Do You Have to Be Certified to Be a Personal Trainer?

While nobody is going to stop you from claiming you are a personal trainer, you’d be remiss if you practiced training and did not have formal certification. The reason is, you’ll likely struggle with getting clients or getting hired by a fitness facility without proper accreditation. And since you also won’t be able to get liability insurance, you should not call yourself a personal trainer or act as one without being properly certified.

Now, let’s explain deeper.

Obtaining Proper Business Liability Insurance 

When you work for yourself or as a self-employed contractor with a local gym or fitness studio, obtaining the proper business liability insurance is critical. Unfortunately, many insurance companies will not want to provide liability coverage if you do not have the correct certification. 

Certification ensures that you have completed a training program, so there is less chance of injuring someone you are instructing. 

Limited Job Opportunities 

Lacking legitimate certification can be a significant roadblock in obtaining clients or finding a job at a reputable gym or fitness center. Much like other specialty jobs, an employer will not hire you to do the specific work they need without the proper certification. 

Industry Credibility 

Many potential clients and employers will not see you as a credible source of information as a personal trainer without the correct certification. With personal training, there is an inherent responsibility for clients’ wellbeing, whether it be weight loss, nutrition, or proper technique to avoid injuries while building strength. Certification shows you’ve had the discipline and patience to start and finish a formal education and are competent enough to create structured programs that get results.