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The complete guide to ISSA's accredited and non-accredited personal trainer exam options

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The Quick Overview

To provide flexibility and accommodate different learning styles and career objectives, ISSA offers both accredited and non-accredited exam options. Found in the ISSA CPT course, the non-accredited exam is open-note, self-paced and has no time constraints. The accredited exam, offered by the ISSA subsidiary the National Council for Certified Personal Trainers (NCCPT), is proctored, scheduled in advance and has a two-hour time limit. Your enrollment includes access to both, but please note a separate $79 fee is charged by the accredited exam vendor.

What is accreditation?

Accreditation is independent, third-party review ensuring a certification meets rigorous national and international standards. The process proves an exam is secure, unbiased, and psychometrically sound—verifying that a trainer has the core knowledge required to coach safely and effectively. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) is the primary accrediting body for personal training and fitness certifications. The NCCA does not accredit organizations. It only accredits exams, credentials or certifications.

Comparing ISSA's two personal trainer exam options

Feature ISSA Personal Training Exam NCCPT Accredited Personal Training Exam
Testing format
  • Open-note
  • Self-paced
  • No time constraints
  • Closed-book
  • Formal, strict two-hour time limit
  • Features 140 multiple-choice items (125 scored, 15 unscored pretest items)
Scheduling and delivery
  • Found in ISSA CPT course
  • Advanced booking not required
  • Must be booked in advance with Prometric, the testing vendor
  • Taken on-site at a testing center or via live remote proctoring (LRP)
Proctoring
  • Non-proctored
  • Professionally proctored
  • LRP requires a detailed security check including a 360-degree room scan
Eligibility
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Completion of the online ISSA CPT course
  • Must be at least 18 years old, have a photo ID, and hold CPR/AED certification
  • Note: Completing or purchasing any study package or course (ISSA or other provider) is NOT required to sit for this exam
Cost
  • Included with ISSA CPT course
  • Included with ISSA CPT course but can be purchased as a stand-alone item
  • Note: Prometric charges a separate $79.00 proctor fee
Time frame
  • Six months from date of enrollment, plus four optional paid extensions
  • Twelve months from the date of purchase (ISSA course or stand-alone exam) to take/retake exam
  • Retakes in this twelve-month window, waiting periods apply
  • If waiting period extends beyond the initial 12 months, candidates may request a free six-month extension
  • After 18 months, a six-month extension can be purchased

What your enrollment includes

Your ISSA CPT enrollment includes both exams: the non-accredited course final exam, and access to the accredited NCCPT-CPT exam. The accredited exam can also be purchased as a stand-alone item, but it is included with the ISSA CPT course. Note: there is a $79.00 proctor fee charged by the exam administrator, Prometric.

ISSA's recommendation: check with your target employer first. Ask their hiring manager which certification they require.

NCCPT – The subsidiary behind the accredited exam

The National Council for Certified Personal Trainers (NCCPT) is an independent subsidiary of ISSA. Governed by a standalone board of directors, it focuses solely on developing, maintaining, and overseeing its accredited personal training certification exam – the NCCPT-CPT. This autonomous structure ensures strict compliance with accreditation standards – providing a clear separation between education (ISSA) and testing (NCCPT). More information on the NCCPT is at nccpt.issaonline.com.

Which exam is right for you?

Both exam options show you're a fitness pro. The non-accredited ISSA-issued personal training certification is globally respected and highly valued by local and national gym chains, including ISSA's wide-ranging preferred gym partner network. An accredited personal training certification, such as the NCCPT-CPT, is generally considered the "Gold Standard" in the industry.

Take the ISSA CPT exam if…

  • You prefer an open-book, non-proctored exam taken at your own pace
  • Your target employer does not require passing an accredited certification exam
  • You want to test from anywhere easily: you don't want to hassle with scheduling an appointment, scanning your room with a webcam, or traveling to a testing facility

Take the NCCPT-CPT exam if…

  • Your target employer specifically requires an NCCA-accredited certification
  • You're comfortable taking a closed-book proctored exam with a time limit
  • You like the structured atmosphere of taking a test at a physical testing center, or you have access to a quiet, private room that meets live remote proctoring requirements

Accepted where you want to work

23,000+
Global partner locations
176
Countries
1M+
ISSA students worldwide

See the full named partner list on our gym partners page.

One enrollment, two exam options

The ISSA CPT course includes two exams: the non-accredited course final exam, and access to the accredited NCCPT-CPT exam. Note: there is a $79.00 proctor fee charged by Prometric. From $89. Job guarantee.

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Frequently asked questions

Is ISSA accredited?
In fitness, accreditation applies to the certification exam, not to the organization behind it, true for ISSA and every other major certifying body. ISSA offers its NCCA accredited personal trainer exam through its subsidiary, the National Council for Certified Personal Trainers.
Does ISSA offer an accredited personal trainer certification?
Yes. ISSA offers an accredited personal training certification exam through its subsidiary, the National Council for Certified Personal Trainers (NCCPT). It is a timed, closed-book, proctored exam, and it is separate from the ISSA CPT course final exam. Every CPT enrollment includes access to it; a separate proctoring fee applies.
What is the difference between the ISSA and NCCPT exams?
The ISSA course final exam is open-book, open-note, and non-proctored. The NCCPT-CPT is NCCA-accredited, timed, closed book, and proctored. Your enrollment includes the ISSA course final exam plus access to the NCCPT-CPT exam; a separate proctoring fee applies for the NCCPT-CPT exam.
What is the relationship between the National Council for Certified Personal Trainers (NCCPT) and the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)?
The NCCPT, a subsidiary of ISSA, focuses solely on the development, maintenance, and oversight of its nationally accredited NCCPT-CPT personal training certification exam, while ISSA offers a broader range of health and fitness courses and certifications. The NCCPT is managed by an independent board of directors and operates separately from ISSA.
Will taking the ISSA CPT course help me pass the accredited exam?
The ISSA CPT course aligns with the accredited exam item domains and is one of many ways to help you prepare. However, the accredited NCCPT exam is not exclusive to any single study material, guide, or preparatory course, and the completion of any course or program is not required to sit for the exam.
How can I find out more about the accredited NCCPT exam?
Additional information on the accredited NCCPT-CPT exam can be found at nccpt.issaonline.com.
Do I have to take both exams?
No. Your enrollment includes both, and you choose which to take based on your career goals. If your employer requires an accredited certification, take the NCCPT-CPT exam. Otherwise, the non-accredited ISSA exam is accepted by most major gym employers.
Does my employer require an accredited certification?
It depends on their hiring qualifications. ISSA recommends calling your target employer to find out what's required.

Questions about which exam is right for you?

Call (800) 892-4772 or browse all ISSA certifications.

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