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Best personal fitness trainer certifications
Personal fitness trainer certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an personal fitness trainer to employers. However, not all personal fitness trainer certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a personal fitness trainer are Certified Personal Trainer, Advanced Personal Training Certification (APT), and Personal Trainer Certification.
Below is a list of the best personal fitness trainer certifications. Obtaining an personal fitness trainer certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for personal fitness trainers
20 best personal fitness trainer 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. 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)
3. Personal Trainer Certification
- 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. 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)
5. Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
Certified Nutrition Specialist professionals are on the front lines battling the epidemic of obesity and chronic disease, and the BCNS supports these efforts and certifies nutrition professionals who maintain the highest standard of nutrition competence.
- 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 5 year(s)
6. 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)
7. 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)
8. 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
9. Certified Personal Fitness Trainer (ACIM-PFIT)
- 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. 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)
11. 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)
12. Instructor
A NAUI Instructor is a person dedicated to the motto of "Dive Safety Through Education"; a person whom others look to for leadership and knowledge. NAUI has always been and remains today the most prestigious agency focusing on diving instruction. You can share the adventure - and help create it! If you believe your work should be enjoyable and exciting, if you are eager to share your knowledge with others, if you believe that to train the best you must be among the best trained, join the finest. Join the adventure!
- 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? No
13. Certified Personal Fitness Trainer - Health Fitness Instructor (CPFT-)
Certified Personal Trainers are fitness professionals proficient in the understanding of client assessment, exercise program design, physiology of human performance, biomechanics, nutrition, medical considerations and terminology, effective communication, and personal trainer ethics. In addition, they are also credentialed in CPR-AED.
- 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. 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)
15. Physical Fitness Specialist Certification (PFS)
- 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)
16. 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)
17. Certified Sales Professional (CSP)
The Certified Sales Professional (CSP) program gives a thorough understanding of consultative selling. From business creation to improved time and territory management; goal-setting to prospecting, and everything in between, attendees return to the territory with a renewed enthusiasm for selling.
- 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 3 year(s)
18. Group Exercise Certification
NETA's Group Exercise Instructor Certification is continuously updated to keep you on the cutting edge of the fitness industry, promote safe and effective teaching strategies, and help you develop the critical skills required to become an effective group exercise instructor.
- 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)
19. Sports Nutrition Specialist
Learn cutting-edge techniques for increasing sports performance, reducing recovery time, and enhancing the overall well-being of your clients.
- 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?
20. 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)
What is the best certification for a personal fitness trainer?
The best personal fitness trainer 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 personal fitness trainer 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 personal fitness trainers?
The most in-demand personal fitness trainer certification is Certified Personal Trainer based on all active job postings. Having this personal fitness trainer certification will give you access to more personal fitness trainer jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a personal fitness trainer 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 personal fitness trainers make an average salary of $38,198.
The most common combination of personal fitness trainer certifications include: Certified Personal Trainer, Advanced Personal Training Certification (APT), and Personal Trainer Certification.
Online courses for personal fitness trainers to earn certifications
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2. Personalized Bodyweight Workouts: Science-Based Home Fitness
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3. HIIT & Body Weight Training: A 4-week Home Workout Program
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4. The Complete Train the Trainer Bootcamp - Beginners-Advanced
The Only Train the Trainer Course You Will Need: In-Person Training, Virtual Training, Beginner Intermediate & Advanced...
5. Train the Trainer - PRACTICAL Training & Facilitation Skills
PRACTICAL Training & Facilitation Skills for Trainers, Facilitators and Facilitative Trainers...
6. Train the Trainer Virtual: Virtual Training Master Class
Lead Effective Online, Virtual Training Sessions that Create Excitement, Motivation, Attention and Retention...
7. Train the Trainer 101: For Beginners Only!
Quickly go from trainee to trainer using The Rule the Room training method: How to Train Anything to Anyone...
8. Internationally Accredited Diploma Certificate in Fitness
Learn how to Create Gym & Bodybuilding Workouts that help boost testosterone, muscle building and/or lose weight...
9. Belly Dance & Belly Core Fitness International Certification
Belly Dance & Belly Core Fitness Internationally Certified instructor & steps to creating your own Fitness Business...
10. The Complete Train the Trainer Bootcamp (Part 2): All Levels
The Complete Classroom Training Mastery Certification Program That Doubles Learning Retention In Half The Time...
11. NLP for Emotional Intelligence, Mental Fitness and Wellbeing
Learn how Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) can advance your Self-Improvement, Mental Wellness, and Personal Growth...
12. Pilates Teacher Training & CPD Certification
Become a Classical Mat Pilates instructor with this accredited training course...
13. Fitness For Beginners
The Beginners Guide to Learning How to Exercise...
14. The Complete Train the Trainer Bootcamp (Part 3): All Levels
The Complete Classroom Training Mastery Certification Program That Doubles Learning Retention In Half The Time...
15. The Complete Train the Trainer Bootcamp (Part 1): All Levels
The Complete Classroom Training Mastery Certification Program That Doubles Learning Retention In Half The Time...
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. 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...
18. Fitness Trainer Certification: Gym Workouts & Bodybuilding
Become A Fitness Coach: Create Muscle Growth & Strength Workouts, Build A Fitness Training Business & Be A Health Expert...
19. 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...
20. Health and Nutrition Life Coach Certification (Accredited)
Life Coaching: Create a Workout & Nutrition Plan Based on Your Clients' Fitness, Weight Loss, Dieting & Nutrition Goals...