of framework you want to use when you start working with clients.
NASM uses the Optimum Performance Training™ (OPT™) Model, which gives personal trainers a structured system for assessing clients and progressing their programs. The model organizes training into phases that address stabilization, strength, and power, giving you a framework for deciding where a client should start and how to progress their workouts over time.
ACE uses the Integrated Fitness Training® (IFT®) Model, which combines exercise programming with a strong focus on client readiness and behavior change. The model guides personal trainers through building rapport, assessing a client's current abilities, and progressing cardiorespiratory and resistance training based on the client's goals and fitness level.
- NASM is known for its structured approach to assessment, program design, and exercise progression through the OPT Model.
- ACE is known for an approach that combines exercise programming with behavior change and client engagement.
- Both prepare personal trainers to work with clients, but they place different emphasis on how training and coaching are applied.
CPT Certification Timeline and Study Frequently Asked Questions
Is NASM More Expensive Than ACE?
NASM and ACE costs vary based on the package, current pricing, and what is included. Compare the total cost of the study package, certification exam, CPR/AED requirements, and other required expenses rather than the advertised package price alone.
What Does the Cheapest NASM Package Include?
NASM Certified Personal Trainer Self-Study includes self-paced online study materials, instructional resources, quizzes, practice exams, and an attempt at the NASM-CPT NCCA-accredited exam.
Does NASM Offer Payment Plans?
NASM offers payment plans on eligible Certified Personal Trainer packages. Review the initial payment, monthly payment, number of payments, and total amount paid when comparing payment options.
How Much Does It Cost to Retake the NASM Exam?
The NASM-CPT exam retake fee is $199. Review your package terms first, since a retake option may be included with some packages or offers.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew?
NASM and ACE Certified Personal Trainer certifications require recertification every two years. ACE charges $129 to renew one certification on time. NASM recertification fees vary by renewal option, and NASM One members have recertification fees covered. Continuing education and CPR/AED certification may add to the total cost of renewal.
Is the Exam Included in the Package Price?
NASM Certified Personal Trainer packages include an attempt at the NCCA-accredited NASM-CPT exam. ACE study programs include an open-book certificate exam, while the NCCA-accredited ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam is an additional fee, depending on the package.
What Should You Compare Before Choosing a CPT Program?
Compare the total cost, certification exam, study resources, support, CPR/AED requirements, retake fees, and recertification costs before choosing a CPT program. NASM and ACE package these expenses differently, so looking at what you will pay to earn and maintain the certification provides a more complete comparison than the advertised package price alone.
