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What are all the Fitness Certifications? Here's a List

February 06, 2024

What are all the different fitness certifications?

What are all the acronyms next to fitness professionals names? We know, they can be a lot. Here's a comprehensive list of the certifications that you can obtain as a fitness professional.


NSCA = National Strength and Conditioning Association

  • CSCS = Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
  • The industry-leading certification for professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes and teams to top levels of performance.
  • CPSS = Certified Performance and Sport Scientist
  • A first-of-its-kind certification, the CPSS is for experienced professionals who apply data and research to train athletes to top levels of performance.
  • NSCA-CPT = Certified Personal Trainer
  • The leading certificate available for personal trainers. Backed by the NSCA’s evidence-based approach, the NSCA-CPT sets you apart from the rest to launch your career growth.
  • CSPS = Certified Special Population Specialist
  • The certification for fitness professionals who collaborate with healthcare professionals to improve the health, wellness, and fitness needs of all ages, including people with chronic and temporary health conditions.
  • TSAC-F = Tactical Strength & Conditioning Facilitator
  • The preferred certificate for tactical trainers. Train and enhance the fitness of military, law enforcement, and first responders for the unique physical challenges encountered in the tactical environment.

ACSM = American College of Sports Medicine

  • GEI = Group Exercise Instructor
  • An ACSM Certified Group Exercise Instructor® (ACSM-GEI) has earned a high school diploma and works in a group exercise setting with apparently healthy people and those with health challenges who can still exercise independently.
  • CPT = Certified Personal Trainer
  • An ACSM Certified Personal Trainer® (ACSM-CPT) has earned a high school diploma or GED and works with apparently healthy clients and those with stable health challenges who have been cleared to exercise independently.
  • EP = Exercise Physiologist
  • An ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist® (ACSM-EP) has a bachelor’s degree or higher in exercise science and works with healthy clients and those with medically controlled conditions to establish safe, healthy and effective exercise and lifestyle behaviors.
  • CEP = Clinical Exercise Physiologist
  • An ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist® (ACSM-CEP) holds a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in exercise science with 1,200 hours of hands-on experience or a master’s degree in clinical exercise physiology and 600 hours of clinical experience. ACSM-CEPs use prescribed exercise and basic health behavior interventions to assist clients with chronic diseases or conditions.

ACE = American Council on Exercise