Fitness Trainer: Personal

Program Checklist (opens a new window) |

Program Requirements

Current CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid certifications.

Students should be computer literate and have Internet access.

Recommended: High School Diploma or GED; prior experience and/or interest in fitness and nutrition.

Financial Aid and Payment Options

Continuing Education Opportunity Grant
Partial Payment Option (through Nelnet Business Solutions)
Tuition Waiver for Senior Citizens and Individuals with Disabilities
Employer/Sponsor Paid Tuition
Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
Local Office of Workforce Development

Length of Training

7 hours per course to complete the class and written exam

Courses are offered at CCBC Catonsville, CCBC Essex, and CCBC Owings Mills.

Application Process

Provisional Entry – Verification of required certifications.

Program Course Sequence

Course Information:

A stringent attendance policy will be enforced.

Students who earn a “C” for completing the course and pass the written exam will receive their certification.

1. Personal Fitness Trainer Certification I: FIT 627

Textbook/Materials:
- Studies in Exercise Science and Personal Fitness Trainer Supplement; $44 for both
- Both study guides must be purchased and read prior to the start of class

2. Personal Fitness Trainer Certification II: FIT 745

Textbook/Materials:
- Advanced Personal Fitness Training by Joe Cannon; $29
- This study guide must be purchased and read prior to the start of class

Program Costs

Tuition/Fees: $268 (Tuition-$1064/Fees-$0-$268)
Textbook/Materials: $73

Contact Information

Coordinator: LaVerne Robertson lrobertson@ccbcmd.edu 443-840-1253 Essex, BESS 124

Director: Michelle McCallum mmccallum@ccbcmd.edu 443-840-1925 Essex, BESS 117

Program Description

Personal Fitness Trainers coach or instruct groups or individuals in exercise activities. They demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain corrective measures necessary to improve participant’s skills. They work in athletic centers, gyms, senior centers, recreation centers and private clients’ homes.

Skills for Success:

Previous work-related skill, knowledge or experience in health and fitness is required for fitness trainer occupations. Employees in these positions usually need one or two years of training that involve both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced personal trainers or fitness instructors.

Detail-oriented; dependability; self-control; ability to follow safety rules; ability to follow directions; cooperation; integrity; persistence; manual dexterity; mechanical aptitude; mathematical aptitude; ability to stand for long periods of time; ability to lift 35 pounds; excellent communication and customer service skills.

Successful Completion:

CCBC Credential: Students will earn a CCBC Continuing Education Certificate and have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

External Credential: Successful completers will receive a fitness certification from the American Aerobic Association International/International Sports Medicine Association (AAAI/ISMA)

Certifying Organization: American Aerobic Association International/International Sports Medicine Association (AAAI/ISMA) www.aaai-ismafitness.com

Career Opportunities:

Train to work in entry-level skilled positions such as Personal Fitness Trainer, Aerobics Instructor, Fitness Instructor, Group Fitness Instructor, Group Exercise Instructor, Fitness Coordinator, Fitness Director, Fitness Technician, Fitness Trainer and Private Trainer.