Last Updated on June 25, 2023 by Emmanuel

The National Academy of Sports Medicine educates professional personal trainers on different skills and industry standards to serve their target audience better.
This industry’s well-known fitness and sports medicine platform has gained an outstanding reputation globally; many appreciate its courses.
However, with many organizations offering certifications and credentials in this field, one might wonder: Is the National Academy of Sports Medicine Legitimate?
This blog post examines this organization from all angles to determine if it meets your need as an aspiring personal trainer.
Table of Contents
What Is The National Academy of Sports Medicine?
Robert M. Goldman founded NASM in 1987 to offer industry professionals fitness, health, and wellness education.
NASM has already trained over a million fitness professionals in over one hundred countries; the number continues to increase.
Besides, this platform has patterned with over ten thousand gyms and health clubs worldwide.
The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) approves NASM’s certifications, making it trustworthy and legitimate.
What Does the National Academy of Sports Medicine Offer?
1. Certified personal coach program.
The NASM personal trainer certification suits those who want to become certified trainers and start new careers.
Requirements such as a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification must be met to register.
Meeting all the requirements enables you to open an account; you can then enroll in the following programs:
- Self-study program at $28 monthly or $700 in one installment.
- Premium self-study program at $43 a month or $979.
- Guided study at $106 a month or $1,169.
- All-in inclusive certified personal trainer at $159 monthly or $1,754 if paid in one installment.
You can check each program’s benefit on the NASM registration page to pick the most suitable one.
The platform allows you to set your learning hours according to your schedule until you become a certified personal trainer.

How long does the training last?
It typically takes fifteen weeks to complete a program, but this platform can extend it up to six months from enrollment.
NASM administrates the exams through a live proctor online or in-person at a safe proctoring location.
The exam comprises 120 questions for two hours; you must be fast and score at least 70% or better.
Besides, NASM requires its certification holders to renew them every two years.
RELATED: The American Council On Exercise (ACE).
2. Certified nutrition programs.
Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC).
NASM says its nutrition experts have spent years designing this science-based Certified Nutrition Coach program.
Your trainers will give you the skills to put your target audience on a path to better eating.
At the end of this program, they will equip you with the skills to help others live healthily by taking top-rated nutrition diets.
As for the cost, this platform charges a $449 school fee, payable once or $41 monthly in installments.
Certified Sports Nutrition Coach (CSNC).
In the Certified Sports Nutrition Coach (CSNC), you will learn how to develop personalized nutritional recommendations.
The program aims to give you the necessary skills to help the people you serve by optimizing their performance and recovering from workouts through nutrition.
Certified Sports Nutrition Coach (CSNC) costs $449, and you can request to pay a $41 monthly installment.

3. Certified Wellness Coach (NASM-CWC).
This certification suits those who want to become wellness coaches, one of the professions on the trend.
As a feature wellness coach, you will learn how to guide, support, and motivate your target audience to achieve lasting lifestyle changes.
You will gain the following skills:
- Nutrition, mental and emotional well-being.
- Recovery and regeneration processes.
- How to help your clients achieve long-lasting positive behavior changes.
- Applying a holistic approach to wellness in different scenarios faced at work.
- Actionable guidance on how to immerse you in a unique instructional environment.
Trainers typically use podcast-style interviews for the learners to visualize potential client hurdles.
In summary, NASM wellness coach certification will give you the skills to serve your public adequately.
The program costs $3,000 or $273 monthly if you pay in different installments.
RELATED: The American Council On Exercise Certifications.
NASM certifications’ pros and cons?
Pros:
This platform provides top-rated fitness, wellness, and sports performance coaches certifications.
NASM-CPT certification is among the industry’s most widely recognized personal trainer credentials.
Personal trainers earn a 20% average salary over non-certified trainers in popular gyms and fitness facilities.
Furthermore, you can become self-employed to help many to achieve their fitness and learn better health.
Cons:
- Some certifications are costly ( the wellness coaching program, for example); many individuals can’t access them.
- One must maintain his certification every two years through continuing education credits, which adds to the cost.
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NASM vs. Other Certifications.
Many other organizations offer similar certifications to NASM, but this platform is the industry’s gold standard.
Learners must pass rigorous examinations before obtaining the certification, making it more trustworthy.
Moreover, every two years, all NASM-certified professionals update the industry’s practices through continuing education.
Is Nasm the gold standard?
Many consider the NASM PT certification the most popular gold standard certification, making this platform one of the best options, along with others like the American Council of Exercise.
Final Thoughts.
We conclude that the National Academy of Sports Medicine is a legitimate organization that provides valuable certifications and ressources.
This platform suits whoever wants to pursue careers in the fitness industry to help others live better.
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That’s what we can tell about whether the National Academy of Sports Medicine is legitimate. We hope you find it valuable.
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