How to Positively Change Lives by Becoming a Personal Trainer
At NPTA (National Personal Training Academy), we believe that becoming a Certified Personal Trainer is more than just a career—it is a life-changing journey where you can transform lives, inspire change, and build a fulfilling profession in the fitness industry.
- Wake up excited to help people get fit, healthy, and confident.
- Enjoy a rewarding lifestyle doing what you love every single day.
- Enter a booming industry projected to reach $434 billion by 2028, with limitless career potential.
If this sounds like the right path for you, here is how you can start your career with NPTA, the Official Canadian Partner of NASM.
How to Become a Personal Trainer
Step 1: Commit to Pursuing Your Passion
The first step to becoming a Certified Personal Trainer is believing you can do it.
- If you have a passion for health and fitness, you already have what it takes.
- You will be making a real impact by helping clients become their best selves.
- With the right education and certification, your dream career is within reach.
That is where NPTA comes in—providing affordable, high-quality fitness education with a real-world approach to set you up for success.
Step 2: Turn Your Dream Job into Reality
Becoming NASM Certified through NPTA is simple, affordable, and achievable. Thousands of trainers across Canada have launched their careers with us.
Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- CPR/AED certification (available online through NPTA)
- A desire to help others through fitness
With NPTA, you will receive top-tier education, expert mentorship, and hands-on learning to make you confident and career-ready.
Step 3: Get Certified in as Little as 4 Weeks
With NPTA’s flexible program, you can earn your certification in just four weeks.
Choose from our industry-leading certification packages, including:
- Career-Ready Training – Gain the knowledge and skills to launch your business.
- Expert Mentorship – Learn from real-world trainers and industry leaders.
- Recognized Certification – Get certified through NPTA, the Official Canadian Partner of NASM, ensuring your certification is globally respected.
Why Should I Choose NASM to Become a Certified Personal Trainer?
As one of the most trusted sources of personal trainer certification worldwide, NASM is a name that stands out to fitness employers.
When you choose NASM through NPTA, you get access to:
- Peer-Reviewed Content from the Brightest Minds in the Industry
- State-of-the-Art Digital Learning Platform for easy access
- Programs Designed for Multiple Learning Styles
- More than 35 Years of Experience Training Fitness Professionals
- More than 1.5 Million Fitness Professionals Trained Worldwide
- Presence in over 100 Countries with NASM Certified Trainers and Coaches
- Over 12,000 Gym and Health Club Partnerships
- Optional NCCA Accreditation
- Career Perks such as Job Guarantee Programs, and More
With NPTA and NASM, you are choosing a globally recognized, employer-preferred certification that will set you apart in the fitness industry.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Certified Personal Trainer in Canada?
The answer depends on your schedule, learning style, and the path you choose—but the process can be surprisingly quick.
At NPTA, most students complete the NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) course in just 4 to 6 weeks with part-time study. Because it’s completely self-paced and online, you can study anytime, anywhere.
Here’s what the timeline looks like:
- The Certified Personal Trainer Course contains 24 chapters.
- We recommend budgeting 2–3 hours per chapter to read, take notes, and review.
- That’s about 6 hours/week, meaning you can complete the CPT course in 4–5 weeks.
You can choose to take courses one after the other or study multiple courses at once depending on your learning style and timeline.
Rule of Thumb: How Long Each Course Takes to Complete
4–6 Weeks — Core Certifications & Advanced Specializations
These courses offer foundational or in-depth education with multiple chapters, quizzes, and case-based learning. Ideal for those building or expanding their career. Includes:
- Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
- Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC)
- Corrective Exercise Specialization (CES)
- Performance Enhancement Specialization (PES)
- Sports Nutrition Coach (CSNC)
- Wellness Coach (CWC)
2–4 Weeks — Focused Specializations
Shorter courses that zero in on specific populations or skills. Perfect for building niche expertise or enhancing your client services. Includes:
- All other specializations (e.g., Stretching & Flexibility Coach, Behavior Change, Women’s Fitness, Senior Fitness, MMA Conditioning, and more)
1 Day — CPR/AED Certification
Fast, essential, and fully online. This is a one-day course you can complete before taking your final CPT exam.
You’ll still have access to all course materials and support for up to 6–12 months, depending on your package.
Can I Complete the Certified Personal Trainer Program While Working Full-Time?
Yes, the NASM Certified Personal Trainer program through NPTA is 100 percent online and self-paced, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Access the study material anytime, anywhere on a computer, phone, or tablet.
- Study at your own pace while balancing work and other commitments.
- Become a Certified Personal Trainer without putting your life on hold.
Why Choose NPTA?
- Expert Training – Learn from an award-winning team dedicated to your success.
- A Rewarding Career – Maximize your earning potential and career growth.
- Canada’s Top Choice – Affordable, world-class education with real-world application.
- Fast and Flexible – Get certified in as little as four weeks and start training clients.
Take the First Step Today
Start your journey toward becoming a Certified Personal Trainer with NPTA and turn your passion into a career that truly makes a difference. See Our Personal Trainer Certifications.