Have you considered becoming a personal trainer to help others succeed in their fitness journey?
You may have already checked what qualifications you need but need help figuring out which course is best for you. If that's you, you're likely wondering about your next steps and how to choose the right course provider.
Worry no more. The good news is that there are a plethora of personal training courses to choose from, so you can obtain the right qualification to get started working with clients.
Continue reading to receive a comprehensive list of the top 20 personal training course providers worldwide.
Each of them is different, and the more information you acquire about the best personal trainer certifications, the greater your confidence will be when it comes to making a decision.
You'll find companies from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is the most prominent player in the fitness course provider scene.
It was founded in 1987 and has evolved into an internationally recognized company. In addition, they have partner schools across the Globe, so if you're based outside of the US, it's worth checking if there is a NASM-accredited provider in your area if you prefer being educated in person.
NASM runs various offers regularly, so it's worth checking their website to see if you can enroll at a reduced price.
You can sign up, pay the total course cost upfront or pay monthly for 12 months. Once you're ready to commit, you can get certified online in as few as four weeks.
They've been helping aspiring trainers follow their dreams in the fitness industry for over 30 years.
ISSA is the next provider on our list from the US. The International Sports Sciences Association's mission is to bring healthy living to everyone through community and education.
They were founded in 1988 and were pioneers in providing CPD courses in the early '90s and have been at the forefront of developing personal training education into the online space.
You can sign up and begin your personal training course for as low as $69/month for 12 months.
You will study at your own pace and then attempt to pass the open-book test from anywhere you are located.
The course is provided online and also offers a LIVE learning experience. They also have excellent reviews from past clients you should check out.
The National Federation of Personal Trainers, or NFPT, is an accredited and highly regarded personal training and CPD course provider founded in 1988 by Ron Clark and is now run by her daughters.
They will help you turn your passion for fitness and personal training into a rewarding career in no time.
Over 81,000 trainers have become certified through their programs and have a rich history of success in the fitness industry.
You can choose your package right on their website, and the prices range from $299 to $999 depending on how much support and extra features you need, and you can then study at your own pace. For example, if you only want to take an exam without the course material, you can do that for $249.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is also helping personal trainers transform lives in the US and wants to help you reach your goals.
So soon, you can be making money doing what you love. The ACE is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating fitness and health professionals to improve the lives of their clients.
The best part is that you can study and take your coursework right from the comfort of your own home.
The basic package starts at $489, or you can currently select the top advantage personal trainer package and pay $864.
The American College of Sports Medicine provides a different approach to personal trainer education than most course providers.
You can sign up for their exam if you meet the eligibility criteria and prepare how you see it best fit for you or follow their guidance.
If you choose the latter, you can download the exam outline, join their free Facebook Study Group and create a Study plan using their resources.
You can purchase their preparation course for $529, a physical book for $79.99, online practice questions, digital flashcards for quick learning, and even a practice exam for added costs.
You decide how much support you need, or you can go and schedule your exam.
If you are a candidate for ACSM membership, you'll take your exam for $299. If not, it costs $399. A re-test is $199; you can take it in person at a Pearson VUE testing location or online in a proctored environment.
https://origympersonaltrainercourses.co.uk/
Origym is another UK-based fitness education company that offers a wide range of courses for people who want to become personal trainers.
You can enroll on individual systems or choose one of the course packages that will give you added qualifications in sports nutrition, exercise referral, and more.
What distinguishes Origym from other companies is that they pride themselves in providing career support and helping you get into interviews with potential employers.
The L3 PT course costs £1,099, and course packages start at £1,399.
The Health and Fitness Institute go further to support your new career.
Yes, you can gain your diploma in personal training, but by studying with THFI, you get access to proprietary content, designed in conjunction with leading gym operators, which is focused on preparing you for a successful career.
Not only that, once qualified, THFI will continue to support the first 12 months of your career with an unparalleled mentoring programme.
THFI are the pioneers and leading experts of practically focused, digital learning, their online personal training course providing the ultimate learning experience.
THFI tutors are leading educational specialists and there to help and support you at every step.
Study Active is a leading gym instructor and personal trainer course provider with excellent customer and participant ratings.
