How To Get a Personal Trainer Internship in 2025

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The average annual salary of $40,510 isn’t bad either, especially considering a college education isn’t necessary and you just need an appropriate certification and training. 

But that doesn’t mean that securing a personal trainer internship isn’t competitive. Personal trainer internships aren’t necessarily advertised, so you’ll need to put your sales hat on and make sure you can demonstrate people skills. 

Below are the steps you’ll need to take to get the personal trainer internship that kick starts your training into this exciting industry. 

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Write Down Your Goals

Not all personal trainers focus on the same type of clients or objectives. Some work with people who recently sustained an injury and are trying to gain back their physical mobility and strength. Other personal trainers work with clients who want to lose weight and learn how to eat better. While many personal trainers work in gyms, there are some trainers who work for the government or in public education.

Before you seek out an internship, determine your career goals. For instance, do you want a gym internship or one that focuses on working with K-12 students during physical education courses? Personal training apprenticeships should align with your career objectives and desired area(s) of specialty.

The percentage of adults who were overweight or obese was 42.4% from 2017 to 2018. That percentage continues to increase as sedentary lifestyles and eating diets with processed foods becomes the norm. While many opportunities to work with adults who want to improve their health exist, don’t pursue a specialty just because it’s popular. Really ask yourself what your passion is and target a suitable personal training internship.  

Research Local Facilities

Job seekers often write down a list of organizations they’d like to target. You should do the same for a fitness internship. Perform an online search of gyms and rehab centers in your area, but also find out what type of clientele they work with. Some facilities, for instance, may work only with females. 

Other gyms may offer limited personal training opportunities, focusing instead on weekly group classes for yoga, aerobics, or strength training. Full-service gyms with a variety of equipment, courses, and spa, swimming, and relaxation options may have personal trainer internship programs. As long as these workout centers and programs match your goals, find out what’s required and how your application can stand out. 

For instance, pursuing personal trainer certification or having a CPR certification can give you a leg up. It may also help if you have current or previous customer service experience, such as retail, call center, or any position that requires working with the public.

Get Your Resume and Cover Letter in Order

Once you’ve figured out which facilities and personal trainer internships to target, it’s time to create your resume and cover letter. Depending on how many facilities and programs you’re applying to, you may need a slightly different cover letter and resume for each one. If you’re unsure of how to craft a resume and cover letter for a personal trainer internship, get some help from a resume writing service or ask a personal trainer you know.

If you have references that can write recommendation letters, ask them to do this before you submit your application. Alternatively, you can ask your references to submit them to the facilities via email. Some internship applications allow you to specify email addresses and phone numbers for your references so the organizations can send reference requests to them later.

Take Advantage of Shadowing Opportunities

Some gyms and fitness facilities offer shadowing opportunities. You can use these as a way to gain contacts and establish relationships with hiring managers. When you shadow other personal trainers, you’ll also get a better sense of the gym’s philosophy, what your day might be like during an internship, and what type of clients frequent the facility.

It’s one thing to learn about a gym through second-hand research and words on the web. Seeing and experiencing things in person gives you a more realistic idea of whether the facility is a right fit for you and your career goals. Observe how personal trainers interact with the clients. How do they motivate and encourage their clients? 

Before you take on a shadowing opportunity, find out if you’re expected to simply observe or whether you can provide clients with coaching tips. Some personal trainers you work with will want to see your skills in action. Other facilities will prefer that you refrain from providing clients advice unless you’re a regular employee or have a contract to provide services to their customers. 

Practice Your Interviewing Skills

Find a friend or a professional coach that can help you run through mock interviews. Be sure to research some of the questions that gym managers are likely to ask of candidates seeking a personal trainer internship. Work on not only the content of your answers but how you communicate. A confident style that projects empathy and a willingness to listen is what you should be aiming for. 

Ask for honest feedback or record your mock interviews so you can go back later and identify areas to work on. Also, come up with a list of questions you want to ask gym and hiring managers. The interview is not just an opportunity for them to evaluate you, but for you to determine if it’s the right place to start your career. 

Wrapping it Up

Preparing to apply to a gym or fitness internship involves identifying your short-term and long-term professional goals. Collecting information about local facilities, crafting an appropriate resume and cover letter, shadowing personal trainers, and running through mock interviews can get you ahead of the pack. 

For additional preparation, our business course can help get a new personal trainer up and running. 

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

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While you may have identified that a career as a personal trainer is for you, you may also be wondering, ‘do I have to be certified to be a personal trainer?’

Here is everything you need to know.

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You Don’t Have To Be Certified To Be A Personal Trainer… But You Should

Anyone can call themselves a personal trainer, but not everyone can claim they are certified without the proper training. 

Several personal trainer certifications are available to help individuals advance their knowledge as they continue to develop their personal training practice. These certifications come from highly respected companies like Fitness Mentors, NASM, ISSA, and ACE, just to name a few. 

You can read more about those certifications here, but let’s dive into the question you came for. Do you need one?

What Are The Advantages of Becoming a Certified 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.

So, What Do I Need To Become a Certified Personal Trainer?

Because every location around the world has particular requirements, where you live and work will impact what is recognizable as credible training. 

Thankfully, there are some standard certifications that most places recognize to begin your new career as a personal trainer. These courses make it simple to start a career in the fitness industry, and you will be happy to know that you do not need to spend years of schooling and thousands upon thousands of dollars before receiving proper certification. 

The standard barrier to entry for most personal training certifications is the following:

  1. 18 years or older
  2. High school diploma or GED
  3. CPR/AED certification

Then it’s all about completing the coursework and acing the final exam. 

Learn more: How to Become a Personal Trainer in 5 Simple Steps

Personal Trainer Certification FAQs

Do you need a degree to be a personal trainer?

You do not need a degree to be a personal trainer. While it is possible to obtain a personal trainer certification in college, it is not necessary to go through college to get a certification.

Fitness Coach vs Personal Trainer: What’s the Difference?

Many people associate a personal trainer with certification, while a fitness coach may not possess the same accreditation (but can). Consequently, this can be a grey area if there is no formal training. 

Fitness coaches generally provide lifestyle changes and dietary modifications to ensure clients see their desired results, but lack formalized training in personal training. Therefore, fitness coaches don’t usually have the same prestige associated with their titles as personal trainers.

Do you need a personal trainer certification to train clients virtually or online?

Virtual personal training and certification requirements are the same as with in-person training – you do not need a formal certification to train, but it is recommended. In virtual environments just like in in-person ones, the safety of clients is paramount and is best achieved with a formalized training and online personal training certification.

Conclusion

The first step to becoming a personal trainer is becoming certified to build a successful business in the fitness world. With the proper certification, you will have more job opportunities, hold more credibility in the fitness world, and will not have to worry about liability insurance issues. 

​Fitness Mentors can help you by determining which training programs to choose and how to advance your knowledge as a personal trainer. So talk to someone today and get started with the best certification choices to suit your training needs. 

Tips to Achieve Work-Life Balance as a Personal Trainer

TIPS TO ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AS A PERSONAL TRAINER

Between scheduling for clients and organizing your personal time on a weekly basis, it’s tough finding time to practice self-care.  We have pulled together a few tips to get you started towards improved work-life balance as you continue to grow your personal training venture!

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Organize Your Schedule

Start by analyzing your daily, weekly, and monthly work schedule, being sure to factor in personal time outside of the workspace. Make detailed notes about daily tasks, weekly appointments, financial obligations, and time spent on hobbies. This will be the basis for building a balanced work schedule.

Measure and Time Block

By measuring where you are spending a majority of your time and where you may be struggling, you can time block your workdays to be more streamlined, efficient and productive. For example, if you spend a majority of your week on appointments with clients, but are struggling to find the energy to devote to financial matters, where can you scale back? Determine a set number of appointments you can schedule per week while still remaining profitable. With the added free time in the workday, bring more focus to the financial and business related tasks. Apply this system of regulating tasks to every aspect of your business to keep track of all the moving parts simultaneously without feeling overwhelmed.

Planning Personal Time

It’s easy to get wrapped up in work and let personal commitments slip by, but by planning ahead of time, you can incorporate a healthy social life amongst the chaos of running a business and find a good work-life balance. Having a digestible outlook of your week ahead will give you time to both physically and mentally prepare. Time blocking also comes in handy when scheduling appointments, like doctor visits, and ensures these are a priority amongst your busy schedule. We suggest keeping a paper planner or digital calendar to stay organized, make notes about personal goals or tasks, and to track plans months in advance so not a single personal commitment is forgotten. 

Prioritize Health and Wellness

Prioritizing your health when running a personal training business is often easier said than done. With work taking up a majority of your energy and time, it can be challenging to fit self-care into the mix. Prioritizing your health doesn’t need to be time consuming though, and can fit seamlessly into your day if done right.

Prioritizing Physical Health

As a personal trainer, you are well equipped with the tools and knowledge to make physical exercise a part of your routine, it’s just a matter of finding the time. Set aside a half hour before or after work to get your body moving. Use this time to listen to your favorite music or podcast, go for a walk in nature, meditate and stretch, or do a few chores that keep you on your feet. Exercise doesn’t need to entail a lengthy workout, but just enough movement to relieve the day’s stresses and keep you feeling your best.

Prioritizing Mental Health

Prioritizing your mental health is also important. If you feel unmotivated, stressed, or anxious, it may be time to take a step back and address what’s affecting your overall mental wellbeing. Are you getting enough rest? Are you remaining connected with loved ones? Are you finding ways to unwind and stay grounded? If the answer is no, try devoting more time to self-care. Spend time doing your favorite hobby or calling a friend, or just have a relaxing night in. If you are struggling beyond just everyday stresses, there are a plethora of options to make caring for your mental health easier, from online therapy providers, or local support groups, to creating your own self-care plan. These options can ease into your busy schedule as needed and will help you take control of your mental wellbeing.

