When it comes to becoming a personal trainer the prerequisites have to be first met.
To start off, you will have to be 18 years of age or older. A high school diploma or a GED is also required. Although this requirement might sound absurd, it can be a staple to help you prepare for your Certification Exam. The introductory Chemistry and Biology courses from high school are the fundamentals for exercise science. Just like anything in life, it all starts with the fundamentals. Being a personal trainer also means being able to understand the human body from a scientific standpoint.
When it comes to getting certified, not every shoe fits the same. You will have to do extensive research on which certifying organization can help you achieve your goal to become the personal trainer you want to be. The National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM), American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) are some organizations that can be taken into consideration. The costs for exams and the studying material will all vary depending on the organization. According to verywellfit.com, “The costs vary from about $300 to more than $1000, and may not include the study materials and workshops.” (Waehner) Keep in mind; certain organizations will have more credibility than others. If you are interested in becoming a personal trainer at a specific gym or personal training studio, make sure to inquire about which training certificate they prefer.
Another pre-requisite for becoming a personal trainer is to obtain an AED/CPR certification. As trainers, we must be prepared for any emergencies that involves an injury to a client or any other persons. To obtain an AED/CPR certification, you can visit www.redcross.org and find the nearest training center, or you can ask your current employer if they offer an AED/CPR Certification. The certification process is not too difficult. The class should be around 3 hours long and you will obtain your certification on that same day.
After you have decided which certification you are interested in, it all comes down to preparing for the Certification Exam. Make sure you read the exam guideline to gain insight on which subjects are more likely to be on the exam.
Another great way to gain insight is to go on http://www.reddit.com and read forums and experiences from other users who have taken the exam. Since the exams will require a fee, it would be rational to set up an exam date once you feel confident and pass the practice exams with flying colors.
Once you have achieved all the prerequisites you will begin your journey as a Certified Personal Trainer either under an organization or create your business entity such as Sole Proprietorship, Corporation or a Limited Liability Company.
