ISSA Vs. NASM: Which Personal Training Certification Is Best?

Any successful trainer will tell you a certification is crucial to establish your credibility and expertise as a personal trainer—and where that certification is from plays a huge role. When comparing ISSA vs NASM (two of the top CPT certifications), there are a number of factors to consider.

I spoke with many experts, including Luis Echeverry, certified personal trainer, CEO and founder of DrivenFit in Tampa, FL, and Kenny Santucci, certified personal trainer and founder of The Strength Club in New York City, who agree that these are two of the most recognized and respected certifications in the field.

ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association) is a global organization that offers a wide range of fitness certifications, including personal training, fitness nutrition, strength and conditioning, and more from the comfort of your home. We dubbed it the best personal training certificate for new trainers earlier this year.

This program is beloved for its self-paced, online courses, which make earning a high quality personal training certificate accessible to all. It’s also more affordable than other certificates (including NASM), and the curriculum is built to accommodate a range of desired time-frames.

Many people say ISSA is not as in-depth as NASM (and therefore less challenging). While ISSA is not NCCA-accredited, they do offer an NCCA-accredited exam through their subsidiary, NCCPT.

ISSA's courses offer flexibility and a self-paced nature, which makes it suitable for those who need to balance their studies with other commitments. The personal training certification covers topics such as exercise science, program design, client assessment, nutrition, and business fundamentals.

Per Echeverry, “ISSA tends to be more of a general personal training certificate with a business skillset portion. It’s also more affordable with a higher pass rate because [it’s open book, so] having to sit for the exam a second time is unlikely. Most CPT’s finish the course within four months.”

NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) is a widely recognized and respected organization in the fitness industry that offers NCCA-accredited certifications, education, and training for personal trainers.

Per Santucci, “NASM is a nationally recognized certification. It is the gold standard for most people who want to get into training. It’s recognized by most big box gyms as an entry level education for fitness.”

The NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) is the company's flagship program and focuses on preparing fitness professionals to work with clients of all fitness levels and help them achieve their health and fitness goals using a comprehensive and systematic approach.

There are four CPT programs to choose from, but the elite trainer program stands out for its one-on-one mentorships and on-site “Gymnternship,” where future trainers gain valuable hands-on experience.

Whichever program you choose, NASM's mission is to provide evidence-based education and training programs that focus on the scientific principles of human movement, exercise, and performance. The organization is dedicated to promoting safe and effective fitness practices by utilizing the latest research and advancements in exercise science, which is why it earned the best inclusive/guided study certificate in our certification roundup.

Echeverry says that, unlike ISSA’s more generic curriculum, “NASM focuses on corrective exercises and their unique training model, covering a more expansive set of information which requires more study time.”

NASM typically requires five to six months of total investment time—and the exam has a lower pass rate because the material is more in-depth and the test is not open book. Self-study programs are available for those who prefer it, but the all-inclusive program and guided study program deliver the most value.

Budget is always an important factor to consider when considering big investments like a personal training certificate.

The ISSA certification is generally more affordable compared to NASM. However, Santucci says NASM is more widely accepted than ISSA—so it may wind up being a better investment, depending on your goals.

ISSA’s personal training certificate program costs about $1,600. With a first-time customer discount you can sign up for $999 and a 12-month, interest-free payment plan that costs about $84 per month for 12 months.

Completion time varies widely depending on the personal trainer certification program you choose and your individual learning pace. If you prefer to go at your own pace and on your own schedule, ISSA or NASM’s self study program might fit your schedule the best.

If you’re looking for a fast track certificate, ISSA’s fast track completion program will have you ready to roll in just four weeks.

Both ISSA and NASM certifications are widely recognized in the fitness industry, and each organization's curriculum aims to prepare individuals to become competent and successful personal trainers.

Echevvery has hired trainers with each certification and says, "Both groups have been more than prepared with the appropriate skillset to handle our diverse clientele." He adds that, at his fitness studio, they "tend to see many prospect trainers who are currently in university/colllege for sports medicine/kinesiology/etc leaning more towards NASM than ISSA.”

When choosing between the ISSA vs. NASM, consider factors such as the depth of content, teaching methods, exam requirements, and any specific areas of specialization or focus that align with your career goals.

Take it from our experts (two, wildly successful CPTs who have founded their own fitness studios): Both ISSA and NASM are reputable and respected certifications that can open doors to a successful career in the fitness industry. ISSA offers a flexible, self-paced learning approach, while NASM provides a more structured and evidence-based curriculum. Your choice between the two will depend on your learning preferences, career aspirations, and budget.