Set Boundaries

If you are noticing symptoms of burnout as your personal training business steadily grows, boundary setting may be the answer to establishing a healthier work-life balance.

Boundary Setting at Work

To start, set designated working hours. The start of your work day should allow for a few moments of calm in the morning before jumping into work tasks. This gives you time to mentally prepare and plan for the day ahead. When it comes to establishing an end time, things get a little more challenging and overly flexible. Decide on a time that allows for a few hours in the evening to fully disconnect from the day’s stresses, and stick to it! This can do wonders for mental clarity and can leave you feeling more focused, motivated, and rested for the following workday.

Boundary Setting for Personal Time

It’s also important to set boundaries in your personal life. Saying no to friends and family doesn’t always have to come with a sense of guilt. It’s okay to be selfish with your time outside of work to do the things that make you feel most at ease. For example, if going out to dinner with friends is just what you need then definitely say yes, but if you’d prefer independent time to focus on a hobby, don’t be afraid to say no! Learn to be more intune with what makes you feel your best in the present moment and find a healthy balance that is unique to you. Your loved ones will understand and be there when you’re ready.

In Conclusion - Be Patient

Key advice for achieving work-life balance as a personal trainer is to just be patient with yourself. There is no pressure to get work-life balance right, because it’s a continued work in progress towards finding what works best for you. Add the above tips to your daily routine step by step. Eventually you’ll find you’ll not only feel more productive and energized during the work day, but find calm and fulfilment in your personal time.

Complete Guide to Writing Your Personal Trainer Resume

Complete-Guide-to-Writing-Your-Personal-Trainer-Resume

As you navigate through the competitive personal trainer job market, there are several resume enhancements you can apply to get your foot in the door. Here, we’ll examine everything you need to know to elevate your resume to another level and land more interviews.

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Make Your Format Easy to Read

The employer reads hundreds of resumes per day. They do not have time to look through a disorganized personal training resume. If you do not have your headers, sections, and font in order, it could disqualify your application immediately.

There are multiple ways to make your resume format stand out. First, you should utilize the standard reverse-chronological format in the “work experience” section. This area of the resume tells a story about your growth and development, which is why you need to lay it out nicely.

Font style and size are small details, but they have a massive impact on the aesthetic of a resume. Use a simple, clear font style to make sure all eyesight levels can read it. Try to incorporate larger headers too, or at least make sure the header size is bigger than the body text size. As you write out the content on the page, leave enough white space to give the person a mental break.

Lastly, the file format is an important factor to consider. Every person’s computer might be different, which is why you should save the resume as a PDF. A PDF format will look organized and consistent on any computer or mobile device.

Create a Captivating Summary or Objective Statement

The resume objective or summary is a “first impression” within the resume. The recipient will most likely read this section first, so you want to engage them immediately. What do you want this person to know about you right off the bat? This prime opportunity shows how you are different from all the other applicants.

The summary should be a high-level overview of your experience as a personal trainer. You have 2–3 sentences to explain your top capabilities and unique skill sets. A personal trainer resume with no experience should emphasize the motivations to apply for the position. The employer should know exactly what they are getting out of you as a personal trainer.

Let’s put it into practice. Below are two examples that showcase a “bad” and a “good” summary for a PT resume.

  • Bad Personal Trainer Resume Example: Hello, I am a CPT who is good with people. I have skills in fitness, nutrition, and team leadership. My goal is to earn a CPT position at your company.
  • Good Personal Trainer Resume Example: Innovative Certified Personal Trainer with a successful track record helping over 125 individuals realize their overall fitness goals. People-driven professional with a 97% client satisfaction rating through innovative programming, attention to detail, and interpersonal skills. Extremely motivated to impact a growing company through an impactful role.

As you can see, the second statement is much more captivating. It fully explains how the person is unique by quantifying a satisfaction rate and the number of clients. It is also direct when describing the overarching goals of the applicant.

Highlight Your Summary of Experiences

Your experience section will give employers an idea of how closely you align with the role. It is also the best section of the resume to show why you are different from any other applicant.

As you fill up this area of the resume, there are two things to remember: tailor it to the job description and integrate quantifiable accomplishments. Fifty-four percent of recruiters claim that a resume gets rejected because it is not tailored to the job.

Once you compile your list of job prospects, highlight the key areas of the job description. Focus on hard skills, soft skills, and other unique keywords. Reflect on your past experiences and identify moments where you applied these skills. If you initiated a new workout program or improved a process, put these real-life examples into the resume.

Sprinkle them throughout the resume to ensure your resume is optimized for both a human eye and the applicant tracking systems. In fact, approximately 75% of recruiters and HR teams from large companies use an ATS to sort resumes based on keywords that match the job description.

When the employee reads through hundreds of personal trainers’ resumes, you want to ensure your document stands out with unique accomplishments. While it may be acceptable to write out your roles and tasks, you should focus on what your impact was. Everything should be accomplishment-driven. Focus each of your bullets on the following:

  • Numbers: the number of clients you served or training plans you formed
  • Percentages: client satisfaction rating, clientele growth, or retention rating
  • Impact: What was the result of what you did?
  • Process improvement: was there ever a time you improved a system or pivoted your training model?

Showcase Your Top Skills

As you list out your skills in the resume, it is important to be selective. When the employer reviews your resume, they do not want to drown in a long list of skills. Pick the ones that accurately capture your experience, but you should also look at the job description. Find the word used the most, and then integrate those into the resume.

One of the most important aspects of a resume is proof. If you list a skill in the dedicated section, you should prove it in your experience bullets. Here is a list of skills that many personal trainer job descriptions ask for:

  • Hard Skills: nutrition, fitness assessment, fitness planning, exercise programs, exercise physiology, holistic techniques, safety techniques
  • Soft Skills: interpersonal skills, time management, critical thinking, active listening

Make sure to include a balanced combination of hard and soft skills. Sixty-one percent of employers believe that soft skills are just as value-added as hard skills.

List Out Your Education, Certifications, and Continued Education

In addition to the education information, certifications are vital for a personal trainer resume. Certifications show your commitment to lifelong learning. They also differentiate you from other applicants who did not invest the time to earn them. Certifications such as:

Final Wrap Up

You have a unique story to tell, and your personal training resume is your vehicle to do that. Reflect on your unique accomplishments and align them with what the employer is looking for.

Showcase your motivations to apply for future positions, your approach with clients, and how you have already made an impact. When you apply the principles in this guide, the sky’s the limit.

We know how hard it can be to land the first clients. That’s why Fitness Mentors has created a course that will provide you with the best strategies to help you get started. Access our website for all the details.

17 of the Best Fitness YouTubers To Inspire Your PT Business

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Have you ever wondered what attracts people to YouTube Fitness Channels? The most popular channels have one thing in common— they identify and build on what makes them unique. 

Let’s take a look at 17 of the best fitness YouTubers and what you can learn from them to amp up your personal training business.  

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POPSUGAR Fitness 

POPSUGAR Fitness has 5.82 million subscribers and a variety of workout videos for viewers to choose from, ranging from dance to boxing. 

POPSUGAR’s diverse workouts meet viewers exactly where they are in their fitness journey. This is one of the most beneficial skills a personal trainer can have.

POPSUGAR also establishes itself as an expert by recruiting highly experienced and even celebrity fitness instructors. Letting your clients know why you’re qualified immediately sets you apart. 

Joe Wicks – The Body Coach TV 

Joe Wicks’ YouTube channel has 2.77 million subscribers and a Guinness World Record. Wicks broke the record for most viewers for a fitness workout YouTube live stream when over 900,000 people tuned in for “PE With Joe.” 

So, what’s made the fitness enthusiast so popular? Like most personal trainers, Wicks has a genuine passion for improving people’s health. However, he proves his passion creatively. 

He utilizes a lot of challenges to make his viewers compete with themselves to better their health, and specializes in workouts for kids to get them up and moving.

Cassey Ho – Blogilates 

Cassey Ho is a certified Pilates and fitness instructor with 5.62 million YouTube subscribers. The Blogilates channel teaches pilates and other sculpting workouts. 

Ho sets herself apart by emphasizing how valuable finding joy in fitness is. Many of her videos are wise words of encouragement backed by her experience. 

ScottHermanFitness 

ScottHermanFitness has 2.55 million YouTube subscribers and a focus on maximizing workouts and progress. Herman’s channel has follow-along workouts, fitness tips, and advice. 

Herman was a fitness lover long before becoming an instructor. He benefits his followers by sharing what he’s learned along his journey. He touts his avoidance of drama and clickbait, offering videos that maximize his viewers’ workouts and helps them to succeed.

Adriene Mishler – Yoga with Adriene

Yoga with Adriene has an impressive 10.3 million subscribers. Mishler’s free yoga videos attract a diverse community of all fitness levels, ages, body types, and whatever else makes her viewers unique! 

Whether the goal is to relax, sculpt, or energize, there is a yoga video for it. If there’s one thing you take from Milshner’s page, let it be this—Find a way to adapt your knowledge and expertise to meet the varying needs of your client(s). 

Pamela Reif

Pamela Reif’s fitness channel has 7.88 million subscribers and varying levels of workout videos, including beginner, 30 minutes, 45 minutes slow, and 45 minutes hard. 

Originally an influencer, Reif became a fitness role model by sharing her love for fitness on social media. Reif proves most people prefer a trainer that genuinely cares about their health. 

Establish yourself as a trustworthy coach by expressing your passion and showing that you care about your clients. 

Caleb Marshall – The Fitness Marshall  

The Fitness Marshall is a dance exercise channel with 3.31 million followers. Notorious for choreographing routines to current hits, the channel has low impact, heart health, sweat session, and other workouts to choose from. 

