Top 11 Fitness Specialist Certifications

Certifications are incredibly important for a fitness specialist in the job market, as they provide validation of their knowledge and experience. Having relevant certifications from reputable organizations helps potential employers know that a fitness specialist is knowledgeable and well-trained in the field. It also demonstrates that the individual has taken the initiative to stay up to date on best practices and industry standards. This can be incredibly valuable when competing for jobs or promotions, as it shows employers that the candidate is serious about their profession and has taken steps to improve their skills and qualifications. Additionally, having certifications can help differentiate a fitness specialist from other applicants who may lack such qualifications.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Fitness Specialists and explain how they can help to advance their career.

What are Fitness Specialist Certifications?

Fitness specialist certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the fitness field. This certification is offered by several different organizations and is designed to provide fitness professionals with the skills necessary to safely and effectively provide quality services to their clients. Certification can be obtained after completing a comprehensive course of study, passing an exam, and meeting certain other requirements.

Having a fitness specialist certification can benefit personal trainers and other fitness professionals in numerous ways. First, it provides evidence that the individual has attained an advanced level of knowledge in the fitness field, which can help them stand out from the competition when seeking employment or contracts. Additionally, it demonstrates their commitment to helping others reach their health and wellness goals through safe and effective practices. Finally, having this certification may open up more job opportunities for those seeking a career in the fitness industry.

Pro Tip: Before enrolling in a fitness specialist certification program, make sure to research the program thoroughly and ensure that it is accredited and will provide you with the necessary qualifications to work as a certified fitness specialist. Additionally, look for programs that offer internships or volunteer opportunities so you can gain real-world experience.

Related: What does a Fitness Specialist do?

Top 11 Fitness Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Fitness Specialists today.

1. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) program is a comprehensive certification program for personal trainers who want to provide safe and effective exercise programs to their clients. The CPT credential is recognized as the gold standard in the fitness industry and is highly sought after by employers.

It takes approximately 4-6 months to complete the CPT program, depending on how quickly you are able to study and pass the exams. The program requires a combination of self-study, hands-on practice, and passing two exams: one online proctored exam and one practical skills exam.

To get certified as an ACSM CPT, you must first meet all of the eligibility requirements outlined by ACSM, including having a current CPR/AED certification and completing an approved educational program. Once you have met all of the eligibility requirements, you will need to register with ACSM and pay the fees associated with taking the exams. The cost of registering for both exams is $399 USD.

Once you have successfully passed both exams, you will receive your official ACSM CPT certificate in the mail within 6-8 weeks. You will also be listed in ACSM’s online directory so potential employers can easily find your credentials.

2. National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Personal Trainer

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a commitment to providing safe, effective, and quality personal training services. The NSCA CPT is the most widely recognized personal training certification in the world.

To become an NSCA CPT, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Pass the NSCA-CPT exam.

2. Hold current CPR/AED certification from a nationally recognized provider such as the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

3. Have liability insurance coverage for personal training services.

4. Have at least 18 hours of continuing education credits every two years to maintain your certification status.

5. Agree to abide by the NSCA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Certified Personal Trainers.

It typically takes about four months to prepare for and pass the NSCA-CPT exam, depending on how much time you dedicate to studying each week and how quickly you can absorb information and apply it to practice questions and scenarios on the exam. To get started, you will need to purchase study materials from an accredited provider like ExamFX or purchase an online course from organizations like ACE or NASM, which will provide you with all of the materials needed to prepare for the exam as well as access to practice tests and quizzes so that you can gauge your progress along the way.

The cost of becoming an NSCA CPT varies depending on which study materials or courses you choose, but it generally ranges between $300-$600 USD for everything needed to pass the exam including study materials, exams fees, liability insurance coverage, and continuing education credits every two years for recertification purposes.

3. American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Trainer

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Trainer is a nationally recognized certification program designed to help fitness professionals gain the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to effectively design safe and effective fitness programs for individuals. The ACE Certified Personal Trainer program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

The ACE Certified Personal Trainer program consists of three components: an online exam, a practical exam, and continuing education requirements. To become an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, you must first pass the online exam with a score of at least 70%. This exam covers topics such as anatomy, exercise physiology, nutrition, kinesiology, and client assessment. After passing the online exam, you must then pass a practical exam that tests your ability to apply the concepts learned in the online course. The practical exam includes assessments such as body composition analysis and health risk appraisals. Finally, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain your certification status.

It typically takes 4-6 months to complete all three components of the ACE Certified Personal Trainer program. However, this timeline can vary depending on how quickly you are able to study for and pass both exams.

