What to Look For In a Personal Training Certification
Look for a reputable institution accredited by the US Department of Education or by a third party recognized by the Dept. Of Education.
Make sure courses and materials offered are up to date.
Beware of organizations who require additional purchases or memberships in order to “graduate.” The only exceptions are coursebooks, which are usually not included in the price of the workshop.
Authentic certifications will require you to either pass a test or present an investigative report of some kind. If the company is simply selling you a certificate, it is probably a scam. Be aware that fitness professionals and health clubs are aware of what’s out there and can recognize fake certifications.
Who Is Eligible for Certification?
Almost everybody. Most organizations only have a few basic requirements, including:
To be at least 18 years old
To have a current CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification, which can be obtained at the Red Cross or the American Heart Association, among other places.
To buy the coursebooks required by the workshop.
The American College of Sports Medicine requires a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent to sit in for a test.