Include a section on Accreditation
Accreditation is an incredibly important factor to consider when choosing a personal training certification program. Earning a recognized and accredited certification will ensure that you have received the highest quality of education available, meeting all industry standards for knowledge, qualifications and expertise. Accredited programs are generally accepted as more valuable than non-accredited certifications because they demonstrate to potential employers that you possess a broad base of professional skills and competency.
Accreditations are also important in determining which online certification programs are legitimately recognized in the field of personal training. Many independent or unaccredited programs may be less rigorous than those approved by organizations such as the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Organizations such as the NCCA set stringent performance standards to ensure quality assurance across industries to certify excellence in education credentials. Therefore, by choosing an accredited program, you can rest assured that your educational Materials have been evaluated with great detail and rigor before being certified by external professionals in the field.
Include a section on Typical Coursework
Typical coursework in a personal training certification program can vary depending on the program, but typically will focus on providing a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy, physiology and biomechanics. Trainees will also learn how to design customized fitness programs for individual clients or groups along with teaching methods and safety protocols. Other topics may include nutrition, nutrition for special situations (such as aging or pregnancy), exercise psychology, kinesiology, injury prevention and rehabilitation. Coursework may also focus on teaching students the specialized skills needed to understand and utilize various pieces of equipment common in gyms such as free weights, cardio machines, TRX systems and stabilization tools. Throughout the program, students are likely to have practical application requirements including designing exercises and delivering workouts to actual clientele.
Include a section on Employability
Obtaining a Personal Training certification can benefit an individual’s career and increase their employability. Holding such a qualification demonstrates to potential employers that the applicant has the knowledge and skills needed to safely suggest training plans, create nutritional plans, and provide appropriate instruction. Such certification will also demonstrate up-to-date knowledge in areas such as basic anatomy, exercise physiology, kinesiology, nutrition principles, metabolism, assessments, client relations, business leadership and customer service. These core topics are all essential for those working within the health and fitness industry.
Holding personal training certification provides applicants with a competitive edge in the application process when applying for roles. It often makes them more attractive to employers who may not have time to train individuals from scratch or require qualified personnel immediately. Also having completed a course may provide some individuals with contacts in the industry which could lead to greater job opportunities further down the line. Pursuing personal training accreditation ambitious people can market themselves better within their industry by standing out from their competition due to their expertise attested by one of many widely recognized certifications available .
Include a section on Time Commitment
Completing a personal training certification program online is generally a time-consuming process. Depending on the program and the individual student’s requirements, it can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to several months to complete an online certification course. Most online personal training certification programs will require students to complete a written assessment and practical skills assessment in order to receive their certification.
The written assessment usually consists of multiple choice and essay questions that cover topics related to anatomy, nutrition, fitness programming, technique, legislation and other related topics. Depending on the program, students may also be required to do additional reading outside of class time in order to complete the written portion of the exam successfully.
The practical Portion of the certifications may involve watching short instructional videos or engaging in role playing scenarios in order to demonstrate safe form and proper instruction techniques. Students may be required show proficiency in resistance training exercises like squats, pushups or core workouts. In addition, many programs require an instructor demonstration as well as perform physical assessments prior to completion of the course.
Include a section on Support & Resources
Support & Resources:
Obtaining a personal training certification online can be overwhelming, but with the right resources you can get help to make the process easier and more successful. There are a variety of online and offline resources available to help individuals in pursuing their personal training certification.
Online resources can include informational websites, podcast episodes, and live chats featuring participants with expertise in the field. These sources offer advice on how to choose a program, provide guidance on getting certified, review best practices in the field and connect users with peers and mentors who can provide additional support. Additionally, there are many professionally developed courses offered online that cover topics such as anatomy, exercise physiology and fitness assessments that can aid in meeting certification requirements.
Offline resources for obtaining personal training certification also exist. These have gained growing popularity as individuals search for more hands-on experiences when pursuing their certification. Such resources may include workshops or classes that are offered at physical locations such as gyms or health clubs. Many programs will offer demonstrations of practical techniques like proper posture or form when exercising to further assist potential trainers in properly executing movements while working out with clients. Other support options may include one-on-one sessions with experienced trainers who can provide individualized instruction on becoming certified as well as established mentors whose expertise could help guide aspiring trainers through the process.
Passionate about providing useful information to anyone with an interest in the field of Personal Training, I strive to pass on to our readers quality information and to answer any questions about Personal Trainers, the work they do and how to become one.