Marshall’s humorous personality combined with challenging but fun workouts is what entices viewers. 

Before you take on the role of a personal trainer, remember one of the major reasons people quit exercising is because it’s not fun. Find a way to make your clients enjoy exercise and become a rarity. 

Maddie Lymburner – MadFit

The MadFit channel posts a variety of real-time workouts. Formerly a competitive dancer—Lymburner crafts enjoyable dance and song workouts. 

The channel also includes beginner, no-weight, dumbbell only, apartment-friendly, and muscle-specific workouts. 

Lymburner’s methodical use of her skills has attracted 6.34 million subscribers in just three years. 

XHIT Daily

XHIT Daily shares high-energy workouts, including weight loss, strengthening, yoga, pilates, and more. Some of their videos even include a healthy recipe to try out. 

However, XHIT’s 3.27 million followers appreciate their informative training sessions most. When it comes to fitness, knowledge equals results. 

Commit yourself to continual learning and share your expertise with clients to stand out.

Kayla Istines

During her 13+ years of personal training, Kayla Istines realized many fitness programs lack a clear explanation of how to transform your body. Therefore, she aims to do just that. 

Her fitness channel is primarily for women interested in gaining confidence. The channel includes high-intensity, low-impact, strength-building, and even post-pregnancy workouts. 

Istines takes the time to learn exactly what her 398,000 followers need for success and hits on those pain points of her viewers. 

Chloe Ting 

Chloe Ting is a certified personal trainer with 22 million YouTube subscribers. Her channel includes free workout videos, recipes, health tips, and structured routines. 

Ting’s popularity exploded in 2020 when her followers started posting results from her two-week shred challenge on social media. Ting’s rapid increase in subscribers granted her a YouTube Streamy award for Health and Wellness. 

Take it from Chloe—Results are the best marketing tactic.

 

Fitness Blender

Danielle and Kellie, a husband-wife duo, run Fitness Blender. Their goal is to improve people’s quality of life through unbiased workouts, nutrition, and health advice. 

Daniel and Kellie prioritize trustworthy instruction and “people before profit.” With 6.61 million subscribers, there’s something to be said about their transparency and commitment to their followers. 

Natacha Océane

The Natasha Océane channel has 1.36 million subscribers. Océane’s Master’s in biophysics provides her channel with a unique edge. Not only is it filled with research-based workouts, but it also contains a “Science Explained” series. 

The series clarifies how science and exercise are directly related. Océane also shoots a “Fitness Experiments” series where she analyzes how sleep reduction, calorie adjustments, and more affect her body. 

Océane establishes herself as a trustworthy leader by implementing her training and education into every aspect of her business. 

Bradley Martyn 

The Bradley Martyn fitness channel has 2.96 million subscribers and posts three times a week. Content ranges from beginner and advanced routines to quick tips and motivational videos. 

Martyn’s primary focus is strength training, but he adds material relevant to current trends to keep his business anew. For instance, he often uploads videos of his training with celebrities. 

While we don’t expect you to recruit celebrities, keep clients by finding a unique way to keep them interested in their health. 

Joanna Soh 

Joanna Soh’s channel has 2.6 million followers. As a certified personal trainer, women’s fitness specialist, and nutrition coach, Soh leads women in a healthy but balanced lifestyle. 

Soh utilizes her extensive training by creating informative workout, mindset, nutrition, and recipe videos. A skilled personal trainer recognizes how difficult dieting is. Therefore, many of Soh’s subscribers commend her for her transparent nutrition advice. 

Jeff Cavaliere – ATHLEAN-X

ATHLEAN-X has 12.1 million subscribers and includes exercise, technique, nutrition, and other informative videos. 

Cavalier is the New York Met’s former physical therapist and assistant strength coach. He is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Aside from his vast experience, Cavalier gains followers’ trust by teaching science-based health and focusing on training like an athlete.

Matt Morsia – MattDoesFitness 

A former gym teacher with a degree in sports therapy—Morsia now has 2.09 million subscribers. MattDoesFitness doesn’t upload follow-along workouts but offers invaluable fitness advice. 

Morsia continually discredits unrealistic fitness fads while promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. He also openly shares the struggles he’s faced throughout his journey and, as a result, encourages others.

Conclusion

The best fitness YouTubers have built up their careers by making viral videos. And the reason for this is that they how to make exercise fun, understand what their followers need for success, and utilize their unique skills to achieve both. A great personal trainer will do the same. 

Need more insight on how to run your personal training business? Whether you’re just starting out, or looking to grow, check out Fitness Mentors’ structured Business And Sales Course to help you succeed.

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Personal Trainer Biographies: How to Write Yours (With Examples)

Personal-Trainer-Biographies-How-to-Write-Yours-With-Examples

Your biography is where you list your qualifications, highlight your accomplishments, and otherwise engage in all the requisite self-promotion. But used wisely, it’s also a place to offer a glimpse of your unique personality and connect with prospective trainees in a more meaningful and memorable way.

If you’re looking to expand your clientele, keeping a few simple guidelines in mind can help you craft a personal trainer biography that’s sure to put more eyes on your brand.

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Creating a Compelling Personal
Trainer Bio

While there are no hard and fast rules for writing personal trainer biographies, the following tips will give you an idea of what information to include and how to package it for your intended audience.

Choose the Right Tense

Most business experts recommend using the third-person tense when publishing biographical material on a professional website. Doing so will give the impression that you’re important enough for someone else to be writing about you.

It’s a subtle difference, but an opening sentence like, “Craig Steele is a Fitness Mentors-certified trainer with over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry,” has a more polished and sophisticated air than the same sentence would have if it were written with first-person pronouns.

For social media bios, on the other hand, it generally sounds more natural to go with the first-person tense, since it’s understood that you’re managing your own account. To make the most of a limited character count, you also have the option of dispensing with tense altogether: “Fitness Mentors-certified trainer, Starting Strength coach, and SPF deadlift record holder.”

Lead With Your Credentials

Begin your personal trainer biography by summing up your education, certifications, honors and achievements, and any other relevant tidbits that commend you as the best choice for your market, field, or niche. This could include things like notable clients and organizations you’ve worked for or with or past competitive successes.

Showcasing your documentable competence upfront will serve to establish your credibility, and win your readers’ trust, right off the bat.

Keep it Short and Sweet

Length is another aspect of your biography that will vary depending on the medium you’re working with.

If you’re composing a detailed biography for your website, aim to tell your visitors everything they need to know about you in two to three brief paragraphs. Any less than that and you’ll be painting an incomplete picture; any more and you risk losing your reader’s attention before you’ve sold them on yourself.

With social media bios, you’ll have a lot less space to tell your story (a 150-160 characters maximum), so you’ll want to distill your expertise, experience, and enthusiasm for fitness down to a few prominent points.

Add a Personal Touch

After running down your professional qualifications, walk your reader through your own fitness journey or mention any special interests you have inside or outside the realms of exercise, nutrition, or wellness. Not only do these sorts of details allow you to share a little bit about yourself with your visitors and followers, but they’ll also make you more relatable.

As far as tone, a little humor can be a huge boon when it comes to driving engagement. Just make sure your attempts at levity don’t come across as offensive or unprofessional, as alienating your readers means losing potential clients.

Include a Link to Your Website And Social Media

Last but not least, point readers to where they can go to learn more about you and the services you provide, see visuals of you and your clients at work, and sign up for training if they feel so inclined. This step is crucial since it’s far more likely to help you secure new trainees than leaving your visitors to their own devices.

What’s more, this is also a good opportunity to link to your proprietary programs, merch store, or interviews with popular fitness publications. It’s also a good idea to rotate your biography links regularly to give dedicated followers access to exciting new content.

Personal Trainer Biography Examples

To help the aforementioned advice sink in, here are a few examples of bios that stride the precarious tightrope of professionalism with charisma:

Professional Website

“Jenna Reyes is a nationally-recognized personal trainer and registered dietician who holds certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the National Council on Strength and Fitness, and Precision Nutrition.

Her passion for healthy living was ignited at the age of 7 when her grandmother taught her to cook using fresh, organic ingredients harvested from her own garden. As a teenager, she excelled in track and field, swimming, and gymnastics, which prompted her to pursue a B.S. in Exercise Science from Ohio State University. She later went on to receive her master’s and later her doctorate from Central Connecticut State.

Jenna believes that what’s missing in today’s image-obsessed fitness climate is an emphasis on the simple joys of movement. To this end, her methods seek to improve key fitness indicators like strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance while also reacquainting clients with natural skills and patterns of movement that tend to deteriorate as a result of the modern world’s demands.

Book a consultation with Jenna today and take the first step towards revitalizing your life.”

Social Media Profile

“I’m an ISSA-certified trainer, former figure competitor, dog mom, and bona fide board game nut. Teaching the world to squat like no one’s watching since 2011.”

“NFL strength and conditioning coach. Powerlifter. Proud Kabuki Strength ambassador. Marine. Metalhead. Pizza demolisher. Sagittarius.”

“APT-certified trainer and semi-pro rock climber. If you want to learn to lift heavy stuff, balance your macros, or tie a solid Clove Hitch, I’m your huckleberry.”

Conclusion

In the fast-paced and competitive fitness industry, being average will get you nowhere.

 

Be sure to check out Fitness Mentors’ online courses for additional pointers on how to bulk up your personal training business. Our courses cover a wide range of subjects that provide the building blocks for a successful career, from business basics to advanced sales strategies.

How to Become an Indoor Cycling Instructor: The Best Certifications

How-to-Become-A-Indoor-Cycling-Instructor-The-Best-Certifications

As an indoor cycling instructor, you get to help others better their lives through exercise. Since 1 in 4 adults don’t meet the global exercise levels they should, becoming an indoor cycling instructor is a beautiful opportunity to do something you’re passionate about while helping others.

