Thinking about working as a personal trainer? First, you must find out what qualifications you need to become a personal trainer. Personal training certifications in Canada ensure that fitness experts have formal education and proper training to guarantee professionalism and safety. While not be mandatory, you should view these certifications as an investment for future success. Let's discover all of them below!

Essential Certifications for Personal Trainers in Canada

  • CANFITPRO πŸ‹οΈβ€β™‚οΈ
  • CFES πŸ“š
  • CSEP-CPT 🧬
  • CPTN-CPT πŸ†
  • INFOFIT πŸ’ͺ
Two men teaming up and weight training.
"Personal training certifications can be a good way to start off right." Source: Victor Freitas, Unsplash
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Alexander
5
5 (11 reviews)
Alexander
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Becah
5
5 (10 reviews)
Becah
$60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Meaghan
5
5 (12 reviews)
Meaghan
$45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Issree
5
5 (6 reviews)
Issree
$45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Jess
5
5 (7 reviews)
Jess
$40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Sam
5
5 (10 reviews)
Sam
$45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Sanjana
5
5 (9 reviews)
Sanjana
$30
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Muhaimin
5
5 (5 reviews)
Muhaimin
$75
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
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1. Canfitpro πŸ‹οΈβ€β™‚οΈ

Canadian Fitness Professionals (Canfitpro) is one of Canada's leading fitness education and certification organizations. Specifically, the organization provides the Personal Training Specialist (PTS) course, aimed at fitness pros who want to acquire the fundamentals of physical training, sports nutrition, health, fitness, and wellness.

Canfitpro Certifications

Canfitpro offers various certifications, including:

  • Personal Training Specialist
  • Fitness Instructor Specialist
  • CPR & AED courses (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillators)
  • Healthy Eating and Weight Loss Coach

Get Certified

To become certified, we recommend choosing the type of certification you want. Then, learn about the requirements, access the preparation resources on their website, and prepare to register for and pass the theory, practical, and CPR exams.

Requirements

The specific requirements for each Canfitpro certification may vary. However, some general requirements are:

Educational requirements: Applicants need a High school diploma or equivalent and basic first aid and CPR certification.
Experience requirements: Some certifications may require a certain number of hours of proven fitness experience, such as working in a gym or expertise in nutrition, exercise physiology, and injury prevention.
Other requirements: The Completion of the Canfitpro certification course and to pass the exam.

We recommend you check the specific certification requirements on the Canfitpro website to ensure you meet the necessary criteria.

Membership benefits

Canfitpro members enjoy various benefits, such as access to training and educational resources, travel, insurance coverage, and the opportunity to network with over 22,000 fitness experts.

National and International recognition

Canfitpro certifications are recognized across Canada and internationally, as the EuropeActive Professional Standards Committee accredits them.

2. CFES πŸ“š

Canadian Fitness Education Services (CFES) is a Canadian organization dedicated to professional fitness education and certification. The CFES offers a Personal Trainer Certification Course, providing the proper credentials and training for fitness experts to conduct fitness assessments and prevent injury. The CFES fitness modules are designed for students who wish to become fitness, bodybuilding, and aquafit coaches.

CFES Certifications

CFES offers several recognized fitness certifications, such as:

  • Fitness Knowledge Course
  • Fitness Knowledge Homestudy
  • Group Fitness Instructor Certification Course (GFI)
  • Personal Trainer Certification Course (PT)
  • Aquafit Instructor Certification Course (AI)
  • Weight Training Instructor Certification Course (WTI)

Get Certified

The process for obtaining a CFES certification generally begins by selecting the certification you wish to get, completing the Fitness Knowledge Course, and the specific training for the certification you are interested in. Most certifications also require you to pass a theoretical and competency assessment to become certified and learn what becoming a personal trainer involves.

Requirements

Specific requirements may vary depending on the certification. However, some of the general requirements are:

Basic Education: Before pursuing a fitness coach or personal trainer certification, you must pass the CFES Fitness Knowledge Course. This one-day course covers anatomy, physiology, training principles and program planning, cardiorespiratory fitness, nutrition, body weight management, and exercise safety.
Experience Requirements: Attend CFES-recognized workshops, seminars, conferences, and Personal Trainer client verification hours.
Theoretical and Competency Assessment: You must pass a theoretical skills assessment and practical evaluation.
CPR and First Aid: Many certifications require a current certification in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and Emergency or Standard First Aid
Other requirements: Submit Certification Application Form and support documents.

