How to Become a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

Personal fitness trainers work in gyms, resorts, private businesses and health clubs advising and instructing clients about healthy lifestyle choices and fitness plans. The primary function of a fitness trainer is to educate, motivate and coach people of all fitness levels how to exercise effectively to improve their health. Although certification is voluntary, achieving certification through an accredited training program demonstrates practical and academic achievements in the field.

1. Increase your credibility as a personal fitness trainer by keeping yourself physically fit. It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and physique as part of your reputation. Work out regularly to build strength and stamina required to assist clients through exercise routines.


2. Enroll in an education program. Several degree options exist for people wanting to become a fitness trainer. Consider a four-year bachelor’s degree in physical fitness, sports medicine or sports science for career flexibility. A faster option is an accredited personal fitness trainer program offered through a vocational school or online course. These programs allow schedule flexibility and are completed in a few months.


3. Study the fundamentals of health and fitness. Courses include physical fitness, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, principles of exercise science and biomechanics. You will learn body composition, cardiorespiratory assessment techniques and muscular fitness. Formal education prepares you to develop fitness routines, use commercial exercise machines and demonstrate safe exercise techniques. 


4. Complete the required coursework and pass the final examination. Contact one of the professional fitness organizations to obtain certification requirements. Personal fitness trainer certification is offered by the American Council on Exercise, ACE, National Council on Strength and Fitness, NCSF, and National Exercise Trainers Association, NETA.


5. Register for the certification examination administered by the organization of your choice. Make sure the test is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, NCCA. Prepare for the test by using recommended study guides and practice tests. Passing the exam certifies you as a personal fitness trainer.


6. Maintain certification by obtaining required continuing education requirements. These can be obtained by attending workshops, seminars, classes or online courses. A record of the hours needs to be submitted to the certifying agency for review.