With the Personal Trainer Certification Comparison Chart, you can easily compare Personal Trainer Certifications and find out which one best fits your needs, budget, learning style and career goals.
| ACE | NSCA | ACSM | NASM | ISSA | ASFA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type of Business
|
Non-profit | Non-profit | Non-profit | For-profit | For-profit | For-profit |
Number of Active Certified Professionals
|
90,000+ | Not publicly reported | Not publicly reported | Not publicly reported | Not publicly reported | Not publicly reported |
Certification
|
Personal Trainer | Personal Trainer | Personal Trainer | Personal Trainer | Personal Trainer | Personal Trainer |
Accreditation & Recognition
|
NCCA, iCREPS, ISO |
ICE (creator of NCCA) |
NCCA | NCCA |
DEAC, NCCPT (limitations) |
None |
| US and Worldwide | US and Worldwide | US and Worldwide | US and Worldwide | US and Worldwide | US | |
Professional Development & Career Support
|
ACE® Pro Compass - Resources such as videos, talks and worksheets - Topic-based Challenges for crafting a resume, defining your personal brand, creating and publishing website, and more! Exclusive ACE Pro Connect App includes: - ACE Pro Talks podcast, available only in the app- Exclusive video and livestream events - Networking and community building opportunities ACE Answers includes: - Tools & Calculators- Assessments, Forms and Sample Coaching Agreements |
Professional Development Resources: - Job Board- Career Guide - Tools - Resume Critique (Members only) - Networking - Career planning portal |
Career Center: - Job Board- Additional services for a fee:
o Reference Checker
o Resume Checker o Coaching |
Job Board |
Job Support Line |
None |
Online Learning & Exam Prep Experience
|
- Interactive learning dashboard - Video demos & lectures - Exercise Science 1011 - Live Q&A webinars1 - Facilitated study groups1 - Exam prep blog - 4 practice exams1 and quizzes |
- Online practice quizzes |
- Webinars - Facebook study groups - Online practice quizzes - Online exam content outline |
- Online video content - Facebook study groups - Online practice quizzes - Online exam content outline |
- Online practice quizzes - Study guides - Online forum |
- Chapter quizzes - Online videos |
Textbooks
|
Hardcopy and digital textbook
Hardcopy and digital Study Companion
Audiobook1
|
Hardcopy textbooks
Exam content description eBook
|
Hardcopy textbooks
|
Hardcopy and digital textbook
|
Hardcopy and digital textbook
Digital study guide & workbook
|
Hardcopy textbooks
|
Exam Experience
|
1 exam registration
Testing sites and online proctoring
|
Exam registration3
Testing sites
|
Exam registration3
Testing sites and online proctoring
|
1 exam registration
1 exam retest1
Testing sites and online proctoring
|
1 free accredited exam2
Online proctoring2
|
Online exam
No proctored exam
|
Renewal Requirements
|
20 hours every 2 years |
10 hours every 3 years |
45 hours every 3 years |
20 hours every 2 years |
20 hours every 2 years |
Take test every year or renewal for a lifetime |
Specializations Offered
|
- Fitness Nutrition - Senior Fitness - Functional Training - Corrective Exercise - Weight Management - Behavior Change - Sport Performance - Pain-Free Movement - Cancer Exercise - Size Inclusive Fitness Specialist - The Art of Movement (Pilates Mat) |
- Strength and Conditioning - Special Population |
- Exercise is Medicine - Inclusive Fitness Trainer - Cancer Exercise Trainer - NPAS (National Physical Activity Society) Physical Activity in Public Health |
- Corrective Exercise - Performance Enhancement - Behavior Change - Nutrition - Group PT - Weight Loss - Women's - Youth - Seniors - Golf - MMA Conditioning |
- Group Exercise - Bodybuilding - Strength & Conditioning - Corrective Exercise - DNA-Based Fitness - Lifespan Coach (Youth-Senior) - Exercise Therapy - Online Coach - Performance Enhancement - Yoga - Kickboxing - Powerlifting - Weight Management - Youth - Senior |
- Advanced Senior Fitness - Advanced Sports Nutrition - Senior Fitness Instructor - Sports Nutrition - Sport Specific Training - Stretching Coach - Kettlebell Instructor - Running Coach - Speed and Agility Instructors - Olympic Weightlifting & Powerlifting Coach |
Monthly Payment Plan Options
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Most Popular Study Program
|
Plus Study Program $745 (more options available) |
Materials sold separately | Materials sold separately | Premium Self Study $1,399 | Self- and Live Study $1,598 | Multiple Options |
- 1Limited to certain study packages
- 2Proctoring fee not included
- 3Sold separately from study materials
Explore ACE Personal Trainer Certification Study Programs
Included with every ACE Personal Trainer
Certification Study Program
Terms and conditions apply.
30 day risk free
returns
Free & fast shipping
With Plus and Advantage
Study Programs
Flexible payments
Payment plans and third-party
payment options
