Complaints
Customer Complaints Summary
- 152 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 56 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
If you've experienced an issue
Submit a ComplaintThe complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.
Initial Complaint
Date:05/21/2025
Type:Product IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I recently spent over $5,000 to purchase a Certified Personal Training package through NASM.I took the proctored exam and passed yesterday morning.However, NASM is not issuing the accredited certificate that I need to provide to my *********** has been over 24 hours and I received confirmation that I passed from the exam provider, PSI. NASM has sent me emails, including soliciting liability insurance but will not release proof that I've passed the accredited exam.I called them and was unable to receive resolution.Business Response
Date: 05/30/2025
NASM's records show the customer passed their exam and a certificate has been issued as of 05/20/2025 with certificate number **********. It is loaded in the customer's student portal and if there are any additional issues, we request they contact ****************Customer Answer
Date: 05/31/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
Regards,
******* ********
Initial Complaint
Date:05/21/2025
Type:Order IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
NASM refuses to honor a previously paid $99 course extension for my Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) certification. I have provided receipts proving I paid the standard extension fee on 2/5/2024 and was upgraded to CNC through their internal migrationnot as a courtesy. Now, they are demanding $199 plus tax for the exact same material with no written explanation or policy proving that the prior extension was a one-time exception.Despite multiple respectful emails, proof of payment, and requests for a written resolution, they continue deflecting me to phone calls and refuse to escalate the issue in writing. This is unfair and deceptive toward loyal customers.Desired Resolution:I am requesting NASM honor the same $99 extension rate I paid previously. I am not asking for anything freejust consistency and respect based on what Ive already paid and documented.Business Response
Date: 05/30/2025
*************** was able to review this situation and an amicable solution was provided to the customer on 05/22/2025. This matter is resolved.Customer Answer
Date: 05/30/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. This complaint is resolved.
Regards,
****** *****
Initial Complaint
Date:05/17/2025
Type:Product IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
On May 7th, 2025, I purchased the NASM Elite Trainer package at 10PM. Within a few days, I realized the programs focus did not match what was advertised or what I neededparticularly for my small market, where high-cost sales-based fitness programs are unrealistic. I attempted to cancel multiple times within the 7-day cancellation window. I have screenshots proving I tried contacting NASM three separate times, but I received no response.When I finally reached a representative, I was told it was the 8th dayjust one day past the policydespite my clear, documented attempts to cancel within the proper timeframe. I explained my situation as a single father of a child with Type 1 Diabetes and the financial hardship this causes, yet I was still denied a cancellation.I am asking for this to be resolved fairly based on my good faith efforts and the supporting documentation I have. I was misled, ignored, and penalized for delays beyond my control. I cannot afford this and am pleading for understanding and cancellation.Business Response
Date: 05/20/2025
************************** was able to see an Out of Policy appeal was submitted to the Appeals team and our records show the appeal was approved 05/20/2025. This case is resolved.Initial Complaint
Date:05/01/2025
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I have been a certified personal trainer for almost 10 years now. I paid renewal for life and I have been very diligent about renewing. This last year I was supposed to renew by August 1st, but I was in the hospital having heart surgery. I had a stroke that left me blind for a few months, and trying to solve all of that was more important than renewing a certification a few days late. Or so I thought. After paying for the renew for life, I was told I needed to pay a late charge of $30 for being basically 2 days late. I asked them if the fee could be waived, since I was at the hospital having open heart surgery and it was impossible for me to do it. I was asked for proof, which I submitted, and still was denied. Because I refused to pay an extra $30 they placed my account on hold. I have paid thousands of $$ to this company for programs BEFORE that date, and they suspended my account because I asked my credit card to stop the payments, since they refused to do so FOR MEDICAL REASONS. They did not offer ANY accomodations whatsoever, even after explaining that my medical problem had left me temporarily blind. I had no issues to continue paying IF and ONLY IF, they offered an extension UNTIL I was able to see again, or any other way to take the courses without having to read up on a computer. I was treated unprofessionally, my paperwork disappeared, and my account does not even showed that I explained to them any medical issues. I asked them for access on what I had ALREDY PAID FOR. I am not asking for FUTURE things. I ask to have access to what I HAVE PAID FOR(PAST TENSE) and they said no unless I withdraw the dispute and continue to pay for FUTURE services. I explained that I do not want nor asked at any point for FUTURE services, just the services that I had paid for and now I am not given access to. They never provided me with the copies of contracts like I asked either. I asked for copies of the contracts that I had signed and was denied over and over.Business Response
Date: 05/06/2025
Thank you for bringing this customer's concerns to our attention. We value her as a long-time certified personal trainer and regret any inconvenience she experienced due to her recent medical challenges.
