Training to Become a Personal Trainer

Choosing the YMCA personal training certification means benefitting from high-quality teaching by experienced instructors, a certification that is recognized across Canada, and concrete hands-on learning.

This certification effectively prepares participants for a career in the fitness field, at the YMCA or elsewhere. 

The certification is recognized across Canada.  

• It qualifies you to work as a personal trainer, subject to employer requirements.
• It is usually sufficient to start working as a self-employer personal trainer.
• It gives you an advantage when you apply to work at the YMCA.  

The course includes:

• 34 hours of classes (8 weeks) to become specialized in personal training.
• Prior completion of the Basic Theory Course (30 hours).

The total duration of the certification process typically takes several months.  

The course is offered online or in person. Some parts of the course can be taken online, but in-person attendance is required for some of the practical portions and for the assessments. 

Courses are only offered in real time.

• Classes are not recorded.
• In case of absence, we recommend getting in touch with your instructor.

There is no practical internship with clients but the course includes the analysis of an online training plan.  

The course will teach you key skills:

• How to design personalized workout plans.
• Anatomy and physiology basics.
• How to train clients safely.
• How to assess clients’ fitness and track their progress.
• How to motivate and support different types of clients.

To get your personal training certification, you must complete the following steps:

1. Take and pass the Basic Theory Course (30 hours).
2. Complete the Personal Training Course (34 hours).
3. Pass the theory and practical exams, including:  
   1. the online exam
   2. a video analysis
   3. the design of a training program
   4. a final exam

Once all these steps successfully complete, you will get your FIT personal training certification. 

• You must be 18 years of age or older.
• You must have successfully completed the Basic Theory Course.
• Basic strength-training knowledge (i.e., minimal prior or current experience, overall knowledge of exercises) is considered an asset.  

No prior experience is required. 

Yes.

Once certified, you can:

• Work for the YMCA.
• Work in a gym or sports centre.
• Offer your services as a self-employed trainer.

The certification allows you to do the following:  

• Become a personal trainer  
• Work in fitness  
• Start your own practice  
• Pursue other FIT specializations such as group cardio-strength training, group cardio cycling, functional training for older adults, and aquafitness.