Do You Need to Be Certified to Become a Personal Trainer in New York?

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By Melissa Reynolds
eHow Contributing Writer

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The U.S. Department of Labor says that while certification is not yet mandated by law for personal trainers across the country, most fitness organizations require it. As employment prospects for trainers grow, becoming certified by an accredited program is recommended.

National Commission for Certifying Agencies

Education and testing sites in the state of New York accredited by the NCCA include: Academy of Applied Personal Training Education, International Fitness Professionals Association, National Council on Strength and Fitness, National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association, National Exercise Trainers Association, National Federation of Professional Trainers and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Certification Requirements

Prerequisites for enrollment may include a high school diploma, a bachelor's degree in a health-related field and CPR and AED certification. Most certification exams have a written exam and practical component. Some certification programs allow distance learning, where participants study provided materials on their own and then complete a proctored exam.

Maintaining Certification

According to the Department of Labor, most certifications are valid for two years, "after which workers must become recertified by attending continuing-education classes or conferences, writing articles or giving presentations."

Insurance

According to the State Insurance Department, there is no "statutory requirement at present" that a health professional in New York carry professional liability insurance. However, the American Council on Exercise notes that it is required by most health clubs. They recommend purchasing liability insurance for "enhanced credibility and professionalism."

Legal Action

An amendment to a California bill was introduced in April 2009, outlining legal requirements for personal trainers, stating: "A person may not hold himself or herself out as a personal trainer unless he or she has a bachelor's degree in either exercise science, kinesiology, fitness science or another closely related field, or is certified by a national independent organization..." Similar bills have been introduced in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

There is a movement within fitness trainer circles to resist certification. Lobbying group Yoga For New York is supporting recently introduced legislation that would exempt yoga trainers from professional certification requirements.