Ready to level up your fitness career? Getting certified is the ultimate game-changer. Whether you want to become a top-tier personal trainer, nutrition coach, or yoga teacher, earning the right certification boosts credibility and helps attract more clients.

We’ll break down everything you need to know about the different types of fitness certifications and how to crush the process. Grab your favorite protein drink and keep reading.

Types of Fitness Certifications for Your Business

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Depending on what you love most about fitness, here are five of the top fitness certification types to consider:

Personal trainer certification

A personal trainer certification gives you the skills to create customized workout plans and help clients achieve their fitness goals. Whether you’re training beginners or seasoned athletes, this certification opens doors to one-on-one coaching. And it’s a great thing to include in your personal trainer bio because it lets clients know you’re confident and capable.

If that sounds like your calling, check out GlossGenius’ Personal Trainer software. Once you become a certified personal trainer, we can help you manage clients, schedule training sessions, and handle payments. GlossGenius makes achieving your business goals a breeze.

Strength and conditioning specialist certification

Are you passionate about working with athletes? If so, a strength and conditioning specialist certification might be for you. This option is perfect for people who train sports teams or elite clients in high-performance settings. You learn how to design workout programs that enhance strength, power, and endurance and turn clients into unstoppable powerhouses.

Yoga teacher certification

Nothing keeps you on your toes like a yoga class – literally. With a yoga teacher certification, you have the tools to lead students through practices that promote strength, flexibility, and peace of mind. Whether you’re teaching in a hot yoga studio or giving private lessons, this certification allows you to help others find their flow as you grow your career.

Group fitness coach certification

Love high-energy group settings? A group fitness coach certification prepares you to lead classes like HIIT, spin, or dance aerobics. This is perfect for anyone who thrives on motivating large groups and keeping the good vibes going during a workout.

Nutrition coach certification

A nutrition coach certification teaches you how to guide clients on healthy eating habits that align with their fitness goals. It’s the perfect addition to other certifications, teaching you to create well-rounded plans that help clients maximize their gains. It’s also a great way for personal trainers to boost their income – clients pay more for the added expertise.

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7 Top Fitness Professional Certifications To Consider

Getting any kind of fitness license is a big deal, and you need an accredited training program that sets you up for success. Here are seven of the best fitness certification programs to choose from:

1. ACSM Certified Personal Trainer

Cost: $299 for members, $399 for non-members

Length: Varies based on individual studying and preparation 

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is known for its scientific approach to fitness. Its certified personal trainer program gives you the credibility you need to build up your client base. Plus, once you finish this certification, you can tack on extra specialties through ACSM’s programs for inclusive fitness or youth fitness.

To apply, you need a high school diploma and an adult CPR/AED certification. At the end of the program, you have to pass an exam to prove you know your stuff. Then, once you start your career, you need continuing education to maintain your certification – and to keep up with the latest fitness trends.

2. ISSA Weight Management Certification

Cost: $399, or $33.25 per month for 12 months

Length: 8–10 weeks, based on 1–2 hours of study per day

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Weight Management Certification is an accessible, fully online program. It’s designed for fitness pros who want to help clients achieve and maintain their ideal weight through exercise and nutrition. ISSA also offers other certifications in specialties like powerlifting and bodybuilding.

The best part of this program is that you can study at your own pace. If you’re a busy professional looking to expand your expertise, this may be the option for you.

3. NSCA Performance and Sport Scientist Certification

Cost: $340 for members, $475 for non-members, plus a $25 application fee

Length: Varies based on individual studying and preparation 

If you want to work with athletes, consider a performance and sport scientist certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). This program teaches you how to use data-backed exercise science to train competitive athletes.

To earn this certification, you need a bachelor’s degree in a related field, proven experience in the sports world, and a CPR/AED certification. With such rigorous training and expertise, you’ll help athletes kick butt in no time.

4. ACE Personal Training Certification

Cost: $489.50–$1,729 based on stream of choice

Length: Varies, but ACE reports average times of 3–6 months

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) offers a widely recognized personal training certification that’s perfect for trainers of all levels. It covers everything from program design to client assessments so you’re fully equipped to help clients meet fitness goals.

