Top 10 Personal Fitness Trainer Certifications

Certifications are important for personal fitness trainers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge, experience and expertise that employers look for when hiring. They show potential employers that a trainer has the necessary qualifications to offer safe and effective training to clients. Additionally, certifications can give a personal fitness trainer an edge over other applicants who may be equally qualified but lack the credentials. Certification also provides a sense of legitimacy and professional credibility, which is essential in the competitive fitness industry.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Personal Fitness Trainers and explain how they can help improve a personal fitness trainer's career.

What are Personal Fitness Trainer Certifications?

Personal fitness trainer certification is a type of professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of exercise, health, and fitness. This certification is typically earned through an accredited organization that offers courses and exams to test the individual’s understanding of the subject matter. The certification process typically includes coursework, practical experience, and a final exam.

Having personal fitness trainer certification can be beneficial for individuals looking to start their own business or work in the field as a professional trainer. It ensures that individuals have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe, effective training sessions for clients. Certified trainers are also more likely to be trusted by potential employers as they demonstrate a commitment to their profession. Furthermore, having this certification will give trainers access to additional resources such as continuing education opportunities, networking events, and discounts on fitness-related products and services.

In addition to providing tangible benefits such as access to resources and job opportunities, having personal fitness trainer certification can help boost an individual’s confidence in their ability to train others safely and effectively. Having this type of credential proves an individual’s dedication to their profession while highlighting their expertise in the field of exercise science and health promotion.

Pro Tip: When considering a personal fitness trainer certification, look for one that is accredited by a recognized organization such as the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). This will ensure that the certification is of high quality and meets industry standards.

Related: What does a Personal Fitness Trainer do?

Top 10 Personal Fitness Trainer Certifications

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

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

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Trainer is a professional certification that is designed to demonstrate a high level of competency in personal training. It is one of the most widely recognized and respected certifications for personal trainers in the United States.

To become an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, you must complete the following steps:

1. Complete a minimum of 0.8 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) of approved continuing education courses related to personal training.

2. Pass the ACE Personal Trainer Certification Exam with a score of at least 70%.

3. Submit proof of CPR/AED certification from an approved provider.

4. Submit proof of liability insurance coverage as a personal trainer.

5. Submit an application and fee to ACE for certification review and approval (the fee can vary depending on your country).

The entire process typically takes around 6-8 weeks, depending on how quickly you are able to complete the required courses and pass the exam. The cost for becoming an ACE Certified Personal Trainer varies depending on which country you live in, but it usually ranges from $399-$499 USD (plus any additional fees for required courses).

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

The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer is a professional certification program designed to provide personal trainers with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively design, implement, and modify exercise programs for individuals. The program focuses on exercise science and anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition, and behavior change.

To become an NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), you must complete an approved CPT program from an accredited institution. The program typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on the institution. It includes both online coursework as well as hands-on experience in a gym setting.

In order to be eligible for the CPT exam, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 18 years old, hold current CPR/AED certification, and have completed an approved CPT program.

The cost of the NASM Certified Personal Trainer exam varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD including study materials.

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

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer is a nationally recognized certification for personal trainers. It is the gold standard in the fitness industry, and it demonstrates that a trainer has the knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective exercise programs for clients.

To become an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or a related field. You will then need to pass an exam administered by the ACSM. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, exercise programming, and safety. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your ACSM Certified Personal Trainer credential. This credential is valid for three years before needing to be renewed. To maintain your certification, you must complete continuing education courses every two years.

The cost of becoming an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer varies depending on where you take the exam and if you are a member of ACSM or not. Generally speaking, it costs around $300-$400 for non-members and $200-$250 for members to take the exam. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with taking continuing education courses to maintain your certification.

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

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification is a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates a knowledge base in the areas of exercise science, program design, and safety/injury prevention. This certification is designed for those who wish to work in the fitness industry as personal trainers.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete the requirements for NSCA CPT certification. In order to become certified, individuals must first meet the eligibility requirements, which include having a high school diploma or equivalent and being at least 18 years old. After meeting these requirements, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, exercise programming, and safety/injury prevention.

