Things You'll Need:
- CPR certification
- certification from an NCCA accredited organization
- business plan
-
Step 1
First, you need to decide where you will get your certification.
Visit the website for the NCCA in order to find out which companies certify personal trainers. You will want to visit their website because these companies have a agreed to a set of standards to become certified themselves.
Some of the more popular are ACE, ISSA, and NSCA. -
Step 2
From the list you developed in the previous step, visit each site and review the requirements for certification.
This is crucial because some require a fitness degree, others require no degree at all. -
Step 3
Determine which of these programs fits you best based on your prior experience and current level of education.
-
Step 4
Count the cost involved with study materials and exam fees (and retesting fees if you do not pass the first time). There will also be offers for live workshops and practice tests, but only you can decide if you need those for certification.
-
Step 5
Pick a certifying company and order the materials.
-
Step 6
Determine a study plan if you are not using a plan set up by the company you are using.
While you're studying, try your hand at creating programs for yourself and friends/family who are willing to let you work with them for practice. -
Step 7
While you are studying the material, make sure you get your Adult CPR certification. You can get this through the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association, but make sure it is acceptable with your company. Also, many companies will not release your exam results until you prove you are certified, so make sure to get that done before registering for the exam. And if you can find a course that includes first aid and AED skills, take it. You will be better off for it.
-
Step 8
Take and pass the exam.
-
Step 9
Get professional liability insurance. The cost is not that much and you may be able to purchase it through the company who certified you, such as ACE. Another place to go is IDEA but you will have to be an IDEA member to get their insurance.
-
Step 10
Review continuing education credit requirements and join complimentary professional organizations such as IDEA and the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI). This will give you great networking opportunities and help you with your business.
-
Step 11
Set up a business and marketing action plan. Do this whether or not you will be working for a club/spa. You are still responsible for getting your own clients so you need to have a plan on how to do that. You do not have to burn out as a personal trainer so find ways to create passive income.
-
Step 12
Be sure to attend at least one trade convention each year. If you can only go to one, make sure it's the one put on by the company where you got your PT certification as you will earn the most CECs from attending.
-
Step 13
Look to other companies to see if they have certifications you may want to add to your credentials. You may also want to specialize and that may require additional certifications. Put some thought into who you really want to train and tailor your continuing education from there.
Comments
Diligent77 said
on 1/10/2009 Very thorough article 5* for such good work. After having my second child, I am just trying to get fit again.