What Certifications Do Most Personal Trainers Have?

Personal trainers help clients reach their fitness goals. They do this by providing safe and effective exercise programs. While certification isn’t always required to work in a personal trainer role, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most employers prefer this designation (1). Some even require it.

If you’re considering certification, you may be wondering which ones are most common for fitness trainers. We’ll get into that. But first, let’s talk about what a personal trainer certification is.

Personal Trainer Certification Overview

A personal training certification is a professional certification. It signifies that you have a certain level of knowledge in fitness training. It also tells potential employers, clients, and other fitness professionals that you have the skills needed to work in this type of role. 

There are many benefits to becoming certified. Aspiring personal trainers may pursue certification to start training for this role. Certification can also increase their career opportunities. It gives them the qualifications needed to apply for certified personal trainer jobs. 

Professional trainers already in the field might become certified to establish their expertise. It boosts their credibility in fitness training. Or they may pursue certification in a specific area. This could allow them to provide a certain type of fitness training. It can also prepare them to work with a certain demographic.

Being a certified trainer means that you’ve completed the necessary training and passed a certification exam. A personal trainer needs to know about exercise science, exercise physiology, and more. A certification training program teaches these topics. The exam proves that you can apply this knowledge.

What Certifications Do Most Personal Trainers Have?

Most personal trainers have a basic personal trainer certification. This is a foundational certification in exercise program and design. As such, it covers many fitness areas. Among them are:

• human anatomy and physiology

• kinesiology and biomechanics of exercise

• muscle mechanics and deviations

• physical fitness training (cardio, strength, and flexibility)

• fitness assessments

• training principles 

• exercise program design

Some certification programs provide instruction in other areas. You may learn more about nutrition and how it relates to fitness. It might provide instruction on how to work with older clients or youth. Or you might learn how to work with clients with certain health issues.

In addition to personal training certification, you’re also required to have CPR certification. CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. If a client stops breathing or their heart stops, performing CPR immediately can help save their life. Most fitness employers require their trainers to be CPR certified.

Advanced Personal Training Certification Options

If you want to advance beyond a basic fitness certification, there are several higher-level options. A fitness professional who wants to work with elite athletes would benefit from having advanced certification. It’s also an option for those who simply want the maximum certification possible.

Two advanced personal trainer certifications are:

• Certified Elite Trainer

• Certified Master Trainer

An elite trainer has three certifications. First and foremost, they are certified in personal training and nutrition. They also have a third certification in a specialty of their choosing. A master trainer is certified in personal training and nutrition as well. However, instead of one specialty certification, they have four. 

Earning your status as an elite or master trainer has many advantages. It can help set you apart from others in this field. Each certification also increases your level of knowledge. Since many areas of fitness overlap, this helps you provide more effective training services.

Personal Trainer Certifications in Specialized Areas

Specialty certifications aren’t just for trainers wanting advanced status. They can also prepare you to work in certain areas of the fitness industry. This helps you broaden your client pool. It also provides more value to your services.

Let’s say that you earn your certification as a nutritionist, for example. Now you can give clients diet plans with their exercise program. This can help them reach their goals faster, making you a more sought-after trainer. If you charge for this additional service, it also boosts your income.

Some specialty certifications you could pursue include:

• Certified Group Fitness Instructor

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

• Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist

• Certified Health Coach

• Certified Performance Enhancement Coach

• Certified DNA-Based Fitness Coach

• Certified Yoga Instructor

All of these can help advance your career. They can also help you build a stronger and more profitable personal training business.

Deciding the Best Personal Training Certification for You

With so many certification options, you may be unsure which one to choose. If you’re new to the field, you may want to start with a personal fitness trainer certification. This provides a strong foundation for any trainer role. A CPR certification is also a necessary first step.

If you have some fitness knowledge or know your desired role, a specialty certification may be a better option. Think about what areas of fitness interest you most and get certified in one of them. Alternatively, consider the types of clients you want to work with. Then, pursue certification in a course that applies to them.

Maybe you want to work with older adults, for instance. You could become certified as a senior fitness instructor. Want to work with kids instead? Earning your youth instructor certification can help prepare you for this role.

If you want to work for a specific fitness center, that employer may dictate the certification you need. Check with them first to learn their requirements. 

Finding a Personal Trainer Certification Program

Once you’ve decided to get certified, the next step is to choose a training program. There are a variety of certifying agencies from which to choose. And each certification program varies.

The good news is that typically there are no requirements for starting a certification program. You don’t need a diploma or degree in exercise science or sports medicine. All you need is a passion for fitness and a desire to help others. 

When choosing where to obtain your trainer certification, it’s important to consider many factors. Here are a few questions to ask when doing your research:

• What certifications does it offer? If you want several fitness certifications, you want an institution that offers this option. Even if you don’t right now, you may change your mind in the future. Choosing an institution with multiple certifications available keeps this option open.  

• How long does it take to earn your certification? Some certification programs can be completed in a few months. Others offer a fast track option for those who want to start training sooner. Think about how quickly you want to get working. Choose a program that aligns with this goal.

• How will I learn? Consider whether the course is in person or online. Also look at the study materials. Do you have access to digital textbooks, videos, or other learning mediums? Choose a program that will teach you in the ways that you learn best.

• What type of support is provided? If you have questions about course materials, you want to have someone to go to. Or maybe you run into an issue and aren’t sure how to proceed. Programs that include fitness mentors can be a great asset in these situations. 

• Does the program provide continuing education courses? Continuing education courses promote professional development. They’re also required to keep your certification current. Choosing a certification program that offers these courses enables you to continue learning with the same institution. This helps you know what to expect. It can also make renewing your certification an easier process.

If you’re ready to get started, International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is an option. ISSA offers a personal training certification program. This provides the education and skills needed to work as a fitness trainer. It also gives you the designation of Certified Personal Trainer.

References

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022a, 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