How to Become a Licensed Personal Trainer

Becoming a licensed personal trainer takes between three months and four years depending on experience.

Personal trainers help clients in achieving overall health. Some personal trainers work alongside sports teams, providing nutrition plans and injury prevention while others are employed by fitness clubs or own their own businesses. Becoming a personal trainer requires extensive knowledge in strength and weight training, with experience in proper technique and safety. A personal trainer should have good people skills and a desire to encourage clients.

Instructions

1. Meet the requirements. Most certification programs require applicants to be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma. A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, though, must have a bachelor's degree in a sports or health fitness program. Every personal trainer is required to be CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) trained. You can receive training through the Red Cross prior to taking a personal training certification exam.

2. Pick a certification program. The CSCM certification is for individuals who want to work with sports teams, provide nutrition programs and injury prevention. There are over 300 certification programs available to personal trainers. Search for a certification program online that fits your budget, goals, priorities, and learning style. The Personal Training Certification Institute, for instance, is mainly hands-on and takes place in a group setting, compared to online classes that can be taken from home. Make sure the certification you chose is accredited by the National Commissioning for Certified Agencies.

3. Prepare for the test. Each certification program offers a unique preparation process that may include video or online education, one-on-one time with a trainer, workbook assignments and group classes. The NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer certification, which is one of the many trainer certifications available, offers materials and packages to teach the skills necessary to pass the certification exam.

4. Take the test. Prepare to pay anywhere from $200 to $400 for the certification exam, which can be taken online or in person. Most exams, like the NSCA-CPT test, include a video section as well as multiple choice questions. The test will cover information such as program planning, technique, safety, client assessment and legal issues.

5. Apply for employment after passing the exam. Keep your education current by taking additional classes throughout your career as a personal trainer.

References

• NSCA Certification: About the CSCS Credential
• National Academy of Sports Medicine: NASM-CPT in Depth
• Natural Healers: National Personal Training Institute