To get started with the ACE Certified Personal Trainer program, you will need to register with ACE and purchase their study materials which include an online course textbook and practice exams. The cost of registration varies depending on whether or not you are already an ACE member; however it typically ranges from $399-$499 USD. Once registered, you will have access to all of the study materials needed to prepare for both exams.

Once you have successfully completed all three components of the ACE Certified Personal Trainer program, you will receive your official certification card from ACE along with other benefits such as discounts on fitness products and services.

4. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer

The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to become successful personal trainers. This certification is recognized by the fitness industry as one of the most comprehensive and respected certifications available, and it can open doors to many career opportunities.

It typically takes between four and six months to complete the NASM Certified Personal Trainer program. The program consists of two parts: an online course, which covers topics such as anatomy, nutrition, exercise physiology, and program design; and a hands-on practical exam. During the practical exam, candidates are required to demonstrate their ability to properly assess clients’ needs, create individualized training programs, and provide effective instruction on proper form and technique.

To get certified as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, you must first meet all of the eligibility requirements set forth by NASM. These include being at least 18 years old; having CPR/AED certification; holding a high school diploma or equivalent; having liability insurance; completing an approved course in nutrition; passing both components of the exam (the online course and practical exam); and paying all applicable fees.

The cost for becoming a NASM Certified Personal Trainer varies depending on how you choose to take the course. If you opt for self-study materials only, it will cost approximately $699 USD plus any additional fees associated with taking the exams. If you choose to take an instructor-led course with support from NASM staff members, it will cost approximately $1,299 USD plus any additional fees associated with taking the exams.

5. International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Certified Fitness Trainer

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Certified Fitness Trainer is a professional certification program that provides fitness professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to help clients safely and effectively reach their health and fitness goals. The ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer program is designed to give trainers the tools they need to become successful in the field of personal training, including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, exercise science, and more.

It takes an average of six months to complete the ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer program. During this time, you will be required to complete a series of online courses covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, exercise science, and business management. Upon completion of these courses you will then need to pass a comprehensive written exam in order to receive your certification.

To get your ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer certification you must first register for the program on the ISSA website. Once registered you will be able to access all of the course materials needed for completion. After completing all coursework and passing the written exam you will receive your official certificate from ISSA.

The cost of becoming an ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer varies depending on which package you choose when registering for the program. The basic package starts at $599 USD while more advanced packages can cost up to $899 USD.

6. Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research (CIAR) Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

The Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research (CIAR) Certified Personal Fitness Trainer program is a comprehensive certification program designed to prepare fitness professionals to work with individuals and groups in a variety of settings. The program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assess, design, and implement safe and effective exercise programs for clients of all ages and abilities.

It typically takes about 4-6 months to complete the CIAR Certified Personal Fitness Trainer program. This includes completing the online coursework, passing the online exam, completing practical experience requirements, and submitting an application packet.

To get certified as a CIAR Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, you must first complete the online coursework provided by CIAR. This includes topics such as anatomy & physiology, nutrition & wellness, exercise science & programming, safety & emergency procedures, professional development & communication skills. After completing the coursework you must pass an online exam which tests your knowledge of the material covered in the coursework. In addition to this you must also complete practical experience requirements which include working with clients under supervision or teaching group classes at an approved facility. Finally you must submit an application packet which includes proof of education/experience and professional references.

The cost for becoming a CIAR Certified Personal Fitness Trainer varies depending on where you take the coursework and what other materials are required (such as textbooks). Generally speaking it can range from $500-$1000 USD depending on your individual circumstances.

7. American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA) Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA) Certified Personal Fitness Trainer is a nationally accredited certification that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to become a certified personal trainer. This certification is designed to provide trainers with the necessary qualifications to work in the fitness industry.

The AFPA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer program consists of an online course and an in-person practical training session. The online course covers topics such as anatomy, exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, and more. After completing the online course, individuals must attend a practical training session where they will be evaluated on their ability to safely and effectively instruct clients on proper form and technique for various exercises.

The AFPA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer program typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete depending on the individual’s pace. In order to get certified, individuals must complete the online course and pass both the written exam and practical exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost of becoming an AFPA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package includes access to the online course materials, practice exams, study guide, and certification exam fees for $449 USD. The premium package includes all of these materials plus additional resources such as eBooks and webinars for $599 USD.

8. National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) Certified Group Exercise Instructor

The National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) Certified Group Exercise Instructor is a certification program designed to help instructors lead safe, effective, and enjoyable group exercise classes. This certification is based on the NETA Guidelines for Group Exercise Instructors and is recognized by many fitness facilities across the country.

The certification process includes an online exam and a practical skills assessment. The online exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, exercise science, safety considerations, class design and leadership techniques. To pass the exam, applicants must score at least 80%. The practical skills assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to teach a group exercise class in front of a panel of certified assessors.

