Is NASM or ACE Better? [2024]

Are you considering a career in personal training and wondering which certification is better: NASM or ACE? Choosing the right certification is crucial for your success as a personal trainer. In this article, we will compare NASM and ACE certifications to help you make an informed decision. We’ll delve into their backgrounds, course layouts, study materials, prerequisites, exam details, recertification requirements, and more. So, let’s dive in and find out which certification is the best fit for you!

Quick Answer

When it comes to choosing between NASM and ACE, both certifications are highly respected and recognized by gyms and fitness centers. However, NASM has gained more popularity and is often regarded as the gold standard in the industry. NASM’s Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model is comprehensive and highly regarded. On the other hand, ACE offers more affordable pricing options and has excellent study materials, especially in exercise psychology. Ultimately, the choice between NASM and ACE depends on your personal preferences, career goals, and budget.

Quick Tips and Facts

NASM and ACE are both NCCA-accredited certifications that are highly respected in the fitness industry.
NASM’s OPT and ACE’s IFT training models are comparable, but NASM’s OPT model is more comprehensive.
ACE offers more affordable pricing options, especially at the base package level.
NASM provides an easy-to-use online learning platform and has an extensive library of exercise videos.
NASM-certified trainers are often considered more successful and earn higher salaries on average.

Background: NASM and ACE

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Before we dive into the details, let’s take a quick look at the background of NASM and ACE.

NASM: The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) was founded in 1987 and is the most popular certification institute in the industry. NASM is known for its evidence-based approach and comprehensive training programs. NASM-certified trainers are among the most successful in terms of salary and career opportunities.
ACE: The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is a well-recognized non-profit certification provider with a global influence. ACE was founded in 1985 and offers a range of certifications, including personal training, group fitness, health coaching, and more. ACE uses its Integrated Fitness Training (IFT) model, which provides trainers with a format to be creative with their exercises and workouts.

Now that we have a brief overview of NASM and ACE, let’s compare them in more detail.

NASM vs ACE Certification Packages and Study Materials

When it comes to certification packages and study materials, both NASM and ACE offer comprehensive options. Let’s take a closer look at what each certification provides.

NASM Certification Cost and Materials

NASM offers four different certification packages:

Self-Study Package: This package costs $999 and includes the essentials for self-paced learning, including the NASM-CPT textbook, online lectures, practice exams, and more.
Premium Self-Study Package: Priced at $1,399, this package includes everything in the self-study package, plus additional resources such as exercise library access, a study guide, and a job guarantee.
Guided Study Package: For $1,799, the guided study package provides all the materials from the premium self-study package, along with a live workshop, a dedicated mentor, and a retest voucher.
All-Inclusive Package: The all-inclusive package is the most comprehensive option, priced at $2,699. It includes all the materials and benefits from the previous packages, as well as a specialization of your choice, such as corrective exercise or performance enhancement.

ACE Certification Cost and Materials

ACE offers three different certification packages:

Basic Package: The basic package costs $979 and includes the ACE Personal Trainer Manual, access to the ACE Resource Center, and the ACE Academy Elite, which provides additional study resources.
Plus Package: Priced at $1,149, the plus package includes everything in the basic package, along with the ACE Personal Trainer Manual eBook, an exam voucher, and access to ACE Answers, an online resource for ACE-certified professionals.
Advantage Package: The advantage package is the most comprehensive option, costing $1,729. It includes all the materials from the plus package, as well as a study coach, a practice test, and a retest voucher.

When comparing the certification packages, NASM offers a wider range of options and additional specializations. However, ACE’s packages are more affordable, especially at the base level.

NASM vs ACE CPT Course Layouts

Both NASM and ACE have their own patented course layouts and criteria. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

NASM CPT Course Layout

NASM’s Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) course follows the Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model. The OPT model is a systematic and comprehensive approach to training that focuses on individualized programming and progression. It consists of five phases:

Stabilization Endurance: This phase focuses on improving muscular endurance and stability to enhance overall movement quality.
Strength Endurance: The strength endurance phase aims to improve muscle strength and endurance through moderate loads and higher repetitions.
Hypertrophy: In this phase, the focus is on increasing muscle size through higher volume and intensity training.
Maximal Strength: The maximal strength phase aims to improve overall strength and power through heavy resistance training.
Power: The power phase focuses on enhancing speed, agility, and explosive power through various training techniques.

