Fitness & Flexible Work
How to Become a Personal Trainer
To become a personal trainer, you need to be at least 18, hold a high school diploma, get CPR/AED certified, and pass an accredited certification exam such as NASM, ACE, ACSM, or NSCA. Most people get certified in 3 to 6 months of study. Expect to spend about $500 to $2,000 on the course, exam, and CPR/AED.
- Time to start
- 3–6 months
- Typical cost
- $500–$2,000
- Median pay
- $47,160 per year
- Education
- High school diploma or GED
- License / certification
- No state license in most states; employers require an accredited certification
- Job outlook
- +7% (2025–35), much faster than average
Steps to become a personal trainer
Meet the basic requirements
Major certifying bodies require you to be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or GED. Have a government-issued photo ID ready for exam day. A college degree is not required, though some employers prefer one in exercise science or kinesiology.
Get CPR and AED certified
Take an adult CPR/AED course with a hands-on skills check from a provider such as the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. NASM and ACE both require current CPR/AED to sit for or complete certification. Online-only courses without a skills check are not accepted by ACE.
Choose an NCCA-accredited certification
Pick a certification accredited by the NCCA, since most gyms require it. Common options are NASM-CPT, ACE-CPT, ACSM-CPT, and NSCA-CPT. Compare price, study format, and recertification rules, and watch for frequent package discounts.
Study and pass the exam
Set a study schedule of a few hours a week and use practice tests. The NASM-CPT exam has 120 questions with a 2-hour limit; the ACE exam has 150 questions. Both are proctored and can be taken online or at a test center.
Get hands-on experience
Train friends or family for free, and shadow a trainer at a local gym. Practice assessments, cueing, and program design on real people. Some gyms pair new trainers with experienced ones before they train clients alone.
Get hired or start independently
Apply to commercial gyms, boutique studios, and community centers, which often bring in clients for you. If you plan to train independently, get liability insurance and a simple online booking system. Many trainers start at a gym and go independent after building a client base.
Recertify and specialize
Certifications must be renewed, usually every two years, with continuing education credits and current CPR/AED. Add a specialization such as nutrition coaching, senior fitness, or strength and conditioning to raise your rates.
Find a personal trainer certification program
Pick a certification that is NCCA-accredited and accepted by gyms near you; the cheapest non-accredited certificate can leave you unable to get hired.
- NCCA-accredited online certification (NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA, ISSA)
- Guided study package with practice exams
- College certificate in personal training
- Associate or bachelor's degree in exercise science or kinesiology
- CPR/AED course with hands-on skills check
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How much it costs and how long it takes
| Expense | Low | High | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certification study package and exam | $500 | $2,000 | List prices are often discounted; exam-only options cost less. |
| CPR/AED course | $50 | $120 | |
| Exam retake | $0 | $250 | Only if you fail; some packages include a free retake. |
| Liability insurance | $150 | $400 | Per year, mainly for independent trainers. |
| Recertification and continuing education | $100 | $400 | Per renewal cycle. |
| Specialization courses | $0 | $800 | Optional, such as nutrition coaching. |
| Total | $800 | $3,970 | Timeline: 3–6 months |
Exams and how to prepare
NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT)
120 multiple-choice questions (100 scored) in 2 hours, proctored by PSI online or in person. You need a scaled score of 70 to pass. Requires a high school diploma or GED and current CPR/AED.
How to prepare: Study the NASM textbook and OPT model, then take practice exams. NASM gives 180 days from purchase to take the exam.
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
150 multiple-choice questions (125 scored), proctored online or in person. You need a scaled score of 500 to pass. Requires age 18, a high school diploma, and current CPR/AED with a hands-on skills check.
How to prepare: Focus on the ACE IFT model, client behavior change, and assessments. Use ACE practice tests before booking your exam.
ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and NSCA-CPT
Two other NCCA-accredited personal trainer exams, respected in clinical and strength and conditioning settings.
How to prepare: Check each organization's exam content outline and use their official study materials.
Prepare for your personal trainer exam
Timed practice tests that match your exam's format are the best use of prep money.
- NASM-CPT exam
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer exam
- ACSM-CPT exam
- NSCA-CPT exam
Personal Trainer salary and job outlook
Employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 7% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, with about 68,000 openings each year.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2025 data (fitness trainers and instructors)
Printable PDF
Personal Trainer Career Kit: 90-Day Action Plan
- 90-day action plan with checkboxes
- Documents checklist
- 12 interview questions with tips
- Resume lines, common mistakes, 13-week tracker
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a personal trainer?
Most people get certified in 3 to 6 months of part-time study. Add a day for CPR/AED and a few weeks of hands-on practice. Full-time students can finish faster.
How much does it cost to become a certified personal trainer?
Plan on about $500 to $2,000. Most of that is the certification package and exam; CPR/AED adds roughly $50 to $120. Certifying bodies often run discounts, so compare current prices.
Which personal trainer certification is best?
Choose one that is NCCA-accredited, because most gyms require it. NASM and ACE are the most widely recognized for general training, while ACSM and NSCA are strong for clinical and athletic settings. Ask local gyms which ones they accept.
Do personal trainers need a license?
Most states do not license personal trainers. Instead, employers and insurers require an accredited certification and current CPR/AED. Always check your state and city rules before you open your own business.
Can you become a personal trainer without a degree?
Yes. Major certifications require only a high school diploma or GED. A degree in exercise science or kinesiology can help for clinical, college, or higher-paying roles.
How hard is the personal trainer exam?
It takes real study, especially anatomy, exercise science, and program design. Plan on several hours a week for a few months and take timed practice tests. If you fail, NASM allows a retest after one week the first time.
How much do personal trainers make?
The BLS median for fitness trainers and instructors was $47,160 in May 2025. The top 10% earned more than $83,100. Independent trainers with a full client list often earn more than gym employees, but income varies with hours and location.
Can I become an online personal trainer?
Yes. Many trainers coach clients remotely with apps and video calls. You still need an accredited certification, CPR/AED, and liability insurance that covers online training.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Fitness Trainers and Instructors
- NASM: Certified Personal Trainer Exam Information
- ACE: Personal Trainer Exam Options
- Institute for Credentialing Excellence (NCCA accreditation)
- NSCA: Certified Personal Trainer
Requirements vary by state and employer and can change. Confirm details with the official sources above before you spend money on training.