The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Chandler, Arizona, has acquired the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), Sherman Oaks, California.
NASM confirmed the finalization of the acquisition agreement in a statement to Club Industry on Thursday.
"Together, NASM and AFAA will better serve the industry by providing leading health, fitness and wellness solutions for personal and group training professionals," NASM said.
The acquisition brings together two of the larger certification organizations.
NASM, which is part of Ascend Learning, provides certifications and advanced specializations for certified personal trainers, including a career track with access to continuing education units. Its specializations include corrective exercise specialist, fitness nutrition specialist and performance enhancement specialist.
AFAA has issued more than 350,000 certifications in 73 countries since 1983. Its certified programs include personal trainer, group exercise instructor, kickboxing, step and other continuing education programs.