If you have been thinking about beginning a new career as a certified personal trainer, you probably have a lot of questions. Before making a commitment and spending money on a certification program, review theses answers to the most popular questions about personal trainer certification:
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Do I need a degree in exercise science to be a certified personal trainer?
Although there are one or two certification providers who require a degree, most do not have an academic prerequisite.
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Am I too old to become a personal trainer?
You can become a personal trainer at any age, and provide valuable services to people who need you. W.I.T.S. trainers range in age from late teens to late seventies. It’s never to late to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
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Do I have to be super fit to become a personal trainer?
Trainers come in all shapes and sizes, and not all have bulging muscles or a defined six-pack. Some of the best trainers have struggled with obesity, disability and health issues. They often have amazing testimonials and find it easy to empathize with their clients. A side bonus of working as a trainer is the opportunity to improve your own fitness.
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How much money do personal trainers make?
The national average according to fitness industry surveys is $29 per hour. Obviously that amount varies by city and state, with some earning higher wages and some lower. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for Certified Personal Trainers and Group Exercise Instructors is $19.15 per hour. For some odd reason, they combined the two jobs into one statistic, even though personal trainers typically make much more. In fact, many trainers who become business owners or independent contractors earn 6-figure incomes!!
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What is the job market like for personal trainers?
To quote the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of Certified Personal Trainers and Group Exercise Instructors is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.” Gyms, studios and individuals are always looking for competent and professional trainers. That shared, most certification programs qualify a trainer with a only a written exam. Inadequate training in part accounts for the 80% turnover rate in some gyms. In other words, in most clubs, if 10 Certified Personal Trainers are hired today, 8 of them will be out of a job in a year. Written-only testing does not prepare most trainers for long term success. You need practical skills training as well.
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Do personal trainer jobs have benefits?
Many employers, especially big box gyms and studio chains, offer a benefits package.
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How long does it take to become a certified personal trainer?
Many certification programs are self-paced, self-study programs that offer no structure, support or deadlines. You simply register to test when you are ready. W.I.T.S. offers live professionally taught courses at colleges and universities nationwide, along with online programs. All our certification options offer interactive support from qualified instructors. Our live classes include 5 weeks of labs and lectures, plus on-site testing, for a total of 6-7 weeks.
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How much does it cost to become certified as a personal trainer?
Certification programs vary in price, but you can expect to get what you pay for. W.I.T.S. offers competitive prices with easy payment options.
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Will I be ready to start working right after getting my personal trainer certification?
If you do a self-study program and pass a written test, you will not necessarily be ready to work, and you will most likely need additional training. W.I.T.S. is the only NCCA Accredited certification with BOTH a hands-on practical skills component and an internship option. Once you are certified, you will able to walk into any job, ready to work.
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Which personal trainer certification is best?
If you are serious about building a successful and sustainable fitness career, don’t cut corners on your certification. Get the support, knowledge and hands-on experience you need to succeed with a fitness certification from W.I.T.S.
Advantages of a W.I.T.S. certification include:
- Fully NCCA accredited: The only practical skills competency exam in the industry, along with our written exam!
- Recognized by employers nation-wide: Graduate who perform!
- Available in colleges, universities and online
- Taught by qualified and experienced industry professionals
- Friendly customer service and support
- Online continuing education at your fingertips
Join the W.I.T.S. family of industry leaders, and build your fitness career on a solid foundation.