ACE CPT Course Layout

ACE’s Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) course follows the Integrated Fitness Training (IFT) model. The IFT model provides trainers with a format to be creative with their exercises and workouts. It consists of three stages:

Base Training: The base training stage focuses on building a solid foundation of movement patterns, stability, and mobility.
Training: The training stage aims to improve overall fitness and performance through progressive resistance training, cardiovascular exercise, and flexibility training.
Performance: The performance stage focuses on enhancing athletic performance and achieving specific fitness goals through advanced training techniques and periodization.

When comparing the course layouts, both NASM and ACE provide comprehensive training models. NASM’s OPT model is often regarded as more comprehensive, especially in terms of corrective exercise coverage and resistance training techniques.

Prerequisites to Getting a Personal Training Certification

Before pursuing a personal training certification, there are certain prerequisites you need to meet. Let’s take a look at the prerequisites for NASM and ACE certifications.

NASM Prerequisites

To become NASM-certified, you must meet the following prerequisites:

CPR/AED Certification: You must hold a current CPR/AED certification from an approved provider.
Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
Education Requirement: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).

ACE Prerequisites

To become ACE-certified, you must meet the following prerequisites:

CPR/AED Certification: You must hold a current CPR/AED certification from an approved provider.
Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
Education Requirement: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Both NASM and ACE have similar prerequisites, requiring CPR/AED certification, being at least 18 years old, and having a high school diploma or equivalent.

NASM vs ACE Final Exams

The final exams for NASM and ACE certifications are an important step in becoming a certified personal trainer. Let’s compare the details of their final exams.

NASM Final Exam

Exam Cost: The NASM final exam costs $699.
Passing Score: To pass the exam, you must achieve a score of 70% or higher.
Exam Pass Rate: The average pass rate for the NASM final exam is 64%.
Average Completion Time: The NASM certification can be completed in 3 to 6 months, depending on your study pace.

ACE Final Exam

Exam Cost: The ACE final exam costs $499.
Passing Score: To pass the exam, you must achieve a score of 72% or higher.
Exam Pass Rate: The average pass rate for the ACE final exam is 70%.
Average Completion Time: The ACE certification can be completed in 3 to 6 months, depending on your study pace.

When comparing the final exams, NASM’s exam is slightly more expensive, but ACE has a slightly higher passing score requirement. The average completion time for both certifications is similar.

NASM vs ACE Recertification Details

Recertification is an important aspect of maintaining your personal training certification. Let’s compare the recertification details for NASM and ACE.

NASM Recertification

Recertification Period: NASM certifications are valid for two years.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs): To recertify, you must earn 2.0 CEUs (20 hours) through approved continuing education courses.
Recertification Fee: The recertification fee for NASM is $99.

ACE Recertification

Recertification Period: ACE certifications are valid for two years.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs): To recertify, you must earn 2.0 CEUs (20 hours) through approved continuing education courses.
Recertification Fee: The recertification fee for ACE is $129.

Both NASM and ACE require the same number of CEUs for recertification. However, ACE has a slightly higher recertification fee.

NASM vs ACE Overall Ratings

When it comes to overall ratings, both NASM and ACE have their strengths and weaknesses. Let’s summarize the pros and cons of each certification.

NASM Pros and Cons

Pros:

Comprehensive OPT training model
Extensive corrective exercise coverage
Easy-to-use online learning platform
Superb exercise video library

Cons:

Higher exam cost
Study materials can be expensive

ACE Pros and Cons

Pros:

Affordable pricing options
Excellent study materials, especially in exercise psychology
Well-recognized non-profit certification provider

Cons:

Less comprehensive than NASM in certain areas
Exam passing score requirement is slightly higher

Conclusion

woman wearing black sports bra facing front selective focus photography

In conclusion, both NASM and ACE are highly respected certifications in the fitness industry. NASM is more popular and often regarded as the gold standard, thanks to its comprehensive OPT training model and extensive corrective exercise coverage. On the other hand, ACE offers more affordable pricing options and has excellent study materials, especially in exercise psychology.

Ultimately, the choice between NASM and ACE depends on your personal preferences, career goals, and budget. If you value comprehensive training and are willing to invest in your education, NASM may be the best fit for you. However, if affordability is a priority and you are interested in exercise psychology, ACE could be the right choice.

We recommend considering your long-term career goals, the type of clients you want to work with, and the specific areas of expertise you want to develop. Both NASM and ACE certifications will provide you with the knowledge and skills to become a successful personal trainer.

Reference Links: ACE vs NASM – Which Certification is Best in 2023? – PTPioneer | NASM Official Website | ACE Official Website

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on our research and personal experience. Please refer to the official websites of NASM and ACE for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding their certifications.