The question of whether fitness professional legally need to be certified is a fundamental question, both for those starting out in the industry and for those who’ve been around a while who might be under the impression that industry practice might equate with legality.
Let’s talk briefly about the situation in the following countries: USA, Australia, Canada, UK & Brazil.
USA
There are a number of states where there have been legislative moves to require certification or registration, but at the moment, only the District of Columbia requires registration. Registration as a personal trainer does not mean you need to be certified by any specific professional association or certifying agency. As we have discussed elsewhere, it can be very difficult to obtain insurance without having obtained qualifications which demonstrate your competency, and many of the certifying agencies offer those qualified through them the opportunity to participate in group insurance policies. In addition, if a gym is a member of IHRSA or IDEA, that membership requires that trainers employed or contracted by the gym be certified.
No matter what certification you choose, check to make sure that it is accredited by a reputable third-party agency. Below is a list of accredited and well-known certification organizations:
- American College of Sports Medicine – (Accredited by NCCA)
- American Council on Exercise – (Accredited by NCCA)
- American Fitness Professionals and Associates – (Accredited by Vital Research)
- International Fitness Professionals Association – (Accredited by NCCA)
- International Sports Sciences Association – (Accredited by DEAC)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine – (Accredited by NCCA)
- National Strength & Conditioning Association
- PTA Global
- National Federation of Professional Trainers – (Accredited by NCCA)
- National Council on Strength and Fitness – (Accredited by NCCA)
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- Certified Physical Preparation Specialist (CPPS)
- Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC)
- Crossfit Certification
- TRX Courses
- Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM)
- Fitness and Exercise Therapy Certification (ISSA)
- Youth Fitness Specialist (IYCA)
- Senior Fitness Certification (ISSA)
- Golf Fitness Certification (TPI)
- Level 1 - Certificate III in Fitness,
- Level 2 - Certificate IV in Fitness
- Level 3 - Diploma of Fitness.