See how ISSA stacks up against the biggest names in personal trainer certification — on the metrics that actually matter for your career.
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 Pass Rate | ~72% | ~65% | ~55% | ~66% | ~90% |
| 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 | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Trustpilot Reviews | 897 | 586 | 724 | 580 | 8,500+ |
Data sourced from publicly available certification provider websites and third-party review platforms. Last updated 2026.
*ISSA's NCCA-accredited exam is offered through its subsidiary, the National Council for Certified Personal Trainers (NCCPT).
Join over 400,000 fitness professionals who launched their careers with ISSA.
View All Programs