Career roadmap
How to Become a Personal Trainer
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a personal trainer, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a personal trainer: (1) get CPR/AED certified, (2) study for a certification, (3) pass the exam, (4) get hired or start training clients, (5) grow. Most people need about 2–6 months for certification. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a personal trainer
Get CPR/AED certified
Required for most certifications.
Study for a certification
Choose an accredited program.
Pass the exam
Earn your certification.
Get hired or start training clients
Gyms, studios or independent.
Grow
Specialize, add certifications or open a studio.
Education and training requirements
A high school diploma is typical. Employers usually require a nationally accredited personal trainer certification plus CPR/AED. Degrees in exercise science help.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training |
| Typical training time | 2–6 months for certification |
Certifications and licenses
- NCCA-accredited personal trainer certification: Such as NASM-CPT, ACE, ACSM-CPT or NSCA-CPT.
- CPR/AED: Required by most employers.
- Group fitness certification: Such as ACE Group Fitness Instructor or AFAA.
- Yoga Alliance RYT-200: Registration for yoga teachers.
Skills to build now
Start with exercise programming, fitness assessment, and exercise technique, and practice motivation and communication. Learning the personal trainer vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Personal Trainer: Train clients.
- Senior Trainer or Specialist: Specialize in strength, seniors or sports.
- Fitness Manager: Lead trainers.
- Studio Owner: Run a fitness business.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Personal Trainer training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
Do personal trainers need certification?
Most employers require an accredited certification.
How long does certification take?
Often two to six months of study.
How long does it take to become a personal trainer?
Most people need about 2–6 months for certification of training. A high school diploma is typical. Employers usually require a nationally accredited personal trainer certification plus CPR/AED. Degrees in exercise science help.
Do you need a degree to be a personal trainer?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 39-9031 (Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.