Thinking about becoming a personal trainer? If you love exercising and want to turn your passion into a career (or even a side gig), getting certified might be the way to go. Being certified by a recognized organization allows you to share your knowledge while earning a decent income.
According to a 2012 CNN Money ranking, personal trainers were ranked as the 18th best job in America, with a median pay of around $56,000. Of course, this can vary depending on where you live. However, the demand for personal trainers is high, with an estimated 24% growth expected in the industry over the next decade. It might just be the perfect fit for you.
To become a personal trainer, you can either take group classes or a self-paced at-home course:
1. **Group Workshops**: These usually span several days during which the program is taught in its entirety. The advantage is that you can complete the course quickly and have direct interaction with trainers who can answer your questions and provide hands-on demonstrations. The downside is the large volume of material you’ll need to absorb in a short time. Some workshops are also available as webinars, where the live sessions are broadcast to various locations.
2. **Self-Paced Courses**: Some organizations offer online courses, while others provide physical study materials. Recently, accredited online courses have become more common. These allow you to study at your own pace from home. However, you miss out on the in-person interaction, although some courses offer review sessions via webcam.
Regardless of which option you choose, it’s a good idea to purchase all the study materials, like books, guides, and practice tests. These resources can significantly aid your preparation.
Accreditation ensures that the program meets the standards set by bodies such as the National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE) or the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA). These standards cover various aspects of personal training, including exercise, physiology, business practices, and legal issues. Make sure to choose a program from an accredited organization.
Here are some recommended certifications:
– **AFAA**: This is a highly recommended certification with over 300,000 certifications issued. They offer both group courses and online courses, but not self-study or webinars. The online courses are particularly well-regarded.
– **ACSM**: Known as the gold standard in personal training certification, ACSM offers self-study courses, webinars, online study, and group study options. They have awarded over 25,000 certifications.
– **ISSA**: This organization provides top-notch personal training certifications with over 180,000 trainers certified. They only offer self-study courses, and you have eight months to complete the exam.
– **ACE**: With over 50,000 certified professionals, ACE offers self-study materials that you can work through at your own pace before taking the exam at a certified exam center.
For all these certifications, you need to be at least 18 years old and CPR/AED certified. Pricing varies, but expect to spend around $500 to $600 for the exam and study materials.
No matter which certification you choose, make sure it’s the right fit for you and that you use all the study resources available. Becoming a personal trainer can be a highly rewarding and relatively stress-free job.
Ready to start your journey to becoming a personal trainer? You can find more information on certifications at www.BecomeAPersonalTrainerHQ.com.
