100% Online Training

Become a NESTA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

The Fitness Industry’s ONLY 4-Year NCCA Accredited Personal Training Certification. Earn your certification with confidence. Enroll Now!

*All other NCCA accredited personal training programs are valid for 2-3 years. 

As a NESTA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer student you will learn to:

Accurately assess the health, fitness, and skill levels of clients, using this information to create clear, realistic goals.

Design workouts based on the individual client’s needs and goals, grounded in sound scientific principles.

Correctly demonstrate and instruct exercise techniques utilizing proper biomechanics and motivation principles.

Articulate your professional scope of practice as well as the NESTA code of ethics.

Detail how you plan to market and sell your personal training services in order to gain new clients and how to deliver proper service to maintain your client base.

Why choose the NESTA Certified Personal Trainer course and exam?

Price

Affordable accredited certification.

4 Years

This is the only personal training certification in the industry valid for 4 years. All others are just 2 years.

Accepted

NESTA is globally recognized. We accept students worldwide.

Accreditation

This certification is accredited by NCCA, the Gold Standard.

Support

You get immediate and lifelong support, without limitations.

Access

Register and get immediate access to training materials.

100% Online

Your entire training is done online.

PFT EXAM ONLY

$349

Coupon codes or discounts cannot be applied
* Additional shipping fees & delivery times applies to students living outside of North America. Refer to shipping fees.
Refer to training, CEUs, and exam details below. Company Policies

PFT PLUS

$399

Coupon codes or discounts cannot be applied
* Additional shipping fees & delivery times applies to students living outside of North America. Refer to shipping fees.
Refer to training, CEUs, and exam details below. Company Policies

PFT COMPLETE

$697

100% ONLINE TRAINING
* Additional shipping fees & delivery times applies to students living outside of North America. Refer to shipping fees.
Refer to training, CEUs, and exam details below. Company Policies

PFT COMPLETE

NESTA 6-Month Payment Plan

$121 /Mo

No credit check. Credit card or debit card required.
Coupon codes or discounts cannot be applied

$121/MO automatically debited/credited every 30 days, for the next 6-months
(includes onetime $30 processing fee)

Total payments made: $726 at the end of 6-months

Includes all listed under Single Payment

Exception:

PFT Exam ID may only be requested after all payments have been received
* Additional shipping fees & delivery times applies to students living outside of North America. Refer to shipping fees.
Refer to training, CEUs, and exam details below. Company Policies
Disclaimer: The NESTA educational materials are optional and are not required to prepare for the NESTA Personal Fitness Trainer Exam. You can sit for the certification exam now without purchasing the official NESTA study materials if you feel you are ready.

What does the NESTA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer complete course include?

Instant online access to the NESTA-PFT 14-chapter interactive PDF digital manual (easily printable)

Gain immediate online access to over 10 hours of training videos with interactive review questions, ensuring your progress

Prepare for your official proctored exam with unlimited access to the online practice exam and feel confident when you’re ready

You can study from any device. Training can be accessed on iPad, iPhone, Android, PC, and MAC.

You’ll have unlimited access to all the training materials 24/7, even after earning your certification.

30, 60 and 90-day study plan checklists, so you can stay focused and on track

NCCA accredited NESTA-PFT 125 questions, 2-hour multiple-choice, proctored exam

Learn at your own speed, and when you feel prepared, you’ll have a 90-day window to schedule and sit for the proctored exam

Once you have successfully passed the certification exam, you will not only receive a digital copy, but you will also be *mailed a physical hard copy of your 8.5 x 11 wall certificate (Paper certificate mailed in 2-3 weeks within North America). This certificate will proudly display our official seal, signatures, and the esteemed title of “Certified Personal Fitness Trainer“. (*International students will incur an additional shipping fee)

Access various CEU courses at discounted rates to boost your knowledge, maintain certification, and attract clients quickly

NESTA Personal Fitness Trainer course list


NESTA trains fitness professionals to go beyond client expectations

Your NESTA Personal Fitness Trainer Certification is NCCA-Accredited and Accepted Worldwide!

The NESTA Personal Fitness Trainer Certification is accredited through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the gold standard.

Fitness centers, health clubs and gyms are hiring NESTA personal fitness trainers every day. Get certified now so you can get hired fast.

Most employers require a Personal Fitness Trainer Certification like NESTA’s.

These clubs and thousands of others, accept NESTA’s certification:

Why Choose the NESTA Personal Fitness Trainer Certification?

Most certifications are only valid for 2 years. However, NESTA’s Personal Fitness Trainer Certification is valid for a full 4 years! This saves you money NOW, and in the FUTURE.

NESTA teaches you easy-to-follow and cutting edge business and career skills you need to land your dream job and get more training clients without a struggle. We make it fun.

100% online training program: Instant access, lifetime access, no waiting, study at your own pace from your home, office, or on the go. No materials are mailed.

