Because there are several methods to become a personal trainer, costs can vary widely depending on the amount of education you choose. In general, certification costs range from $600 to $6,000 or more, plus additional costs to get started.
Home Study
Home-study courses are do-it-yourself programs where you take as long as necessary to prepare. The American Council on Exercise offers courses for $149 to $399, depending on the amount of study materials you purchase. You can also take an exam review course to help you prepare for $149 to $199. Once you are ready, exam costs are $219 to $249, depending on paper or computer methods.
Workshops
Short one- to three-day workshops are held in various cities, on the Web and via teleconference. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) offers one- to three-day workshops, including a one-day webinar starting at $240, plus $125+ for materials and $219+ for the exam. Other workshops are held by the National Strength and Conditioning Council (NSCC).
On-Site Programs
More intensive on-site study programs are offered by the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI). A 500-hour, six-month program is held in various cities around the U.S. with costs ranging from $5,900 to $6,300, including materials, exam and CPR certification.
Bachelor Degrees
If you want the most comprehensive education and training, colleges offer bachelor degrees in physical education, human kinetics and kinesiology, which prepare you for a personal training career, as well as other careers. Costs vary widely depending on the school you choose, so check with each school that you are interested in.
Other Costs
In addition to certification costs, you need to factor in:
--Insurance: If you are an independent trainer, you must have personal liability insurance. According to ACE, personal liability insurance costs are $179 to $272 per year, depending on the amount of coverage. If you work for a gym or other company, you may still need to have your own insurance.
--First Aid/CPR: In order to qualify for certification and insurance, you must be First Aid/CPR certified and renew this each year. The American Red Cross offers ongoing classes throughout the country, and costs start at $55.
--Continuing education: To keep your certification current, you will be required to take additional classes on a regular basis. Costs range from $200 to $800 every two to three years.
--Business overhead: Factor in costs of marketing yourself and running your business, including phone, website, business cards, advertisements and newsletters. Costs can range from $100 to $500 per month, depending on how much you choose to do.
When thinking about becoming a personal trainer, do your research on the different certification programs and weigh all of the costs involved so you make the right decision.
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