RankingRight
ElectronicsKids Learning AppsLaptopsMattressesOnline CoursesOnline TherapyPet InsuranceTax SoftwareTravel InsuranceVPN ServicesVideo Editing SoftwareAntivirus SoftwareCell Phone PlansDog FoodHearing AidsHome & kitchenHospitalsLanguage Learning AppsNoise-Cancelling HeadphonesNursing HomesParental Control AppsPhoto Editing SoftwarePillowsSoftware & AppsWeb HostingBaby MonitorsDomain RegistrarsEducationHealth & WellnessHomework Help & Study ToolsMeal Kit DeliveryPassword ManagersPayrollStock Photo & Creative Asset SitesTV Streaming ServicesCRMElectric ToothbrushesFamily & KidsIdentity Theft ProtectionJob Search SitesPortable MonitorsRobot VacuumsSTEM Kits for KidsAir PurifiersBackground Check SitesMoney & FinanceOnline Tutoring ServicesPayments & POSSmartwatchesStrollersTravel & eSIMWebsite BuildersAccounting SoftwareCar SeatsDating AppsHome Security CamerasPersonal Trainer CertificationsEmail Marketing SoftwareKids' BackpacksMoving CompaniesKids' TabletsProject Management SoftwareCoffee MakersLLC Formation ServicesEmployee Monitoring SoftwareHome Security SystemsBusiness Phone SystemsSSL Certificates How We Rank How We Make Money Search
Home / Education / Personal Trainer Certifications / ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
8.4 Tested Aug 24, 2026 by Team RankingRight

ISSA Certified Personal Trainer (Self-guided) review 2026

Open-book online exam, no proctoring, a free website and business coaching — built for trainers who want to work for themselves

PriceFrom $799 · checked Sep 11, 2026
Real cost to certify799 $
NCCAYes

Is the ISSA Certified Personal Trainer Worth It?

Best for trainers going independent. ISSA is the friendliest route to certified and the only one that hands you a business toolkit on the way out. The open-book exam is why some gym managers still ask for NASM.

ISSA Certified Personal Trainer Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Open-book, untimed online exam with a free retake — the least stressful path here
  • Includes a free trainer website and business-building course
  • Payment plans from about $70 a month
  • Fast, responsive student support
Cons
  • The open-book exam makes some employers rate it below NASM and ACE
  • Study material is lighter on exercise science
  • Heavy upselling into bundles

ISSA Certified Personal Trainer at a Glance

8.4 Editor Score
Accreditation & employer recognitionWhether the certification is NCCA-accredited (what most US gyms require), and which employers list it by name in job postings.
26/30
Study materialDepth and currency of the textbook and course, practice questions, video, and how well it prepared us for the exam we sat.
20/25
Exam & supportProctoring options, retake cost and policy, published pass rates, tutor and mentor access.
14/15
Career supportJob boards, business training, insurance partnerships, continuing-education paths and specialisations.
10/10
ValueTotal real cost to become certified — package, exam fee, first recertification — not the headline price.
14/20
Reader ratingNo reader ratings yet — not part of the score
–
Own one? Rate it:

Rubric v1: Accreditation & employer recognition 30 · Study material 25 · Exam & support 15 · Career support 10 · Value 20. Score = Σ ÷ 10, locked Sep 11, 2026. How we rank.

Where to buy — prices checked Sep 11, 2026

ISSA — $799

Best priceVisit Site

ISSA Certified Personal Trainer specifications

NCCA accreditedYes (NCCA-accredited CPT)
Entry package799 USD
Our real total to certify799 USD
Exam fee if bought aloneIncluded USD
RetakeOne free retake
Prerequisites18+, high-school diploma, CPR/AED
Self-pacedYes
Recertification$99 + 20 CEUs every 2 years
Valid for2 years

Why it scored 8.4

ISSA is the friendliest route to certified and the only one that hands you a business toolkit on the way out. The open-book exam is why some gym managers still ask for NASM.

Where it loses

Exam rigour; perception.

Still the right pick for

Self-employed and online trainers.

Changelog: Sep 11 — rank 3 → 4 · all changes

ISSA Certified Personal Trainer8.4 · $799
Visit Site