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Personal Trainer Certification
Requirements May Be Changing
Legislation May Be Changing Personal Training Certification Requirements
Requirements May Be Changing
Legislation May Be Changing Personal Training Certification Requirements
Personal Training Certification | Personal Trainer School and Career Guide
| | Personal training is a calling. More than a job, it is a responsibility—a chance to help people improve their lives dramatically, using the safest, healthiest methods for each individual client. The demand for qualified personal trainers remains strong as the country continues to place greater focus on health and fitness across all age groups. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a 27 percent increase in employment for personal trainers over the 2006 to 2016 time period. |
Developing Regulations for Personal Training
According to the IDEA Health and Fitness Association, the personal training industry strives to meet responsible, self-regulated standards. But government regulations do not currently exist for the profession, and MSN.com reports that this means some trainers can get hired without personal trainer certification and without having relevant education or experience.
To address this situation, both Washington, D.C., and New Jersey have recently drafted legislation that would require personal trainers to meet higher educational standards and operate within an established scope of practice. If this legislation passes, other states may soon follow suit; Maryland and Georgia are already considering similar legislation.
Building Solid Personal Trainer Credentials
Many highly respected personal training certification programs require you to be 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent to become eligible. However, with new regulations on the horizon, earning your degree and attaining personal trainer certification will serve as your best route for meeting the new stricter standards for competency and experience.
Depending on your interests and personal training goals, you can earn your 2-year associate's or 4-year bachelor's degree in health and fitness, exercise science, physical education or a related field. In addition to helping you meet proposed new standards of practice, a bachelor's degree increases your chances for advancing to management positions, according to the BLS.
After earning your degree, you can obtain personal training certification through a number of reputable bodies, such as the following organizations:
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- American Fitness Training of Athletics (AFTA)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
For details about the specific requirements for these and other personal training certification programs, refer to the Personal Trainer Certification Overview.
Strengthening Your Personal Training Career Opportunities
While debate continues to surround the issue, stricter regulations for personal trainer certification and education translate to opportunity. If you start your career with the right degree and personal training certification, you will strengthen your chances for attaining the best job opportunities and enjoying the exceptional career growth the field promises.
Sources:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009
- IDEA Health & Fitness Association, 2008
- MSN: Health & Fitness, 2009
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