How to Become a Certified Personal Trainer
Personal training is in demand. Here’s how to start, step by step.
Choose a study program, study with support, pass your exam, pick a specialty, and get job-ready.
1. Choose a study program
Pick the program that matches your goals, timeline, and budget.
- ✓ Self-paced online curriculum
- ✓ 1 Specialization Course
- ✓ Payment plans available
2. Study with your support team
You’re not doing this alone -- get guidance as you learn.
- ✓ Student support when you need it
- ✓ Clear study plan + checkpoints
- ✓ Learn at your pace
3. Pass your certification exam
Prepare with practice tools so you can test confidently.
- ✓ Practice quizzes
- ✓ Clear study plan
- ✓ Support if you get stuck
4. Select your specialty
Stand out by choosing a specialization aligned to your goals.
- ✓ Choose from multiple specializations
- ✓ Build a niche (strength, nutrition, etc.)
- ✓ Add it when you’re ready
5. Get job-ready
Finish strong with a clear path to start training clients.
- ✓ Build confidence + credibility
- ✓ Learn how to work with clients
- ✓ Start applying what you learn
Not sure what to choose?
Take the quiz
Choose a study program
Discover the programs that have propelled countless fitness experts to success.
Student Reviews
-
2 Days ago
ISSA is my number one source
ISSA makes it easy to follow along with their guided study that helps to keep me on track w my timeline for completion. It’s user friendly and easily accessed which is very helpful when time is limited. They also offer a wide variety of certifications enabling any fitness professional to easily expand their horizons. For me - ISSA is my number one source. Maggie Gillett -
2 Days ago
I really enjoyed that I was able to…
I really enjoyed that I was able to complete the course at my own pace. There were plenty of resources to help me along the way and the online textbook is amazing. Defintions & visuals were very useful. I loved the "Key Takeway" quizzes, unlimited quiz attempts, and how the quizzes were similar to the final. Avron Gordon -
2 Days ago
I wanted to make a career change and…
I wanted to make a career change and had over ten years experience teaching, coaching, and mentoring others. I had just gone through my own weight loss journey. I was able to get through the courses quickly and I am getting interviews. I will be very excited when I land my first professional trainer job, but even without that the course taught me so much about nutrition, strength training, and how to run a business. Mike
Over 10,000 Gym Partners Choose ISSA
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Most promotions are applied automatically when you follow the “Get this deal” links. If a code is required for a specific promotion, it’ll be provided with that offer (email/SMS/partner page), and you can enter it at checkout.
-
Yes. ISSA offers flexible payment options, including interest-free monthly installments with low down payments, starting as little as $49 down.
-
It depends on the program, but ISSA notes you can complete the CPT in as little as ~3 months, and programs are self-paced.
-
ISSA is recognized by 10,000+ U.S. gyms and globally in 174+ countries.
-
Get a full refund if you don’t land a fitness job within six months, as long as you meet eligibility requirements.
-
ISSA’s Job Guarantee ensures graduates who successfully complete the CPT, NBHWC-approved Pathway and Yoga 200 programs will land a job within 6 months of certification - or they get their money back. The program includes career support and access to a network of over 10,000 gym partners actively hiring trainers.
-
Pricing varies by program, with flexible payment plans available to fit your budget.