Personal Trainer Certification

Become a Certified Personal Trainer

Are you interested in embarking on a rewarding and lucrative career path in fitness and wellness? Look no further than our comprehensive personal trainer certification course, where you'll gain the knowledge and skills to become an American Council for Exercise (ACE)-certified personal trainer.

This program can be completed in three to four months, and the exam voucher can be redeemed within six months. You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED certificate.

• Learn the ethics and responsibilities of a personal trainer.
• Discover how to build trust with clients through effective communication.
• Understand how to accommodate clients' specific needs and requests.
• Develop programs that optimize health, fitness, and body composition.

ACE Certification Exam

Our program prepares you for the prestigious ACE Certification Exam by harnessing the power of evidence-based exercise science, embracing ACE's unique behavior change philosophy, and teaching you to empower your clients in leading their fitness journeys. The ACE certification is approved by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

• Attend instructor-led classroom lessons.
• Participate in skill-building sessions in the gym and weight room.
• Obtain CPR/AED certification before taking the exam.

Career Outlook

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, fitness trainers and instructors make an average of $45,380 annually, with a predicted job growth of 14% over the next decade. In the state of Maryland, fitness trainers and instructors earn an average salary of $68,496.

_{PED-2400 ACE Personal Trainer (3 Credits)}

This course encompasses theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare individuals interested in personal training. Topics include guidelines for instructing safe and effective exercise, client/trainer relationship essentials, and designing and implementing appropriate exercise programs. This course reviews material that prepares individuals to take the ACE examination. Successful completion of this exam is required for certification.

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SYN #09453

Date: 9/17/2024 - 11/26/2024 | Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 2–3:50 p.m.
Location: Novak Field House, Room 114 (Largo campus)

_{WLN-323 ACE Personal Trainer (3.75 CEUs) [Contiuing Education Course]}

This course will give students the skills to identify the anatomy and basic principles of exercise physiology, nutrition as it relates to physical fitness, and safe usage of exercise equipment. Students will design and customize effective exercise programs that help clients improve flexibility, balance, core function, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular endurance and strength. Additionally, this course helps students prepare for the ACE Certification Exam, which is required to become a certified personal trainer. This is a cross-listed course with PED-2400.

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SYN #11612

Date: 9/17/2024 - 11/26/2024 | Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 2–3:50 p.m.
Location: Novak Field House, Room 114 (Largo campus)

Program Resources

You can purchase the textbook at a discounted price ($99.95) and register for the exam ($399).

Exams are completed in established testing sites. Click here to view the testing site locations. You may also choose to take the exam via remote proctoring.

See also

President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition
Healthy Weight information from the CDC
Physical Activity information from the CDC

Contact Information

301-546-5632 | WellnessCulinaryHosp@pgcc.edu