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Personal Trainer Certification

Personal trainers are people who provide personalized assistance to clients who are working towards specific fitness goals. This can include people who are trying to get in shape, people who have been ordered to lose weight as the result of a chronic medical condition, or athletes who are training for an upcoming competition. Personal trainers may be employed by fitness centers and health clubs or they may own their own businesses and meet with clients in their homes.

Some of the professional associations offering personal trainer certification include the following:

• National Strength and Conditioning Association
  
• American College of Sports Medicine
  
• National Academy of Sports Medicine
  
• American Council on Exercise
  
• National Federation of Personal Trainers
  
• International Fitness Professionals Association
• Aerobics and Fitness Association of America

The basic certification for a personal trainer is typically referred to as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Certified Fitness Trainer (CFT), or Personal Fitness Trainer (PFT) credential. In addition to this certification, personal trainers can also become certified in specialty areas, such as working with children, pregnant women, or the elderly.

To receive a personal trainer certification, you must meet the organization's prerequisites regarding your age and education, pay a fee, and complete a knowledge exam. Once you earn a personal trainer certification, it will need to be renewed periodically. Recertification typically requires you to pay an additional fee and provide proof that you have completed acceptable continuing education activities.

Last Updated: 03/27/2013