To become an indoor cycling instructor, you’ll need to take a class and take a test to get a certification. We’ll discuss the best certification programs around, how they’ll compare, and which one you should take to get started on your journey to be an indoor cyling instructor.

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ISSA Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor Certification

The International Sports Sciences Association has been around for over 30 years. Its mission is to bring exercise and healthy living to everyone through education and community. They want to help 100 million people start their journey to a healthy lifestyle by 2030. 

ISSA is committed to serving others and providing a gold standard for their credited indoor cycling instructors. Their online indoor cycling certification goes as follows:

  • Prerequisites: None
  • Type of Course: Online only
  • Price: $468 in either a lump sum, 6 monthly payments of $78, or 12 monthly payments of $39
  • Program Length: Self-paced study
  • Recertification: Every 2 years, requires 20 hours of continued education, $99 renewal fee unless you complete all 20 hours of continued education through ISSA, then the fee is waived

With this program, you’ll also get unlimited educational support, e-books, 30 bonus videos for more in-depth learning, and a free NCCPT accredited exam. The free exam does not include the proctoring fee. ISSA shows you how to lead and teach classes of varying sizes, cycling safety, a greater understanding of how cycling works on the body, and cycling nutrition.

Spinning® Instructor Certification

Spinning® is a registered trademark of Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc., which has certified more than 250,000 instructors in the art of Spinning®. Their Spin® instructor certification has been around since 1995. They have four different Spinning® certifications to choose from, each building off of the other until you’re a rockstar in your field.

Here are the details to becoming a certified Spin® instructor:

  • Prerequisites: Must be 18 years and older or have a waiver from your parents
  • Type of Course: In-person, live virtual, or online
  • Price: $355 for any of their certifications
  • Program Length: Online is self-study, Live is 9 hours, and you have to take the assessment within 30 days. Live Virtual is a 4-hour Zoom meeting with online resources covering the rest of the material
  • Recertification: Every 2 years, requires 14 continued education hours, has a Recertification Course should you not meet the criteria, costs $75 to recertify with the 14 credit hours

With this Spin® instructor certification, you’ll learn all about bike safety, proper riding positions, understand how to use heart rate, cadence, and power to get the most from a Spin® class, motivate, and coach classes, so they finish strong, and more!

NETA’s Indoor Group Cycling Certification

The National Trainers Exercise Association, or NETA, has been certifying health and fitness professionals for over 40 years, so they know what they’re doing when it comes to teaching the right way. They are a non-profit organization committed to in-depth, interactive, inclusive training programs.

Here are the details for their indoor cycling instructor certification:

  • Prerequisites: None
  • Type of Course: Online or in-person
  • Price: $199 for in-person, $189 for online, $29 supplemental study course
  • Program Length: In-person is 7 hours, online is self-study
  • Recertification: Every 2 years, needs 10 continued education hours with 6 of them being through NETA workshops or home study, costs $30 if done before certification expiration

With NETA’s indoor cycling instructor certification, you’ll learn how to set a bike up correctly, set up a room for a cycling class, what you should do with broken equipment, exercise physiology and anatomy, terminology and skills, and motivational tips, class formatting, and more! 

AFAA Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor Certification

The Athletics and Fitness Association of America has been certifying personal trainers for over 35 years. They’ve been inspiring people through movement and were the first to release nationally standardized guidelines for personal trainers and fitness professionals.

Here’s what you need to know about their cycling instructor certification:

  • Prerequisites: None, this program is here to benefit everyone
  • Type of Course: Online
  • Price: $314 with the option of 11 monthly payments
  • Program Length: Self-study
  • Recertification: Every 2 years with 15 continued education units no matter what, and two options for payments plan – $99 every two years or a one-time fee of $399

Learn the G.E.A.R. approach, Goals, Energy, Accountability, Results. Learn how to design and deliver an outstanding program from music to motivation and coaching. Also, with the AFAA indoor cycling certification, learn about cycling physiology and put everything you learn together into one smooth package.

ASFA’s Online Cycling Instructor Certification

American Sports and Fitness Association’s motto is the online resource for fitness professionals. Their goal is to provide quality testing as well as help trainers with their continued education needs. The details of their Cycling Instructor Certification are:

  • Prerequisites: You do have to agree to their terms and conditions
  • Type of Course:  Online
  • Price: $149 for 1-year certification, $179 for 1-year certification and pocket certification card, $499 for lifetime certification and pocket certification card
  • Program Length: Self-study
  • Recertification: Has to be done every year unless you bought the lifetime certification – both have to have at least one continued education class that must be pre-approved by ASFA

ASFA has all the resources you need available online, and when you’re ready, they also have a guarantee that you’ll only pay for the test when you pass. You’ll learn about group exercises, cycling fitness, cycling anatomy, and cycling science. Each of these categories is available for purchase.

Become an Indoor Cycling Instructor FAQs

Here are some basics to cover before you dive into those certifications.

How Do I Become a Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor?

It’s pretty easy to become a certified indoor cycling instructor. All you need to do is keep in shape, pass the certification test, and get insurance to find work as a cycling instructor.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor?

Many certifications out there are through self-study, so it depends on how much time you put in. Getting your indoor cycling certification should take a minimum of 7 hours.

How Much Do Indoor Cycling Instructors Make?

Entry-level positions start around $45,000 a year with the potential to earn up to $93,600 a year.

What is the Best Indoor Cycling Certification?

You’ve learned how to become an indoor cycling instructor, and now it’s time to decide on a certification. Which one is the best out there?

It depends on how much time you can put in, your budget, and in what way you’d like to learn. Decide what you’d like to accomplish and what you want out of an indoor clycling certification and find the one that’s right for you. If you have a place in mind where you’d like to do class as an instructor, talk to them and see which one they’d prefer you get.

Have questions or need help deciding the best path for you? Contact us at Fitness Mentors today!

Pilates Teacher Training: 5 Best Certifications for 2025

Pilates-Teacher-Training-5-Best-Certifications-for-2021

Top 5 Pilates Instructor Training

If you’re passionate about mind and body wellness and hope to spread the message to those unfamiliar with the concept, check out the five best Pilates instructor certifications below. We’ll give you a rundown of the prerequisites, pricing and program lengths of each to help you determine which is right for you.

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ISSA Pilates Instructor Certification

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) offers a comprehensive Pilates Instructor certification program designed for fitness professionals who want to expand their expertise and enhance their career opportunities. I have personal reviewed their curriculum and believe it is one of the best Pilates Instructor Certifications.

Prerequisites

There are no specific prerequisites to enroll in the ISSA Pilates certification program, making it accessible to anyone interested in becoming a certified Pilates instructor, regardless of prior experience in fitness or teaching.

Program Length

The program is self-paced and typically takes about 8-10 weeks to complete, depending on your personal schedule and study habits. This includes the time required to go through the course materials, complete the quizzes, and pass the final exam.

Price 

The cost of the ISSA Pilates certification course is regularly $799, but there are often discounts and promotional offers available. For instance, there are often discounts reducing the price. See current pricing. 

Course Content

The ISSA Pilates certification program covers various essential topics, including:

  • Human anatomy and physiology as it relates to Pilates
  • Basic and advanced Pilates exercises and movements
  • Designing and leading an effective Pilates session
  • Safety and health principles in a fitness environment
  • Modifying workouts to meet individual client needs and goals

The course also includes online study guides, section quizzes, a final exam, and continuous educational support from ISSA’s on-staff professors. Students also have access to an online student forum for additional guidance and support.

For more detailed information and to enroll in the program, you can visit the ISSA website.

Balanced Body Pilates Instructor Training

Combining traditional and contemporary Pilates practices, Balanced Body provides a comprehensive curriculum about how the body works and how Pilates can improve it. 

The courses offered cover a broad scope of Pilates methods to thoroughly understand the practice. However, the studies also help you gain a greater sense of mind and body connections too.   

Balanced Body’s Pilates teacher training program is set up in four modules: mat, reformer, mat and reformer, and comprehensive. You must meet the prerequisite requirements for the modules before attending.

  • Prerequisites
    • Mat Instructor Training: 10 Pilates Mat sessions, six months of work experience in related field (recommended), Anatomy (recommended).
    • Reformer Instructor Training: 20 Reformer sessions, one year of work experience in related field (recommended), Anatomy required.
    • Mat & Reformer Instructor Training: 20 Reformer sessions, one year of work experience in related field (recommended), Anatomy required.
    • Comprehensive Instructor Training: 20 Pilates studio sessions, one year of work experience in a related field (recommended), Anatomy required.
  • Price: Course prices range depending on the advanced level and additional materials required. Typically, the courses cost between $400 and $500, manually cost $50, and other videos cost $10. If you would like to bundle the course prices, you can contact Balanced Body directly for queries. 
  • Program Lengths
    • Mat Instructor Training: 134 hours.
    • Reformer Instructor Training: 214 hours (not including anatomy).
    • Mat & Reformer Instructor Training: 332 hours (not including anatomy).
    • Comprehensive Instructor Training: 520 hours (not including anatomy).

Upon completion, you will receive recognition on the Balanced Body website and Pilates instructor certification.

Basi Pilates Comprehensive Program

Split into two six-module programs; the Basi Pilates Comprehensive Program gives you the knowledge and physical ability to teach up to advanced-level Pilates students. You will get a thorough understanding of the anatomical and biomechanical principles behind Pilates practices alongside knowledge of advanced Pilates equipment. 

The initial Basi Pilates Comprehensive Program module is the Foundation Program, which provides you with the fundamentals of intermediate Pilates methods. Upon completion, you can move onto the Graduate Program for the full-rounded comprehensive Pilates certification.

