How To

How to Become a Certified Personal Trainer

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By scottopolis
User-Submitted Article
(4 Ratings)
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Learn how to get your certification to become a personal trainer!

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • A CPR and First Aid Certification
  • Some companies require a high school degree
  • Passion for fitness
  • Patience
  1. Step 1

    Choose a Nationally Accredited Certification.

    The certification you choose should provide education that focuses on anatomy, exercise physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, motivational techniques, business and sales skills, proper program design and utilization of leading technology solutions; such as heart rate monitors. The certification should be accredited by the most recognized certifying agency, the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

  2. Step 2

    Find out the Requirements for Certification.

    Every company is different, for example, some require a high school diploma, first aid and CPR training, or professional liability insurance.

  3. Step 3

    Compare Prices and Programs

    Prices for an accredited personal trainer certification program can vary from $300 and up, and each company offers different things with their programs. For example, POLAR heart rate monitors are offered to increase objectivity in training and assessments in some programs. Some companies include testing and study materials in the price, some don't. Make sure you check before committing to a program.

  4. Step 4

    Options and Continuing Education

    Many personal training certifications offer live workshops in addition to home study programs. Most certifications require you to gain CEU units to keep your certification current, make sure you check how many you are required to have and how much that will cost you.

  5. Step 5

    How long will you be certified?

    Most programs (such as ACE and NASM) offer a 2 year certification, NCSM offers 3 years, and NESTA offers 4 years. Be sure to check pricing and factor in the cost of renewing your certification after 2, 3, or 4 years.

Tips & Warnings
  • Remember to choose a nationally accredited certification (like NCCA)
  • Find out the minimum requirements
  • Compare pricing and what is included
  • Do you want to study at home or take a workshop?
  • Check pricing for recertification and CEU's
  • How long will you be certified?
  • If you don't get a nationally accredited certification, you won't be able to get a job at 24hr fitness and many other large clubs
  • Read the fine print before you commit!

Comments  

newprofile said

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on 6/10/2009 Nicely described content about becoming a personal trainer. I would also like to share my knowledge about a website which is a good source of jobs in training. The site http://www.trainingcrossing.com has more jobs than any other website and it only shows you jobs from employer websites and every other job board out there. The research analyst of the site even list jobs which are often not advertised.

focusy2009 said

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on 4/20/2009 Dear All,I am looking for whoever know how to set up Home Care Management. I have no job and I need a job ASAP to get food put on my table for my kid and my illness mother. Would you please whoever know how to get start, how to apply ID or license operate this program please contact me at focusy2009@yahoo.comSincerely,Pat

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