Education · 1 of 5

The path

Short and cheap. The hard part is not the exam, it is finding clients.

1. 1

   High school

   Grade 12

   Any diploma works. Most certifying bodies require you to be 18 with a high school diploma or the equivalent.

2. 2

   CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) certification

   One day

   Every certifying body requires a current card with a live, in person skills check. Online-only cards are usually rejected.

3. 3

   Study for an accredited certification

   3 to 6 months

   Pick one accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, the body gyms actually check for. Most people study 3 to 6 months part time.

4. 4

   Pass the exam

   One sitting

   A proctored multiple choice exam on anatomy, program design, screening and coaching.

5. 5

   First job and first clients

   1 to 2 years

   Start on a gym floor, shadow senior trainers, then build your own schedule. Expect a year before it is full.