  • Prerequisites: must complete both the Foundation and Graduate Program; a minimum of 100 observation hours, 200 self-practice hours, 200 student teaching hours; pass the final practical exam and final teaching evaluation, and receive a passing grade on the student term paper. 
  • Price: The cost of both programs combined is $4,198, including deposits and admission fees. You must pay an extra $250 for each program’s Comprehensive Program practical exam and teaching evaluation. If you purchase both programs simultaneously, you will receive a $200 discount off of the Graduate Program cost. 
  • Program Length: You have to complete all program requirements within three years to qualify for the final assessments.   

Core Pilates NYC Comprehensive Course

Core Pilates NYC focuses heavily on classical Pilates teachings over a 600-hour, immersive study. Here, you’ll engage in physical classes and learn from videos, manuals, quizzes, and interactive discussions with your instructors and classmates. 

You will begin with beginner-level methods and anatomy overviews and end up learning advanced skills, apparatus use, and apprentice as a Pilates professional. 

  • Prerequisites: Core Pilates requires 10 private, 10 semi-private, and 10 apparatus classes not included in the program tuition. However, you can opt to purchase the Career Starter Kit, which bundles the 30 courses together. 
  • Price: The entire program tuition costs $5,495, including an apprenticeship, Anatomy in Clay Fundamentals, Small Equipment & Special Cases courses, and access for life to the online learning platform. You can also buy the Career Starter Kit for an additional $1,536.
  • Program Length: The comprehensive program encompasses five weekends and a total six-month commitment for completion. 

Peak Pilates Comprehensive Certification

Take part in Peak Pilates’ Comprehensive Certification Program for a professional Pilates education with coverage of mat, reformer, apparatus, and auxiliary equipment alongside an in-depth curriculum centered around Pilates as a mind and body integration system.

Peak Pilates splits the program into three levels with individual modules for each, growing in advancement as you progress. 

  • Prerequisites: For entry into Level 1, Peak Pilates recommends having a basic understanding of anatomy and kinesiology, 20 hours of Pilates training, and CPR/AED and first aid certifications. For course completion, you must complete all levels, all logged hours, and pass all assessments.
  • Price: The program totals $4,579 (included individual course materials).
  • Program Length: Totals 500 hours (including course contact and logged). 

FAQs

Here’s the run-down of some basic information to get you started. 

 

What is the Best Pilates Certification?

There is no definitive answer because different courses offer varying teaching techniques, instructors, and course materials for other costs and durations. Ultimately, we can narrow down the choices to the top five mentioned above, but the determination of what you think is best for you and what you want to do with your training is up to you. 

 

How Do You Get Certified in Pilates?

You must participate in a certification program for the required training, education, experience, and assessments. Once completed, you must then take final comprehension assessments for training, teaching, and theory.

 

Can You Make a Living as a Pilates Instructor?

Yes. As a certified Pilates instructor, you can open your own Pilates studio, teach for a local gym, offer individual or group sessions on your time, and plenty of other Pilates teaching opportunities. On average, Pilates instructors make a gross annual salary of around $69,000. However, you can earn up to 27% more yearly for those that gain more professional certification.  

 

How Long Does it Take to Become Pilates Certified?

The duration to earn your Pilates certification depends on the program and the amount of time you’re willing to put into the program. If you don’t plan to become instructor certified, it might not take you as long. However, for a fully comprehensive Pilates certification, it takes, on average, 500 hours. 

Best Master Trainer Fitness Certifications in 2025

Best-Master-Trainer-Fitness-Certifications-in-2021

In this guide, we’ll talk about what a master personal trainer is and compare these four certifications:

If you want to help people take control of their health and fitness and be the best person for the job, deciding to become a master fitness trainer is a big step in the right direction. 

With so many different trainer programs out there, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is right for you. This guide is here to help you make the right decision.

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What Is A Master Trainer?

A master trainer is a certification that can be highly sought after by employers and clients alike. With this certification, your title represents the additional knowledge and expertise you’ve gained beyond your CPT. 

Master trainers have completed additional coursework that extends their education. Master trainers may also become those who “teach the teachers” – in other words, they may choose to instruct others how to be personal trainers.

What You'll Need To Become a Master Fitness Trainer

Below is a breakdown of the prerequisites you’ll need to start your new program with each training option. There aren’t many prerequisites, so even if you’re relatively new to the personal trainer scene, you won’t have many more requirements on your path to becoming a master fitness trainer.

Master Trainer Certification from ISSA

  • You have to be at least 18 years old.
  • You must have up-to-date CPR and First Aid Certification.
  • You must receive your personal trainer certification, nutritionist specialization, and any four of their other approved specializations certification. A few of these options will be listed below in the course inclusions.

Master Trainer Certification from NASM

To become a NASM certified master trainer, you’ll need three years of training ten or more clients per week with the OPT™ model.

You’ll also need to attend a NASM workshop, plus possess the following three valid NASM certifications to apply to the Master Trainer program:

Plus, an approved college degree or one of the following:

  • Nutrition Certification (CNC)
  • Weight Loss Specialization (WLS)
  • Group Personal Training Specialization (GPT)

You can do these courses as part of the bundle, but you have to have them completed before applying to the live summit certification.

Master Trainer Program from NCSF

  • You must be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • NCSF recommends that you have experience in the health and fitness field

Master Personal Trainer from Fitness Mentors

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Valid government-issued photo ID
  • CPR and AED Certification

Master Trainer Course Topics

Here you’ll find many of the course topics you’ll be working on throughout the program. You’ll notice that the most significant difference is how the units are structured, but the content is primarily the same.

Master Trainer Certification from ISSA

Personal Trainer Certification

Here are several of the fitness topics you can expect to learn in this certification course:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Kinesiology and Biomechanics
  • Health and Physical Fitness
  • Program Development
  • Nutrition
  • Fitness for All

Nutritionist Certification

Some of the health and nutrition topics you can expect to touch on include:

  • Nutrition
  • Cells, Organ Systems, and Digestion
  • Metabolism and Energy Balance
  • Carbohydrates
  • Protein
  • Client Assessment
  • Dietary Guidelines

In addition to the above mandatory certs, you must also choose four additional certification courses. Some of the options include:

  • Certified Glute Specialist
  • Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor
  • Certified Yoga Instructor
  • DNA-based Fitness Coach
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • Corrective Exercise Specialist

Master Trainer Certification from NASM

NASM’s program is a bit different and includes the education needed as well as a demonstration of what you’ve learned in a live setting.

Topics include the OPT model and program design in outcome-oriented programs.

Master Trainer Program from NCSF

These are the courses and some of the units that make up the Master Trainer program:

Personal Trainer Home Study Course

  • Functional Anatomy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Health and Physical Fitness
  • Professionalism and Risk Management

Sports Nutrition Specialist Course

  • Macronutrients
  • Micronutrients
  • Dietary Supplements and Ergogenic Aids
  • Nutritional Analysis and Weight Management

Certified Strength Coach Course

  • Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics
  • Performance Assessment and Evaluation
  • Nutrition and Ergogenic Aids
  • Professionalism and Risk Management

Master Trainer from Fitness Mentors

Here are some of the many courses and some of the units that make up the Master Trainer program:

CPT Curriculum Chapters

  • The Fitness Assessment
  • Anatomy, Physiology and the Study of Human Movement
  • Exercise Physiology and the Energy Systems
  • Psychology: The Science and Behaviour of Mind
  • Introduction to Online Personal Training

Certified Online Personal Trainer Certification Learning Sections

  • Prepare Your Business
  • Take Your Business Online
  • Lead Generation
  • Convert Sales
  • Care For Your Clients

Certified Nutrition Specialist Certification

  • Scope of Practice
  • The Digestive System
  • Metabolism
  • Carbohydrates
  • Exercise and Sports Nutrition

Pain Management Specialist Certification Learning Sections

  • Programming Considerations for Exercise Related Injuries
  • Fitness Assessments for Pain
  • Pain Management Through Corrective Exercise

Virtual Group Fitness Instructor Certification Chapter Outline

  • Scope of Practice
  • Components of the Virtual Group Fitness Class
  • Anatomy, Physiology and the Study of Human Movement
  • Format and Design
  • Online Assessments

Virtual Health Coach Certification

    • Considerations for Lifestyle Change
    • Stress Management
    • Nutrition
    • Legal Guidelines for Health Coaches

Costs Associated With Becoming a Master Fitness Trainer

Master Trainer Certification from ISSA

ISSA offers a six-course bundle for $159* per month, and this is what you get.

  • Personal Trainer Certification
  • Nutritionist Specification
  • Any four Advanced Specializations
  • Free Fast Track Four Week Certification Program
  • Free Accredited Optional Exam included with a value of $599
  • Free 90-day trial to SmartFitness with a value of $210

In addition to everything in the bundle, ISSA offers a job guarantee, no matter what. After you get your certification, if you’ve applied to at least three gyms in six months and haven’t been hired, they will place you at one of the many gym locations that partner with them.

Master Trainer Certification from NASM

At $268 per month, NASM offers a package that includes the following certifications and specializations:

  • CPT
  • CES
  • PES
  • Certified Nutrition Coach
  • Behavior Change Specialization
  • Certified Group Fitness Instructor

NASM also has a Business Acceleration Course where they teach you how to get your business off the ground and on your way to getting clients. It teaches networking, marketing, and communication techniques that will significantly benefit you when you’re at the beginning stages of launching your business.

Master Trainer Program from NCSF

The package price is $999 for the following in each course included:

  • Digital Textbooks
  • E-Learning Access
  • Instructional Videos
  • Lesson Notes
  • Questions and Answers
  • Review Quizzes
  • Instructor Support
  • Membership

NCSF also offers veterans a $299 reimbursement for each program and offers military spouses up to $4,000 of tuition assistance.

