Becoming a qualified personal trainer requires in-depth knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and exercise science combined with extensive practical training and testing. This cannot be achieved through weekend certification programs during which students are typically primed for specific questions to which they regurgitate the answers on examination. Although these pseudo professional associations will in advance forward candidates study materials for which they are responsible, there is never sufficient time for hands-on training and testing to ensure candidates are capable of safe and effective exercise programming for the public.

To develop the knowledge, skills and abilities of a qualified trainer, one must undergo formal instruction in exercise science through an accredited university or a vocational school which provides comprehensive education and training taught by degreed exercise physiologists (PhD or EdD). Unfortunately, most vocational schools do not employ appropriately degreed instructor staff. Upon completion of academic instruction coupled with substantial practical training in the areas of health assessment, fitness testing, performance evaluation, program design, cardiovascular, resistive and flexibility exercise as well as client supervision, serious and knowledgeable students will seek certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and/or the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). These are the only truly non-profit, professional associations with credible standards in the fitness industry; NSCA offers the only personal trainer certification in the country that is accredited by both the federally recognized accrediting agency in Washington, D.C., the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and the internationally recognized accrediting agency, International Standardization Organization (ISO).

In the State of Florida, the only vocational school which provides comprehensive academic education and extensive practical training by appropriately degreed instructor personnel is Fitness Institute International. To date, of those Personal Trainer graduates sitting for the ACSM and NSCA certification exams, there has been a 100% pass rate. Of over 22,000 candidates sitting for the NSCA-CPT exam, the two highest scores ever achieved were by Fitness Institute graduates who had no college training in the area of exercise science. If one is seriously interested in ‘First Class’ education and training to become a ‘qualified’ personal trainer, then Fitness Institute would be the vocational school of choice.