You can choose from different packages depending on what certificates you seek to acquire. You can become a gym instructor, personal trainer, or PT with nutrition qualifications.
There are a variety of packages and levels to choose from, all at different price points ranging from £1,299 to £1,999 for the pro, elite and master packages
Their courses mix online work and blended learning, such as webinars and workshops.
Another option to look into in the UK if you're an aspiring personal trainer is YMCAfit. Transform lives when you work to become a world-class personal trainer through their courses.
They are a leader in face-to-face fitness education if this is your preferred learning approach. They offer flexible payment options, and you can download a pricing guide on their website to pick a course that fits your budget.
Achieve your ambition and leave a legacy if you trust Future Fit with your personal trainer education in the UK.
You can choose a course based on what skills you'd like to learn but also on your budget. For example, the Level 3 Personal Training course will give you everything to start your career.
However, if you'd like to add nutrition and CPD courses off the bat, you can choose their Level 4 Elite or Level 5 Elite with Nutrition specification programs.
All Future Fit PT courses include face-to-face workshops, so check their locations to see where their nearest venue is.
They have 42 workshop locations nationwide, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Portsmouth, Cardiff, Glasgow, and more. Download their pricing guide to find out which package is best for you.
HFE is also a top choice among aspiring personal trainers in the UK. HFE offers world-class in-person and online personal training courses, so you can choose the one that best suits your schedule.
HFE is internationally recognized, so your skills will be appreciated even if you relocate. If you prefer face-to-face education, you can choose from over 30 premium health clubs as your venue nationwide.
HFE guarantees that you'll always be learning from only the best instructors.
If you live in Canada, you can add Canfitpro to your list of education program options.
They provide a range of courses for people who want to work in the fitness or health sector. You can become certified in 4 steps.
First, you'll get access to self-directed learning, then pro-trainer-directed education, after which you can take your theory and practical exams at the end.
You'll be on your way to transforming lives in no time once you go through the blended learning course with Canfitpro.
You'll also be required to complete a CPR course to be fully qualified. You'd need to repeat it annually and collect 4 CECs per year by completing continuing education courses to stay certified.
The Certified Personal Trainers Network (CPTN) in Canada is another excellent choice as you try to become a certified personal trainer.
They consider the art and science of fitness while allowing you to create your study plan.
When enrolling for their CPTN-CPT examination, you'll get detailed instructions on preparing for the online theory exam. Once that's under your belt, you can start preparing for practical assessments.
Once qualified, you can choose from many CPD courses to renew your certification yearly.
There's a long list of courses and specialty paths, including kickboxing and yoga. They even offer business courses for anyone wanting to open their own personal training gym. Of course, you'll also need to hold a current First Aid and CPR certification.
Suppose you've been studying in an accredited post-secondary education institution for at least two years and are considering becoming a CSEP (Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology) accredited CPT.
In that case, you can apply via their website. You can also purchase their study book for the exam and receive support in preparing for your exams as a CSEP candidate.
Canadian Fitness Education Services wants to work with you to help you get certified as a personal trainer and help people make positive changes to their fitness and lifestyle. Prerequisites include a CFES Weight Training Instructor or equivalent qualification.
The course can be completed online or in a classroom setting, so choose the best method that fits your schedule and location. You can also attend conferences, workshops, and seminars online or in person and take the exam when you feel prepared.
Infofit is another provider who can take you from being a fitness enthusiast to becoming a personal trainer in Canada.
They'll allow you to accelerate your learning through creative and innovative techniques and always provide an interactive and fun learning environment where you can thrive.
The personal training certification can be acquired via different routes, including full-time classroom training in Vancouver, British Columbia, on a flexible schedule with personalized instruction, at home at your own pace, and even via fast track in class.
You can indeed choose the path that fits your needs best.
https://fitnesseducationonline.com.au/
Fitness Education Online is a premier online fitness education provider based in Australia, offering a comprehensive range of courses designed for aspiring fitness professionals.
Their offerings include Certificate III and IV in Fitness alongside a diverse array of Continuing Education Credit (CEC) courses.
