Certified Personal Trainer

It's ok to have questions

Can't find your answer? A program advisor is one call away: (800) 892-4772

• Is ISSA accredited?

  ISSA's personal training exam is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), through NCCPT, the National Council for Certified Personal Trainers, an ISSA subsidiary. The NCCA is the same body that accredits NASM's and ACE's personal training certifications. Every CPT student can take the accredited exam. A $79 test delivery fee is paid to Prometric, the independent testing company that administers it; it is not an ISSA charge. The open-book ISSA exam is not NCCA-accredited. The accredited path is the NCCPT exam included in your program.

• What makes ISSA different from NASM?

  ISSA and NASM both prepare you for an NCCA-accredited certification exam, so the real difference is how you are trained. Your ISSA CPT course includes both exam paths in your tuition: the open-book ISSA CPT exam and the NCCA-accredited NCCPT-CPT exam. We also build the program around the job you will actually be doing. Our Purpose-Driven Training Model starts every client relationship with a 15 to 20 minute conversation about what the client really wants, with movement assessment built into their first real workout, so you learn to coach people, not just program for them. And your CPT is backed by the ISSA Job Guarantee: if you meet all eligibility requirements and do not find qualifying employment within six months after completing the required CPT credentialing, ISSA refunds 100% of the covered program price paid after applicable discounts. U.S. eligibility and full terms apply.

• How long does it take to get certified?

  With ISSA, you can become a certified personal trainer in as little as 3 months, although the timeline is flexible since our programs are self-paced. There is no fixed schedule, so many students complete their certification while maintaining their current jobs or other responsibilities.

• What happens if I don't pass the exam?

  Your first two attempts are free, but ISSA's programs are designed with support systems in place to help you succeed. Our courses support a variety of learning styles through a mix of videos and readings. Plus, we include practice quizzes, and some courses include live study groups, so you can confidently prepare for the certification exam.

• What is the job guarantee, and how do I qualify?

  If you meet all eligibility requirements and do not find qualifying employment within six months after completing the required credentialing for your eligible program, ISSA refunds 100% of the covered program price paid after applicable discounts. Coverage is limited to the eligible program amount shown on your receipt; it does not cover an entire bundle. No 10% Job Guarantee admin fee applies. See the program-specific terms. Completing the required credentialing for the CPT includes passing the NCCA accredited NCCPT-CPT personal trainer exam.

• What is your refund policy?

  Core Courses and Specializations can be refunded within 7 days of purchase (day of purchase counts as day 1), as long as you haven't started a final or proctored exam. Refunds go back to your original payment method, minus a 10% processing fee and any service fees. Everything else — including CEUs, CPR Certifications, and the CPT Study Expansion Pack — is final sale. See our Terms and Conditions for full details.