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Best fitness director certifications
Fitness director certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an fitness director to employers. However, not all fitness director certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a fitness director are Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and Advanced Personal Training Certification (APT).
Below is a list of the best fitness director certifications. Obtaining an fitness director certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
14 best certifications for fitness directors
| Rank | Fitness director certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Personal Trainer | CIAR |
| 2 | Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) | NSCA-CC |
| 3 | Advanced Personal Training Certification (APT) | AFPA |
| 4 | First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor | NSC |
| 5 | Fitness Nutrition Certification | ISSA |
| 6 | Master Fitness Specialist Certification (MFS) | CIAR |
| 7 | Health Coach Certification | ACE |
| 8 | Group Fitness Instructor Certification (GFI) | AFPA |
| 9 | Group Fitness Instructor | IFPA |
| 10 | Personal Fitness Trainer | AFAA |
| 11 | NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) | NSCA-CC |
| 12 | Athletic Trainer Certification (ATC) | BOC |
| 13 | Group Exercise Instructor | AFAA |
| 14 | Water Fitness Trainer (WFT) | ISSA |
14 best fitness director 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. 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)
4. 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
5. 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)
6. 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)
7. 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)
8. Group Fitness Instructor Certification (GFI)
The AFPA Group Fitness Instructor Certification course is designed to teach those that are looking to instruct group fitness oriented classes - aerobics, bootcamp, sport conditioning, step, circuit, muscle conditioning, interval and other group exercise modalities.This course is designed to prepare participants to teach safe and effective group exercise programs through the development of leadership and technical skills.
- 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)
9. 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)
10. 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)
11. NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT)
Personal trainers are health/fitness professionals who, using an individualized approach, assess, motivate, educate and train clients regarding their health and fitness needs. They design safe and effective exercise programs, provide the guidance to help clients achieve their personal health/fitness goals and respond appropriately in emergency situations. Recognizing their own area of expertise, personal trainers refer clients to other health care professionals when appropriate.
- 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)
12. Athletic Trainer Certification (ATC)
BOC provides a certification program for the entry level Athletic Trainer and establishes requirements for maintaining status as a Certified Athletic Trainer.
- 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)
13. 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)
14. 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)
What is the best certification for a fitness director?
The best fitness director 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 director 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 directors?
The most in-demand fitness director certification is Certified Personal Trainer based on all active job postings. Having this fitness director certification will give you access to more fitness director jobs with higher salaries.
The most common combination of fitness director certifications include: Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and Advanced Personal Training Certification (APT).
Online courses for fitness directors 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. Fitness For Beginners
The Beginners Guide to Learning How to Exercise...
3. Belly Dance & Belly Core Fitness International Certification
Belly Dance & Belly Core Fitness Internationally Certified instructor & steps to creating your own Fitness Business...
4. Internationally Accredited Diploma Certificate in Fitness
Learn how to Create Gym & Bodybuilding Workouts that help boost testosterone, muscle building and/or lose weight...
5. Fitness Trainer Certification: Gym Workouts & Bodybuilding
Become A Fitness Coach: Create Muscle Growth & Strength Workouts, Build A Fitness Training Business & Be A Health Expert...
6. The Complete Fitness & Health Masterclass - 21 Courses in 1
The Most Comprehensive Masterclass to Improve Your Mind, Body and Health - Start Growing Today!...
7. 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...
8. NLP for Emotional Intelligence, Mental Fitness and Wellbeing
Learn how Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) can advance your Self-Improvement, Mental Wellness, and Personal Growth...
9. 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...
10. 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...
11. Health and Nutrition Life Coach Certification (Accredited)
Life Coaching: Create a Workout & Nutrition Plan Based on Your Clients' Fitness, Weight Loss, Dieting & Nutrition Goals...
12. 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...
13. Personal Development Life Coach Certification1 Training
Personal Development Life Coach Training Course Graduates Prepared Professionals in Personal Development Life Coaching...
14. Pilates Teacher Training & CPD Certification
Become a Classical Mat Pilates instructor with this accredited training course...
15. 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...
16. OSHA Safety Pro: Personal Protective Equipment
Impress management or get that job with you your ability to display life and dollar saving work place safety practices...
17. 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)...
18. Barre 31 Day Challenge & Teacher Training - CPD Certified
A hightly effective Barre workout challenge and CPD accredited Teacher Training course...
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. 15 Minutes x 15 Days Total Yoga Challenge
Improve your flexibility, build core strength, alleviate aches and pains and reduce your stress in 15 minutes a day!...