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NCCA Accredited Personal Training
Certification Comparison

Why NCCA?

NCCA accredited personal training certification programs are the most widely recognized in the industry.

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The NCCA is the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. The NCCA accredits programs that meet its standards. While there are several other organizations that attempt to offer accreditation, the NCCA is the only one that seems to carry any weight.

The one big exception is the personal training degree, diploma and certificate programs offered by reputable trade schools and Colleges. These personal training schools are often accredited by the government (usually the state) and don't bother to pursue NCCA accreditation.

accredited personal training certificationWhat about Non-NCCA and Non-College accredited personal training certification programs? There are many good programs to consider. Usually they are less expensive and easier to achieve but carry less prestige as well.

We have compiled all the data from our accredited personal training certification program review into this summary table. You can also compare all certification programs in one huge table here.

This is the only place on the Internet to compare accredited personal training certification programs. If you find this information useful, please consider supporting our site.

Each of the links in our personal training certification school table will take you to our information page for each program.

Accredited Personal Training Certification ACE ACSM NASM NSCA NCSF NFPT NESTA IFPA
Certification Personal Trainer Certified Personal Trainer (cPT) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) Certified Personal Trainer (cPT) CPT - Certified Personal Trainer Personal Fitness Trainer (PFT) CPT - Certified Personal Trainer
Established 1985 1954 1987 1993   1988 1994
Workshop length 2 days 3 days 2 days 2 days 2 days or 8 week option 2 days 2 days 2 days
Workshop Availability US major cities US major cities Select US cities Limited cities US major cities Major U.S. Cities very limited Major U.S. Cities
Program Cost $299 $359 $649 unavailable $309 or $495 $295 - 450 $489 or $389 without Polar watch $399-$449
Materials cost $100 $100 Included $300 Included included included included
Industry recognition High High High High High Med - High Med Med - High
NCCA accredited Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Prerequisites 18 years old, Adult CPR Certificate High School Diploma, Adult CPR Certificate 18 years old, Adult CPR Certificate 18 years old, Adult CPR Certificate None High School Diploma, 18 years old, 2+ years fitness experience 18 years old, high school diploma or equivalent High School Diploma, 18 years old, CPR
Find Accredited Personal Training Schools
  Zip Code   -or- Browse all Schools
Exam Questions 150 120-150 120 140 150 120 100 100
Exam Time 3 hours 2.5 hours 2 hours 3 hours 3 hours 2 hours 2 hours 2 hours
Exam Cost $200 $259 Included $350 $199 $44 $199 included
Retest Cost $135 $135 $99 $185 $135, 30 day waiting period $60 $95 $79
Exam deadline 120 days 1 year   1 year 90 days 6 months
Exam locations Major cities worldwide Major cities worldwide Major US Cities Major cities worldwide 400 testing locations in North America 300 testing centers worldwide Major US Cities Major Cities worldwide
Time to Complete (Approx.) 4-6 months 4-6 months 4-6 months 2 to 6 months 4-6 weeks 2 to 6 months
Recertification every 2 years every 3 years every 2 years every 2 years every 2 years every year every 4 years every 2 years
Recertification Cost incl. CEU (Approx.) $400 $800 $700 $500 $400-800 $85 $600 $25 + $250 CEU costs

While I have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this accredited personal training certification comparison, please let me know if you think there are any mistakes. Organizations offer many similar programs and options. All of my information and cost estimates are based upon the base personal trainer certifications.

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