How to Get a Personal Trainer Certification in Only 3 Steps

Some people fear that the personal trainer certification process is complex or complicated. The good news is that it isn’t. In fact, by taking only three steps, you can become a certified personal trainer. 

Before we talk about these trainer certification steps, one question that many people have is whether certification is even needed to work in a personal training role. So, let’s answer that first.

Do You Have to Be Certified to Work as a Personal Trainer?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, while not all facilities require their fitness trainers to be certified, many do prefer individuals with a certification (1). Additionally, if you want to work with gym or health club members, trainer certification is likely a requirement. 

If you want to work with high-level athletes, certification is a must. In this way, being certified broadens your career opportunities within the fitness industry. You have more of the qualifications needed for these elite roles.

Even if trainer certification isn’t mandatory, there are numerous benefits to earning this designation. For instance, getting your personal trainer certification is one way to set yourself apart from trainers who aren’t certified. It says that you take your personal training role seriously. 

Being certified also increases your credibility as a fitness trainer. It adds validity to your knowledge and skill sets in this area. This can make it easier for potential clients to trust you for helping them reach their fitness goals.

How to Get a Personal Trainer Certification

If you want to become a certified personal trainer, you can do so in just a few steps. Here are the three steps to earning your certification:

Step 1: Enroll in a Personal Trainer Certification Program

What happens before you earn a college-level diploma or degree? You must first take the required courses. This ensures that you have a certain level of education in your field of choice. The same is true if you want to earn your certification as a personal trainer.

A personal trainer program provides the information you need to work in this role. This includes understanding how the body works and the way it responds to exercise. It covers fitness assessment and program design.

This type of training course also teaches you how to be a more successful trainer. You learn how to work with clients of all fitness levels. You also learn to work with clients in different demographics, such as working with senior or youth fitness clients.

Step 2: Learn the Study Material

Once enrolled in a certification course, the next step is to learn the material presented. Set aside time in your schedule to do your coursework. Add it to your daily calendar just as you would a work meeting or medical appointment.

Look at the course syllabus and schedule your studies based on the amount of time you have open. Some personal trainer programs even do this for you. This helps keep you on track.

For instance, International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) courses have a guided study option. Guided study breaks down the materials by week. It tells you which chapters to read in the textbook and which training videos to watch. Having this outlined for you helps take the stress out of deciding what to learn and when.

At the end of the modules, you also take a quiz. This ensures that you’ve learned the information presented. It also gives you an idea of where you may need to study more in order to pass the certification exam.

Step 3: Take and Pass the Certification Exam

The final step in the personal trainer certification process is to take and pass an exam. The certification exam is designed to test your knowledge in certain areas. Earning a passing score tells potential employers and clients that you know how to create safe and effective fitness programs.

Some certifying agencies require you to take the exam in person. Others allow you to take it online. In the case of the latter, the exam may be open- or closed-book. It might also be timed or untimed. Checking exam specifics upfront helps you know what to expect. It also enables you to select a training course that gives the exam in the format and with other specifications that you’d prefer.

Upon successfully completing the exam, you are granted your certification. This qualifies you for certified personal trainer positions. 

Topics Covered in a Personal Fitness Trainer Certification Course

Personal trainer certification courses can differ in terms of specific topics covered. That said, many offer instruction in similar topic areas. Among the topics discussed in comprehensive certification courses are:

• Human anatomy 

• Exercise physiology

• Exercise science 

• Applied kinesiology

• Types of fitness training (cardio, strength, etc.)

• Effective training principles

• Exercise program development

• Fitness assessment testing

• Nutrition’s role in fitness

• Fitness for different age groups

• Fitness considerations for clients with chronic diseases

You can use the information learned in a training program to work with clients in person. Another option is to become an online personal trainer. Professional trainers can be successful in both career paths.

Retain Your Personal Training Certification with Continuing Education Classes

Completing a certification program and passing the exam is the first step. The next is to take continuing education classes.

Continuing education classes are required to keep your certification. They serve several purposes. One is to stay current in this field. What we know about health and fitness is constantly changing. These courses make it possible to stay up to date.

You can also take courses to learn more about other areas of fitness. Maybe you want to know how to provide clients with a more effective agility training program. Or you may want to better understand how yoga provides back pain relief. Taking classes that cover these topics broadens your knowledge base.

Some continuing education classes focus on business development. This is helpful if you want to be (or are) an independent personal trainer. You can learn how to market your brand, for example. Or you might take a class that talks about what insurance you need as a personal trainer. 

You don’t have to take continuing education for professional development either. Some classes are directed more toward personal development. Others are aimed toward workforce development. You can grow in almost any area of your life and get credit for it! 

Benefits of Getting Your Personal Trainer Certification Through ISSA

ISSA offers personal trainer certification. What are some benefits of earning your certification through this fitness organization?

• The course is available online. Most people today have busy schedules. This can make it difficult to take classes in person. ISSA’s personal training course is offered virtually. This allows you to complete the coursework and take your exam at your convenience.

• You gain access to numerous resources. In addition to the main textbook, you also receive a workbook and study guide. The latter helps highlight the information you need for certification. Another resource provided by ISSA is a business guide. Information in it helps you be a more successful fitness professional.

• You get unlimited support. This is true not only when enrolled in the certification course, but also after you have your personal trainer certificate. You are assigned someone who can answer your questions and help you along the way. You’re given a mentor who can supply additional information that may not have been presented in the online course.

• You don’t have to earn your certification elsewhere. You take the certification exam through ISSA once your course is complete. This saves you time and energy by not having to take the exam from another certifying agency.  

• ISSA certification is accepted by major gyms. If you want to work in a well-known gym, getting certified through ISSA will likely qualify you for a personal trainer role. Gold’s Gym, Lifetime Fitness, and Anytime Fitness are just some of the gyms that accept ISSA certification.

• You have numerous certification options. You can become a certified personal trainer through ISSA. But you can also obtain your certification in other areas of fitness. You can earn your certification as a group fitness instructor, for instance. This prepares you to lead group fitness courses of all sizes. Or you might pursue certification as a tactical conditioning specialist. This certification course teaches you how to train military personnel, police, and first responders.

• You’re provided with a free professional website. More than three in four people (77%) use the internet every week to research a local business (2). ISSA gives you a ready-to-go website so they can find you. Just plug in your information and your personal training business is online.

If you’re ready to become a certified personal trainer, check out ISSA’s course today. Several training options are available, including a fast track course and various certification bundles.

References

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, September 8). Fitness trainers and instructors : Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/fitness-trainers-and-instructors.htm#tab-4 

2. Paget, S. (2023, May 23). Local consumer review survey 2023: Customer reviews and behavior. BrightLocal. https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey/