Personal trainers are fitness professionals who educate their clients about health and safe and effective exercise methods. You can become a certified personal trainer through taking a certification examination that several different associations offer. You can just take the exam or enroll for an online or in-person study course that prepares you for the exam.
American Council on Exercise
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) offers a personal trainer certification examination that tests your knowledge on such subjects as risk factor screening, fitness assessment, nutrition, exercise science and instructional techniques. You must be at least 18 years of age and hold current CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) certificates to get certified. You can purchase study materials starting at $285. The exam fee was $249 as of 2011.
National Academy of Sports Medicine
Take the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) exam to get a National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)-accredited personal trainer certification. The exam cost, as of 2011, was $599, including an online practice exam. You can also purchase a study package starting at $649, including the exam, textbook, study guide, DVD and an online course.
National Federation of Professional Trainers
The National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) offers an NCCA-accredited personal trainer certification. NFPT has been certifying since 1988, and you can earn three college credits taking their course. You can take an in-home study course for $450 and download all the study materials for free. As of 2011, the exam fee was $49, and you can go to more than 300 testing centers nationwide.
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
To get certified in person, you can take the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) workshop. This is a three-day event that includes lectures, demonstrations and both written and practical exams. You will receive the AFAA certificate after successfully completing both exams and showing a valid CPR certification. The workshop fee was $489 as of 2011, including the exam fees. Workshops are held throughout the year nationwide. Visit the AFAA website to search for a workshop location.
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