What certifications do I need to work in the fitness industry?

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To become certified in the fitness industry, you need to pass certain tests and complete any required courses and hands-on practice. You can work in many areas within the fitness industry, and each area has its own certification standards. For example, to become a fitness leader, you may need to do a few weekend workshops. To work as a personal trainer or fitness appraiser, you often need a post-secondary degree or diploma and certification from an approved agency.

Here are some things to consider:

• You also need to certify in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and sometimes first aid for most jobs in the fitness industry. You will need to renew these every year.
• You may need different certificates for different activities (e.g., personal trainer, water safety instructor, yoga instructor, etc.).

There are many types of certification and hundreds of certifying bodies across North America.

Choosing a certification agency
Here are some questions to ask before choosing an agency.

1. What type of certification do you need?

• Check at places where you want to work to see what certifications you need to work there. Then look for an agency that offers the kinds of certifications you need.

2. What is the program like?

• Prerequisites - ask what you need to be certified. Certifying agencies set their own standards for the type of education and experience required.
• Exams - find out about the exams. Most certifying agencies have written tests and practical exams.

3. What is the certifying agency's background?

• History - find out how long the agency has been around and how many members it has. You want to be sure that your future employer will recognize the certification.
• Where the certification is recognized - find out if it is valid in more than one province, territory or country.
• Instructor's background - find out if your instructor is a certified trainer and where he or she trained. Many certifying agencies train their own instructors so that they have the needed fitness education and experience.

4. What is the certification and re-certification process?

• Access - find out how flexible the program is, how long it is and where courses and exams are held. You may be able to buy the course manual, read it when you can and write the exam(s) somewhere close by. Or, you may have to attend courses in order to write the exam(s). Courses can take anywhere from a few hours to hundreds of hours to complete. The courses may also be out of town. Courses may be offered only at certain times of the year and may be cancelled if there aren't enough registrants.
• Re-certification - find out how to keep up your fitness certification (and how much it costs). Some agencies need you to upgrade your skills by taking classes or attending conferences each year. Others require you to re-take exams every few years.
• Costs - find out about all the costs of certification, including fees for courses, materials, certification, membership, insurance and re-certification.
• Insurance - find out whether certification includes insurance and how much coverage you will get. If insurance is not included, find out if the certifying agency offers it and how much it will cost per year. Many fitness practitioners work for themselves and need liability insurance.
• Continuing education - ask the certifying agency what resources (conferences, workshops, on-line learning, etc.) they offer for your future learning needs.

Stay within the limits of your certification
Remember, being certified in one area does not mean you are certified for all types of activities in the fitness industry.

Additional resources
Some examples of Canadian and international organizations offering fitness certification programs include:

• Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) (Web page has links to provincial offices)
• American College of Sports Medicine U.S. and also recognized in Canada)
• YMCA/YWCA in some provinces (check with your local YMCA/YWCA office)

Other examples of specialized certification courses include:

• Seniors fitness instructors' course - Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging
• Leadership programs - Canadian Red Cross

References

• Fitness Trainer Editors. Certification & training in Canada.
• Fitness Trainer Canada. December 2003 / January 2004: 10, 18-39.

Production of this material has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.