Obtaining certification as a personal trainer may be your first step to a career focused on helping people make better lifestyle choices. The American Council on Exercise, or ACE, offers certification as a personal trainer to those who can show they have the knowledge necessary to help people realize their fitness goals. If you think ACE's personal trainer certificate is right for you, get started by familiarizing yourself with the basics.
Basic Requirments
You can obtain certification as a personal trainer from ACE, by passing their exam. As of 2011, it costs $249 to register for the exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and two scenario-based questions that test your ability to apply your knowledge of fitness training in realistic job-based scenarios. You have the option of taking the exam at one of the ACE's many computer-based testing locations or at one of a few written test locations. The ACE requires that you already possess a CPR and Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, certificate to qualify.
Learning Materials
The ACE offers optional learning materials to help you prepare for their certification exam. As of 2011 the study materials can be purchased for $284.95. The learning materials cover topics you need to know as a personal trainer such as how to assess clients abilities and determine whether exercise may be unsafe for them. You must also learn how to design safe and effective exercises for people and how to teach and motivate people to excel at these exercises. The ACE recommends spreading your preparation for their exam over 3 months, however you may register for the certification exam whenever you feel prepared.
On the Job
Working with people as a personal trainer can be a rewarding job that keeps you active; however, you'll require more than a solid knowledge of fitness to be successful. One of the most important aspects of being a personal trainer is how you interact with your clients. You need to be charismatic to inspire your clients to adopt a more healthy lifestyle and continue working with you. A large portion of your day may also consist of administrative duties, such as scheduling clients, accounting and marketing.
Job Outlook
Obtaining certification as a personal trainer opens the door for you to look for a job wherever people care about their health. Becoming a personal trainer also offers you flexibility, as you can choose whether you want to work at a fitness center or work independently and find your own clients. With more and more people starting to take their physical fitness seriously, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job prospects for personal trainers to increase more than average, with the amount of jobs to be filled increasing by 28 percent between 2008 and 2018.
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