Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor

Always look for a certification group accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) as this ensures quality!!

Education

**Certification dependent**

PERSONAL TRAINER/GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

International Sport Sciences Association (ISSA)

  • 18 years of age

  • CPR/AED certified

American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

  • High School Diploma or equivalent (and 18 years of age)

  • CPR/AED certified

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST (ACSM-EP)

  • Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, or Kinesiology

  • CPR/AED certified


Employment settings

Self-employed

Privately and corporately owned gyms/fitness centers

Recreation and/or senior centers


Other important information

The Certified Personal Trainer credential is the BASIC certification required by many employers.

However, there are MANY other certifications that can be obtained and most are considered ADVANCED certifications. As such, they may require a 2-yr or 4-yr degree and a certain number of hours experience.

The list is too numerous to include all options here but having more than one certification can make you more attractive to employers. Some of these additional (or add-on) certifications include:

  • Health coach

  • Corrective Exercise Specialist

  • Certified Medical Exercise Specialist

  • Nutritionist

  • Certified Master Trainer

ALL CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRE YOU TO TAKE AND PASS AN EXAM ADMINISTERED BY THE CERTIFYING ORGANIZATION!

Professional organizations