Topics range from Bootcamp, Kettlebells, and Functional Training to specialized courses in Women's Health, Nutrition, Training Older Adults, Kids, Special Populations, Mobility, Rehabilitation, Body Composition, Programming, and Business.
Renowned for their excellence in online education, Fitness Education Online was awarded the Educator of the Year in 2020 and has been a finalist in 2022 and 2023 at the Australian Fitness Industry Awards.
The provider boasts over 300 five-star reviews on Google, testifying to the quality and effectiveness of their training programs.
Courses at Fitness Education Online are entirely online and self-paced, providing flexibility and convenience for students worldwide.
Upon enrollment, students receive a free CEC course of their choice, enhancing their learning experience.
The institution also facilitates live professional development for current students through monthly live webinars on programming and business topics, as well as monthly Zoom calls that offer practical engagement opportunities, such as sales call role plays.”
http://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/
Women’s Fitness Education is a premier online fitness education provider based in Australia, dedicated to empowering fitness professionals with specialized training in women’s health.
Their offerings include comprehensive courses in Training Pregnant Women, Training Post-Natal Women, Menstrual Cycle Essentials, Pelvic Floor Health, and Training Menopausal Women. These programs cater to the unique fitness needs of women across different life stages.
Renowned for their excellence, Women’s Fitness Education has received accolades for its innovative approach and high-quality content. With numerous five-star reviews, the institution is praised for its evidence-based, practical, and flexible online courses.
Courses are entirely online and self-paced, providing convenience for students globally. Enrolled students benefit from monthly webinars and Zoom sessions for live professional development and practical engagement.
Women’s Fitness Education collaborates with experienced fitness educators and health professionals to ensure scientifically sound and industry-relevant training, making it a trusted name in women’s fitness education.
The Australian Fitness Academy provides an excellent opportunity to fast-track your fitness career.
The company specializes in delivering nationally accredited fitness and personal training qualifications.
They offer flexible study options by either choosing face-to-face or online solutions. They'll also allow flexible payment options (from $50 per week).
Sign up for courses with Clean Health Australia to become a master personal trainer quickly.
The course is online, and you can complete the work from home wherever you live. You won't only access Certificates III and IV in Fitness, but you'll also complete eight additional nutrition and program design certifications and learn from the best in the fitness industry.
All Master Personal Trainer students receive a FREE 6-Month Subscription to the iNutritionPRO Software (Usually $65/month).
Once you complete the exam, you'll be all certified. Clean Health will help you get insured and ready to go.
Start your fitness career with the Australian Institute of Fitness certification. One of their most popular courses is the personal trainer offering.
You can complete it either entirely online or virtually.
You'll be able to get qualified as a personal trainer with the industry's most recognized training provider and turn your love for fitness into a rewarding career. It'll take you roughly five to six months to finish. If you're interested, fill out their contact form or call them.
The Australian Institute of Personal Trainers in Australia wants to support you in kick-starting your fitness and nutrition career.
Their courses are nationally recognized and have many different courses to suit your needs.
There are multiple ways to complete the coursework, either on campus or online. You can pay for your course upfront via VISA/MasterCard or a bank deposit. Alternatively, they offer installment plans that can be paid over several weeks.
You can choose which specific qualification you'd like to complete or enroll in a comprehensive personal training course that includes Certificates III and IV in Fitness and the Group Exercise Leader certificate.
The Australian College of Fitness and Personal Training is the last fitness education company we list for you in Australia.
Their Certificate IV in Fitness course is self-paced, so you can complete it as you wish, and it is delivered via interactive learning material.
You'll also attend online lectures delivered by industry leaders, which are broadcast weekly on essential learning content.
The ACFPT course gives a nationally recognized qualification and supports you via work placement once you acquire your certificate.
It costs $1,490 upfront or $50 per week. You can choose the dual qualification if you want to complete your gym instructor and personal training certificates simultaneously.
You now have all the information, tools, and advice you need to become a certified personal trainer. So why wait any longer to follow your dreams and turn your love for fitness into a way to help others and make money?
If you're also considering opening your online personal training business, we have the tools and resources you need to get started.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in January 2023 and has been updated to give you up-to-date information.
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