NCCA Accredited
NESTA holds the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accreditation for its Personal Fitness Trainer Certification.
NESTA’s Personal Fitness Trainer Certification is recognized by the National Board of Fitness Examiners
The CDR (Commission on Dietetic Registration) has approved NESTA’s Personal Fitness Trainer (PFT) Certification program as a CDR-approved certification. Registered Dietitians and Registered Dietetic Technicians may complete the NESTA PFT certification for 75 CPEUs.
The NESTA Personal Fitness Trainer Certification is registered with the U.S. Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line program.

After doing research, I decided to take all of mine through NESTA. Best decision I could have made. Every class I have taken teaches you very practical and useful information to set you up for success in your career goals.
– Joe, CA.

Your NESTA Personal Fitness Trainer Manual

The official manual (delivered in digital PDF format) uses interactive animations to explain scientific concepts and their applications for the personal trainer. Each chapter contains study questions to help prepare for your certification exam.

The following content areas are covered within the interactive digital manual:

Chapter 1 – Introduction to Personal Training
Chapter 2 – Exercise Physiology
Chapter 3 – Kinesiology and Functional Anatomy
Chapter 4 – Applied Biomechanics
Chapter 5 – Flexibility
Chapter 6 – Nutrition
Chapter 7 – Special Populations
Chapter 8 – Assessments
Chapter 9 – Program Design
Chapter 10 – Exercise Application
Chapter 11 – Safety, Injury Prevention, and Treatment
Chapter 12 – Exercise Psychology
Chapters 13-14 – Business Strategies and Applications for the Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

DETAILED & EASY-TO-FOLLOW Personal Fitness Training Videos

33 online instructional videos with 3D animations and graphics make learning much easier and more interesting.
Learn about the NESTA System of Personal Training Success, Exercise Physiology, Functional Anatomy & Kinesiology, Muscular Anatomy, Biomechanics, Flexibility, Special Populations, and more.

Personal Fitness Training Online Audio lessons:

Business Essentials Online Audio Lessons

Strategies on how you’ll succeed in personal training

Program Design Fundamentals Online Audio Lessons

An in-depth analysis for designing an effective and efficient program with fast and impressive results for your clients

Nutrition Fundamentals Online Audio Lessons

Discussion with Chris Mohr, RD, PhD, on nutrition and helping your clients make the best choices for optimal health and nutrition

The NESTA System of Personal Fitness Training Success is What You Need

Our easy-to-follow method to jump start your personal training career:
How To Become A Personal Trainer Without College

Our easy-to-follow method to jump start your personal training career:

1. Assess – Learn exactly where to start with your clients for maximum progression
Young, old, in-shape, out-of-shape, special needs…learn the in’s and out’s of proper assessment.

2. Design – Easily design a program that will get results!

A customized program prevents injuries and propels clients to their goals will earn you glowing reviews from your clients.

3. Instruct – Guide your clients to an amazing new level of fitness
Applying science doesn’t have to be complicated, and we’ll show you how.

3 steps to your business success

1. Sales – Sell without “selling”
“If you build your business, they will come.” Find out why you don’t have to be a pushy salesman to get a flood of clients.
2. Referrals – The #1 most powerful marketing tool in the world. It’s a free way to get more clients. You’ll learn all the proven strategies that work for all types of training environments.
Word of mouth. How to use it to get referrals and keep the business rolling in.
3. Marketing – Learn the simple yet effective marketing secrets that other trainers don’t know, but should. We give you the proven strategies and tactics that other certification companies won’t teach you.

We prepare you for success on your test

Know what’s on the test.

Special hints placed throughout the manual called “exam alerts” point out the material that is likely to be on the test.

If you would like more details…

If you are someone who wants more details or wants to know more than what appears on the test? We have provided “Xtras for Xperts” just for you. These 3D animation videos and PDF documents go deeper into the science and concepts presented in the manual.

The Personal Fitness Trainer program is available at a discounted rate

After doing research, I decided to take all of mine through NESTA. Best decision I could have made. Every class I have taken teaches you very practical and useful information to set you up for success in your career goals.
– Joe, CA.

When potential clients see the official NESTA seal on my business card, they feel assured they’re choosing a real fitness professional. The expertise I gained with NESTA has put me way ahead of my competition. I now understand the science and application of the science. I gained important business knowledge as well.
– Jim L.

Becoming a NESTA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer truly changed my life. I instantly got hired at a top-rated gym and I am booked solid with great clients. I love my career.
– Jennifer B.

