NASM Group Personal Training Specialist (GPTS) Certification Review (2024)
Read this NASM Group Personal Training Specialist (GPTS) Certification Review to decide if the NASM GPTS Certification is worth it and what the best personal training certification is for you.
The NASM Group Personal Training Specialist (GPTS) certification offers fitness professionals the opportunity to specialize in coaching small groups effectively. With a focus on individualized programming, coaching strategies, and business essentials, the NASM group fitness certification can help trainers attract more clients and enhance their service offerings. The NASM GPTS certification stands out for its practical training skills and potential to increase job opportunities in the fitness industry.
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NASM Group Personal Training Specialist (GPTS) Certification
The NASM Group Personal Training Specialist (GPTS) certification is tailored for fitness professionals aiming to coach small groups of 2-10 individuals effectively. Here is a review based on the information gathered from various sources:
- Purpose: The NASM GPTS program equips trainers with the skills to conduct sessions for small groups, focusing on coaching strategies, individualized programming, and business essentials to enhance client engagement and retention.
- Curriculum: The certification covers topics like group exercise selection, program design, coaching techniques, and cueing methods. It also includes business essentials to help trainers market their services and expand their client base.
- Cost and Exam: The exam cost for the NASM GPTS certification is $399, with study materials included. The exam has a passing score of 70%, with three attempts allowed. The average completion time for the program is 2-4 weeks.
- Pros:
- Valuable techniques for coaching multiple individuals simultaneously.
- Provides 1.5 continuing education units for recertification.
- Enhances employment opportunities and offers a good return on investment compared to other programs.
- Cons:
- Not NCCA accredited due to being a specialization rather than a full certification.
- Limited information available on exam pass rates.
The NASM Group Personal Training Specialization (GPTS) is a program designed for fitness professionals who want to blend the personalized attention of one-on-one training with the dynamic environment of group fitness. This allows trainers to impact more clients and increase their income within the same time frame.
General Information
The NASM Group Personal Training Specialist (GPTS) Certification is designed to blend the personalized approach of one-on-one training with the dynamic environment of group fitness. This certification enables fitness professionals to maximize their impact and income by learning to effectively deliver personal training to multiple clients simultaneously.
- Target Audience: Ideal for personal trainers, fitness instructors, and health coaches looking to expand their offerings and reach a wider clientele by incorporating group personal training into their services.
- Curriculum: The GPTS curriculum includes comprehensive training on group exercise selection, program design, coaching techniques, and business strategies tailored to group personal training settings.
- Study Materials: NASM provides 120 ready-to-use Group Personal Training Program Templates, along with self-paced online learning materials on its state-of-the-art digital platform.
Certification Requirements
- Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness professionals interested in group personal training.
- Exam: The certification concludes with a final exam consisting of 120 multiple-choice questions, requiring a minimum passing score of 70%.
Certification Process
- Study Period: The program can be completed in as little as 2-4 weeks, thanks to the self-paced online format that allows for flexible learning.
- Exam Details: The final exam is conducted online, featuring 120 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 120 minutes, with one attempt included in the course registration.
Continuing Education
- CEU Value: This course is valued at 1.9 NASM CEUs, contributing significantly to the continuing education requirements for NASM-certified professionals.
Comparison of NASM Group Personal Training Specialist (GPTS) Certification with Other Group Fitness Certifications
| Certification | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| NASM Group Personal Training Specialist (GPTS) | – Specializes in coaching small groups effectively. – Covers exercise science, program design, and coaching techniques for group personal training. – Offers business essentials for marketing services. | – Not NCCA accredited due to being a specialization. – Limited information available on exam pass rates. |
| NASM Group Fitness Instructor | – Provides a strong foundation in exercise programming. – Emphasizes evidence-based approach and coaching techniques. – Opens doors to numerous job opportunities and enhances professional standing. | – Not NCCA accredited. – Limited details on exam pass rates available. |
| ISSA Certified Group Exercise Instructor (ISSA-GEI) | – Flexible study options with online coursework. – Comprehensive curriculum covering essential aspects of group fitness instruction. – Ongoing support and access to valuable resources for students. | – Less recognized compared to some other certifications. – Higher price point of $799. |
| ACE Group Fitness Instructor | – Robust and reasonably priced certification option. – Offers a variety of study material options for learners. – Lifetime certification without renewal requirements. | – Limited information on specific features and cost in the search results. |
| ACSM Group Exercise Instructor | – Provides tools to teach various group fitness classes in a gym setting. – Opportunity to learn about exercise science fundamentals. – Known for high standards of quality in certifications. | – Limited details on exam pass rates and specific features available in the search results. |
When comparing the NASM Group Personal Training Specialist (GPTS) Certification and NASM Group Fitness Instructor Certification with other group fitness certifications like ISSA Certified Group Exercise Instructor, ACE Group Fitness Instructor, and ACSM Group Exercise Instructor, each certification offers unique strengths and considerations. The NASM certifications focus on specialized skills for coaching small groups effectively or leading larger group fitness classes, while other certifications like ISSA provide flexibility in study options and comprehensive curriculums. Fitness professionals should consider factors like accreditation, curriculum comprehensiveness, and ongoing support when selecting the most suitable certification for their career goals in group fitness instruction.
