Online Fitness Instructor Certification

A professional fitness instructor or personal trainer is someone who teaches various forms of cardiovascular and strength exercises to individuals and/or groups. Fitness instructors work both independently and at health clubs and other training facilities. Most clubs require instructors to hold at least one certification from an accredited organization, although the United States does not currently have a governing body for fitness instructors and personal trainers. Online certification programs make it possible to become a fitness instructor at your own pace and within the confines of your own schedule.

  1. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

    • The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is one of the most recognized and respected personal training certifications available. A NASM certification is the preferred certification at many health clubs around the nation, including 24 Hour Fitness, Bally Total Fitness, and Gold's Gym. Students receive a complete course curriculum, some of which includes anatomy, physiology, nutrition, assessments, and program design. NASM certifications cost roughly $600 as of May 2010 and include textbooks, study guides, online learning tools, DVDs, and downloads for iPods and MP3 players. The exam must be taken in-person at a testing facility.

    American Fitness Training and Athletics (AFTA)

    • American Fitness Training and Athletics (AFTA) offers an online personal trainer certification for $199. Students must be at least 18 years old, but no previous certifications or degrees are necessary. as of May 2010. Students receive instructions via email to log into the online course and exam. Students are given the choice of either taking the exam at their convenience or they can have the test proctored. The average completion rate is four to six weeks but students are given one year from their time of enrollment to complete the exam.

    Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)

    • This online certification offered through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) features 14 video lectures, a downloadable study guide, and practice exam. The exam is also online but must be monitored by a third party. Students have one year to complete the course from the time of purchase. The course price is $489 as of May 2010. Technical requirements for this course include a webcam, a microphone, and a web browser with Adobe Flash. Students must be at least 18 and have a valid CPR certification.

    Online Certification Through Universities

    • A number of online universities offer personal training and fitness-related instructor courses that can be completed at your own pace and schedule. Ashford University, Penn Foster Schools, Stratford Career Institute, Ashworth College, and U.S. Career Institute offer online degrees for fitness instructors. The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Wellness degree through its affiliate, California University of Pennsylvania. This degree prepares students for NASM's Certified Personal Trainer exam.

    Continuing Education

    • Although each certifying organization is slightly different, fitness instructor and personal training certifications are not permanent. The average certification length is two years. Fitness instructors are required to take additional credits through continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification. Most certifying organizations offer continuing education courses online, as well as online certifications for instructors who want to go beyond their basic fitness certification and work with clients with special needs, such as injuries, athletics, and pregnancies.