For the second year in a row, Forbes Health ranked the ACSM Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT) as the top Personal Trainer Certification Program in the industry and made it the only program to receive five out of five stars. The award was announced by Forbes Health in the article Best Personal Trainer Certification Programs Of 2024, According To Experts.
“Recognition from a respected, third-party source like Forbes Health is very gratifying,” said ACSM President Stella Volpe, Ph.D., RDN, FACSM, ACSM-CEP. “This is validation of what we have been confident about for years: our people, our rigor and our commitment to science-backed education and training puts ACSM at a different level.”
The Forbes Health Advisory Board, representing expertise in exercise and sports science, physical therapy and sports medicine, conducted a thorough review of organizations with certifications accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The panel chose the ACSM-CPT as its top program based, in part, on its support of fitness professionals who want to help both healthy clients and those with stable health challenges cleared to exercise by their health care providers.
“ACSM offers a personal trainer certification that prepares individuals to work in a variety of fitness settings,” says Sabrena Jo, senior director of science and research at the American Council on Exercise and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. “It’s also well known for its peer-reviewed publications and annual educational conferences.”
The expert panel also noted the program’s self-study material options, official Facebook group for community exam preparation, affordable recertification fees and its roots in scientific research as benefits that set the ACSM-CPT program apart.
“ACSM is very scientific in its approach and is geared toward a physiologic basis of correcting form and improving fitness,” adds Neel Raval, M.D., a sports medicine physician and Forbes Health Advisory Board member.
The recognition by Forbes Health demonstrates how ACSM certified professionals can be certain they are getting the highest quality certification available from an organization that values scientific and professional integrity above all else. ACSM’s new 2024-27 strategic plan reinforces its dedication to striving for excellence over the long term.
For more information about the ACSM-CPT and other certifications, visit the ACSM Certification website.