Wondering whether a personal training diploma from the National Personal Training Institute vs. a personal trainer certification from another organization is right for you? The process of earning your credentials can be complicated, especially when there are so many options to choose from. The personal training comparison chart below lays out everything you need to know in regards to the differences between our diploma and other personal trainer certifications. You can also feel free to contact us with any questions!

NPTI ACE ACSM AFPA AFAA ISSA IFPA NASM NESTA NSCA
Type of Credential
Diploma Certification Certification Certification Certification Certification Certification Certification Certification Certification
Regulated teaching institution? Yes No No No No No No No No No
HS Diploma or GED Required? Yes No Yes No No No No No Yes Yes
CPR/AED Requirement? Included in program (*In-person locations only) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Cost of Education? Varies. Please Inquire $599–$899 $219–$279  $395–$425  $499–$568 $599 $349 $599 $249 $235–$420
Exam Format? Instructor proctored 3rd Party Proctored 3rd Party Proctored Not Proctored Not Proctored Not Proctored 3rd Party Proctored 3rd Party Proctored 3rd Party Proctored 3rd Party Proctored
Exam Questions? Integrative testing throughout: midterm, final & practical exams 150 150 Unknown Unknown Unknown 200 120 125 150
Time Allowed? N/A 3 hours 2.5 hours Unknown Unknown Unknown 1.75 hours 2 hours 2 hours 3 hours
Self Study?  No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Online Content?  Yes – Study materials Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes
Recertification Fee? $0 Diploma never expires $49–$139 $30 Unknown $75 $75 $25 $99 $149 $20–$190
Recertification Time Frame? N/A 2 years 3 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 1–2 years 2 years 4 years 6 mos. – 3 years
CEC’s Accepted from other Organizations?  N/A Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Recertification Hours?
N/A 20 45 16 15 20 12 to 24 20 40 10 to 60
Specialty Certifications? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Unknown Yes
Live Teaching? Yes No No No No No No No No No
Classroom Instruction? Yes No No No No No No No No No
Practical Teaching in Fitness Setting? Yes No No No No No No No No No
NCCA Accredited?
N/A – Licensed Diploma Program Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Full time Job Placement Counselor? Yes No No No No No No No No No
Licensed through the Department of Education? Yes No No No No No No No No No
Founded? 2000 1985 1984 1994 1983 1988 1994 1987 1992 1978
Organizational Model?  For-Profit Non-Profit Non-Profit For-Profit For-Profit For-Profit For-Profit For-Profit For-Profit Non-Profit

Please contact us if any of this information needs to be changed or updated by sending an email to [email protected].

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