Online Personal Training And Aerobics Certification Programs

Numerous online personal training and aerobics training certification programs exist with varying intensities, program lengths and costs. Some programs require only passing an online exam, while others require extensive courses that culminate in an exam. Online programs range from the very inexpensive to the very expensive. Some programs require that their students pass CPR and first aid training and some offer combination programs, with dual certifications in personal training and sports nutrition, yoga or Pilates.

Online Programs

The American College of Sports Medicine is one of the oldest aerobics and exercise physiology certification programs offering online and home study training. Students who take part in their certification programs must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma and an Adult CPR qualification. Course workshops usually last between one to three days and the online component can take a couple of months to complete.

The International Sports Science Association's program can be done totally online. Students must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma and an Adult CPR qualification. However, they do not certify aerobics instructors. The National Endurance and Sports Association will certify aerobics instructors in either a two-day workshop or online. American Fitness Professionals and Associates offers 23 different certification programs including ones of personal trainers and aerobics.

Regulation

The National Commission on Certifying Agencies, NCCA, accredits some of these online programs, although its accreditation is not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. NCCA does not accredit programs or courses, only examinations. Those organizations with NCCA accreditation cannot require students to take classes or attend workshops before taking their exam. ACSM is accredited by NCCA, while ISSA is accredited by the U.S. Distance Education and Training Council. AFPA is accredited by Vital Research and The Fitness Standards Council.

Cost

Costs for these programs vary. For example, as of 2010, the ACSM program costs about $800, with workshop fees, textbooks, exam fees, and additional exam fees, if you don't pass on the first try. Re-certification can cost another $800 to $1000. The ISSA program costs $648 as of 2010, which includes everything except re-certification costs which are an $600. American Fitness Professionals and Associates personal trainer program starts at $370 and goes up from there. The National Endurance and Sports Association program starts at $449, and the aerobics instructor program is $390. Re-certification starts at $600.

Exams

Most of these programs require personal trainers to pass exams to become certified. The length and depth of these exams depends on the program. For example, the ACSM exam must be taken at one of their centers. The exam is 2 1/2 hours long, consists of 125-150 questions. The ISSA exam can be taken online, and the first two retakes are free. It consists of 168 questions and can be done at your own pace. Most programs supply study guides or practice exams. Some may provide online support and assistance in preparing for their exams.

Re-certifying

Many programs require that personal trainers re-certify after a certain amount of time. For example, ACSM requires their certified personal trainers to re-certify every three years and take 45 continuing education credits from ACSM. ISSA requires re-certification every two years and 20 continuing education credits, however, they will accept credits from other programs. AFPA's certification is good for 2 years. They require 16 continuing education credits that can be obtained through another program.