The customer's account was temporarily locked following a chargeback, but she has since removed it, and we've restored her access to all services she previously paid for. We've also waived the late renewal fee in light of her circumstances.
We apologize for any misunderstandings and are committed to supporting her. We will follow up directly to ensure she has everything she needs moving forward.Initial Complaint
Date:04/30/2025
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I signed up for NASM 01/22/25. I planned on completing the course until I was diagnosed with a condition called popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. It causes me quite a lot of pain and pressure in my legs and at its worse making my feet go numb with walking, running, and strenuous exercise. My doctor then referred me to start physical therapy, and seek a surgeon. My surgeon has told me it will be a lengthy process doing each surgery separately for each legs with months in between to recover. My condition has been progressively getting worse and has now affected my day to day life of even just walking to work. NASM presented me the option on 03/28/25 to go through the appeals process, as i requested to cancel the account so that i may focus on my health. There is going to be quite a few costs to everything i will go through including the surgeries and I decided not only can I not afford to pay for NASM on top of my medical expenses, but I do not have the time to focus on NASM while i am focusing on my health. I cannot even workout without pain in my legs, so I decided that Personal Training was not going to work for me right now. I submitted my doctors referral note to surgery with my condition listed to the NASM appeals on 4/16/25. Today 4/30/25 I received an email from NASM stating my appeal was denied on the reasoning that my not was not a signed letter on a letterhead. I do not wish for any refunds or any sort of monetary compensation. I am simply wishing to cancel my account and no longer make payments. I do not feel that NASM cares for at all or considered my situation seriously, but that can be typical of money hungry companies. I just wish to cancel the account and focus on my health and I have provided a medical document on my condition. NASM should consider my situation better.Business Response
Date: 05/05/2025
When submitting an out of policy appeal, The Appeals Team will only be able to review documentation submitted. Regarding the dispute from the customer, we understand the concern about the Out of Policy Appeal process related to our seven-day return policy. The customer initially purchased the program on 01/22/2025 and submitted an appeal due to extenuating circumstances.
Unfortunately, the documentation provided was insufficient for us to interpret the situation fully. We would like to clarify that the appeal was not denied based on the validity of the circumstances but rather due to the lack of clear documentation. We are more than willing to re-review the appeal once the customer can provide additional documentation that clearly explains why they cannot proceed with the online course.