Master Trainer from Fitness Mentors

The price for this program is $1,499 for a total of six certifications. Here are some of the tools and bonuses that come with it:

  • Study Guide Questions
  • Chapter Quizzes
  • Two Realistic Practice Exams
  • Facebook Support Group with Expert and Peer Guidance
  • Exercise Library
  • Bonus Learning Videos
  • Workout Templates – reg. $499
  • Meal Templates – reg. $199
  • Facebook Marketing Course – reg. $199

If you can commit to studying for two to three hours per day, at least three times a week, you can quickly complete the Master Trainer Certification and have your personal training business up and running in no time!

Each program is unique in its own way and has a lot to offer – so it’s up to you to decide which will give you the most bang for your buck.

No matter what master trainer certification you choose, you’ll be among the elite trainers who are educated beyond the CPT. Master trainers generally make more money than regular personal trainers, so the investment is definitely worthwhile!

Get started on your path to financial freedom today!

Best CPR Certifications For 2025

Best CPR Certifications For 2023

Table of Contents

Each year, around 450,000 people die from cardiac arrest in the United States alone. CPR training provides the opportunity for these people to be saved and for that number to decrease. Performing an emergency procedure to keep the blood flow active, even if not entirely, can help sustain their life until medical help arrives.

While performing CPR is a hands-on skill meant to save lives, it can hurt the individual if done incorrectly. Knowing what you’re doing increases your odds of saving a recipient in need and decreases the chances of additional harm.

When it comes to becoming a personal trainer, a CPR or AED certification is a prerequisite, as you’ll be working with people who are putting extra stress and exertion on their bodies daily. Even once you are a personal trainer, you’ll need to continue to recertify in CPR to stay current.

Here, we’ll give you our top choices for the best CPR certifications. They are as follows:

  • ResusciTech
  • American Safety Training Institute
  • American Red Cross
  • American Heart Association

Then we’ll also answer some common questions about CPR training, including:

  • What is CPR training, and what does it entail?
  • What is the difference between AED and CPR certification?
  • How long does CPR certification last?
  • What are the best CPR certifications with online options?
  • How much does it cost to get CPR certified?
  • How long is a CPR class?

Read on!

But first…

Why Am I Trustworthy In Ranking CPR Certifications?

As a certified personal trainer, I understand the importance of safety in the fitness environment. One essential aspect of safety is the ability to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency, which is why CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification is critical for fitness professionals.

I have obtained CPR certification myself and have also trained and supervised other fitness professionals in this area. This has given me firsthand experience with different CPR certification programs and their content.

As a personal trainer, I am responsible for the well-being of my clients, and that includes being prepared to respond appropriately in case of a medical emergency. My training and experience have taught me the importance of selecting a high-quality CPR certification program that covers all the essential skills needed to perform CPR correctly.

I can evaluate and rank CPR certification programs based on factors such as the quality and depth of the training, the reputation of the certifying organization, and the credentials and experience of the instructors. Additionally, I can consider how well the program aligns with current CPR guidelines and practices, which is essential for ensuring that individuals who complete the program are well-prepared to respond to an emergency in a real-life situation.

The Best CPR Certifications For 2024

ResusciTech CPR Certification

RESuSCITECH is rated 4.5 out of 5 for Convenience and Features

★★★★★ 4.5/5

OVERVIEW

This is an excellent choice to go at your own pace and learn using an app.

At the current time, many CPT options offer the ability to participate in online CPR training to satisfy the CPR prerequisite. This app for your phone allows you to learn CPR and actually practice it where it’s able to use your motions to evaluate your skills.

No special tools are needed, as even a couch cushion can give you the required model to understand and assess the aptitudes expected to perform CPR.

Stats For ResusciTech

  • Certification Price: $75 for individual
  • Course Length: 90 minutes
  • How You Can Take It: Hands-on app driven

Pros

  • ResusciTech CPR certification covers both adult and pediatric CPR.
  • The certification is available online, making it convenient for individuals with busy schedules.
  • The program offers interactive training modules and simulations to help learners practice their skills.
  • The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE).
  • The certification is recognized by many healthcare organizations and employers.

Cons

  • ResusciTech CPR certification may not be recognized by all healthcare organizations or employers.
  • Some individuals may prefer in-person training and hands-on practice over online learning.
  • The program may not provide as much in-depth instruction as some other CPR certification programs.
  • The cost of the certification may be higher than other options.

As a certified personal trainer, I have researched various CPR certification programs and found that ResusciTech CPR Certification has received many positive online reviews. The program covers both adult and pediatric CPR, making it a great choice for fitness professionals who work with clients of all ages.

The online format is convenient, allowing learners to complete the program at their own pace. Many reviewers noted that the program was easy to navigate, even for individuals who were new to CPR. The interactive training modules and simulations were praised for making learning engaging and effective. ResusciTech has a high success rate, with many learners passing the certification exam on their first attempt. 

The certification is recognized by many healthcare organizations and employers, adding value to the credential. The customer support team was noted to be responsive and helpful, and the program even offers a money-back guarantee. 

Overall, ResusciTech CPR Certification seems to be a reliable choice for individuals who need a high-quality CPR certification that is convenient, effective, and recognized by healthcare organizations and employers.

American Safety Training Institute CPR Certification

ASTI is rated 4 out of 5 for CONVENIENCE AND FEATURES

★★★★★ 4/5

OVERVIEW

The ASTI offers both online and in-person CPR courses, as well as a blend of the two course delivery options. Adult, child, and infant CPR is included as well as AED training.

On-site classes can be scheduled to meet your needs with fully certified instructors, first responders, and medical professionals. The online course can be completed in 1-3 hours and can be done at your own pace within 30 days.

Stats For American Safety Training Institute

  • Certification Price: $19.95 for community or workplace
  • Certification Price: $24.95 for healthcare professionals
  • Course Length: 1-3 hours
  • How You Can Take It: Online, in-person or blended

Pros

  • American Safety Training Institute CPR certification is available online, making it convenient for individuals with busy schedules.
  • The program offers interactive training modules and simulations to help learners practice their skills.
  • The certification is recognized by many healthcare organizations and employers.
  • The cost of the certification is typically lower than other options.
  • The program offers a money-back guarantee.

Cons

  • Some individuals may prefer in-person training and hands-on practice over online learning.
  • The program may not provide as much in-depth instruction as some other CPR certification programs.
  • American Safety Training Institute CPR certification may not be recognized by all healthcare organizations or employers.
  • The program is not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE).

One of the standout features of the program is its online format, which provides convenience for busy learners who want to complete the program at their own pace. Many reviewers noted that the program was user-friendly and engaging, thanks to the interactive training modules and simulations. 

Another advantage of the ASTI program is that it is recognized by many healthcare organizations and employers, which can add value to the certification. Additionally, the program is often noted for its affordable cost, making it an accessible option for individuals who are looking for high-quality CPR training. 

The program even offers a money-back guarantee, which provides additional confidence for learners. 

Overall, the American Safety Training Institute CPR Certification is a reliable choice for individuals who need a CPR certification that is convenient, affordable, and recognized by healthcare organizations and employers.

American Red Cross CPR Certification

ARC is rated 4 out of 5 for CONVENIENCE AND FEATURES

★★★★★ 4/5

OVERVIEW

Offering both online instruction and in-person classes, the Red Cross provides adult, child, and baby first-aid/CPR/AED certification.

The online option allows you to work at your own pace and engage yourself in interactive courses. You will even continue to have access after course completion.

Stats For American Red Cross

  • Certification Price: $37 - $97, depending on whether you do it in person, online or hybrid
  • Course Length: 2 - 3.5 hours, depending on whether it’s in person, online, or hybrid.
  • How You Can Take It: In person, online or hybrid

Pros

  • American Red Cross CPR certification is widely recognized and accepted by many healthcare organizations and employers.
  • The program offers both in-person and online training options, allowing individuals to choose the format that best suits their needs.
  • The program covers both adult and pediatric CPR, as well as other emergency procedures such as AED use and choking relief.
  • The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE).
  • The American Red Cross has a strong reputation for providing high-quality training and certification programs.

Cons

  • The cost of American Red Cross CPR certification may be higher than some other options.
  • Some individuals may find the program's requirements for hands-on practice and skills evaluation to be more time-consuming or challenging.
  • The program may not be as convenient for individuals with busy schedules, as in-person training sessions may have limited availability.
  • Some individuals may prefer self-paced options that do not require specific attendance.

One of the key benefits of this program is that it offers both in-person and online training options, providing flexibility for learners who prefer different formats. The program provides thorough instruction and hands-on practice, which helps to feel confident in your ability to perform CPR in a real-life situation. 

Additionally, the American Red Cross CPR Certification covers both adult and pediatric CPR, as well as other emergency response procedures like AED use and choking relief. This breadth of training makes it a great choice for fitness professionals who want to be well-prepared for any emergency situation. 

The program is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE), which adds credibility to the certification. While the cost of the American Red Cross CPR Certification may be higher than some other options, I feel that the quality of the instruction justifies the price. 

Overall, the American Red Cross CPR Certification seems to be a reliable choice for individuals who want a comprehensive CPR certification program that is recognized by healthcare organizations and provides hands-on practice.

American Heart Association CPR Certification

AHA is rated 3.8 out of 5 for CONVENIENCE AND FEATURES

★★★★★ 3.8/5

OVERVIEW

A world leader in CPR care, their certification options include online and physical classrooms.

Using a network of authorized AHA Training Centers and instructors, the certification offers the education and skills needed to perform CPR properly. The AHS also offers an at-home, self-directed video-based program that teaches you the skills required in about 20 minutes and can be revisited whenever needed.

