ISSA vs. The Competition

See how ISSA stacks up against the biggest names in personal trainer certification, on the metrics that actually matter for your career.

$0
Free retests, competitors charge up to $340
Free
Recertification with ISSA CEUs
✓
Job guarantee
17,700+
Trustpilot reviews

Full Comparison

Data verified 2026, updated regularly.

NASM ACE ACSM NSCA ⭐ ISSA
Founded 1987 1985 1954 1978 1988
NCCA Accreditation ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
100% Online & Self-Paced Partial Partial ✗ ✗ ✓
Cost Range $629-$1,999 $599-$1,799 $399-$899 $435-$1,200 $49-$1,199
Exam Time Limit 180 min 180 min 150 min 180 min Unlimited
Free Retests ✗ $199 ✗ $199-$250 ✗ $175 ✗ $340+ ✓ Free
Recertification Frequency Every 2 years Every 2 years Every 3 years Every 3 years Every 2 years
Recertification Cost $99 $299 $55 $90 Free w/ ISSA CEUs
Job Guarantee ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓
Unlimited Lifetime Support ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓
Free Professional Website ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓

Data sourced from publicly available certification provider websites. Last updated 2026.
*ISSA's NCCA-accredited exam is offered through its subsidiary, the National Council for Certified Personal Trainers (NCCPT).

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