Compare Personal Training Certification programs quickly and easily with our easy to use chart. With a number of options, it can be difficult to determine which program is right for you. When you select a partner, there are many factors to consider. Here is a comparison of some key factors. You can also view our full PDF chart (PDF) to compare personal training certification programs.
Comparison of NCCA-Accredited Personal Trainer Certifications*
NETA |
Most Popular Package $499 |
Test Only $349 |
Exam Questions 120 |
Exam Time 120 minutes |
Pass Rate 64% |
On-time Recertification Fee◊ $65 |
ACE |
Most Popular Package $999/$699 |
Test Only $399 |
Exam Questions 150 |
Exam Time 180 minutes |
Pass Rate 74% |
On-time Recertification Fee◊ $129‡ |
ACSM |
Most Popular Package $619 |
Test Only $349 (non-member) |
Exam Questions 150 |
Exam Time 165 minutes |
Pass Rate 69% |
On-time Recertification Fee◊ $55 |
NASM |
Most Popular Package $1,599/$959 |
Test Only $599 |
Exam Questions 120 |
Exam Time 120 minutes |
Pass Rate 74% |
On-time Recertification Fee◊ $99 |
NSCA |
Most Popular Package N/A |
Test Only $435 (non-member) |
Exam Questions 155 |
Exam Time 180 minutes |
Pass Rate 72% |
On-time Recertification Fee◊ $90 (non-member) |
* As of December 2021, fourteen organizations offered an NCCA-accredited Personal Trainer certification. This comparison represents only five of the fourteen certification programs.
‡ $129 for those holding one ACE certification , $69 each for those holding two ACE certifications, $59 each for those holding three ACE certifications, $49 each for those holding four ACE certifications.
◊ NASM provides a 90-day reinstatement grace period; NETA, ACE, and ACSM provide at 180-day reinstatement grace period; NSCA provides a 30-day late renewal and reinstatement at any time conditional on meeting reinstatement requirements and $200 reinstatement fee plus unpaid past recertification fees.
View Full Comparison of NCCA Accredited Personal Trainer Certifications (PDF)