You don’t need a degree to get started, and you can take the exam online, open-book. It’s a great way to break into the fitness industry quickly and without too much stress. This certification can also help you market your services – put it on your personal trainer website and strut your stuff.

5. Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher

Cost: $115, plus $65 annual membership dues

Length: 200 or 500 hours tota

The Yoga Alliance’s Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) program is the gold standard for aspiring yoga instructors. Whether you’re teaching beginners or advanced practitioners, this globally recognized program helps you deepen your practice and share yoga with students everywhere.

The Yoga Alliance offers various levels of certification, starting at 200 hours of training. It also offers specialty yoga teacher training programs, like prenatal yoga and children’s yoga. No matter your goals, this program can help you achieve them.

6. NASM Certified Personal Trainer

Cost: $41–$224 per month, depending on your stream and payment plan of choice

Length: At least 4 weeks

The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified personal trainer program is all about bringing science-baked, cutting-edge training methods to your clients. This cert gives you everything you need to design killer fitness plans that get real, lasting results.

If you want to stand out in gyms and studios everywhere, this program is a great choice. Plus, the NASM has partnerships with over 12,000 health clubs and gyms, which could help you get your foot in the door at your dream location.

7. AFPA Nutrition Certification

Cost: $699–$2,399, varies by program

Length: Varies by program, but most are self-paced

If you want to specialize in nutrition coaching, you can’t go wrong with one of the American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA) nutrition certification programs. Specialize in areas like plant-based nutrition, gut health, and sports nutrition – whatever fuels your passion.

These programs dive deep into nutrition science, giving you the expertise to create personalized meal plans that complement your clients’ fitness goals. They’re perfect for trainers looking to expand their skill sets and make bigger impacts on their clients’ overall wellness.

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3 Tips for Completing Your Fitness Certification

Getting your health and fitness certifications might sound intimidating, but with the right strategy, you can totally crush it. Here are three tips to keep you on track:

1. Choose the right program

Make sure the certification you pick aligns with your career goals. If you’re all about personal training, choose a program that teaches you how to build training plans and coach clients. If nutrition or yoga is your thing, go for one of those specialties. Otherwise, you might waste your time and money on a cert you won’t use.

Once you have a program in mind, do some digging to ensure it’s the perfect fit. Consider factors like the program’s reputation, cost, and continuing education requirements. You want a certification that gets you started and supports your long-term growth.

2. Get real-world experience

Classroom learning is great, but real-world experience is where the magic happens. During your certification journey, try to get hands-on experience in your chosen field. For example, shadow certified trainers or volunteer at a gym. 

This practice helps you put theory into action and builds your confidence. Plus, it helps you build a network of clients and fitness pros, giving you a head start once you’re officially certified.

3. Study for the exam

Many people feel anxious about taking exams – and for good reason. It’s intimidating. But with the right approach, you can tackle your test with confidence. 

Don’t wait until the last minute to start studying. Just like a workout regimen, consistency is key, so create a schedule and stick to it. Break the material down into manageable sections and set aside time each day to focus on different topics.

FAQs

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Still not sure what direction to take? Here are some frequently asked questions.

What’s the Difference Between Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor Certifications?

Personal trainer certifications teach trainers to create personalized fitness plans for individual clients. In contrast, a group fitness instructor certification prepares you to lead dynamic group classes and motivate many people at once. While they may seem similar, these two areas require different skills (with some overlap, of course).

How Much Does a Fitness Certification Cost?

The cost of a fitness certification varies widely, but it typically ranges from around $100 to over $1,000. As you decide on a program, be sure to check for additional costs like study materials and exam fees.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Fitness Certification?

The time it takes to earn a fitness certification depends on the program. Some are self-paced, so you can finish as quickly as you want. You can complete most certifications in three to six months – with consistent effort and dedication.

Grow Your Fitness Training Career With GlossGenius

The right certification can help you shine as a fitness pro. It gives you the expertise you need to transform your clients’ lives and grow your fitness empire so you can thrive like the superstar you are.

With GlossGenius by your side, you don’t have to sweat the small stuff. Just focus on helping clients get their sweat on. Our all-in-one platform offers features like Online Booking, Finances, Marketing, and Loans. 

Discover how GlossGenius can elevate your fitness biz and empower you to achieve your dreams. Start a free trial today.