Interested in becoming a personal trainer? If you love working out and sharing your fitness knowledge, consider getting certified as a personal fitness trainer. Certification from an accredited organization not only enhances your credibility but also allows you to earn a solid income.
In a 2012 ranking by CNN Money, personal training was listed as the 18th best job in America with a median salary of around $56,000, though this can vary depending on your location. This field is in high demand with an estimated 24% growth expected over the next decade, making it a great career choice.
To become a personal trainer, you can either join group classes or opt for a self-paced at-home course.
Group workshops typically span several days, covering the entire program. The advantage of group training is that you complete the course quickly and have direct interaction with a certified trainer to address any questions. The downside is the intense amount of information crammed into a short period. Webinars are another option, providing live group workshop broadcasts to multiple locations.
For self-paced courses, you can choose between online content or physical materials. Online courses are becoming more popular and allow you to study at your own pace without traveling. However, they lack in-person interaction, though some offer review sessions with a trainer via webcam.
Regardless of your choice, it’s wise to purchase all the class materials, including study guides and practice tests. These resources are particularly helpful in preparing for the exams.
Accredited programs have passed rigorous guidelines ensuring they cover all aspects of personal training, including exercise, physiology, business practices, and legal issues. Accreditation boards such as the National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE) or the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA) ensure these standards.
If a course seems too easy to be true, it probably is!
Here’s a brief overview of some top certifications:
– **AFAA**: Highly recommended and widely recognized, the AFAA certification has issued over 300,000 credentials. It offers group and online courses but not self-study. Remember to complete the study guide and practice tests before your review session and practical exam. Ensure you have the same instructor for both sessions for a more consistent experience. Requirements: 18 years old and CPR/AED certified. Costs: $499.
– **ACSM**: Considered the gold standard with over 25,000 certifications awarded. ACSM offers various study options including self-study, webinars, and group classes. Requirements: 18 years old and CPR/AED certified. Costs: $279 for the exam and additional workshop fees, totaling around $500.
– **ISSA**: Known for its high-quality certifications, ISSA has over 180,000 certified professionals. It offers a self-study course with an eight-month exam voucher. Requirements: 18 years old and CPR/AED certified. Costs: $599 for the exam and study materials.
– **ACE**: Provides flexible self-study options with over 50,000 certified professionals. You have six months to digest the materials at your own pace and take the exam at a certified exam center. Requirements: 18 years old and CPR/AED certified. Costs: Starting at $599 for the exam and study materials.
There are many other accredited organizations offering personal trainer certification. Choose one that suits you best and make good use of the study materials provided. Being a personal trainer is a rewarding, relatively stress-free job.
Ready to start your journey? Visit our sister site for more information on personal training certification: www.BecomeAPersonalTrainerHQ.com.