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Best fitness coach certifications
The best certifications for a fitness coach are Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor.
Fitness coach certifications demonstrate your competency as a fitness coach to employers. However, not all fitness coach certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best fitness coach certifications. Obtaining a fitness coach certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
15 best certifications for fitness coaches
| Rank | Fitness coach certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Personal Trainer | CIAR |
| 2 | Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) | NSCA-CC |
| 3 | First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor | NSC |
| 4 | Fitness Nutrition Certification | ISSA |
| 5 | Advanced Personal Training Certification (APT) | AFPA |
| 6 | Health Coach Certification | ACE |
| 7 | Group Fitness Instructor | IFPA |
| 8 | Personal Fitness Trainer | AFAA |
| 9 | Water Fitness Trainer (WFT) | ISSA |
| 10 | Certified Nutrition Coach (FNS) | NASM |
| 11 | Master Fitness Specialist Certification (MFS) | CIAR |
| 12 | Certified Environmental Scientist (CES) | NREP |
| 13 | Fitness Nutrition Coach | NESTA |
| 14 | Group Exercise Instructor | AFAA |
| 15 | Weight Loss Specialist (WLS) | NASM |
15 best fitness coach certifications
1. Certified Personal Trainer
The purpose of The Cooper Institute Personal Trainer (CI-PTr) Certification Examination is to provide assurance of mastery and application of knowledge and skills directly related to the performance of the job entitled `Personal Trainer' through a defensible, reliable, valid and rigorous process. The successful completion of the CI-PTr Certification Examination results in credentialing to ensure certificants' professional knowledge, skills and tools to provide sound fitness and health programming to their clients, provide assurance to clients and employers, protect the public, and advance the profession.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
2. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. Learn more about becoming a strength and conditioning coach with the NSCA certification! Visit NSCA.com for more information on strength and conditioning jobs, strength and conditioning internships, continuing education and CEUs.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
3. First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor
Knowing how to respond to a first aid or CPR emergency is one of the most important skills a person can possess. The Standard First Aid, CPR and AED course meets the OSHA requirements and is your tool for training employees or the general public on the latest skills, techniques and expertise in life-saving procedures. The practice and feedback of using related skills in a realistic situation is integrated into the actual teaching experience.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
4. Fitness Nutrition Certification
ISSA's Fitness Nutrition Certification course blends nutritional science and practice in order to help you successfully guide them toward a better body... both inside and out.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
5. Advanced Personal Training Certification (APT)
AFPA's Advanced Personal Trainer Certification Program has been nationally and internationally recognized since 1994. AFPA provides the most comprehensive and authoritative resources for you as an Advanced Personal Trainer, whether you are working in a health/fitness club currently as a Personal Trainer or if you are working with athletes at the high school or collegiate level.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Health Coach Certification
Your clients want to lose weight. They come to you for help. The Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant certification assures clients that you have the knowledge to develop sound, balanced weight management programs that bring together the three critical components of nutrition, exercise and lifestyle change.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
7. Group Fitness Instructor
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
8. Personal Fitness Trainer
A three-day certification workshop including lectures, practical demonstrations and written and practical exams. This course will help prepare you for both AFAA's Personal Fitness Trainer Certification and the Personal Fitness Trainer National Boards.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
9. Water Fitness Trainer (WFT)
The key to reaping the rewards of this exciting personal training specialty is certification. In fact, water fitness certification is already required in several states, and many fitness clubs, public and private pools. Physical therapy clinics nationwide have already made aquatic certification a requirement for employment.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
10. Certified Nutrition Coach (FNS)
Fight the obesity epidemic with the power of food! NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialists: -Teach clients how to interpret labels, select appropriate portion sizes, and eat healthy -Boost their reputation, career, and client base as the go-to expert on nutrition and diet -Educate clients about nutrition's critical role in weight loss and management -Illustrate how energy balance, caloric needs, activity, metabolism, and food choices impact fitness goals -Provide clients with valuable handout materials, product discounts, menu planners, and online resources -Invest in their client's lives and futures . . . as well as their own!
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
11. Master Fitness Specialist Certification (MFS)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
12. Certified Environmental Scientist (CES)
The CES exam establishes a person's understanding of the basic principles of environmental science, including: chemistry, physics, earth science, biology, meteorology, zoology and environmental health.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
13. Fitness Nutrition Coach
Learn about ideal nutrition, including proven techniques for increased energy, better health and decreased dependence on medications. Dramatically increase your job and career opportunities with this new credential.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
14. Group Exercise Instructor
AFAA's Primary Group Exercise Certification is designed to equip those seeking to become certified as group exercise instructors with the competencies needed to design safe and effective group exercise programming for the general healthy population.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
15. Weight Loss Specialist (WLS)
The number one reason people seek out personal trainers is to lose weight.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
What is the best certification for a fitness coach?