The entire certification process typically takes 4-6 weeks from start to finish. Applicants are encouraged to begin studying for the online exam as soon as possible after registering for the program.

The cost for the NETA Certified Group Exercise Instructor program is $299 USD plus applicable taxes. This fee covers both the online exam and the practical skills assessment.

9. Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Group Exercise Instructor Certification

The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Group Exercise Instructor Certification is a comprehensive certification program designed to train and certify professionals in the field of group exercise instruction. The certification covers all aspects of group exercise instruction, from teaching techniques to safety protocols, and provides instructors with the knowledge and skills needed to teach safe and effective group exercise classes.

It typically takes about 8-10 weeks to complete the AFAA Group Exercise Instructor Certification program. The program consists of two parts: an online course followed by a practical exam. The online course includes topics such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, exercise science, class design, cueing techniques, music selection, safety protocols and more. Upon completion of the online coursework, students must pass a practical exam in order to receive their certification.

To get certified through AFAA you must first register for their Group Exercise Instructor Certification program. Registration can be done through their website or over the phone. Once registered you will receive access to the online course material which you will need to complete before taking the practical exam. After completing the online coursework you will be able to schedule your practical exam at one of AFAA's approved testing centers across the United States.

The cost for AFAA's Group Exercise Instructor Certification program is $299 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. This fee covers both the online course material as well as your practical exam fee when taken at an approved testing center.

10. Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher

Yoga Alliance is an international non-profit organization that sets standards for yoga teachers and schools. The Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) credential is a designation that indicates the completion of a certain level of training in yoga instruction.

To become an RYT, you must have completed a minimum of 200 hours of yoga teacher training from a school registered with Yoga Alliance. This includes at least 100 hours of contact hours with your teacher, as well as other coursework such as anatomy and physiology, philosophy, ethics and lifestyle topics.

Once you have completed your training, you can apply to become an RYT through the Yoga Alliance website. You will need to submit proof of your training hours, provide references from your teacher or school, and pay an application fee which currently stands at $50 USD.

Once approved by the Yoga Alliance, you will be issued with your RYT credential which is valid for three years. To maintain this credential you must complete continuing education credits during this period.

11. American Red Cross CPR/AED Certification

American Red Cross CPR/AED Certification is a certification program that teaches participants how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). It is designed to help people save lives in the event of cardiac arrest or other medical emergencies. The certification program typically takes 4-6 hours and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice. To get certified, individuals must attend an American Red Cross CPR/AED course and successfully pass the written exam. The cost of the course varies depending on location, but typically ranges from $50-$100.

Do You Really Need a Fitness Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your goals and the type of job you are pursuing. While a fitness specialist certificate may be beneficial for certain types of jobs, it is not always necessary.

If you are looking to work as a personal trainer, then having a fitness specialist certificate could be advantageous. Having this certificate can show potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe and effective exercise instruction. It can also help you stand out from other applicants who do not have a formal certification.

However, if you are interested in working in another field related to fitness such as health promotion or physical therapy, then having a fitness specialist certificate may not be necessary. Depending on the employer, they may prefer that applicants hold specific certifications related to their particular field of interest. In these cases, having a fitness specialist certificate may not be beneficial.

Ultimately, it is important for those interested in pursuing careers in the health and fitness industry to research the qualifications that employers expect from their employees before deciding whether or not a fitness specialist certificate is necessary.

Related: Fitness Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Fitness Specialist Certifications

1. What certifications do I need to become a fitness specialist?

A: Depending on the type of fitness specialist you wish to be, certification requirements can vary. Generally speaking, most fitness specialists are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent and a nationally accredited certification in personal training, group exercise instruction, health coaching, nutrition counseling, or other specialty areas.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a fitness specialist?

A: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the type of certification you are pursuing and your individual study habits. Generally speaking, most certifications require anywhere from 6-12 months of study and preparation before taking the exam.

3. How much does it cost to become certified as a fitness specialist?

A: The cost of certification varies depending on the organization offering the certification and the type of exam you are taking. Generally speaking, most certifications range from $200-$500 for the initial exam fee plus any additional fees associated with recertification or continuing education courses.

4. What types of jobs can I get with a fitness specialist certification?

A: With a fitness specialist certification, you can pursue various career options such as personal trainer, group exercise instructor, health coach, nutrition counselor, strength and conditioning coach, or other specialty areas in the health and wellness industry.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a fitness specialist?

A: Most organizations that offer certifications require applicants to have at least one year of related experience prior to applying for their program or passing an assessment test that covers topics related to the field they wish to enter into (e.g., anatomy & physiology). Additionally, some organizations may also require applicants to hold CPR/AED/First Aid Certifications prior to beginning their program or sitting for their exam.