Interested in becoming a personal trainer? If you’re passionate about fitness and want to share your expertise while earning a great income, getting certified as a personal fitness trainer might be the right move for you. Certification from an accredited organization allows you to share your knowledge and make a decent salary.
CNN Money ranked being a personal trainer as the 18th best job in America in 2012, with a median pay of around $56,000. This salary can vary depending on your location. The industry is also expected to see a 24% growth over the next 10 years, making it a promising career choice.
To become a personal trainer, you generally have two options: group classes or a self-paced at-home course. Group workshops usually take place over several days, covering the entire program. The benefit of group classes is that you can complete the course quickly and interact with a certified trainer who can answer your questions and provide first-hand examples. However, the downside is that you get a lot of information in a short amount of time. Webinars are another option, offering live group workshops broadcasted to multiple locations.
For self-paced courses, some organizations provide online content while others offer physical materials. These courses allow you to study at your own pace from home. The downside is that you miss out on in-person interaction with a trainer, although some courses offer review sessions via webcam.
It’s a good idea to buy all the course materials, even if they’re optional. Investing in the actual books, study guides, and practice tests can be very beneficial. Practice tests are especially crucial for online courses.
Accreditation ensures that the program meets the rigorous standards of an accreditation board like the National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE) or the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA). These programs cover various aspects of being a personal trainer, including exercise, physiology, business practices, and legal issues. Make sure to choose a course from an accredited organization.
The AFAA certification, for instance, is highly recommended, having issued over 300,000 certifications. They offer group courses and self-paced online courses, but not self-study courses or webinars. It’s helpful to complete the study guide and practice tests and take the instructor review session seriously. This session provides valuable one-on-one interaction with a certified instructor and helps you prepare for the practical section of the exam.
The ACSM is another top-tier certification with over 25,000 certified professionals. They offer self-study courses, webinars, online study, and group study courses. You’ll need to be 18 years old and CPR/AED certified, with the total cost around $500.
ISSA offers personal training certifications with over 180,000 certified professionals. Their self-study course allows you to take your time, with the exam and materials costing $599. ACE also offers a self-paced program with a six-month timeline, and the exam and materials start at $599.
There are many accredited organizations that offer personal trainer certification, so choose the one that best fits your needs. Make sure to use the study materials, complete the study guide, and take practice tests.
Becoming a personal trainer can be a rewarding and relatively stress-free career. If you’re ready to take the next step, check out more resources on personal training certification.
