7 Ways Recertification Improves Your Personal Training Career

There are many excellent reasons to recertify and keep your personal training credential valid. The most common is that you want to keep working as a trainer and you need it to keep your job. But even if your job doesn’t require certification, it’s a good idea to stay certified.

Expert Tips: 7 Ways Recertification Can Improve Your Personal Training Career

We asked experts why recertification matters. From potentially raising your income to meeting others’ needs, here are seven answers to consider.

• Increases Earning Potential

• Allows You to Specialize 

• Keeps You Updated

• Maintains Valid Certifications

• Enables You to Serve Clients a Fresh “Recipe" 

• Continues Your Academic Progress

• Helps Meet More Client Needs

Increases Earning Potential

Continuing education can help fitness professionals to increase their earning potential. As they gain new skills and knowledge, personal trainers can charge more for their services, and attract more high-paying clients. 

With a wider range of skills and knowledge, they may offer new services, such as specialized training programs, which can command higher fees. Additionally, fitness professionals who have completed additional certifications or training may negotiate higher pay rates or find more lucrative employment opportunities. 

By investing in their education and professional development, they can set themselves apart from the competition and gradually increase their earning potential.

Natalia Brzezinska, Marketing & Outreach Manager, UK Passport Photo

Learn more: Top Personal Trainer Salary by Sector, Gym, and State

Allows You to Specialize 

There are two main types of continuing education courses: those that provide more general knowledge on the topic, and those that dive deeper into a specific theme. The latter allows you to specialize in a particular area of health and fitness, whether that's nutrition for a specific age group, exercise conditioning, stress management‌, etc. 

Specialization is necessary because it will help position you as an expert in your field. There are already dozens of generalists in the industry, but there may be specific areas where clients struggle and need deeper support. Your specialization will allow you to provide your audience with a more personalized training experience. Not to mention, you'll be able to confidently offer premium rates, knowing you're one percent ahead of other professionals in your field.

Learn more: What Is a Fitness Specialization and Do You Need One?

Stephan Baldwin, Founder, Assisted Living Center

Keeps You Updated

There's so much knowledge, studies, and constantly developing information with the health and fitness industry. With new machinery, equipment, findings, and experimentations, new methods to gain results evolve. Getting a new certification helps a fitness professional stay up to date with the latest technologies, knowledge, and best methods to get the best results.

John Gardner, Co-Founder & CEO, Kickoff

Maintains Valid Certifications

The primary goal of gaining CECs is to maintain the validity of your certification. You can train customers, buy liability insurance, use nearby facilities, and promote yourself as a professional trainer with your PT certification. Your company might not grow and succeed if your certification expires. 

Additionally, the cost of retaking your certification exam will be higher than the cost of the courses. If the primary purpose of your CECs is to renew your certification, choose courses that are simple to finish. Spend less money by enrolling in free online and magazine courses, but be sure your certification organization will accept them.

Brian Clark, Founder, United Medical Education

Learn more: How to Renew Your Personal Training Certification

Enables You to Serve Clients a Fresh "Recipe" 

Aside from the athletic side of fitness training, there is the psychological side. Clients, as we know, are incredibly susceptible to mental burnout and disinterest when subjected to a rigidly monotonous regimen lacking freshness. 

This is why it is vital to regularly sprinkle in a new perspective and garnish your existing training methods with fresh approaches. This gives your clients something new and exciting to look forward to. But more than the freshness of these approaches, they need to work and deliver expected results efficiently. 

It is such innovative, fresh, but effective approaches that you learn from continued fitness education. More than keeping you abreast with the latest fitness developments, continuing education enables you to understand the client's needs and unique conditions more comprehensively and accurately than you would have with a one-off education.

Lotus Felix, CEO, Lotus Brains Studio

Continues Your Academic Progress

Irrespective of whether you decide to pursue a specialty, you must maintain your certification through continuing education. Additionally, it keeps you on track with the most recent developments in weight loss, exercise, and wellness. 

There are more ways to stay updated and continue learning, besides the lectures, seminars, and other options your certification organization will offer to gain credentials. Many courses are available from the IDEA Health & Fitness Association, both in person and online. Additionally, they hold an annual meeting called the IDEA World Convention where you can complete practically all of your necessary courses in a couple of weekends.

Cynthia Hamilton, Marketing Director, OGLF

Helps Meet More Client Needs 

There are countless ways for personal trainers to specialize their skills and connect with new clients. Recertifying helps legacy trainers ensure that they're giving the best advice possible to their clients and staying up to date on fitness trends. 

