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Step 1
Meet the minimum age requirement. In order to be a certified personal trainer in Rhode Island you must be at least 18 years old.
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Step 2
Obtain a CPR certification. This is not a mandatory Rhode Island requirement, but certain certification organizations such as ACE (American Council on Exercise) will not allow candidates to take the exam without a valid CPR certificate.
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Step 3
Sit for the AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) certification. Effective January 1, 2009, some of the certifying organizations require personal trainer candidates to have a valid AED card in order to sit for the exam.
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Step 4
Take the necessary courses. Rhode Island personal trainers must take certain courses in order to pass the certification exam. Depending on the certifying organization, courses can include, but are not limited to anatomy, kinesiology, nutrition fundamentals, weight management, communication and motivational skills.
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Step 5
Learn the business aspect of personal training. In addition to learning about the body certified personal trainers should spend time learning the ins and outs of the business. Things like how to build and maintain a steady customer base in Rhode Island is just as important as knowing your craft.
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Step 6
Register for the personal trainer certification exam. There are several Rhode Island-approved certifying agencies including, but not limited to, AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America), ACE and AFTA (American Fitness Training Athletics). Before registering for the exam, check with your employer to see which organization they accept.