So what can you expect with your CPR certification? Here are some commonly asked questions we’ve answered:

Stats For American Heart Association

  • Certification Price: $19.50
  • Course Length: 1 hour
  • How You Can Take It: In person, online or hybrid

Pros

  • Lower cost than many other CPR options
  • American Heart Association CPR certification is widely recognized and accepted by many healthcare organizations and employers.
  • The program offers both in-person and online training options, allowing individuals to choose the format that best suits their needs.
  • The program covers both adult and pediatric CPR
  • The American Heart Association has a strong reputation for providing high-quality training and certification programs.
  • The program may include additional training in first aid and other emergency response procedures.

Cons

  • Some individuals may find the program's requirements for hands-on practice and skills evaluation to be more time-consuming or challenging.
  • The program may not be as convenient for individuals with busy schedules, as in-person training sessions may have limited availability.
  • Some individuals may prefer self-paced options that do not require specific attendance.

One of the standout features of the program is that it offers both in-person and online training options, providing flexibility for learners who prefer different formats. The program covers both adult and pediatric CPR, as well as other emergency response procedures like AED use and choking relief. 

This course’s instruction is clear and concise, making it easy to understand and retain the information. Additionally, the American Heart Association CPR Certification is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE), which adds credibility to the certification. 

The AHA is a highly respected organization in the healthcare field, which in my opinion, adds significant value to the certification. Overall, the American Heart Association CPR Certification appears to be a reliable choice for individuals who want a comprehensive CPR certification program that is recognized by healthcare organizations and provides clear and concise instruction.

Now, let’s answer some questions you might have about CPR training.

What Is CPR Training?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is one of the most vital first-aid techniques. Possessing skills in performing this life-saving procedure is not only valuable but required for personal trainers.

While anyone can read about it and learn the techniques, actual CPR training and certification are crucial because you put the skills into action in a hands-on environment. 

Some personal training certifications normally don’t consider you CPR certified if you didn’t get the hands-on experience and only did an online course without an in-person skills assessment. But at the current time, there are exceptions to this due to COVID-19. Always check with the personal training certification you will be pursuing to make sure you’re enrolling in an acceptable CPR certification.

So what exactly do you learn with CPR training? In general, you’ll learn to perform CPR on an individual, including rescue breaths, hands-only techniques, how to administer the procedure correctly, compression methods and hand formations, timing, and more. You’ll also learn the difference in approaches when performing CPR on adults vs. children and infants.

A CPR certification not only gives you the knowledge required to perform it safely but it gives you the confidence needed to step in and help while identifying the boundaries of your abilities.

What is the difference between AED and CPR?

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a machine that uses an electrical shock to try to restart the heart. AED has the potential to restart an individual’s heart and brain, which is why you can find a device in many public places.

CPR is also a life-saving method, but it’s not meant to bring a person back to life, only to sustain their life until help arrives. Both are critical parts of a rescue operation. 

Most CPR courses will also touch on AED to be sure you’re also well-informed about how to use this device.

So let’s get into which are the best CPR certifications for you to obtain before pursuing your certification in personal training (CPT).

FAQs About CPR Certification

The cost of CPR training for an individual seeking certification can vary depending on what the course requires. Some require you to purchase course materials in addition to the class, while others do not. With the above recommendations, the costs range from $19.50-$97, depending on if it’s online-only, in-person, or a mixture of the two.

Depending on which course you choose and if your course is online or in-person, an entire class is anywhere between 1.5 and 3.5 hours.

A CPR certification typically lasts two years before requiring recertification. This specification ensures your skills are kept up, and you’re always ready to help an individual in need of CPR.

Final Thoughts

While CPR certification is straightforward and can often be completed quickly, it can mean the difference between life and death when it comes to a medical emergency.

Once you’re CPR certified, you’re ready to become a personal trainer. Ready to learn more about the steps to becoming a CPT?

Read more: Best Online Personal Trainer Certification

Eddie

Instructor

Eddie Lester

CEO of fitnessmentors.com – Teaching 30,000+ students how to become CPT’s

  • 4.8 Star Rating
  • 300+ Reviews
  • 30,000+ Students
  • 16 Courses

How To Become a Bodybuilding Coach in 2025 [And Our 3 Top Certs]

How-To-Become-a-Bodybuilding-Coach-in-2021-And-Our-3-Top-Certs

Personal trainers’ need is on the rise, with the job outlook growing by 15% over the next ten years, which is much quicker than average. With this comes the need for specialized trainers, such as bodybuilding coaches.

So, how do you become a bodybuilding coach? 

First get certified as a Bodybuilding Coach:

  1. International Sports Sciences Association – Body Building Coach Certification
  2. National Council on Strength and Fitness – Body Building Certification

Below, we will also explain what a bodybuilding coach does, walk you through the steps to becoming a specialized bodybuilder trainer and tell you our top recommended bodybuilding coaching certifications for 2022.

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What Does A Bodybuilding Trainer Do?

Many people seek advice from the internet, so their education on building muscle often comes from an amalgamation of information. The knowledge can be that of amateur fitness buffs or just those who feel they have a good understanding – but don’t possess certifications.

It’s essential to be the certified, educated foundation for a bodybuilder’s success. Here are a few things a bodybuilding trainer or bodybuilding specialist does:

  • Provides accountability: A bodybuilding coach watches their clients’ progressions, monitors that they’re sticking to the tailored plan, and pushes them to work harder to have fitness progress.

    You’re there to keep them focused and get them in the best shape possible to achieve bodybuilding success.

  • Provide objective training: When clients choose to bodybuild by themselves, they have emotions that get in the way. As a bodybuilding trainer, it’s crucial to be that objective sense that omits any constant self-criticism from which your client may suffer. You are a neutral party, which can help them keep track of their goals by honing in on the fitness aspects they may be overlooking.

  • Sets goals: Based on your education and certification, you’ll be able to set goals for your client. These might include workout regimens, specific weights at particular times, nutrition plans, nutrient timing, precise exercises, and more.

    Your knowledge and expertise will help your client gain strength and shed fat to become a successful bodybuilder.

  • Offers efficiency: Time is of the essence when it comes to physical fitness and bodybuilding. Your clients will have hired you to be their quick answer – they don’t want to spend hours researching what to do and how to do it.

    You’re highly educated, and they look to you to provide them with the best methods to get them in shape and reaching their goals.

  • Pushes their limits: This goes along with accountability. If someone is working out alone, they’re much more likely to work harder if they have you, as a bodybuilding coach, pushing them beyond their usual limitations in a skilled and safe way.

There are many things you can offer a client by specializing as a bodybuilding trainer, and you can provide them all of the necessary weightlifting gear they’ll need to succeed — or as Jerome Draculan of Strength Shop USA puts it, “the kind of serious strength equipment every lifter deserves”.

How Do I Become A Bodybuilding Coach?

Bodybuilder training is considered continued education, which you do after you’re a certified personal trainer. Here are the steps to take to become a bodybuilding coach.

Step 1: Become a Personal Trainer

Your personal training certification can be completed in as little as one month, depending on which certificate you choose to obtain. Before becoming a personal trainer, most certifications require that you:

  1. Be 18 years of age or older.
  2. Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  3. Have an Emergency Cardiac Care (CPR) or Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certifications.

These requirements vary but are the basic guidelines for becoming a certified personal trainer (CPT).

Here are a couple of options for your personal trainer certification:

  1. ISSA – International Sports Sciences Association (See Promotions)
  2. NASM – National Academy of Sports Medicine (See Promotions)
  3. ACE – The American Council on Exercise (See Promotions)
  4. FM – Fitness Mentors (Click for 30% off)

For more information on each of the above personal training certifications, as well as some additional options, read more here: 

Best Personal Trainer Certifications

Once you’re certified in personal training, you’re ready to specialize in bodybuilding coaching.

Step 2: Get a Bodybuilding Trainer Certification

Now you’re ready to specialize in bodybuilding. There are many options to get your continued education and become certified. Here are our top three recommendations with information on each:

  • ISSA Bodybuilding Specialist: This certification allows you to study at your own pace, 100% online. You even take the exam from the comfort of your own home.

    The certificate is nationally accredited and allows you to master the tools and methods that will help you shape and define your clients’ bodies. With this continued education, you’ll be a certified authority in everything bodybuilding.

    You’ll learn in-depth principles of muscles and how to apply this knowledge to program design. You’ll study muscle hypertrophy, causes of overtraining and injury, nutrition and supplementation, health risks of ergogenic aids, sports psychology strategies, and more.

    The ISSA Bodybuilding Specialist certification cost is $468*, which can be broken down into monthly payments.
  • ASFA Competition Bodybuilding Trainer Certification: If your focus is more on competition-based clients, this may be the option for you.

    The American Sports & Fitness Association (ASFA) certification is designed for those wishing to expand their knowledge in bodybuilding while working at their own pace, entirely online.

    In the course, you’ll learn how to tailor training regimens for competitive bodybuilders, nutrition components, as well as competitive strategies and poses.

    ASFA offers a certificate and a pocket certification card with lifetime renewal for $299*.
  • IFBB Academy’s Master Bodybuilding & Fitness Degree: The International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness is a world authority in bodybuilding training.

    This course will give you a great deal of schooling directly from professors and world champion athletes, especially for those wishing to pursue elite athlete coaching.

    The internationally recognized degree offers education on topics like the skeletal muscle system, general physiology, exercise physiology, anthropometry concepts, weight training, musculoskeletal injuries, safety, nutrition, and more.

    This certification cost is higher at about $1,000* but includes much more in-depth topics and is considered a degree with a diploma.

Once you’ve obtained a bodybuilding specialist or bodybuilding trainer certification, you’re ready to go to the next step.

*Prices are subject to change. Please check their website for current pricing.

Step 3: Obtain Insurance

If you went through step one and step two one right after the other, you may not have had a chance to obtain insurance. You won’t be able to train clients until you acquire the proper insurance to protect you from liabilities and claims.

To read more about insurance options, head to this blog:

4 of the Best Personal Trainer Insurance Options

Step 4: Run Your Bodybuilder Coaching Business!

