Personal Fitness Trainer

Certificate Program

The California State University, East Bay Personal Fitness Trainer certificate program is a collaboration between CSU East Bay, and the College-University Partners NetworkT, industry experts, internship affiliates, a board of advisors, and national organizations.

Content and curriculum within each course in the program is designed to present the student with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to implement a unique medically-based fitness model for their future or current clients. Students will learn how to apply their client's health history, goals, and abilities integrating exercise science curriculum and practical training techniques into a systematic model that teaches students to progress their clients through different training levels and phases.

The program is offered in partnership with the American Council on Exercise® (ACE) and IDEA Health & Fitness Association. ACE provides graduating certificate students a preferred discount on the ACE Personal Training Certification Exam and study materials. IDEA has provided content/curriculum in the program; in addition, students receive a complimentary 6-month membership to the digital edition of IDEA Fitness Journal. In addition, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has approved the Certificate in Personal Training program for 150 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEUs), the Advanced Certificate program for 90 CPEUs, and the Optional Field Internship Course for 60 CPEUs for both Registered Dietitian (RDs) and Dietetic Technician-Registered (DTRs).

The program's online-only format makes it convenient for anyone in the world, not just those who live or work in the San Francisco East Bay Area. To earn the certificate students are required to complete all five core courses. They may also elect to take the optional field internship course. The five core courses plus the optional field internship are offered in a three-module format; each module consists of two courses that are offered simultaneously.

Program Objective

• To supply essential educational pathways and career opportunities to those seeking to start a career in the emerging fitness/health industry
• Provides advanced education for current professional fitness trainers
• Preparation for a full or part-time personal trainer/fitness instructor

Who Should Attend

• Individuals seeking to start a career in the emerging fitness/health industry
• Professionals who desire advanced education, and for allied health and medical professionals from all fields seeking to broaden their careers to become full or part-time personal trainers/fitness instructors.

Program Highlights