ISSA certification cost

ISSA certification costs $1,028 to $2,100, depending on the bundle you choose. ISSA offers four certification packages to fit different needs, goals, and budgets. Each bundle includes the complete personal training course, exam, and CPR/AED certification.

You can pay in full or spread out the cost in 12 monthly payments. Paying in full will save you $160 to $350.

*Not including the Prometric exam proctoring fee.

What is ISSA certification?

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is a globally recognized leader in fitness education and has been training fitness professionals since 1988. ISSA's Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification is their flagship program and prepares you to design safe, effective fitness programs for diverse clients.

ISSA certification is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) through their subsidiary, NCCPT. Over 500,000 trainers worldwide hold ISSA certifications. The program is recognized by more than 10,000 gyms across the United States and in 174 countries internationally.

ISSA certification requirements

To earn your ISSA personal training certificate, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

• Submit all course quizzes with passing scores.

• Score 70% or better on all sections of the final examination.

• Provide proof of current Adult CPR/AED certificate.

You can complete the entire certification process online at your own pace. Most students finish within 3 to 6 months while maintaining other commitments.

ISSA Certified Personal Trainer exam

ISSA offers two options for the certification exam:

• The take-at-home ISSA personal trainer certification exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering six core knowledge domains. The exam is entirely open-book and self-paced, but it is not NCCA accredited.

• ISSA partners with the National Council for Certified Personal Trainers (NCCPT) to offer an NCCA-accredited exam. Candidates can take this proctored exam online or at a Prometric testing center. The exam features 140 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in two hours. It is not an open-book test.

ISSA specialization courses

ISSA offers a wide variety of specialization courses that focus on specific types of training or areas of expertise. Specializations can help you stand out in the competitive fitness industry, increase your earning potential, and attract more diverse clients.

When purchased on their own, most of ISSA's specialization courses cost $639 each. Their Health Coach certification course costs $950. However, ISSA frequently offers discounts and promo codes for their courses.

Most trainers add at least one specialization within their first two years. If you plan to specialize, the most cost-effective approach is to purchase a CPT certification bundle that includes one or more specialization courses.

Popular specializations include:

• Nutrition Coach

• Health Coach

• Strength & Conditioning

• Bodybuilding Specialist

• Glute Specialist

• Powerlifting Instructor

• Tactical Conditioning Coach

• Corrective Exercise Specialist

• Exercise Recovery Specialist

• Exercise Therapy Specialist

• Transformation Specialist

• Weight Management Specialist

• Group Exercise

• Group Personal Training

• Indoor Cycling

• Running Coach

• DNA-Based Fitness Coach

• Lifespan Coach

• Yoga Fundamentals

• Kickboxing Instructor

• Pilates Instructor

• Senior Fitness Instructor

• Business of Personal Training

ISSA job guarantee

ISSA's 100% job guarantee gives you six months to land a position after certification. If you don't find work, you get your full money back. This guarantee makes ISSA a low-risk investment, especially for career changers. You're protected financially while you transition into the fitness industry.

Take advantage of their job placement resources and gym partnerships. They provide resume help, interview prep, and direct connections to hiring managers.

ISSA vs. NASM certification

Both ISSA and NASM are NCCA-accredited and highly respected in the fitness industry. The choice depends on your learning style and career goals.

The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is often considered the "gold standard" in the industry, particularly for its focus on corrective exercise and its proprietary OPT™ (Optimum Performance Training) model.

NASM certification costs $899 to $2,999, making it comparable to or slightly more expensive than ISSA, depending on current sales and which bundle you choose. However, NASM often charges separately for the CPR/AED requirement, whereas ISSA frequently includes it in bundles.

ISSA curriculum includes more entrepreneurship training for personal trainers who want to work independently. Choose NASM if you want to work at a high-end gym or specialize in corrective exercise. Choose ISSA if you want a guaranteed job, a more flexible open-book exam, and a focus on the business side of training.

ISSA vs. ACE certification

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is another highly respected, NCCA-accredited organization. ACE is best known for its "Mover Method" and strong focus on behavior change and training the general population.

ACE certification costs $489 to $1,729, depending on which study package you choose. ACE is generally more affordable for basic packages. However, ISSA's higher price often provides better value because it includes robust business guides, nutrition courses, and job guarantees in their bundles.

Choose ACE if you are on a tighter budget and want to focus on helping general clients build healthy habits. Choose ISSA if you want a comprehensive career bundle that helps you launch your business quickly.

FAQs about ISSA certification

Is ISSA NCCA accredited?

Yes, ISSA offers an NCCA-accredited exam through their subsidiary, the National Council for Certified Personal Trainers (NCCPT). NCCA accreditation is the gold standard for personal training certifications.

Is ISSA certification worth it?

ISSA certification is worth considering for most aspiring personal trainers. The comprehensive curriculum prepares you for real-world client scenarios. The 100% job guarantee means you'll land a position within six months or get your money back. ISSA partners with over 10,000 gyms for placement assistance.

How long does ISSA certification take?

You can complete ISSA certification in as little as 3 months with focused study. The program is entirely self-paced, so the timeline depends on your schedule. Most students finish within 4 to 6 months while balancing work or other commitments. You have 6 months from enrollment to complete all requirements and pass the exam.

Does ISSA certification expire?

ISSA certification must be renewed every 2 years to maintain active status. This keeps your knowledge current with the latest fitness research and industry trends.

To renew, you must complete 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and maintain a current CPR/AED certification. You can earn CEUs through workshops, courses, seminars, or conferences. If you complete all 20 CEUs through ISSA courses, your renewal is free. Otherwise, the renewal fee is $99.

Which gyms accept ISSA certification?

ISSA certification is accepted at more than 10,000 gyms and fitness facilities nationwide. Major chains including LA Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, and Anytime Fitness recognize ISSA credentials. Most commercial gyms, boutique studios, and community recreation centers accept ISSA.

Always check with your target employer about their specific requirements. Some facilities prefer certain certifications based on their training philosophy or insurance policies.