Fitness training certification represents that an individual meets the standards of a certifying fitness organization.http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos296.htm It informs employers and potential clients that the fitness practitioner is competent.http://www.credentialingexcellence.org/GeneralInformation/WhatisCertification/tabid/63/Default.aspx

Most fitness careers require certification.http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos296.htm According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accreditation by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) assures that a fitness organization's program is reliable.http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos296.htm The standards of certification are established by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE), formerly the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA).http://www.credentialingexcellence.org/NCCAAccreditation/AccreditedCertificationPrograms/tabid/120/Default.aspx There are fifteen fitness certifying agencies accredited by the NCCA such as the National Exercise Trainers Association, American College of Sports Medicine, and American Council on Exercise.http://www.credentialingexcellence.org/NCCAAccreditation/AccreditedCertificationPrograms/tabid/120/Default.aspx

Fitness training certification is usually valid for two years.http://www.afpafitness.com/certifications/certification-faqs.php#certificateValid It is maintained with continuing education credits.

Eligible fitness training certification candidates must be at least eighteen years old.http://www.acefitness.org/getcertified/certification_pt.aspx Other requirements may include a high school diploma, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate, and/or automated external defibrillator (AED) certificate.http://www.acefitness.org/getcertified/certification_pt.aspx

The certification exam for personal trainers tests candidate knowledge of various subjects, including risk factor screening, nutrition, and exercise science.http://www.acefitness.org/getcertified/certification_pt.aspx Candidates for the group fitness instructor certification are tested on subjects like anatomy, kinesiology, instructional techniques, and injury prevention.http://www.acefitness.org/getcertified/certification_gfi.aspx

Academy of Applied Personal Training Educationhttp://www.credentialingexcellence.org/NCCAAccreditation/AccreditedCertificationPrograms/tabid/120/Default.aspx

• Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

American College of Sports Medicine

• Certified Personal Trainer
• Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist
• Certified Health/Fitness Specialist
• Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist

American Council on Exercise

• Advanced Health and Fitness Specialist
• Group Fitness Instructor
• Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant
• Personal Trainer

The Cooper Institute

• Personal Trainer Certification

International Fitness Professionals Association

• Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

National Academy of Sports Medicine

• Certified Personal Trainer

National Athletic Trainer's Association Board of Certification

• Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Certification

National Council for Certified Personal Trainers

• Certified Personal Trainer

National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc.

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

National Council on Strength and Fitness

• National Certified Personal Trainer

National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association

• Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

National Exercise Trainers Association

• Certified Personal Trainer
• Certified Group Exercise Instructor

National Federation of Professional Trainers

• Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

• Certified Personal Trainer
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Training and Wellness Certification Commission

• Advanced Certified Personal Trainer