Online Personal Fitness Certification

According to the American Council on Exercise, personal training is among the fastest-growing professions in the health and fitness industry. Personal trainers work in a variety of settings, including fitness clubs, studios and health care facilities, and are responsible for creating safe and effective workout programs. For one-on-one or small-group fitness instruction, most employers require a personal trainer certification.

Types

As a result of the growing demand for personal fitness trainers, certifications can be acquired from a variety of organizations, such as the American Council on Exercise, American Fitness Training of Athletics, International Sports Sciences Association and National Federation of Professional Trainers. Most of these organizations offer the traditional personal fitness trainer certification along with specialty certifications such as aerobics instructor, senior fitness instructor or aqua fitness instructor.

Prerequisites

Before taking an online personal trainer certification test, you must meet certain requirements. Commonly, you must be at least 18 years old and have a current adult CPR and AED certificate. Another prerequisite may include holding a college degree in a related field, such as exercise science or kinesiology. Specific requirements vary among the certifying organizations.

Features

When you purchase an online certification exam, you will typically receive several other items that are designed to help you study and prepare for the exam. Most organizations include all of these materials with the certification fee. The American Council on Exercise certification, for example, includes study materials with flashcards, practice tests and online resources. Similarly, the International Sports Sciences Association includes a marketing and business guide along with a study guide and workout.

Benefits

Online certifications have the ability to provide your test results the same day with a printout of the score. After you successfully pass the exam, most organizations offer additional resources and benefits that assist you in becoming a successful trainer. For example, professional liability insurance protects you, as a trainer, against lawsuits, and personal trainer software creates workout programs for clients.

Considerations

The wide range of certifications and organizations can make it difficult to choose the certification that matches your personal goals. One of the most important considerations is the accreditation of the certifying organization and whether the certification is accepted for employment at fitness clubs or other businesses. Also important is the initial cost of the program as well as the price to maintain the certification. For instance, the at-home certification program from the National Federation of Professional Trainers costs $450.