Become a Personal Trainer in Idaho - ID

In 2006, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that there were 235,000 personal trainers in the US. The field is expected to grow much faster than normal, adding 107,000 additional employees by 2016. In Idaho, there is an expected increase of 19% in the number of people working in the field. Most employers are looking for someone with significant on-the-job training or at least an associate’s degree. A review of job openings indicates that employers typically want either a national certification or a bachelor’s degree or higher in a fitness related field.

In general, Idaho has a very outdoors-oriented population, with snow sports, whitewater rafting, kayaking and boasting a ski resort adjacent to almost every urban area. It has numerous lakes, mountain ranges and deep canyons, all of which lure that part of the population that loves the outdoors. This also means a population that must stay in fairly good physical condition to withstand the rigors of the outdoors.   In Idaho, personal trainer certification is the first step to a fun and personally rewarding career.

http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/39-9031.00
http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?
http://www.indeed.com/

Steps to Become a Personal Trainer in Idaho

To become a certified personal trainer in Idaho, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid CPR certification and pass a national certification exam.  You’ll be eligible to take a national exam after completing your training through a school offering a recognized program for personal training certification in Idaho.  After becoming certified, you must recertify through continuing education and/or re-testing every two years. To be successful as a personal trainer, you must like working with people and have good people skills, enjoy physical activity, enjoy teaching and developing people, be results oriented and like working independently. You may also need expertise in business if you work as an independent. Most personal trainers work in fitness facilities and health clubs, but some work in hospitals or clients homes.

Continuing Education Requirements/Licensure Renewal for Personal Trainers in Idaho

Recertification with NCSF requires 10 continuing education units (CEU) per two years. This must include one CEU in ethics. CPR certification must also be current at the time of renewal. In lieu of CEUs, you can retake the certification exam.

AFPA requires 16 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) over two years. At least half of the CECs must come from AFPA sponsored courses, with the remaining half coming from approved providers. You must also have a current CPR certification. The renewal fee is $85.

ACE also requires recertification every two years, with completion of 20 hours of coursework or 2.0 CECs and renewal of the CPR certification. The renewal fee ranges from $49 each for four certifications to $99 for one.