The NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies) is a division of ICE (Institute for Credentialing Excellence) established to evaluate examination methods of certification only. Exams bearing the NCCA seal have met the Commission’s standards for fair, reliable and valid testing methods. The NCCA bases its evaluation on “the process and products, not the content” of the exam, so its standards are applicable in a wide range of professions, including nursing, automotive service, crane operation, respiratory therapy, personal training, and more. Although referred to as “accreditation,” the NCCA stamp of approval is not the same as traditional forms of academic accreditation, which is a status reserved for educational institutions, such as grade schools, colleges, universities, and technical schools. The NCCA does not evaluate or accredit educational programs or schools.

In 2011, AAPT became the first school for personal trainers to achieve US Department of Education recognition as a nationally accredited institution of higher learning. Today, AAPT remains the only nationally accredited personal training school in the Northeast. Unlike the less-intensive NCCA process, the process of accreditation undergone by AAPT is rigorous and comprehensive involving evaluation and approval of every aspect of the school’s operation – from educational offerings to facilities to instructor qualifications to job placement outcomes, and more. This rigorous evaluation is conducted by the COE (Council on Occupational Education), which is an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education. Along with AAPT’s national accreditation, the school is also internationally accredited through IACET (International Association for Continuing Education and Training), licensed by the states of New York, Massachusetts, and Florida, and approved as a member of the NCCA’s parent organization, ICE (Institute for Credentialing Excellence).

Learn more about the associations, agencies, and governmental bodies that accredit, approve, recognize and/or license AAPT. BAck to the top

Accredited or not, an online or exam certification is still just a test. There will be study guides and textbooks to read in order to prepare for the exam, but there will be no hands-on education or practical experience required.

AAPT offers a complete education, which includes both classroom study and practical hands-on training. Our instructors and evolving curriculum prepare and equip students with the knowledge and experience to be safe, effective, and successful personal trainers – something an online exam certification cannot and does not offer. Personal trainers who have graduated from AAPT tend to get hired quicker, build a sustaining client base faster, and have higher long-term earning potential than trainers without the educational foundation and career support provided by AAPT. Choosing to attend AAPT is an investment in a successful and lasting personal training career. BAck to the top

We think of ourselves as trailblazers. At AAPT, we are a passionate group of fitness professionals, paving the way for higher standards and better educational options for the industry’s next generation of personal trainers. We know that in order to achieve lasting success in the increasingly competitive training market, a focused educational foundation is essential. Here are some things that set AAPT apart:

AAPT is…

• the first US personal training school to achieve US Department of Education recognition as a nationally accredited institution
• the only Title-IV, nationally accredited personal training school in the Northeast offering Federal Financial Aid
• 100% on-site, instructional, and hands-on
• fewer locations and smaller class sizes
• privately owned and operated
• personalized experience and individual attention
• higher faculty standards resulting in better mentorship
• structured lesson-planning – every classroom minute is value-packed
• industry-relevant course content
• continually current with latest technologies and best practices
• customized career guidance and real industry networking
• 90% job placement rate after graduation

AAPT is not…

• a “quick cert”
• an overpriced exam
• an online course
• an exam-prep course
• a degree program
• a franchise
• NCCA-accredited (this standard is for exam-based certifications only)
• a “work out while you’re in class” kind of program – every hour is an instructional hour – no fluff allowed

AAPT students are not required to buy textbooks. We provide all students with the textbooks used during the course. Students interested in purchasing their own copies of the textbooks can do so, either through AAPT or through the external source of their choosing. BAck to the top

Yes. AAPT students have access to a vast array of financial aid options to help fund their education. These options include:

For more information on payment plans, discounts, and other tuition assistance options, please see the Tuition and Fees section for your desired AAPT location. You may also contact your local AAPT Admissions office to schedule an individual financial aid consultation.

AAPT cannot assist in processing student visas for incoming students. However, most of our foreign students come to the United States with a visitor’s visa. This allows them enough time to complete the full-time day program, which is only 3 months long. For more information on foreign student enrollment, please contact an AAPT Admissions Advisor.

Although AAPT does not offer lodging, we are happy to provide guidance to students who are planning to relocate for class. If you are exploring housing options and would like some tips on local resources, contact your AAPT Admissions Advisor, and we will do our best to point you in the right direction.

AAPT offers a variety of class schedules throughout the year. Full-time and part-time, day, evening, night and weekend classes are available during our winter, spring, summer and fall quarters. Please check our class schedules for more detailed and up-to-date information.
Note: New York class schedules differ from those in Boston; be sure to check the correct schedule for your locationNew York Class Schedules | Boston Class Schedules

Within the core curriculum offered at AAPT, we incorporate the majority of practices, hands-on experience, and science behind group training. We also cover a baseline level of knowledge around various specialized training methodologies. Specialty techniques like yoga, spinning, Pilates, BodyPump, etc. generally require additional training and certification beyond what is covered at AAPT. BAck to the top

We offer CPR/AED training with 2-year certification through the American Heart Association (AHA). Because many of our students come to AAPT with CPR certifications already under their belts, we have not made this a required component of the curriculum, but rather an optional add-on. The CPR/AED course and certification fee is $65 for those who need it. BAck to the top

In order to graduate from AAPT, students must achieve an overall course grade of 70% or greater, fulfill the course attendance and participation requirements, and be in good financial standing with the school. Each student’s course grade is determined by his or her performance on midterm and final written exams, midterm and final practical exams, and a final written project. BAck to the top

Students earn 30 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) from IACET (International Association for Continuing Education and Training) for completion of the AAPT curriculum. Transfer acceptance of any credits and/or coursework from AAPT is at the sole discretion of the receiving institution.

Yes, absolutely. AAPT maintains an exceptionally high job placement rate – currently over 90% – with graduates working throughout the United States and internationally. Our goal at AAPT is to send highly skilled and knowledgeable professional trainers into the industry, so we take our role in job placement assistance very seriously. Through individual career guidance, employer networking, and AAPT Career Expo events, we strive to ensure that AAPT graduates have ample opportunity for placement into fulfilling and engaging positions. Even years after graduation, we like to stay in touch with our graduates in order to provide ongoing career support whenever needed. Nothing makes us happier than seeing our graduates succeed! BAck to the top

Most of our graduates are employed in gyms, health clubs, group fitness facilities, athletic training facilities, private studios, corporate wellness centers, boot camps, and/or contracted independently. Geographically, we have graduates working across the globe, from New York to San Diego to Rome. As an AAPT graduate, we want you to think of the world as your oyster, and it is our job to help you discover personal training opportunities wherever you land. BAck to the top

Income can vary significantly based on location and whether the personal trainer is self-employed or on staff at a health club, gym, fitness center, etc. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for full-time personal trainers is $46,000 to $63,000. BAck to the top

We do not offer a refresher course. However, AAPT will be launching a range of continuing education offerings in the fall of 2012.