Why go through the hassle of getting certified, especially if you feel like you already have a handle on what it takes to get fit? A personal trainer certification is more than just a piece of paper or a formality. It represents the passion, determination, and hours of study that it takes to acquire the knowledge and skillset to become a successful personal trainer. Earning a certification also demonstrates a trainer’s commitment to staying current with evolving fitness trends and health science, as ongoing education is required to maintain certification. A certification shows employers and potential clients that you take your role as a personal trainer seriously.
When you get certified, you will learn everything you need to know to succeed as a personal trainer. You’ll learn how to coach your clients effectively, basic human movement and nutritional concepts, how to assess your client, proper exercise technique, program design, and more. Not only does certification prepare you for the field, it also makes you extremely marketable to both employers and clients, sets you up for career growth, gives you credibility in the industry, and sets you up for a higher earning potential.
Career Growth
Certification might be the entry point, but it can also serve as the launching pad for a long and satisfying career as a certified personal trainer (CPT). It’s easy to believe that your growth as a personal trainer is capped by the number of clients that you can fit into your schedule, but there are many ways to expand your career as a CPT beyond adding clients. Here are some possible career paths for CPTs looking to expand their professional growth in the field:
Find your niche and double down on education that serves your client population. It’s common for trainers just starting out to take any and all clients they can find. After you have some experience under your belt, you might find that you are passionate about helping a specific population. Not only does this help you effectively market your services, it can also lead to a pay raise as you gain expertise in your niche. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for fitness trainers and instructors was $45,380 in 2022, but those with recognized certifications and specializations often earn above average, especially in metropolitan areas. Pursuing additional certifications and specializations is a great way to invest in your career as you level up your earning potential.
Start as an employee and grow into a management position. Depending on where you work, there may be opportunities to grow into a management position. As a manager, you may oversee other trainers and manage a facility. It’s a great opportunity to grow your leadership skills and lean into a different aspect of the fitness industry.
Start a business that can grow with you. Whether you launch your career as a business owner or branch off on your own after working for someone else, there are many advantages to owning your own business. As a business owner, you have the opportunity to call the shots when it comes to hours of availability, how much you charge for your services, and the niche market that you choose to serve. If you’re not afraid of the hard work and dedication that comes with running a business (marketing, sales, accounting, long hours, etc.), then this might be an incredibly rewarding path for you.
Become a thought leader within the industry. After gaining years of experience in the field, you may discover a passion for inspiring fellow professionals through writing, speaking engagements, or teaching workshops. Many who obtain this type of role have a passion for learning and often pursue higher education (like a Master’s Degree in a related field), and multiple certifications and specializations. Our industry moves forward through innovative thought leaders who share what they’ve learned, lead by example, and elevate the profession for others.
These are just a few of the potential paths of growth as a CPT. No matter which route you choose, certification provides a solid foundation on which to grow.
Increased Credibility
A certification gives you credibility as a fitness professional in the eyes of employers, potential clients, and with other fitness professionals. While there may be some people willing to hire any fit-looking person to train them, most people want to work with someone who has put in the time and effort into earning a credential that qualifies them for the job. Earning a certification communicates that you are committed to a higher standard as a professional, and that you have what it takes to help clients achieve their goals. Employers often don’t want to take on the liability of hiring a trainer who is not certified, no matter how many years of experience they may have. Having a valid credential matters to both employers and to clients.
Having a certification is a simple way to build trust with clients right from the beginning. When working with a client, building trust is paramount to success. Early on in the client-trainer relationship, you can communicate some of the ways that your certification has prepared you to help your client with their specific needs. If a client trusts that you know what you’re talking about, they’re more likely to follow your recommendations and see the results that they want. There’s nothing more satisfying in a client-trainer relationship than this type of trust.
Not only will earning a certification increase your credibility with clients, it will also increase your credibility with your peers. Why does this matter? While the fitness industry is large in number, it can feel like a small community in your local area. Most trainers know or know of one another, even in a large city. Because many trainers often narrow down to a specific niche that they work with, there may come a time when they need to refer a client out to another trainer. When they know that you not only work with that specific type of client but are also well-credentialed, it will be an easy referral to you.
Better Job opportunities
A 2021 report from IDEA Health & Fitness Association found that certified personal trainers earned an average of $64/hour, compared to $25-$30/hour for non-certified trainers. One possible reason for this could be that top employers seek candidates who hold NCCA-accredited certifications. When interviewing for a position with a top employer, holding a nationally-recognized certification can be the competitive edge that gets you the job over a lesser-qualified candidate. Additionally, becoming a certified personal trainer could open the door to opportunities in a variety of diverse work settings. Did you think that CPTs only worked in a gym? Think again! Here are some example job settings for a certified personal trainer:
- Commercial gym setting
- Boutique studios
- Health clubs and wellness centers
- Recreation centers
- Clinical health settings (like hospitals and medical fitness centers or physical therapy clinics as exercise specialists)
- Corporate wellness programs
- In-home personal training
- Outdoor bootcamps
- Virtual/online coaching, and more!
Most of these opportunities will require the candidate to have a nationally-recognized certification in order to qualify for the job.
Bottom line: Getting certified is a no-brainer! Having a certification as a personal trainer will carve a pathway for career growth, help you gain credibility with employers and clients, and also open up doors of opportunity for better-paying jobs.
FAQs
1. Why should I become a certified personal trainer?
Becoming a certified personal trainer will give you the education and tools that you need to become a top-tier trainer, set you up for higher earning potential as a fitness professional, give you more opportunities for career growth, and give you credibility in the industry.
2. How does certification help in career growth?
A certification will help you get your foot in the door to almost anywhere you want to take your career. A nationally-recognized certification is often required for the types of opportunities that growing professionals pursue, like: management/leadership positions, speaking or writing gigs, and entrepreneurial ventures.
3. What are the credibility benefits of being certified?
Getting certified gives you credibility with clients and employers alike, making you a top candidate for the job. Certification can also give you credibility with your peers, a plus for networking or when they are looking for someone to refer a potential client to.
4. What job opportunities are available for certified personal trainers?
Certified personal trainers can work in a variety of settings besides a commercial gym. Some of these include: boutique fitness studios, in-home training, outdoor boot camps, corporate settings, recreational centers, clinical settings, and more. Personal trainers can also expand their career beyond training in a gym and become thought leaders in the industry through speaking, writing, or building courses for their peers.
5. Can certification increase my salary as a personal trainer?
Yes! A 2021 report from IDEA Health & Fitness Association found that certified personal trainers earned an average of $64/hour, compared to $25-$30/hour for non-certified trainers. Additionally, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, trainers can also increase their income to above average by obtaining recognized certifications and specializations.
References:
IDEA Health & Fitness Association. (2023). 2023 Fitness Industry Compensation Trends Report. Retrieved from https://www.ideafit.com/2023-fitness-industry-compensation-trends-report/
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Fitness trainers and instructors. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/fitness-trainers-and-instructors.htm
