Is there a cost for the NASM Master Trainer program?
The Master Trainer program has a one-time cost, with no ongoing membership fees or dues. Contact an NASM Advisor for more information regarding NASM Master Trainer Summit costs.

Can I participate if I am not certified through NASM?
No. To become an NASM Master Trainer, you must be an NASM Certified Personal Trainer.

What do I do if my NASM CPT expired before or during being in the Master Trainer program?
A current and valid NASM CPT certification is required to be part of the Master Trainer program. If your certification is not valid, you must either recertify or retake and pass the NASM CPT exam.

* What are the types of approved college degrees?

Approved degrees include:

• Exercise Science

• Exercise Physiology

• Kinesiology/Biomechanics

• Physical Education

• Nutrition/Dietetics

• Athletic Training

• Physical Therapy

• Chiropractic

• Occupational Therapy

• Health Education

• Public Health

• Sports Management

How many specializations do I need to participate in the NASM Master Trainer program?

The following credentials are required:

• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

• Corrective Exercise Specialization (CES)

• Performance and Exercise Specialization (PES)

• One additional NASM Specialization or an approved college degree (see the question above for approved college degrees)

Do I need all specializations prior to applying for the Master Trainer program?
Yes, you must meet all the requirements at the time of application.

I am certified with NASM but have credentials with other organizations. Can those count towards a specialization?
No. Only NASM specializations or an accredited college degree in an exercise science-related program can be counted in the NASM Master Trainer program.

Do CEU from the NASM Master Trainer Program CEUs apply to my NASM CPT recertification?
Yes, all CEUs will be counted toward NASM CPT recertification.

Why should I complete the NASM Master Trainer program?
As an NASM Master Trainer you’ll gain credibility and recognition as an elite fitness professional. This designation also offers unique marketing and branding opportunities to help support your business, clients, and career. NASM will also recognize you through branded promotional items, online recognition, and product discounts.

How long does it take to complete the NASM Master Trainer program?
It typically takes at least 2 years of training experience to complete the entire program, depending on your education, work history, and level of dedication. Here are the typical time requirements for each part of the program (some of which you may have already completed):

• Become an NASM Certified Personal Trainer (typically takes 2-6 months)

• Pass 3 NASM specializations (typically takes 4-12 months)

• Complete the NASM Master Trainer Summit (typically takes 2-3 months)

What’s the difference between an NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and an NASM Master Trainer?
NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM CPT) has displayed the necessary competence to complete and pass an accredited certification to work as a certified personal trainer.
An NASM Master Trainer is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer with additional advanced specializations who has been evaluated by NASM faculty and passed 3 rigorous examinations to be professionally recognized as an NASM Master Trainer.

What if I’m considered a “Master Trainer” at my current employer?
Earning the NASM Master Trainer credential will add to your current credentials and further improve your reputation as an accomplished fitness professional.

What if I’m considered a “Master Trainer” at my current employer?
Earning the NASM Master Trainer credential will not interfere with any designations you currently hold. In fact, earning the NASM Master Trainer credential will add to your current credibility and reputation as an accomplished fitness professional.

Will my clients know what an NASM Master Trainer is?
Some clients may know about the NASM Master Trainer program, while others may not. After successfully completing the NASM Master Trainer program, you’ll be given access to unique branding and marketing opportunities to spread the word about your success.

What happens if I do not pass the online component of the NASM Master Trainer Summit?
The NASM Master Trainer Summit experience is designed for NASM Certified Personal Trainers to audit and enhance their practical skills in personal training, corrective exercise, and performance enhancement with the help of NASM Master Instructors.

The Summit consists of 3 parts:

Part 1: An online training component. This training will cover many aspects of fitness training, including: fitness testing and evaluation, exercise technique, program design, coaching, and communication. You must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher to be invited to Part 2 of the Summit.

Part 2: A 2-day workshop (virtual or in-person) where our NASM faculty will evaluate and assess your mastery of coaching, communication, confidence in defining concepts, and training elements. Participants will be asked to speak, demonstrate, and coach on a variety of topics while being evaluated by NASM faculty. You must pass with a 70% or higher to receive access to Part 3 of the Summit.

Part 3: A final examination. You will be given access to the final exam and will have 7 days to complete it. You must pass the exam with a score of 70% or better to earn the title of a Master Trainer.

What should I bring to the NASM Master Trainer Summit experience?
Wear workout attire and have a notebook and pen handy. We also suggest having an area of 8x8 feet to demonstrate certain techniques, exercises, etc. You will need a foam roller and a band and/or dumbbells available for demonstration purposes.

How long do I have to complete the online component?
You will have 4 weeks to complete the online course.

What’s required to pass the NASM Master Trainer Summit?
Passing the NASM Master Trainer Summit requires a score of 70% for each of the 3 parts of the process, including:

• The online component

• Evaluation component during the in-person/virtual component

• A post-event examination

If you do not pass any of these sections, you will not pass the Summit

What happens if I do not pass the online component?
If you do not pass the online portion with a score of 70% or higher, you will not be allowed to progress to the other 2 portions of the program and will have to re-apply at a later time.

If I don’t pass, is there a waiting period to try again?

If you don’t pass the Summit, you must wait one year before you can re-apply. During this time, we suggest you review the foundational courses offered through NASM: CPT, CES, and PES.