National Personal Training Institute
Program Description
Inside the 500-hour hands-on personal training certification
From anatomy and biomechanics to a 100-hour nutrition certification and 200 hours of hands-on training, here is exactly what our personal training certification covers, and what you will graduate with.
An extensive education, by the numbers
Full-time and part-time schedules, offered as a hybrid or fully virtual program.
The Curriculum
What you will study
Client evaluation and program design
Every effective program starts with the person in front of you. First you assess, then you build.
- Complete fitness assessment and client evaluation
- Exercise programs designed for all goals
- Intensity and volume modification
- Proper sets, reps, and rest intervals
Detailed exercise science instruction
The science of how the body moves, adapts, and performs, taught in depth.
- Core sciences: anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
- Exercise prescription for individual needs and goals
- Biomechanics and movement analysis
- Research methods and evidence-based practice
Detailed nutrition instruction
A full nutrition education built into your diploma, not an afterthought.
- Coverage of macro and micronutrients
- Detailed analysis of the body's energy systems
- Popular and fad diets, and the myths around them
- Proper diets for fitness, performance, and health
- Hands-on practice with nutritional consultations
And you will be ready to train anyone
Beyond the general population, you will learn to work with special populations like:
Practical, real-world experience
Real hours, real clients, in a real facility. This is the part a written exam can never give you.
- 6 months of hands-on experience in a fitness facility with a personal trainer
- Over 100 sessions of real-time training at your gym or our training center
- Full coverage of exercises and equipment, including balls, bands, and weights
- 6 months of personalized workouts
- Journal record keeping for workouts and nutrition
How You Will Learn
Built around your schedule
Flexible tracks
Full-time and part-time options, with day, evening, and weekend classes to fit your life.
Two ways to attend
Attend live and virtual in real time, or watch recorded classes on your own schedule. Your hands-on hours happen at your gym or a local facility. Prefer fully in person? Ask about our Philadelphia residency campus.
0% financing
Monthly payment plans available to everyone, plus GI Bill® and financial assistance for those who qualify.
Start to Finish
Practice what you learn and reach your fitness goals while attending our program.
Register and enroll
Choose full-time or part-time, and learn hybrid or fully virtual.
Build the foundation
Exercise science, program design, and a 100-hour nutrition certification.
Train hands-on
200 hours in a real fitness facility. You can begin working as a trainer after 45 days with student insurance.
Graduate with credentials
A Department of Education licensed diploma certification, Nutritionist Certification, and optional NASM-CPT with Certificate of Distinction.
Launch your career
50 hours of mentorship, career placement support, and an average of 3.2 job offers before graduation.
The Payoff
What you graduate with
Personal Training Diploma Certification
Licensed by the Department of Education and recognized as a stand-alone credential, valid for life.
100-Hour Nutritionist Certification
A full nutrition certification earned as part of your program.
NASM-CPT with Certificate of Distinction
Access to the NASM Certified Personal Trainer with the Certificate of Distinction.
Questions
Frequently asked
How long is the program and what is the schedule?
It is a 500-hour diploma program that runs about 6 months full time or 12 months part time, with day, evening, and weekend class options. Schedules vary by location, so request information for the current schedule near you.
Can I attend virtually?
Yes. Classes are offered live and virtual in real time, or as recorded classes you can watch on your own schedule. Your hands-on hours take place at your gym or our training center. For a full in-person experience, we have a residency campus in Philadelphia.
What will I graduate with?
A Department of Education licensed diploma, a 100-hour nutritionist certification, and access to the NASM-CPT with Certificate of Distinction. The credential is valid for life with no CEUs or renewal fees.
What does it cost, and is financing available?
Tuition varies by location. Monthly payment plans with 0% interest are available to everyone, and many students qualify for the GI Bill or other financial assistance. See the tuition and financial assistance pages for details.
Will the program help me find a job?
Career placement standards are required by statute. Students average 3.2 job offers before graduation, you receive 50 hours of mentorship after you finish, and you can begin working after 45 days with student insurance.
Do I need prior experience?
No. The curriculum starts with foundational sciences and builds from the ground up, taking you to a working professional. See the admission requirements for specifics.
Go Deeper
Explore the program in detail
Ready When You Are
See yourself in the program.
Get pricing for your location, talk to an advisor, or start your personal training certification.
Serving the United States, Canada, and international students. Find a location near you.