Our return policy is designed to ensure fairness and transparency, and we are committed to working with our customers to address any issues they may face. We encourage the customer to submit further documentation, and we will promptly reassess the appeal.Initial Complaint
Date:04/22/2025
Type:Order IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I signed up for NASMs personal trainer course in May 2024 after a very pushy sales call. The *** made it sound urgent and pressured me into committing to the lowest possible payment plan for a program that costs nearly $1,500. Unfortunately, I never ended up using the course I only ever opened the intro page. Life circumstances changed, and Ive been unemployed for some time, yet Ive still been making payments on something I never ******** that its been a year, Im outside their refund/cancellation window. I get that policies are policies but whats frustrating is how little this company cares about individual circumstances. I never completed even a single module, yet Im out nearly $1,000 for absolutely nothing in return. When I reached out to customer service, the *** I spoke with was dismissive and rude, and the supervisor wouldnt even speak to me. No flexibility, no compassion, no willingness to work with me.Its clear NASM is more interested in locking people into contracts than actually helping them succeed. If youre considering this program, think twice once they have your money, thats where their interest in you ends.Business Response
Date: 04/23/2025
The customer purchased 05/01/2024 and did not make any contact with *************** until 04/22/2025. In the event that an extenuating circumstance occurs post return period, NASM does have an appeal process but appeals are not guaranteed approvals and subject to still be held to the seven day return policy. At this time, *************** will connect with the customer.Initial Complaint
Date:04/08/2025
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
On Feb ******* I purchased a program for three certificates. At the time I was told that I had two years to complete all programs and could take the courses at my own pace. However for NASM to make its profit they did not clearly explain that I only had one year for the exams to be completed or that they were going to expire in a year. Since 2024 I have been taking the courses at my pace and today I attempted to access an exam that was no longer present. On April 8th I called NASM and today instead of last year it was clearly explained that I had one year to take the exams. Taking the courses at my own pace was false and misleading, the information today was now being changed to 5 year to access the course 1 year to access the exams. NASM was only seeking to make a profit and not provide clear and concise information. In addition there was also no trying to communicate at any given point that my exams were gonna expire or needed an extension.Business Response
Date: 04/11/2025
All courses with NASM will have an expiration date and per accreditation guidelines, so will exams. For the courses in this specific case, the exams are available for one year from date of purchase and the content is available for five years, so customers can reference additional information post exams. When logging in, the expiration dates of the courses and exams will always be on the upper right hand corner. In addition, on **************************, it is listed that "You will have 1 year from the day of registration to take your final exam and 5 years access to the content. An extension can be purchased by calling *************** at **************".
At this time, NASM will connect with the customer for an amicable solution regarding their dispute.Customer Answer
Date: 04/12/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
Regards,
***** *******
Initial Complaint
Date:04/03/2025
Type:Product IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Me:I was lied to about the business course and it doesnt cover material for a nutritionist only a trainer can someone please help me. I think this is grounds for a refund for that particular course. Their response: The NASM Business Blueprint course is a versatile tool that can serve as a template for any business, regardless of the product. It complements your Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) certification by providing essential business skills like marketing, financial planning, and client engagement, tailored specifically for fitness professionals. The course is online, offering flexibility and networking opportunities, and can enhance your earning ************ response: Good morning. I appreciate that feedback but if a person goes to wingstop and orders a lemon pepper and pays its bad business and integrity to say no refunds i know we promised lemon pepper but we are out and in our opinion the garlic Parmesan is just as good take that. I had integrity when it came time to pay all I ask is for integrity when in am given a wrong information. Im not looking for versatility Im looking for exactly what I paid for and for this company to do the right thing. Im a Christian man am not trying to be deceitful in any type of way. Im just a guy asking for a return on product if its not exactly what I paid for ie good business done with integrity to the consumer . Hopefully you guys do right by me. I still paid for the other course because its the right thing to do. Be blessed. Them: I wanted to remind you that it is your responsibility as a consumer to thoroughly research and review any course before making a purchase. As mentioned previously, you currently do not have access to Student Success. To explore any available options, please contact *************** directly. Please be advised that this will be our final correspondence on this matter. If you wish to gain access to the *************************** it will be necessary to upgrade your account.Business Response
Date: 04/04/2025
NASM has been in contact with the customer via phone and email consistently via phone and email since 03/26/2025. When speaking to the *************************** the customer was advised that the Business Blueprint course can be applied to specializations, not just the Certified Personal Trainer program. Since 03/19/2025, the customer and ********************** have connected 14 different times, with five contacts in April. At this time, NASM will connect with the customer once more to assist in resolving this dispute.Customer Answer
Date: 04/04/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
Regards,
****** *****
Initial Complaint
Date:04/02/2025
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I took the NASM CPT Course and completed it. I took a month after studying and taking practice exams scoring on average in the higher 80%. I took the exam on the 0/31/2025 and the exam was nothing like I had studied remotely! I failed it with 67% and now I have to pay almost ******************************************************************************************** form. I worked hard and put in a lot of time studying and taking the practice exams that were provided. Just for it to be nothing like what I put so much time into and money. I feel as if I spend the money to take the test it will once again be like the same as before.Business Response
Date: 04/03/2025
The practice exam is designed to assess general knowledge of the certification curriculum, focusing on fundamental concepts and theories. Its primary purpose is to help candidates identify areas for further study.