However, continuing education allows for specialization, including information that can allow trainers to provide excellent service to diverse populations. For example, it's not always safe for prenatal and post-natal women to train as a teenager would. Specialized certifications allow trainers to ensure that their clients are doing the best for their bodies and their families. 

Trainers can also get certified for particular sports, so they can help their clients excel on the field, in the pool, or on the track, making a difference for their teams and their futures.

Erny Peibst, Founder & CEO, Inside Bodybuilding

When Do You Need to Renew Your ISSA Certification?

ISSA certifications are typically valid for two years from the date you earned your certification. You’ll need to renew it before it expires to continue practicing as a certified personal trainer.

Tip: Make sure to keep track of your certification expiration date and begin the renewal process several months before your certification expires to avoid any lapses.

What Are the Renewal Requirements for a Personal Trainer Certification?

Renewing your ISSA personal trainer certification requires fulfilling the following requirements:

Complete Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

ISSA requires 20 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) for recertification. CEUs can be earned through a variety of educational methods, including:

• Online Courses: ISSA offers many online courses designed to deepen your knowledge and enhance your skills in specific areas of fitness, such as nutrition, strength training, and corrective exercise.

• Workshops and Seminars: Attend in-person or virtual workshops, conferences, or fitness events that are approved by ISSA.

• Webinars: ISSA offers webinars that can be a convenient way to earn CEUs from the comfort of your home.

CPR/AED Certification

You must also have a valid CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) certification. ISSA requires trainers to renew their CPR/AED certifications every two years to ensure you can respond appropriately in emergency situations.

How to Renew Your ISSA Certification: A Step-by-Step Guide

Renewing your ISSA personal trainer certification is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Earn Your CEUs

Before beginning the renewal process, make sure you’ve completed the required 20 CEUs. You can earn them through the courses and methods listed above. ISSA provides an easy-to-navigate portal where you can track your CEU progress.

Step 2: Renew Your CPR/AED Certification

Make sure your CPR/AED certification is current. If it’s about to expire, you can renew it through various organizations that offer courses online or in person. Be sure to choose a provider that ISSA recognizes.

Step 3: Submit Your Renewal Application

Log in to your ISSA account and navigate to the “Certification Renewal” section. You’ll be prompted to submit your CEU documentation and CPR/AED certification, as well as pay the renewal fee.

Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee

ISSA charges a renewal fee (typically around $99, but this may vary). Be prepared to pay this fee when submitting your application for renewal.

Step 5: Wait for Your New Certification

Once your renewal application has been processed and approved, you’ll receive your updated ISSA personal trainer certification. You can print it or download a digital copy.

Tip: If you’re unsure about where to find approved CEUs, ISSA offers a variety of recommended courses on their website. These courses are designed specifically to help you meet the renewal requirements while also enhancing your training expertise.

Costs Associated with Certification Renewal

The cost of renewing your ISSA personal trainer certification typically includes:

• Renewal Fee: Around $99, depending on any promotions or discounts ISSA may offer.

• CEU Course Fees: While some courses may be free, others require payment. Prices vary based on the course provider, length, and content.

Tip: Keep an eye on ISSA’s promotions for discounts on courses or renewal fees, especially if you’re looking to renew early.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renewing Your ISSA Certification

To ensure a smooth renewal process, avoid these common mistakes:

• Missing the Renewal Deadline: Waiting too long to renew your certification could cause a lapse. Start the renewal process early to avoid any complications.

• Not Earning Enough CEUs: Double-check the CEU requirements and make sure you’ve completed them before submitting your renewal.

• Choosing Non-Approved CEU Providers: Always make sure the CEU courses you choose are approved by ISSA to ensure they count toward your renewal.

Keep Your Certification Current and Your Career on Track

Renewing your ISSA personal trainer certification is essential to staying compliant, competitive, and at the top of your game. By completing the required CEUs, maintaining your CPR/AED certification, and submitting your renewal application on time, you’ll be ready to continue offering your clients the best fitness services possible.

If you’re ready to renew your ISSA certification, log into your account, start earning those CEUs, and stay up to date on the latest fitness trends. Your career and clients will thank you for it!

Not yet certified? Start your journey with ISSA’s Personal Training Certification course. You’ll learn the essentials of anatomy, exercise science, programming, business, and more. It’s the perfect way to kickstart your training career.