In order to take the exam, individuals must purchase an NSCA CPT Exam Package from the NSCA website. The package includes access to study materials such as textbooks and practice tests. It also includes access to an online practice exam that helps prepare individuals for the actual exam. The cost of this package varies depending on whether or not you are a member of the NSCA; however, it typically ranges from $400-$500 USD.

Once an individual has passed the exam, they will receive their official NSCA CPT certification card in the mail within 4-6 weeks of passing the exam. This card serves as proof that you have met all of the requirements necessary to become an NSCA Certified Personal Trainer.

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

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Certified Fitness Trainer is a certification program designed to provide fitness professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to help their clients achieve their health and fitness goals. The ISSA provides comprehensive training and education in all areas of exercise science, including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, kinesiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, and more.

To become an ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer, you must complete the following requirements:

1. Complete the online coursework for the ISSA Certified Personal Trainer Program. This includes over 100 hours of study material covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, kinesiology, exercise programming and more.

2. Pass the online exam with a score of 80% or higher. You will have three attempts to pass this exam before you must retake the coursework.

3. Submit proof of current CPR/AED certification from an accredited provider such as the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

4. Submit your application for certification along with a processing fee of $199 USD (or $299 USD for international applicants).

Once you have completed these steps successfully, you will be awarded your ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer certificate and be eligible to begin working as a personal trainer in any state or country that recognizes the ISSA certification program.

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

Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research (CIAR) Certified Personal Trainer is a certification program that provides education and training to individuals who are interested in becoming certified personal trainers. The program is designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills needed to become successful personal trainers.

The CIAR Certified Personal Trainer Program consists of two components: an online course and an in-person practical exam. The online course covers topics such as anatomy, exercise physiology, nutrition, kinesiology, and fitness assessment. The in-person practical exam tests the individual’s ability to apply the concepts learned in the online course.

The CIAR Certified Personal Trainer Program typically takes between six months and one year to complete. During this time, individuals must complete all of the required courses and pass both the online and in-person exams. Once all requirements have been met, individuals will be eligible to receive their certification from CIAR.

The cost of the CIAR Certified Personal Trainer Program varies depending on which provider you choose to go through for your certification. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500 - $2,000 USD depending on what type of package you purchase.

In order to become a CIAR Certified Personal Trainer, individuals must first meet certain eligibility requirements including being 18 years or older with a high school diploma or GED equivalent; having current CPR/AED certification; passing a criminal background check; completing an approved personal trainer program; passing both the online and in-person exams; and paying any associated fees.

7. National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA) Certified Fitness Instructor

The National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA) Certified Fitness Instructor (CFI) certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have completed an accredited program of study in exercise science, nutrition, and health promotion. The CFI certification is designed to provide fitness professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely and effectively with clients of all ages and fitness levels.

To become a NESTA Certified Fitness Instructor, you must successfully complete an accredited program of study in exercise science, nutrition, and health promotion. This typically includes courses in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, exercise programming, nutrition, business practices for fitness professionals, and more. After completing the required coursework, applicants must also pass an exam administered by NESTA.

The length of time it takes to earn a CFI certification varies depending on the individual's prior education level and experience in the field. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete the required coursework and pass the certification exam.

To get started on your journey towards becoming a NESTA Certified Fitness Instructor, you will need to find an accredited program that meets your needs. You can search online for accredited programs or contact NESTA directly for more information about available options. Once you've selected a program that meets your needs, you can begin working through the required coursework while preparing for the certification exam.

The cost of becoming a NESTA Certified Fitness Instructor varies depending on which program you choose to pursue your certification through. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$2000 USD depending on the type of courses offered as well as other factors such as location or delivery method (online vs in-person).

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

American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA) Certified Personal Fitness Trainer is a certification program designed to provide fitness professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to help clients reach their health and fitness goals. The certification focuses on teaching individuals how to safely and effectively design and implement exercise programs, assess client needs, understand nutrition principles, and motivate clients.

The AFPA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer program consists of two courses: the Fundamentals of Personal Training Course and the Advanced Personal Training Course. The Fundamentals course covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, kinesiology, exercise physiology, injury prevention, fitness assessment methods, program design principles, and more. The Advanced course covers topics such as advanced program design principles, exercise prescription for special populations, professional development strategies, business practices for personal trainers, and more.

