The Certifications We Trust to Build Great Personal Trainers
At Shape Plus, we don’t believe all personal training certifications are created equal.
The education a trainer receives shapes how they coach, communicate, and care for clients for years to come.
That’s why our certification scholarships are selective by design. We support only nationally recognized programs that align with our standards for professionalism, education quality, and long-term career success.
Our Standards for Certification Selection
Before supporting any certification through a Shape Plus scholarship, we evaluate whether it demonstrates:
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Evidence-based curriculum grounded in exercise science
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Industry recognition and employer credibility
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Clear ethical standards and professional conduct requirements
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Meaningful continuing education expectations
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Practical, real-world application for coaching everyday clients
These standards ensure scholarship recipients are prepared not just to pass an exam — but to succeed as professional coaches.
Certifications We Currently Support
Each certification we support meets our selection criteria while offering a unique educational emphasis. Applicants are encouraged to choose the program that best aligns with their learning style and career goals.
NASM (Application for the NASM Scholarship)
Corrective exercise model and structured CPT curriculum.
ACSM (Application for the ACSM Scholarship)
Exercise science–driven education with clinical credibility.
NSCA (Application for the NSCA Scholarship)
Strength and conditioning emphasis with performance roots.
ISSA (Application for the ISSA Scholarship)
Flexible learning formats with broad industry recognition.
ACE (Application for the ACE Scholarship)
Strong focus on behavior change and long-term client success.
NCSF (Application for the NCSF Scholarship)
Balanced education in strength, conditioning, and coaching.
NETA (Application for the NETA Scholarship)
Accessible, coach-ready certification pathways.
WITS (Application for the WITS Scholarship)
Hands-on, applied learning for fitness professionals.
Our Commitment to Future Fitness Professionals
Our goal isn’t to promote certifications — it’s to invest in people.
By supporting high-quality certification programs, Shape Plus helps aspiring trainers build strong foundations, earn respected credentials, and enter the fitness industry prepared to make a real impact.
Scholarship availability may expand as we continue evaluating programs that meet our standards.
Questions about our scholarship opportunities?
Contact Shape Plus and we will be to assist you.