Personal Training Certificate - Career Certificate

Help others get fit

Apply fitness techniques backed by science

Help others meet their fitness goals. As a personal trainer, you work with clients of all ages and body types to improve overall health, quality of life, physical fitness, and/or athletic performance.

At CLC, you can complete this 27-credit Personal Training certificate in one year. Our coursework is aligned with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Program. After completing this program, we encourage you to take the ACSM-CPT examination. Participate in concentrated coursework to develop your knowledge, skills and experience needed to seek out and maintain employment in the fitness industry.

Take advantage of our ‘ladder’ approach where you can apply all your Personal Training credits toward an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Health and Wellness Promotion degree.

What can you do with a Certificate in Personal Training?

The certificate in personal training prepares you to work as a personal trainer in clinical, commercial, or public sectors of the fitness industry including health/fitness clubs, athletic/sports performance facilities, park districts, specialty studios/clinics, corporate settings, and/or to be self-employed (entrepreneurial).

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Highlights

Stackable Credentials

Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1 Year

Full-time students finish in 1 year.

Career Outlook

Provide individualized physical education instruction or services to children, youth, or adults with exceptional physical needs due to gross motor developmental delays or other impairments.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $50,148
  
  Median
  
  $66,881
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $111,126
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.10
  
  Median
  
  $32.15
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $53.42
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  71.43%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  28.57%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $36,587
  
  Median
  
  $56,197
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $106,534
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $17.59
  
  Median
  
  $27.01
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $51.21
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  59.09%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  31.82%
  
  Doctorate
  
  9.09%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $29,957
  
  Median
  
  $53,578
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $92,738
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $14.40
  
  Median
  
  $25.75
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $44.58
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  14.29%
  
  Certificate
  
  57.14%
  
  Some college
  
  4.76%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  9.52%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  9.52%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  4.76%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $15,883
  
  Median
  
  $33,302
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $91,328
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $7.63
  
  Median
  
  $16.00
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $43.90
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  3.85%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.85%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  42.31%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  50%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
KIN 243	KIN 243 Theory and Practice of Fitness Class Description (Previously PED 243) This course introduces students to basic scientific and applied concepts of fitness as well as provides regularly scheduled opportunities to develop their health and functional fitness capacities.	2
HWP 257	HWP 257 Health and Wellness Practicum I Class Description This course will introduce students to the process of structured field observation. Opportunities will focus on careers in health and wellness promotion. Regular contact time with an instructor will also be provided.	1
HWP 260	HWP 260 Sport and Exercise Nutrition Class Description This course will introduce students to the relationship between fundamental nutrition principles and sport and exercise science. The efficacy of performance-based dietary supplements and related ethical issues will also be explored.	3
KIN 270	KIN 270 Biomechanics and Kinesiology Class Description (Previously PED 270) This course will introduce students to the science of musculoskeletal human movement. Fundamental biomechanical principles and functional movement capabilities of each major joint will be examined.	3
KIN 271	KIN 271 Exercise Physiology Class Description (Previously PED 271)This course will explore the study of human function as it relates to responses and adaptations resulting from physical activity and exercise. Systemic interactions and cellular changes during and after activity will be examined.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	KIN 243
Course Title	KIN 243 Theory and Practice of Fitness Class Description (Previously PED 243) This course introduces students to basic scientific and applied concepts of fitness as well as provides regularly scheduled opportunities to develop their health and functional fitness capacities.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	HWP 257
Course Title	HWP 257 Health and Wellness Practicum I Class Description This course will introduce students to the process of structured field observation. Opportunities will focus on careers in health and wellness promotion. Regular contact time with an instructor will also be provided.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	HWP 260
Course Title	HWP 260 Sport and Exercise Nutrition Class Description This course will introduce students to the relationship between fundamental nutrition principles and sport and exercise science. The efficacy of performance-based dietary supplements and related ethical issues will also be explored.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	KIN 270
Course Title	KIN 270 Biomechanics and Kinesiology Class Description (Previously PED 270) This course will introduce students to the science of musculoskeletal human movement. Fundamental biomechanical principles and functional movement capabilities of each major joint will be examined.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	KIN 271
Course Title	KIN 271 Exercise Physiology Class Description (Previously PED 271)This course will explore the study of human function as it relates to responses and adaptations resulting from physical activity and exercise. Systemic interactions and cellular changes during and after activity will be examined.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
KIN 272	KIN 272 Exercise Testing and Prescription Class Description (Previously PED 272) This course will prepare students to screen, stratify risk, and assess health-related physical fitness. Principles of effective and meaningful exercise program design will also be explored.	3
HWP 292	HWP 292 Group Facilitation for Health and Wellness Professionals Class Description This highly interactive course will provide students with the knowledge and skills required to facilitate health and wellness services for groups. Emphasis will be placed on the delivery of health and wellness coaching, health education, wellness program implementation, and fitness services. Attention will be given to synchronous in-person and remote delivery methods. General topics include health and wellness specific group dynamics, session structure, participant management, smart goal setting, and encouraging engagement.	1
HWP 295	HWP 295 Professional Essentials for Health and Wellness Practitioners Class Description The rapidly growing field of preventive health and wellness has resulted in the creation of numerous career and professional opportunities. These include health and wellness coaching, personal and group fitness training, community health education, and health promotion programming. This course goes beyond the required traditional knowledge and skills and focuses on industry-specific professional essentials including; business acumen, interpersonal communication, and ethics and legal considerations.	2
KIN 228	KIN 228 First Aid/CPR Class Description (Previously PED 228) This course is designed to prepare citizen responders with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to emergency and first-aid situations. First aid, CPR, and AED for adults, children, and infants are included in this course. Students will be eligible to take national certification exams upon successful completion of each respective content area.	3
HWP 240	HWP 240 Contemporary Health Issues Class Description This course is a survey of issues related to holistic health as they pertain to personal growth and quality of life. Emphasis is placed upon behavioral changes and strategies for lifetime wellness.	3
HWP 258	HWP 258 Health and Wellness Practicum II Class Description This course will introduce students to supervised competency- based practice in health and wellness. This on-the-job training in the greater Lake County area provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate acquired skills and knowledge and to continue to develop as a professional. Included will be group seminar sessions with other students and regular meetings with the CLC instructor/ supervisor.	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	KIN 272
Course Title	KIN 272 Exercise Testing and Prescription Class Description (Previously PED 272) This course will prepare students to screen, stratify risk, and assess health-related physical fitness. Principles of effective and meaningful exercise program design will also be explored.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HWP 292
Course Title	HWP 292 Group Facilitation for Health and Wellness Professionals Class Description This highly interactive course will provide students with the knowledge and skills required to facilitate health and wellness services for groups. Emphasis will be placed on the delivery of health and wellness coaching, health education, wellness program implementation, and fitness services. Attention will be given to synchronous in-person and remote delivery methods. General topics include health and wellness specific group dynamics, session structure, participant management, smart goal setting, and encouraging engagement.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	HWP 295
Course Title	HWP 295 Professional Essentials for Health and Wellness Practitioners Class Description The rapidly growing field of preventive health and wellness has resulted in the creation of numerous career and professional opportunities. These include health and wellness coaching, personal and group fitness training, community health education, and health promotion programming. This course goes beyond the required traditional knowledge and skills and focuses on industry-specific professional essentials including; business acumen, interpersonal communication, and ethics and legal considerations.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	KIN 228
Course Title	KIN 228 First Aid/CPR Class Description (Previously PED 228) This course is designed to prepare citizen responders with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to emergency and first-aid situations. First aid, CPR, and AED for adults, children, and infants are included in this course. Students will be eligible to take national certification exams upon successful completion of each respective content area.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HWP 240
Course Title	HWP 240 Contemporary Health Issues Class Description This course is a survey of issues related to holistic health as they pertain to personal growth and quality of life. Emphasis is placed upon behavioral changes and strategies for lifetime wellness.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HWP 258
Course Title	HWP 258 Health and Wellness Practicum II Class Description This course will introduce students to supervised competency- based practice in health and wellness. This on-the-job training in the greater Lake County area provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate acquired skills and knowledge and to continue to develop as a professional. Included will be group seminar sessions with other students and regular meetings with the CLC instructor/ supervisor.
Credits	1