To become an AFPA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer you must complete both courses within a 12-month period. Both courses are offered online or in-person at an AFPA approved training center. The cost for each course varies depending on the delivery method chosen. The online Fundamentals course costs $399 USD while the in-person Fundamentals course costs $799 USD. The online Advanced course costs $499 USD while the in-person Advanced course costs $899 USD. After completing both courses successfully you will receive your AFPA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer certification which is valid for three years from date of issue.

9. Functional Movement Systems (FMS) Level 1 Certification

Functional Movement Systems (FMS) Level 1 Certification is an education program designed to teach coaches, trainers, and physical therapists the fundamentals of movement assessment and corrective exercise. The FMS certification provides a comprehensive understanding of how to assess movement patterns, identify asymmetries, and develop individualized corrective strategies. This certification is suitable for those who are interested in improving their knowledge of functional movement assessment and corrective exercise programming.

The FMS Level 1 Certification consists of an online course that takes approximately 8 hours to complete. It covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, motor control theory, injury prevention, and corrective exercise techniques. After completing the online coursework, participants must pass a written exam to receive their certification.

The cost for the FMS Level 1 Certification is $399 USD. This fee includes access to the online course materials as well as the exam fee. Once you have successfully passed the written exam, you will receive your official FMS Level 1 Certification certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

10. International Kettlebell & Fitness Federation (IKFF) Certified Kettlebell Teacher

The International Kettlebell & Fitness Federation (IKFF) Certified Kettlebell Teacher is a certification program designed to train and certify instructors in the safe and effective use of kettlebells. This certification provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to teach kettlebell exercises safely and effectively.

In order to become an IKFF Certified Kettlebell Teacher, you must complete a two-day workshop that covers topics such as anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition, programming, teaching techniques, safety protocols, and more. The workshop includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice with kettlebells. Upon completion of the workshop, participants must pass a written exam as well as demonstrate proficiency in kettlebell lifts before they are certified.

The cost of the IKFF Certified Kettlebell Teacher certification is $399 USD. This fee covers the cost of the two-day workshop as well as all materials needed for the course.

Once certified as an IKFF Certified Kettlebell Teacher you will be able to teach classes or private sessions using kettlebells safely and effectively.

Do You Really Need a Personal Fitness Trainer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your goals and aspirations as a fitness trainer. If your goal is to teach group classes at a gym or studio, then the answer is usually yes – most gyms and studios will require some type of certification before they’ll hire you.

However, if you’re primarily interested in personal training and working one-on-one with clients, then the answer may be no. While having a personal fitness trainer certificate is certainly beneficial, it isn’t always necessary. Many successful personal trainers have built their businesses without any formal education or certification.

In addition to your own knowledge and experience, some important factors that should be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to get certified include:

• The local market for personal trainers
• Your level of commitment to continuing education
• Your ability to network with other professionals in the industry
• Your willingness to invest time and money in marketing yourself
• Your ability to gain referrals from satisfied clients
• The type of services you plan on offering (e.g., nutrition counseling vs. weight loss programs)
• The type of clientele you want to work with (e.g., athletes vs. general population).

Ultimately, getting certified can help set you apart from the competition by providing credibility and demonstrating your commitment to the profession – but it isn’t always necessary for success in this field.

Related: Personal Fitness Trainer Resume Examples

FAQs About Personal Fitness Trainer Certifications

1. What is a Personal Fitness Trainer Certification?

Answer: A personal fitness trainer certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual has met the minimum education, experience and exam requirements to become certified as a professional personal fitness trainer.

2. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Personal Fitness Trainer?

Answer: Benefits of becoming certified as a Personal Fitness Trainer include increased credibility in the industry, greater job opportunities, higher salary potential, and improved knowledge and skills in exercise programming and training techniques.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Personal Fitness Trainer?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a personal fitness trainer varies depending on the certifying organization but typically requires at least six months of study and practice before taking an exam.

4. What type of qualifications do I need to become certified as a Personal Fitness Trainer?

Answer: Generally speaking, most organizations require applicants to have completed some form of formal education in exercise science or kinesiology, have CPR/AED certification, and pass an examination before they can receive their certification.

5. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require personal fitness trainers to complete some form of continuing education every two years in order to maintain their certification status.