How to Become a Licensed Physical Trainer

Most subscribers to personal trainers in the fitness industry don't realize that many of these "licensed" professionals are products of a company or commercial interest group. These organizations have no nationally recognized authority to certify personal trainers. Thus you will hear the term "Gold's Gym Certified Trainer" or "24 Hour Fitness PT." Three organizations have accreditation as authorities on personal training certifications. Your desired career path as a personal trainer will determine which organization to choose. You can achieve certification in 3 to 12 months. Be aware, though, that some of these courses can be pricey.

Things You'll Need

  • 4-year degree or chiropractic medicine degree Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      As an undergraduate student, complete the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator courses provided by your university's Physical Education department.

    • 2

      As a postgraduate without Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation or Automated External Defibrillator, complete an accepted certification course. The American Heart Association, Red Cross and National Safety Council provide recognized course work and testing. Their websites guide you through the program.

    • 3

      Gather information on the following organizations to determine whether you want to specialize in one-on-one personal training, team training or strength conditioning: the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), the National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NCSA).

    • 4

      Choose Option A. To concentrate in one-on-one training, enroll online with the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). The ISSA offers a 16-week program accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The United States Department of Education approves the certification program.

    • 5

      As an online ISSA student, study the program's fitness guide, fitness-marketing and business guide, and practice tests to prepare for a final exam. The course offers weekend seminars and has no time limit for completion.

    • 6

      Schedule the final exam to earn your certification and become an ISSA certified personal trainers. Be sure to take advantage of the website's career assistance program to find personal training jobs or build clientele.

    • 7

      Gauge your career path. ISSA personal trainers work with children, adults and even professional athletes. According to the organization's website, ISSA trainer BayBay McClinton trained former Kansas City Chief Priest Holmes and the San Antonio Spurs.

    • 8

      Choose Option B. To concentrate in one-on-one training as well as in focus groups and corporations, enroll online with the National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF). The NCSF offers four study tracks accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA): workshop, home study, personal trainer school and individual preparation.

    • 9

      Choose a course option. The workshop track takes 16 hours. The personal trainer school consists of 32 hours in credits. You determine your own readiness with the home study and individual preparation track.

    • 10

      Schedule your certification exam online. The exam must be taken at one of the "Prometric Testing Centers" listed on the website. Each track includes NCSF membership and access to its career center.

    • 11

      Choose Option C. The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NCSA) presents the most challenging path in becoming a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). CSCS certification is highly competitive, as these professionals often train elite athletes worldwide.

    • 12

      Buy the necessary study materials. The NCSA sells the textbook and study tools on its website.

    • 13

      Study for 3 to 9 months as recommended and register for either the computer-based or paper exam online, by mail or by fax. You must send the appropriate transcripts and registration materials listed on the website.

    • 14

      Take the computer-based exam at a place and time of your choosing. Or, take the paper exam per the date, time and location determined by the NSCA. Recertify every 3 years.