Excellent program with up to date science. I would recommend to anyone looking for an excellent fitness certification accepted everywhere.
– Hamid, CA

NESTA Personal Fitness Trainer Certification Details

  • Must have paid in full prior to the examination date. NCCA accredited PFT Exam (one exam attempt per purchase).  This is the only 4-year accredited credential in the fitness industry.
  • Exam candidates must take the NESTA proctored exam at a PSI testing center.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have a valid government issued Driver’s License or Passport
  • Must have a minimum high school level or equivalent education
  • Must have current Emergency Cardiac Care (CPR) Certification card/certificate or BLS (Basic Life Support) card/certificate in place of CPR card or equivalent
  • Must to maintain the confidentiality of the exam content and abide by exam policies as stated in the candidate handbook
  • Must agree to adhere to the NESTA Code of Ethics
  • Exam candidate may be subject to an audit to verify proof of documentation requirements (show proof of valid CPR card/certification, Driver’s License or Passport, High School Diploma or equivalent)
  • Exam candidates must complete the 125 question, timed 2-hour, multiple choice, facilitated proctored exam within 90 days of requesting exam eligibility ID.  Exam candidate must receive a passing score 71 or above to achieve certification.
  • If exam candidate does not meet the passing score requirements of 71 or above, there is a $199 retest fee (per exam attempt) if the candidate chooses to re-take the exam.
  • A $45 proctor (per exam attempt) fee applies to exam candidates living outside of North America. Fee is payable upon requesting exam eligibility ID.
  • To renew 4-year certification the NESTA ECB requires its certified personal fitness trainer (PFT) to complete 4.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) over a four year period. Each 0.1 CEU is worth one hour of study time or one contact hour in a live training format.
  • 125 question, timed 2-hour proctored multiple choice computer web-based exam. Passing score is 71 or above.
  • The exam candidate must take the Personal Fitness Trainer proctored exam within 90 days upon requesting their exam eligibility ID.
  • One exam attempt per purchase (unless otherwise specified under purchase options).
  • A $45 proctor fee is applicable to all PFT Exam Candidates living outside of North America. Payment is due upon requesting exam eligibility ID.
  • Exam results are shown immediately upon completing the exam. All passing exams receive a temporary certificate at the time of completion.
  • For more information about NESTA’s PFT exam locations, requirements, scheduling, and procedures, please visit PFT Exam Requirements page.
NESTA Personal Fitness Trainer exam candidates will take the exam at a PSI testing center in their local area. PSI is the proctored exam provider with hundreds of testing sites worldwide.
  • Click here to locate a PSI testing facility in your area.
  • For more information about NESTA’s PFT exam locations, requirements, scheduling, and procedures, please visit PFT Exam Requirements page.
  • An additional $45 proctoring fee applies to students living outside of North America. Payment is due upon requesting exam eligibility ID.
Scheduling hardship exam candidates will be required to use the “Private Proctoring Exam Option” and will not be eligible to test at a PSI facility. Please visit the Private Proctoring Exam Option page for detailed information and instructions. Approval from NESTA is required prior to testing.
Individuals having a disability requiring special accommodations must fill out the “Request for Special Accommodations” form. Requests are decided upon an individual basis. Accommodations usually include an allowance for increased examination time. Accommodation requests will be acknowledged through email and/or phone notification within 7-10 business days of the initial request. For individuals who require a reader, separate accommodations, or other requirements please state your needs and requirements in detail on the Request for Special Accommodations Form. Requests will be considered, and a response will be delivered within 10 business days. Not all PSI facilities are equipped to provide special accommodations requests. Additional policy and procedural information regarding individuals with disabilities or in need of special accommodations for exams can be found by following this link.

$199 Retest Fee: Students who did not meet the exam passing requirements can purchase a $199 retest 30 days from the date of the exam by visiting Exam Retest, Extensions and Administrative Fee page , or by calling our offices at 1-877-348-6692.

$95 Extension Fee: 90-day extension can requested by the exam candidate at any time. Please refer to the NESTA Policies page and click on the “Fees” tab at the top of the page. Extension requests to due medical issues must be provided in writing and a signed physician’s note must be provided. The request will then be reviewed by the NESTA Executive Board. Candidate will be notified by email of the decision. Please refer to the Personal Fitness Trainer Exam Candidate Handbook for details.

 $45 Proctor Fee: An additional $45 proctoring fee is applicable to all PFT exam candidates living outside of North America. Payment is due upon requesting exam eligibility ID.

 $45 Private Proctor Fee: An additional $45 proctoring fee is applicable to PFT exam candidates requiring to apply for private proctoring. Details and application is listed here: Private Proctoring Exam Option

 

The NESTA ECB requires its certified personal fitness trainer (PFT) to complete 4.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) over a four year period. Each 0.1 CEU is worth one hour of study time or one contact hour in a live training format.

For more details on recertification, please click here.

Turn your passion for fitness into a rewarding career

NESTA is a great option for the Fitness Professional. The PFT program covers all the success tools a Personal Trainer would need to enter into the field, or sharpen the skills of a veteran instructor. NESTA made the process of becoming a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer as easy as possible. I love that not only did I have a manual I could study from, but each section had videos to highlight important information. I was also pleased to see they had quizzes that I could take to prepare for the exam. Thank you, NESTA, for making these past few months as painless as possible. I’m very proud to be a NESTA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer!

- Christa from Missouri