ACSM vs. NASM - Which is better in 2023

 If you are undecided about which personal trainer certification to enroll for, this ACSM vs. NASM guide will be a big help for you.

 We tried to keep the ACSM vs. NASM comparison based on:

  • Focus of the study
  • Recognition in the industry
  • Study materials
  • Cost of certification
  • Test for certification
  • Recertification

ACSM vs. NASM- a brief introduction

Both ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) and NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) follow corrective training models and have received NCCA accreditation.

The cost of both certifications is different as we move on to specializations but the basic package remains very similar. For ACSM you pay around $500 while the basic package for NASM is about $524.

The passing rate of NASM is 64% which is quite higher than ACSM which is 54%. 

Focus of the study

As we have mentioned earlier, both ACSM and NASM follow the model of corrective exercise and focus on functional training. Both the certifications aim to educate trainers on correcting the client’s muscular imbalances and have a well-researched screening process. Here is an insight into the focus of the study of both ACSM and NASM

ACSM

ACSM certification course has been scientifically designed to emphasize more on the clinical side of training. It includes corrective exercises and functional training.

The certifications help personal trainers to assess the strength and weaknesses of the client and develop a fitness program accordingly.

NASM

NASM certification emphasizes the OPT (Optimum Performance Training) model with a focus on developing health programs.

NASM helps their trainers to connect to their clients more whereas ACSM is based on scientific ways to improve training in kinesiology.

NASM includes ACSM’s research in their certification course and combines it with other aspects of training like weight loss procedure, performance enhancement, etc.

This gives NASM an edge over ACSM to educate the trainers better according to a progressive study model.

Conclusion: NASM is a clear winner here based on their focus of study and methods to prepare their trainers.

Recognition in the industry

Both ACSM and NASM certifications are well recognized and accepted in the fitness industry. Having said that, let’s check out their popularity based on their industry recognition.

ACSM

ACSM is well-recognized in the clinical facilities and educational institutions where their study materials are accepted as a part of the academic curriculum.

NASM

NASM certification is more sought-after in gyms and fitness facilities for the OPT model they follow. The OPT model is regarded as the best for progressive training.

Conclusion: Both the certifications will give you a booming career but NASM enjoys more popularity in the field of personal training. 

Study materials

The study materials form an important part of this ACSM vs. NASM comparison here because it determines the skills and ability of their certified trainers. Check out the study materials below.

ACSM Study Materials

ACSM certification course includes three textbooks covering different aspects of health and fitness.

The primary textbook focuses on personal training and different methods of exercise.

The second textbook includes fitness training, screening, and methods to use them to prescribe an exercise routine. The third textbook is a review of case studies.

In addition to the textbooks, ACSM offers live workshops for hands-on training experience. The cost for a one-day workshop is $129 and for a three-day package, it costs $375.

The curriculum also includes a one-day seminar on health, fitness, and nutrition.

NASM Study Materials

NASM certification comes in a range of packages and each has a separate set of study materials.

The NASM self-study package is a basic package that includes a textbook, video lectures, practice exam, training library, practice quiz, and official study guide.

NASM premium self-study package has all study materials of the self-study package along with learning activities, flashcards, and webinars.

NASM guided-study package has everything from self-study and premium self-study package along with access to NASM certified coaches, discussion forums, live workshops, exam-prep guide, and hardcopy textbook.

The most exclusive of all is the NASM all-inclusive package that has all the study materials from the other three packages along with a job guarantee, and access to NASM business accelerator and CPT development programs. The job guarantee comes with a free internship from NASM.

Conclusion: NASM offers better study materials on personal training as compared to ACSM. 

Cost of certification

The cost is the most crucial point in this ACSM vs. NASM study. It will help you to know which certification gives you the best value for money.

ACSM Certification Cost

The cost of ACSM certification depends on the study materials you choose to purchase.

 Primary Textbook: $70 (approximately)

  • Second Textbook: $40 (approximately)
  • Third Textbook: $40
  • The combined price of all three textbooks: $135
  • Exam fee: $300
  • Complete package with workshop: $750

 NASM Certification Cost

  • Self-study package: $699 to $524
  • Premium self-study package: $1099 to $824
  • Guided self-study package: $1499 to $1024
  • All-inclusive package: $2199 to $1649

Conclusion: Going by the most budget-friendly option, ACSM is definitely the winner here.

Certification test

Here is another important factor in ACSM vs. NASM comparison to know which certification has the most qualification rate and is easier to ace.

ACSM Certification Exam

ACSM CPT is one of the most difficult exams to pass with a qualification rate of about 54%.

The exam includes 120 multiple-choice questions that have to be answered in two and a half hours. Out of 800 points, the passing score is 550.

Eligible candidates must be at least 18 years old with a high school degree or equivalent qualification and an active CPR/AED certification.

NASM Certification Exam

To appear for the NASM exam, a candidate must record a test date at a PSI or Laser-grade facility that is located throughout the United States. The qualification rate for the NASM test is about 64%.

The course duration is 6 months from the time of purchase to the date of the exam.

The test includes 120 multiple-choice questions and the passing grade is 70. The exam duration is 2 hours.

The result is declared immediately after the exam is completed.

Conclusion: Going by the qualification rate, NASM is a better choice than ACSM.

ACSM vs. NASM: Recertification

Recertification is a way to stay updated with the advanced methods and innovations in the spheres of health and nutrition. Check out here for the cost and criteria of recertification for ACSM and NASM

ACSM Recertification

ACSM allows its trainers to get recertified after every 3 years at the cost of $30. That might sound cheap but it comes with 45 hours of CEU credit requirement, 15 hours of CEU every year for 3 years of recertification course.

NASM Recertification

NASM trainers can get recertified every 2 years for $99. The course includes 20 hours of CEU credits with 10 hours of CEU every year during the recertification period.

Conclusion: Considering the recertification fee and the interval period ACSM is a better choice here.

Final thoughts

After this detailed study on ACSM vs. NASM certification, we hope you have a clear idea about what factors to look for while enrolling for a personal trainer certification course. It all depends on personal preferences but it is always better to choose the one that best fits your style of training and career goals. Both ACSM and NASM received high accolades and ranked in our top 7 personal trainer certification courses.