What is a NASM certification?

One of the best paths to becoming a personal trainer is to obtain certification from National Academy of Sports Medicine (MSNA). Founded in 1987, NASM offers certifications in a wide range of fitness-related areas, including personal training, strength training and nutrition.

Here’s an in-depth look at what an NASM certification can do for you.

What does it mean to be NASM certified?

With more than 1.5 million certified fitness and wellness professionals, NASM helps personal trainers, trainers, athletes and fitness enthusiasts achieve their health goals. Becoming NASM certified means you are able to provide fitness advice and guidance to others.

“When you are NASM certified, it means you have spent time and effort developing the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to help someone change their life and improve themselves,” says Tony Ambler-Wright , product manager and master instructor. for the for-profit organization. “It also shows others that you have reached this level of skill.”

NASM offers a variety of fitness certifications. One is the Personal trainer certification (CPT) which prepares you to design exercise and conditioning programs based on scientific and clinical evidence. THE Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) is the second and teaches you the science of nutrition and how to promote better health choices through diet and behavior change. Finally, there is the Certified wellness coach (CWC) which shows you how to pursue wellness through nutrition, movement, coaching, and mental and emotional well-being.

Additional specializations include strength training, corrective exercise, sports nutrition, group fitness, weight loss, and other fitness-related topics.

How much does NASM certification cost?

The cost of obtaining a NASM certification depends on the program. Purchasing multiple programs as a package can reduce costs, and NASM also offers affordable, monthly payment options.

Obtaining a Personal trainer certification can be a one-time payment of $899 or 11 monthly payments of $79 with a down payment of $25. Without discount, get a Certified Nutrition Coach Or Physical and bodybuilding coach (PBC) can cost $899 or 11 monthly payments of $53 with a down payment of $25.

How long does it take to get NASM certification?

Because the classes are self-paced, Ambler-Wright says the time required for each class depends on each individual. The CPT certification, for example, is a “pretty intensive” 23-chapter course that he says should take about four months for most to complete. Some certifications can be completed in as little as four weeks.

Matt Boyer, owner of Move Bloomington personal training studio in Bloomington, Indiana, says it takes his employees anywhere from a month to six months to complete their CPT training, depending on their time commitment and prior knowledge of the courses.

Is it worth getting NASM certification?

So, given the time and cost, is it worth getting NASM certified?

Boyer thinks so. Becoming NASM certified “gives you all the tools in the toolbox” to work with everyone from LeBron James to a 90-year-old retiree, he says. If Boyer hires someone who doesn’t have NASM certification, he helps pay for them to complete the training.

“At my institution, it’s my preferred certification,” says Boyer. “This means you are trained by one of the best organizations in the market.”

Ambler-Wright notes that NASM courses are created by industry experts based on science and real-world experience, and that courses are frequently updated.

“In terms of credibility and authority, the NASM is easily the most recognized and preferred training credential by employers in the health club field,” he says.

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsThe median salary for fitness trainers and instructors in 2023 was $46,480 per year.

Takeaways

When it comes to pursuing a career in fitness, an NASM certification shows that you have the training necessary to help people achieve their fitness goals and have earned a leading certification in the field.

“It gives people confidence that they have the tools, knowledge, skills and abilities to help them become healthier and fitter,” says Ambler-Wright. “This demonstrates that you have acquired entry-level skills in all the different areas associated with a person’s health and fitness, and ensures that you have the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to help someone ‘one in complete safety.’

If you’re curious and want to learn more, Ambler-Wright recommends reaching out to current personal trainers to get their perspectives and checking out the NASM website, blog and podcasts. NASM also has educational advisors that new fitness trainers can contact.

“If someone is confused and doesn’t know which way to go, they can talk to one of our team members and they can help guide them,” he says.

When asked about the current demand for fitness professionals, Ambler-Wright says NASM is constantly fielding requests from gyms and fitness facilities looking for people to hire.

“It looks pretty promising,” he says of the job prospects in this field. “With the ever-increasing focus on wellness and fitness as a part of it, the trend will continue to grow as people want to invest more in themselves.

“There’s no better time to pursue fitness as a career opportunity.”