Membership benefits

CFES is a recognized organization in the country, and its certifications are widely recognized. With CFES, you can find opportunities in the fitness industry, allowing you to work as a group fitness teacher, personal trainer, or specialist in other fitness fields.

National and International recognition

CFES certifications meet Canadian physical education standards and are valued in gyms, community centers, and other fitness facilities. However, the portability of CFES certifications internationally may depend on the country and local regulations.

Whether you want to become a personal trainer in Montreal or a certified fitness coach in Vancouver, we recommend you to check the possible provincial body regulations.

A woman training bodybuilding with stationary resistance league equipment.
"Don't forget to ask your personal trainer for a free first session." Source: Pixabay
The best Personal Trainer tutors available
Alexander
5
5 (11 reviews)
Alexander
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Becah
5
5 (10 reviews)
Becah
$60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Meaghan
5
5 (12 reviews)
Meaghan
$45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Issree
5
5 (6 reviews)
Issree
$45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Jess
5
5 (7 reviews)
Jess
$40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Sam
5
5 (10 reviews)
Sam
$45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Sanjana
5
5 (9 reviews)
Sanjana
$30
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Muhaimin
5
5 (5 reviews)
Muhaimin
$75
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Alexander
5
5 (11 reviews)
Alexander
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Becah
5
5 (10 reviews)
Becah
$60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Meaghan
5
5 (12 reviews)
Meaghan
$45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Issree
5
5 (6 reviews)
Issree
$45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Jess
5
5 (7 reviews)
Jess
$40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Sam
5
5 (10 reviews)
Sam
$45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Sanjana
5
5 (9 reviews)
Sanjana
$30
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Muhaimin
5
5 (5 reviews)
Muhaimin
$75
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson is free!
Let's go

3. CSEP-CPT 🧬

The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) is a leading research and training organization in exercise physiology, physical activity, and health. It set scientific and professional standards and created the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines, which are widely used as a reference in health promotion.

CSEP Certifications

CSEP offers two main recognized certifications that allow you to work with both healthy individuals and patients with more complex health conditions:

  • CSEP Certified Personal Trainer (CSEP-CPT)
  • CSEP Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CSEP-CEP)

To become a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), you must get the CSEP-CPT certification to provide exercise prescriptions. The CSEP-CPT is the most recognized certification for becoming a personal trainer in Canada.

Get Certified

To obtain a CSEP certification, you will need a college degree in a field related to exercise, health, or sports science. In addition, the CSEP recommends that you complete a certification preparation course and pass a written and practical exam.

Requirements

Requirements may vary depending on whether you are seeking CSEP-CPT or CSEP-CEP certification.

Academic Requirements: You must hold a bachelor's degree (4 years) in kinesiology, exercise science, or a related field.
Professional Experience: Demonstrate a minimum of 100 hours of practical experience in a supervised clinical or healthcare setting.
Theoretical Exam: Pass a written exam covering knowledge in exercise physiology, clinical assessment, and exercise prescription.
Competency Assessment: Perform a practical patient assessment, rehabilitation, and disease management.
Advanced CPR and First Aid Certification: Maintain a current certification in advanced CPR.

Membership benefits

CSEP is a recognized organization that maintains high-quality standards in the fitness industry. This certification could be ideal for working in clinical and rehabilitation settings. In addition, you can join networks of highly qualified specialists and even pursue continuing education.

National and International recognition

CSEP certifications are highly respected and recognized in Canada, both in the fitness industry and public health and rehabilitation sector, no matter if you are a personal trainer in Calgary or living in Quebec.

Although CSEP is predominantly known domestically, international recognition may vary depending on local regulations.

4. CPTN-CPT πŸ†

The Certified Professional Trainers Network (CPTN) is a Canadian organization that provides certification, education, and training for personal trainers and other fitness experts. Founded in 1993, the CPTN's mission is to improve the standards of the fitness industry through education, research, and the promotion of continuing professional development.

CPTN Certifications

CPTN offers several types of certifications designed to prepare fitness specialists to work with clients with different health conditions and environments, such as:

  • CPTN-CPT (Certified Personal Trainer).

