Personal trainers work independently or through fitness clubs and spas to provide a service to clients. To ensure the quality of training and improve credibility, personal trainers earn credentials such as a degree or personal trainer certification. Some certifications available for personal trainers require attending workshops or seminars, but others can be completed by following a quick and easy process.
Preparation
Obtaining a personal trainer certification typically requires a series of prerequisites including a college degree before taking the certification exam and earning the credential. The prerequisites for the easiest certification, however, include only a current CPR certification, a high school diploma and that the applicant be at least 18 years old. To assist in preparing for the exam, the easiest certification includes simple study materials such as online videos or interactive DVDs.
Exam
Every personal trainer certification ends with an exam that must be passed before earning the credential. The easiest certifications use an online exam that includes easy questions taken from the study materials and can be completed in about one hour. Most of the questions, however, can be answered without the help of the study materials. Recertification must be completed every two years for a small fee.
Time Frame
Accredited personal trainer certifications can take months for preparation, exams and answers. However, the easiest personal trainer certifications can be completed in a few days if you plan to review the study materials or simply one hour spent on the computer taking the exam. These certifications also offer instant results that issue your certification within minutes of passing the exam.
Drawbacks
Most fitness clubs and training facilities that hire personal trainers prefer a specific list of personal trainer certifications. The club owners and managers typically limit that list to accredited certification programs because they are widely recognized in the fitness industry. Before signing up for an easy certification course, check with any potential employers to make sure it is accepted.
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