In contrast, the proctored final exam is more comprehensive. It evaluates not only theoretical knowledge but also practical understanding and the ability to apply learned concepts in real-world scenarios. This includes critical thinking, problem-solving, and designing exercise programs, which are crucial skills for a certified personal trainer.
While the practice exam serves as a gauge for understanding, the final exam simulates real-life situations that personal trainers may encounter. Candidates who focus solely on memorizing practice questions may find the final exam more challenging. However, those who concentrate on understanding core concepts and principles typically experience a smoother transition and are better prepared for scenario-based questions.
We are committed to supporting our candidates in their preparation and encourage them to reach out for further assistance if needed. We hope this explanation clarifies the structure and purpose of our examination process.
When ready, the candidate can contact *************** and a notation has been added to their account to assist with an amicable resolution.Customer Answer
Date: 04/03/2025
Then why not have it the same and how is someone suppose to know that? They wont find out till they take the final exam! It sets them up for failure and having to fork out an extra 200 dollars to retest! That is very misleading and wastes a lot of time studying expecting it to be one way but its nowhere near what you study.Business Response
Date: 04/04/2025
Our records show the customer was able to connect with our ************************** on 04/03/2025 as well at 04/04/2025 regarding content support as well as additional study tips. This case is resolved.Customer Answer
Date: 04/10/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
Regards,
***** ******
Initial Complaint
Date:03/31/2025
Type:Sales and Advertising IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Potential students beware. This company absolutely exercises their right to fine print. When I called to get signed up for *** they also offered other certs that would benefit me and my small business goals. I had nothing but good intentions and wanted to be able to reach a variety of clients. I wish NASM also had good intentions, but this company is a money pit. I paid over $2,000 for 5 different courses. No one ever said anything about these courses EXPIRING. I would have never signed up for that many courses if I had known I had one year to complete them. NASM is NOT learn at your pace. And to be honest, I was not impressed by their CPT course. I am running a small business and have never used anything I learned from NASM. I just needed a stupid piece of paper behind my name. And yes, when you log into your courses you will see an expiration date, but there are two different dates. For example, I kept seeing and expiration date of 2029 under my nutrition course, but when I went to take the test yesterday I learned the TEST has a one year expiration date. Awful business practices. VERY SNEAKY AND DECEPTIVE BE AWARE.Business Response
Date: 04/01/2025
All of NASM's enrollments will have expiration dates and they will vary from course to course and exam to exam. The reason for this is per accreditation guidelines as well as to keep exams current with up to date information. As stated, the expiration dates are listed in red on the corner of each enrollment and when beginning courses, customers are asked to agree to the attestations that go over all important information of our courses, from expiration dates, fees, requirements, etc.
In the event that exams expire, NASM offers multiple extension options and encourage customers to reach out to *************** for all options. This specific case has also been reviewed and *************** will connect with the customer regarding their dispute.Customer Answer
Date: 04/01/2025
This should be VERBALLY disclosed when clients are signing up. I would have paid for courses separately to make sure optimal time was available for completion- had I know BEFORE signing up for 5 courses.
Anytime a business hides important information in the fine print, its definitely a scam. The options they offer for an extension are simply for the customer to fork over more money. There was no grace ******* or even a one time courtesy extension. That would have been good business. You may be right legally, but your ethics and integrity are non existent. HORRIBLE business practices.Business Response
Date: 04/01/2025
We apologize for any confusion regarding the expiration dates of our courses and exams. Our goal is always to provide clear and comprehensive information to our valued customers.
We make every effort to ensure that important details, such as course and exam expiration dates, are communicated during the enrollment process. Our Program Advisors can cover these aspects, and we also provide this information in written form on the website and course itself to ensure clarity. However, we recognize that there can be instances where certain details might not be as prominently discussed as others. We value the feedback, and we will use it to further enhance our communication practices.Customer Answer
Date: 04/02/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
Id also like to add that my husband had a critical diagnosis, making me a primary caregiver. NASM allowed me the opportunity to send an appeal and they offered me additional time to take me exams.
Regards,
******* ********
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