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Best fitness manager certifications
The best certifications for a fitness manager are Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor.
Fitness manager certifications demonstrate your competency as a fitness manager to employers. However, not all fitness manager certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best fitness manager certifications. Obtaining a fitness manager certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
6 best certifications for fitness managers
| Rank | Fitness manager 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 | Advanced Personal Training Certification (APT) | AFPA |
| 5 | Master Fitness Specialist Certification (MFS) | CIAR |
| 6 | Fitness Nutrition Certification | ISSA |
6 best fitness manager 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. 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)
5. 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)
6. 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)
What is the best certification for a fitness manager?
The best fitness manager 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 manager 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 managers?
The most in-demand fitness manager certification is Certified Personal Trainer based on all active job postings. Having this fitness manager certification will give you access to more fitness manager jobs with higher salaries.
The most common combination of fitness manager certifications include: Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor.
Online courses for fitness managers to earn certifications
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2. Personalized Bodyweight Workouts: Science-Based Home Fitness
Step-by-Step Instruction From Ex-Military Officer: Build Home Bodyweight Workouts: Strength, Muscle, Lose Fat, Fitness...
3. Personal Development Life Coach Certification1 Training
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4. Fitness For Beginners
The Beginners Guide to Learning How to Exercise...
5. Belly Dance & Belly Core Fitness International Certification
Belly Dance & Belly Core Fitness Internationally Certified instructor & steps to creating your own Fitness Business...
6. Internationally Accredited Diploma Certificate in Fitness
Learn how to Create Gym & Bodybuilding Workouts that help boost testosterone, muscle building and/or lose weight...
7. NLP for Emotional Intelligence, Mental Fitness and Wellbeing
Learn how Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) can advance your Self-Improvement, Mental Wellness, and Personal Growth...
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. Pilates Teacher Training & CPD Certification
Become a Classical Mat Pilates instructor with this accredited training course...
11. 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...
12. 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...
13. Health and Nutrition Life Coach Certification (Accredited)
Life Coaching: Create a Workout & Nutrition Plan Based on Your Clients' Fitness, Weight Loss, Dieting & Nutrition Goals...
14. Sales Skills: 9 Sales Training Courses In 1
Develop Extraordinary Sales Skills With The Ultimate Sales Training (Taught By 5 Top Sales Experts)...
15. 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...
16. Complete Personal Development Personal Transformation Course
Live a More Fulfilling Life - Your Personal Development and Personal Transformation Can Start Now - Create Your Own Life...
17. Sales Training: How To Close More Sales
Closing Sales: Sales Training Course: Sales Skills; Selling Techniques; Sales Strategies for B2B, B2C Direct Sales...
18. Train the Trainer Virtual: Virtual Training Master Class
Lead Effective Online, Virtual Training Sessions that Create Excitement, Motivation, Attention and Retention...
19. 50 Personal Development And Personal Productivity Skills
Personal transformation to be a top-1% performer! Personal development, business productivity, and personal productivity...
20. Sales Machine: The Sales Training B2B Master Course
Learn Sales Strategies & Sales Techniques to Sell ANYTHING for Entrepreneurs, Startup, B2B Sales, & Business Development...