Total Credit Hours

27

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Health and Wellness Promotion at CLC

Get the bigger picture

This certificate is just one possible way to study health and wellness promotion. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Health and Wellness Promotion Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

You benefit from an excellent education at an affordable price combined with generous financial aid opportunities. Enjoy small class sizes while building meaningful relationships with your classmates and instructors. You have access to a variety of campus resources—like career services, counseling, fitness facilities and more.
Through this program, you will learn how to:
- lead one-on-one and small group personal training sessions
- apply evidence-based fitness practices with clients
- assess health and fitness levels
- design exercise programs
- discuss sport and exercise nutrition concepts with your clients
- apply business and communication skills to your career
You will engage in real-life hands-on practical opportunities both in your classes, in the Center for Health and Wellness Promotion, and through community outreach.
The skills you need to be successful for the personal training certificate are: 
- critical thinking 
- problem-solving 
- active listening 
- empathy 
- resiliency
- encouraging lifelong physical activity behaviors
Yes—well, most of them.
Attend class in the way that works best for your goals:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real-time. Take classes taught live via Zoom
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete course work without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in-person with faculty and peers
You are prepared to take the following certification exams:
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Personal Trainer Certification
- National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) Personal Trainer Certification
Students earn their American Heart Association Basic Life Support (AHA – BLS) credential that is embedded in KIN 228.
When you graduate from one of our Health and Wellness Promotion programs and earn your industry credential (certificate or licensure), you can apply for a residency through our Center for Health and Wellness Promotion. If selected, you will have a full year with the college’s support to build your professional practice.
This program prepares you to take the Illinois professional licensure exam. When you pass the exam, you can work as a personal trainer in the state of Illinois.

You may be able to work elsewhere with this certificate.

View professional licensure disclosures

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Personal Training

Help others get fit

Apply fitness techniques backed by science

What can you do with a Certificate in Personal Training?

Highlights

Stackable Credentials

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Adapted Physical Education Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Exercise Physiologists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 14 Credits

Semester 2 13 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Health and Wellness Promotion at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

Why study Personal Training at CLC?

What skills will I learn in this program?

What are some skills I need to be successful in this program?

Can I take my classes online?

What exams will I qualify for after I complete the program?

What credentials can I earn while taking classes in the certificate program?

What is the Health and Wellness Residency Program?

Where can I work as a personal trainer?

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

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