You may find you need a bit of extra help when you get to this point. Fitness Mentors offers a Business and Sales Course that goes beyond your education and helps you obtain clients. You’ll learn how to prepare to start your business, how to get prospects and engage them, and how to close the sale! Click here to take this course.

No matter which certification you choose on your route to becoming a personal trainer specializing in bodybuilder coaching, you’ll be able to help your clients succeed. 

If you need any advice on your path to helping people reach their fitness goals, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Top Strength And Conditioning Certifications for 2025, Compared

Top-Strength-And-Conditioning-Certifications-for-2021-Compared

With this comes the increasing need for personal trainers and coaches, including those certified in strength and conditioning. There is no better time than now to pursue your coaching dreams and make money along the way.

Here, we’ll walk you through our top strength and conditioning training certifications and compare each. We’ll include the eligibility of each, course topics, exam information, costs, and career paths you can take with whichever certification you choose.

The strength and conditioning certifications we’ll compare include:
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Eligibilities for Each Strength And Conditioning Certification

Each association’s certification has different suggested or mandatory requirements for obtaining and keeping your accreditation.

SCC from ISSA 

To obtain your SSC, per the ISSA, they mandate you:

  • Are at least 18 years of age
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • Hold a CPR/AED certification

PES from NASM

NASM recommends that you have at least one of the following to obtain your PES:

  • NASM-CPT certification
  • Licensed Massage Therapist
  • 4-year College Degree
  • REPs Level 3 or higher
  • NCCA, NBFE, or DETC Accredited Health/Fitness Certification

 

CSCS from NSCA 

NSCA requires that you possess the following to be a CSCS certification candidate:

  • A Bachelor’s or higher degree or currently enrolled as a college senior at an accredited institution – Candidates in the US and Canada must provide proof in the form of an official transcript or a terminal degree. Candidates outside of the US and Canada can provide a copy of the transcript that shows they obtained a Bachelor’s degree equivalent.
  • A current CPR/AED certification – if you do not yet have this certification, you can still take the exam, but you have to supply proof of certification within one year of your exam date.

 

CSC from NCSF

NCSF requires that you have one or more of the following for their Certified Strength Coach certification:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Associates Degree
  • NCCA accredited fitness certification (such as a CPT)

While each has different requirements for being certified, they also cover their own sets of topics that set them apart. Also, if your certification is expired, make sure to renew your cpr certificate before you complete your chose course. 

Strength And Conditioning Certification
Course Topics

The topics covered in each course reflect what the exam will entail as well. While each gives you a different subset of topics, all will give you the framework to succeed in your career.

PES from NASM

NASM divides the PES course into four sections:

  • Section 1: Anatomy and Physiology for Sport
  • Section 2: Sport Performance Testing, Integrated Training, and Programming: 
  • Section 3: Olympic Lifting & Injury Prevention
  • Section 4: Sport Nutrition & Psychology

CSCS from NSCA 

The textbook is laid out into 24 chapters. Some of the topics include:

  • Structure and function of body systems
  • Anaerobic and Aerobic training programs
  • Nutrition
  • Flexibility
  • Weight and Resistance Training
  • Speed & Agility Training
  • Rehabilitation and Reconditioning

SCC from ISSA 

The course contents for the SSC are divided into 23 chapters. Some of the topics include:

  • The nervous, muscular, skeletal, and cardiorespiratory systems
  • Biomechanics
  • General and performance assessments
  • Program design
  • Flexibility
  • Core, Lower-Body, Plyometric, Upper Body and Weight Lifting Exercises
  • Periodization
  • Injury Recovery
  • Nutrition & Supplements

CSC from NCSF

Topics covered in becoming an NCSF Certified Strength Coach include:

  • Athletic Analyses
  • Advanced program construction
  • Athletic-based training
  • Over 300 exercises and drills

Costs Associated With Strength And Conditioning Certifications

Each certification option offers various study courses before a final exam. Below is the cost you can expect from each (pricing and components subject to change):

PES from NASM

NASM offers three packages for their 100% online certification. 

The self-study option is regularly $699. It includes:

  • CEU Value 1.9
  • NASM-PES Digital Textbook with 16 in-depth chapters
  • Online PES Exam
  • 2 Online Practice Exams
  • Syllabus and Study Guide
  • Exercise Library with 64 videos
  • 35 lecture videos, 34 demo videos
  • Exercise Libraries
  • Module Quizzes
  • Certificate of Completion

The Premium Self-Study option is regularly $849. It includes all of the above, plus the addition of bonus content like weight room maintenance and sports lecture videos, as well as a programming toolkit.

The All-Inclusive option is regularly $999 and includes everything the premium version includes with the addition of a hard copy textbook and a live workshop.

The exam itself is not available as an a la carte purchase; you must purchase one of the above courses. The typical completion time is around 8-10 weeks, but you’ll have one full year to complete the course once you enroll. 

Once you pass NASM’s PES exam, your certification never expires.

Fitness Mentors also offers an efficient study guide featuring the best educational materials for the exam. We’ll give you all the test-specific topics that will guide you to read the book’s most pertinent sections. For more information and to purchase, click here.

CSCS from NSCA 

NSCA breaks down the CSCS study packages into three choices, but customizable options are available too.

The CSCS Digital Package starts at $162 and includes:

  • CSCS Study Guide
  • Over 200 practice questions

The CSCS Essential Package starts at $250 and adds in the physical textbook, Essentials of Strength Training. For a starting price of $465, the CSCS Essential Plus Package also offers an online study course and an Exercise Technique manual.

SCC from ISSA

The ISSA offers one online course option, and the course is not required to purchase and take the exam. Regularly priced at $639, the online course allows you to study at your own pace and take the exam at home.

The completely online course includes:

  • Study guide and workbook
  • Online and home study exam
  • Exercise lab
  • Practice exam and section quizzes
  • “Take home” strength and conditioning certification exam
  • NCCPT accredited exam (proctoring fee not included)
  • A free professional website
  • Ongoing educational support

With just 1-2 hours a day, you can expect to finish the course in 8-10 weeks – but the pace is entirely up to you. You have up to 12 months to complete the program.

CSC from NCSF

According to the NCSF site, they offer various packages as well as the a la carte exam. Packages range in price from $299 for the exam alone, or up to $999 for the most in-depth package. They offer two home-study packages.

The first is regularly $799 and includes:

  • Digital textbook: Advanced Concepts of Strength & Conditioning
  • Instructional videos
  • Lesson notes
  • Q&A
  • Review quizzes
  • Online Certified Strength Coach practice exam
  • 8 NCSF CEUs (meets ethics requirement)
  • One year membership to NCSF
  • NCSF Certified Strength Coach Exam

For an additional $100, you receive a physical textbook with the Home-Study Plus package. 

Candidates have 6 months after enrollment to schedule and take the exam. On average, NCSF suggests taking 2-4 months to study the material. The exam may be taken online or at a testing center.

Exam Information for Each Strength And Conditioning Certification

Each certification exam has a different number of questions, time limits, passing scores and allowed attempts. Here is the breakdown:

PES from NASM

  • Questions: 100 multiple-choice
  • Time Limit: 90 Minutes
  • Passing score: 70% or higher
  • Attempts allowed: 3

CSCS from NSCA 

  • Questions: 220 multiple-choice
  • Time Limit: 4 Hours; split into 1.5 hours for Scientific Foundations and 2.5 hours for the Practical/Applied section
  • Passing score: 70 in both sections
  • Attempts allowed: No limit, but you must wait 90 days between retakes. If you fail only one section, you may retake just the section you failed within one year.

SCC from ISSA 

  • Questions: 140 multiple-choice, 15 field items (unscored)
  • Time Limit: Unlimited, Open book (the NCCPT accredited exam is not open book)
  • Passing score: 75% or higher
  • Attempts allowed: Unlimited within six months with fees and a 72 hour waiting period between attempts.

CSC from NCSF 

  • Questions: 150 multiple-choice
  • Time Limit: 3 hours
  • Passing score: 70 or higher
  • Attempts allowed: Unlimited within six months with fees and a 30-day waiting period between attempts.

Strength & Conditioning Certification FAQs

How Do I Get Certified In Strength and Conditioning?

Choose the training you wish to receive and from what organization. Be sure to have all of the prerequisites covered for the course and exam you choose.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Certified Strength And Training Specialist?

Most programs allow the flexibility to work at your own pace, within a specified time frame. Many recommend taking at least 8-12 weeks to allow for material comprehension, but you generally have longer if needed. For example, the ISSA-SSC requires you to complete your course and exam within 12 months from enrollment.

How Much Does CSCS Certification Cost?

While some programs allow you to get the exam a la carte, taking a course will help you to better your probability of passing. For a course and exam, you should plan to spend around $500 minimum.

Where Does a Strength And Conditioning Specialist Work? What CSCCA Jobs Will I Have An Opportunity For?

A Strength and Conditioning Certification, regardless of which one, has the potential to open the door to many career opportunities. These may include personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, sports coach, physical therapist, teacher/researcher/professor, athletic trainer, and more!

So… What Are The Best Strength And Conditioning Certifications?

It’s important to note that an SCCC (Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified) certification from the Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association is one of the most highly regarded in the industry.

However, you must already be a full-time practicing strength and conditioning coach or a student preparing to be, and the exam is only once per year with no course materials.

If you wish to coach on a collegiate or professional level otherwise, NSCA-CSCS and NASM-PES are two of the best options. 

All four courses with certifications are similar in cost in relation to what you receive in each package for budget concerns.

Ultimately, which certification you choose depends on your personal preferences and what your goals are post-certification. If you’d like to work for a specific organization, it’s best to check with the potential employer to determine which certification they prefer. 

A Strength and Conditioning Certification is highly lucrative and can open many doors to advance your career and put you on the path to financial freedom.