Pros and Cons
The NASM Group Personal Training Specialist Certification offers a unique opportunity for fitness professionals to diversify their training services and cater to the growing demand for group personal training. By combining the personalized attention of individual training with the camaraderie and motivation of group fitness, trainers can enhance their clients’ experiences while optimizing their own schedules and income. With NASM’s comprehensive curriculum, digital resources, and practical program templates, fitness professionals are well-equipped to launch successful group personal training services.
Pros
- Allows fitness professionals to impact more lives and grow their income by training multiple clients in the same time slot.
- Equips trainers with the skills and methods needed to design and deliver successful group personal training experiences.
- NASM’s world-class resources and peer-reviewed content ensure a high-quality learning experience.
Cons
- Group training may not appeal to all clients, particularly those who prefer the exclusivity of one-on-one sessions.
- Managing multiple clients simultaneously can be challenging and requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Business Growth
- The specialization emphasizes business essentials to help trainers market their services effectively and grow their client base.
- Trainers learn to expand their business to reach new types of clientele, promising high retention rates.
By achieving the NASM Group Personal Training Specialization, fitness professionals can enhance their ability to deliver personalized training experiences in a group setting, effectively meeting the diverse needs of multiple clients at once and expanding their business in the process.
What is the NASM GPTS Certification?
The NASM GPTS Certification provides the necessary skills and methods to design and deliver successful group personal training experiences. It includes 120 ready-to-use program templates, making it easy to design effective sessions quickly. The program also covers business essentials to market services and grow the client base, aiming to reach new clientele with high retention rates.
Is the NASM GPTS Certification worth it?
Yes, the NASM GPTS Certification is worth it for trainers looking to expand their offerings and work with multiple clients simultaneously. The specialization enables trainers to grow their impact and income by providing personalized training in a group setting, which can be more cost-effective for clients and more profitable for trainers.
Who should get the NASM GPTS Certification?
The NASM GPTS Certification is ideal for:
- Personal trainers who want to offer group personal training sessions.
- Fitness professionals looking to increase their client base and income.
- Trainers interested in learning how to manage and coach multiple clients in a group setting effectively.
How difficult is the NASM GPTS Certification exam?
The NASM GPTS Certification exam is designed to test your knowledge of group personal training, including exercise selection, program design, coaching, and business strategies. With thorough study of the provided materials and practical application of the concepts, trainers can successfully pass the exam.
How credible is NASM?
NASM is a highly respected organization in the fitness industry, known for its evidence-based certifications and specializations. The GPTS Certification, like all NASM programs, is developed by leading fitness and nutrition experts, ensuring that trainers receive high-quality, relevant education.
What can you do with a NASM GPTS Certification?
With the NASM GPTS Certification, trainers can:
- Conduct group personal training sessions that provide personalized attention to each participant.
- Utilize NASM’s 120 program templates to design effective group workouts quickly.
- Apply business and marketing strategies learned in the program to grow and retain a group training client base.
How much does the NASM GPTS Certification cost?
The NASM GPTS Certification is available for $35/month with a $25 down payment and 11 payments, or a one-time payment of $424, discounted from $499. This price includes a 15% discount.
How long does it take to complete the NASM GPTS Certification?
The self-paced online program can be completed in just 2-4 weeks, making it a convenient option for busy fitness professionals. You have one year to complete the final exam after enrolling in the program.
