How to Become a Personal Trainer in Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a fitness enthusiast and want to help people reach their fitness goals, you may have considered a career as a personal trainer. But what does it take to become a personal trainer? And where can you start exploring this career path? In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process on how you can become a personal trainer in Canada. 

Step 1: Consider Your Career Options 

The first step in your path to becoming a personal fitness trainer starts with thinking about your career goals. There are many career paths you can explore with a personal training certification. Depending on your career goals, you will want to choose the certification and training method that best aligns with them. Thinking about your goals first can help you narrow down your training and certification options. 

Do you want to work as a fitness trainer at a gym or in your client’s homes? Is your goal to work with kids as a sports coach or physical education instructor? Maybe you want to work with competitive athletes to help them with strength training and conditioning. You may also consider the location you want to work, whether you want to stay in Alberta or work abroad, such as on a cruise ship. While you can always adjust your career goals later on, keeping them in mind at the beginning of the process helps you ensure your studies align with your goals. 

Step 2: Research Personal Trainer Training Programs 

There are many training programs for personal trainers in Canada to consider. Many students look for programs available nearby, while others look to relocate for their studies. You might consider an online personal training certification program or one that provides classes in-person. A blended in-person and online program may be the best of both worlds for you. The length of the program and the cost for training may be factors in how quickly you can become a personal trainer. It’s also important to look at which personal trainer certifications you will be trained for in the training programs you are considering. 

It can help to make a spreadsheet or list of all the programs researched and note the main features for each one. Comparing location of the program, length of study, tuition and fees, certifications and more can help you weigh each program’s pros and cons based on your goals. Once you have this list, you can move on to the next step to decide which certification aligns best with your career goals.

Get pre-approved for the program today.

Step 3: Decide On the Certification You Want to Receive 

While the training program you choose will help you develop the skills and knowledge to become a personal trainer, you will need proper credentials before you start working in your field. In Canada, there are four main personal training credentials — ACE, CSEP-CPT, canfitpro and NSCA-CPT. You can learn about the difference between these personal trainer credentials and what opportunities they best align with to see which is the best fit for you.  

Step 4: Decide On a Personal Trainer Program & Enroll 

Now that you’ve considered your goals and researched your program and certification options, it’s time to narrow down your options and apply. Compare your list of programs and their specific features to see which one aligns best with your career path and budget. 

Take a look at the websites for each school to see what kind of support services they offer for students. Do they help students gain experience and get a job after they graduate? If you need financial assistance, it’s important to research what options they have available. Looking at the program curriculum and what tools the school provides will give you an idea of what you’ll be learning during your studies. After evaluating all the options and finding the right match, the next step is to submit your application to start the enrollment process. 

Step 5: Get Hands-On Personal Training Experience 

Now that you have begun taking classes, it’s important to get as much experience as you can to improve your career outlook upon graduation. Some programs, like MaKami’s Personal Trainer certificate program, not only provide classroom and hands-on training, but they also include real work experience externally through a practicum or internally through MaKami’s in-house student personal training opportunities. This real-life experience can give you an advantage when applying for jobs upon graduation.  If your program doesn’t include a practicum, you can still get your foot in the door by working at a gym or community center in an entry-level role such as in member services or facilities maintenance. 

If your program doesn’t offer this job experience, you can still get experience working in a gym or community center in a role that doesn’t require certification. 

Step 6: Complete School & Take Personal Trainer Certification Exam 

Once you’ve completed your program and graduated, it’s time to take your certification examination. Depending on which credential you were trained for, you can look for a testing location near you to take the exam. Some certifications, including ACE, also offer online testing options. Be sure to look at the prerequisites, testing format, and timing so you are best prepared. The format for each certification varies with some including a written-only exam while others may include both a written exam and physical demonstration of skills. Once you know what to expect, you can schedule your exam and get your certification.

Learn more about the Personal Trainer Certificate Program

Step 7: Land Your First Role As a Now Certified Personal Trainer 

Congratulations! You’ve passed your certification exam and are now ready to begin your career. If you already have some practical experience as a personal trainer or other related positions, such as working at a gym or coaching setting, you have an excellent opportunity to find your first job. Prepare your resume with your experience and training, focusing on areas of expertise and classes that align best with the type of job you’re pursuing. You may find support through your school to help you create a resume, practice interview skills and find available jobs.  

Most personal training graduates start their careers at fitness centers, community centers or local studios. While any experience is valuable when you’re starting out, try to focus on places that align with your long-term goals. 

When you find a good fit, submit your resume and don’t be afraid to follow up after a week if you haven’t heard back to show initiative. Most gyms will require an interview and many will ask for a practical audition where you lead a trainer through a few exercises to show off your style and skills. Since you’ve done the work and have your certification, you’ll be ready to step onto the gym floor with confidence! 

Take The First Step to Becoming a Personal Trainer 

Now that you know how to become a personal fitness trainer, see if MaKami’s 10-month Personal Trainer certification program is the right fit for your career goals. The curriculum prepares students for the American Council on Exercise (ACE) exam, a credential that allows you to work in a variety of roles across Canada and abroad.  

This blended program combines flexible online learning with hands-on training on campus and a 135-hour practicum where you gain real-world experience before you even graduate. Combined with support services that help you with everything from applying for financial aid to landing your first job, you will be prepared to start your new career in less than a year!

Ready to take the next step? Find out if you qualify and get pre-approved for the program today!