In addition, the CPTN also offers other specialized certifications and courses for fitness experts:

  • CPTN Advanced Health & Exercise Specialist (AHES)
  • CPTN Post Rehabilitation Conditioning Specialist (PRCS)
  • CPTN Strength & Conditioning Specialist (SCS)

Get Certified

To obtain the CPTN-CPT certification, you must choose the certification that best fits your professional goals. You can then enroll in a CPTN-CPT exam preparation course, pass the theory exam, and pass the practical assessment to become a certified training coach.

Requirements

Requirements for CPTN-CPT certification include:

Academic Background: A specific college degree is not required for CPTN certifications, but a kinesiology or exercise science background is recommended.
Theoretical and Competency Assessment: You must pass both the written and practical evaluations.
CPR and First Aid Certification: Candidates must have a valid CPR and First Aid certification.

Membership benefits

The CPTN-CPT certification is well-known and respected in Canada and offers several resources and opportunities for continuing career development. Earning the CPTN-CPT certification will make you part of a community of accredited personal trainers and expand your opportunities in the industry.

National and International recognition

The CPTN-CPT certification is widely recognized in Canada by employers in gyms, fitness centers, and the wellness industry in general. For example, you can find excellent certified personal trainers in Winnipeg with a CPTN-CPT certification. Plus, due to its focus on high-quality standards, it is recognized in some international fitness institutions.

A trainer doing weight training exercises with barbells.
"You must pass a theoretical and competency assessment to obtain a certification." Source: Unsplash

5. Infofit πŸ’ͺ

Infofit is one of the leading fitness education institutions in the country. Founded in 1989, it specializes in the training and certification of personal trainers. Infofit has established itself as an organization that offers higher-quality training programs and education.

Infofit Certifications

Infofit offers a variety of programs and certifications, but the most prominent is the Infofit Personal Trainer Certification. Below, you will find other programs:

  • Personal Trainer Certification
  • Group Workout Coach Certification
  • Sports Performance and Fitness Nutrition Certification
  • Aqua Fitness Instructor Certification
  • BCRPA Pilates Teacher Training Course
  • Certified Bodybuilding Specialist
  • Kickboxing Instructor
  • First Aid and CPR
  • Flexibility Injury Prevention Specialist
  • Reiki Energy Certification
  • Strength & Conditioning Certification
  • Yoga Certification
  • Advanced Powerlifting Specialist

Get Certified

To begin obtaining the Infofit Personal Trainer Certification, we recommend you enroll and complete the required courses, which are either on-site or online personal training courses. You will also be required to complete a practical skills component and perform hands-on practice in supervised settings. Afterward, you must pass a theoretical and competency assessment and obtain a certification in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and first aid.

Requirements

To enroll and complete the Infofit Personal Trainer Certification, you must meet the following requirements:

Basic Education: No specific university degree is required, but having basic sports science knowledge and being at least 18 years old is mandatory.
CPR and First Aid Certification: All candidates must have a valid CPR and First Aid certification.
Completion of Courses and Exams: You must complete all course modules and pass the theoretical and practical exams. Infofit offers five different course formats tailored to suit various schedules and budgets.

Membership benefits

Infofit offers personal training certifications and comprehensive training through flexible learning options. In addition, Infofit offers ongoing support to its graduates, including career counseling, access to educational resources, and networking opportunities. For example, through its network of industry contacts, Infofit facilitates internship opportunities for its students in gyms and fitness centers.

National and International recognition

Infofit's certification is widely valued by gyms, fitness centers, and personal trainers in Vancouver, especially in the British Columbia region, where Infofit is based. In addition, its programs are designed to meet international standards in personal trainer training. Therefore, its certification can be recognized in other countries.

Gain Personal Training Experience

Today's Internet offers many opportunities to acquire more excellent skills and competencies, whether to become a certified training coach or continue on the fitness path. If you want to start gaining experience as a personal trainer, find accredited experts to train with, or even get advice on promoting your services through advertising, go to Superprof!

Superprof is a private tutoring platform through which you can connect with hundreds of people and fitness professionals ready to start. Through one-on-one training sessions, you can become the ideal personal training coach and prepare yourself better to join a global network of personal trainers, study and ace any accreditation test and acquire expert help to solve problems.

You can use it to find the best clients, gain experience in personal training sessions, and set your ideal hourly rates and training time. Plus, creating your account is free.

Photograph showing a group of people doing rowing exercises and a coach supervising.
"Through training sessions, you can become the ideal personal training coach." Source: Unsplash

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Vanessa

Hello! I'm a dedicated freelance writer passionate about crafting compelling content. My expertise lies in transforming ideas into words that captivate readers.