Research the educational requirements for your country if you’re outside the US. Typically, you’ll be required to have successfully completed your secondary education. While you can start informally preparing before this point, you’ll need to reach legal adulthood (age 18 in the US) before you can enroll in an accredited personal training certification program.
These skills will come in handy in the event that you need to help a client in a medical emergency.
A college degree isn’t required for most CPT certification programs. However, postsecondary education can significantly increase your knowledge, skillset, and chances of success in the industry. You can also proceed to earn a graduate degree in your niche.
Programs may be self-study, guided individual study, or guided group study. [4] X Research source The scope and timeframe can differ substantially from course to course, so make sure you understand the details before jumping in. For instance, a short-term course could involve a weekly session for 2 semesters, or it could be a 3-day intensive. The former is a better choice for someone just starting out, while the latter is a great idea if you just need some exam prep assistance.
Note that these schools tend to be more expensive than other short-term certification programs. It’s not necessarily more beneficial to graduate from such a school in order to find a job. An example of a reputable personal training school is the National Personal Training Institute. [5] X Research source
These subjects will help you understand your clients’ bodies and needs and determine how to help them get as fit as possible while staying safe.
For instance, you might learn about resistance training and weight training for muscle building. Or you may want to learn about working with children or people with special needs. Personal training is a competitive business, and one way to help yourself stand out is by choosing a specialty and perhaps even receiving additional certifications. [7] X Research source
Gain at least a basic understanding of statistics, finance, and administration so that you’ll have the tools to support your colleagues or grow your own business when the time comes. [8] X Research source In the US alone, fitness is a $30 billion industry. [9] X Research source You’ll need more than just fitness skills to succeed.
These skills will come in handy every day of your personal trainer career. After all, you’ll be leading clients through exercise sessions that may evoke physical or emotional discomfort, frustration and sometimes tears. Keep your clients focused on their goals and share in the satisfaction and happiness that comes with each achievement.
Even great educators and motivators may have trouble finding clients if they don’t seem to be in shape. While each body is different, clients expect that their trainers can healthily define and meet their own fitness goals. Consider hiring your own trainer to gain perspective on the trainer/client relationship. Observe how your relationship with your trainer develops and learn from their successes and failures. Just be up front about your intentions and avoid stealing what your trainer has shared with you.
The 4 main US agencies that offer accredited CPT programs are the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Other accredited US agencies include the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF), the National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Academy of Applied Personal Training Education (AAPTE), among others. [13] X Research source
Some short-term personal training courses include the exam as part of the curriculum and tuition. Consider following the training course or exam preparation program offered by the agency you’re getting certified through. [15] X Research source Many agencies offer online self-study options which can save you money.
Personal trainer certification exams are most often administered on the computer. They typically contain about 150 multiple choice questions to make sure you’re knowledgable in the fundamentals of fitness. [16] X Research source As an example, if you take the Certified Personal Trainer exam through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, you’ll work through 4 sections: “Program Planning,” “Client Consultation and Fitness Assessment,” “Exercise Techniques,” and “Safety and Emergency Issues. ”
If you worked at a gym before earning your certification, let your past colleagues know you’re newly certified and looking for work. Working at a gym will give you the chance to learn from other personal trainers and get practice working with a steady stream of new clients.
Personal trainers’ pay is commission-based, so the more clients you have, the better. Get active on social media to promote your work. Post pictures of your studio, and, with their permission, your happy clients. Keep in mind that your gym may require you to sign a non-compete agreement to prevent you from taking clients if you decide to leave.
Make sure you understand all the complexities of running a business, such as the ins and outs of insurance, payroll, and taxes. Some personal trainers hold sessions in their homes, where they have a room set up with the proper equipment. If you do this, make sure the setting is clean, safe, and professional. Other personal trainers rent a studio, which they sometimes share with other personal trainers. This could be a more attractive choice if you have a large client list.