The best fitness coach certification is Certified Personal Trainer. The Certified Personal Trainer is awarded by the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this fitness coach certification:
- To become a certified Certified Personal Trainer, you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 3 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for fitness coaches?
The most in-demand fitness coach certification is Certified Personal Trainer based on all active job postings. Having this fitness coach certification will give you access to more fitness coach jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a fitness coach career and salary?
The Certified Personal Trainer certification will help you to secure a personal trainer position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A personal trainer's average salary is $38,768 whereas fitness coaches make an average salary of $38,462.
The most common combination of fitness coach certifications include: Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor.
Online courses for fitness coachs to earn certifications
1. Personalized Bodyweight Workouts: Science-Based Home Fitness
Step-by-Step Instruction From Ex-Military Officer: Build Home Bodyweight Workouts: Strength, Muscle, Lose Fat, Fitness...
2. Belly Dance & Belly Core Fitness International Certification
Belly Dance & Belly Core Fitness Internationally Certified instructor & steps to creating your own Fitness Business...
3. Internationally Accredited Diploma Certificate in Fitness
Learn how to Create Gym & Bodybuilding Workouts that help boost testosterone, muscle building and/or lose weight...
4. Fitness For Beginners
The Beginners Guide to Learning How to Exercise...
5. Health and Nutrition Life Coach Certification (Accredited)
Life Coaching: Create a Workout & Nutrition Plan Based on Your Clients' Fitness, Weight Loss, Dieting & Nutrition Goals...
6. HIIT & Body Weight Training: A 4-week Home Workout Program
Be your own Personal Trainer: Bodyweight Workouts that boosts testosterone, help with muscle building and/or weight loss...
7. Yoga At Home - Flexibility, Fitness, Strength & Weight Loss
Yoga for Weight Loss : Yoga Workout at Home : Yoga for Fitness Strength & Flexibility : Yoga for Losing Weight & Health...
8. Fitness Trainer Certification: Gym Workouts & Bodybuilding
Become A Fitness Coach: Create Muscle Growth & Strength Workouts, Build A Fitness Training Business & Be A Health Expert...
9. The Complete Fitness & Health Masterclass - 21 Courses in 1
The Most Comprehensive Masterclass to Improve Your Mind, Body and Health - Start Growing Today!...
10. Personal Development Life Coach Certification1 Training
Personal Development Life Coach Training Course Graduates Prepared Professionals in Personal Development Life Coaching...
11. Home Workouts: 7 Day Bodyweight HIIT Workout Program
Anywhere, anytime workouts for busy professionals. Feel great in front of the mirror quicker and easier than before...
12. Complete Fitness Trainer Certification: Beginner To Advanced
Become A Fitness Coach: Create Muscle Growth & Fat Loss Workouts, Build A Fitness Training Business & Be A Health Expert...
13. NLP for Emotional Intelligence, Mental Fitness and Wellbeing
Learn how Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) can advance your Self-Improvement, Mental Wellness, and Personal Growth...
14. Life Coach Certification Associate ACELC Life Coach Training
Life Coach Training Practitioner Course Graduating Prepared and Ready-To-Work ACELC Professionals in Life Coaching...
15. Beginner's Yoga Workout System For Inflexible People
Discover Yoga's Amazing Benefits. Created For All Ages With Modifications For Those Who Can't Touch Their Toes...
16. 15 Minute Hell: The Ultimate Bodyweight Workout For Warriors
The astonishing accidental bodyweight workout discovery to getting strong, lean, and mean as fast as humanly possible!...
17. Sports Nutrition for Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts
Learn all about sports nutrition with 7 hours of online video content and start training SMARTER instead of HARDER...
18. Professional Life Coach Certification PCELC Coach Training
Life Coach Training Practitioner Course Graduating Prepared and Ready-To-Work PCELC Professionals in Life Coaching...
19. Science-Based Bodyweight Workout: Build Muscle Without A Gym
Learn The Simple Science Of Building Muscle & Losing Fat Using Bodyweight Exercises, Bodyweight Fitness & Home Workout...
20. Science-Based Workout: Build Muscle, Lose Fat & Get Fit
Learn The Simple Science Of Building Muscle & Fat Loss With A Proven Workout & Diet Program (Gain Muscle, Weight Loss)...