Personal Trainer
Earn college credit while completing a personal trainer program at CCD. Completion of the personal trainer program will prepare participants for a career in health, wellness, and fitness.
Students will use the knowledge gained in the program to educate a variety of diverse individuals and their communities on fitness and healthy behaviors.
In this certificate program, students will learn about the essentials of personal fitness training and foundational knowledge in nutrition and wellness. The personal trainer certificate prepares students with foundational skills to enter entry-level positions in areas around health and wellness and for those students interested in becoming a personal trainer.
CCD is a proud partner of the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Students who complete the certificate program are eligible to sit for the NASM-certified personal trainer (CPT) exam.
After successful completion of the three required courses, CCD students are eligible to take the NASM-certified personal trainer (CPT) exam if the additional requirements are met.
- Students will need to be 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Complete a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course that includes automated external defibrillator (AED) training.
- Note: All CPR courses must include a live skills check. Online-only courses cannot be accepted. Exam candidates in the U.S. and Canada must also have AED training included in their CPR course.
- Students can be eligible to take the NASM-CPT exam to become a Certified Personal Trainer
- All courses are stackable into the AS in Health and Exercise Science degree pathway that transfers to MSU Denver, where students can finish their BS degree in Exercise Science.
- Direct to work
- Much faster than average occupational growth in the field of fitness trainers (15%) and (11%) growth in the field of exercise physiology.
Academic support is provided through CCD's Excel Zone, which helps students succeed by offering a variety of learning opportunities. We are located on campus on the 4th floor of the Confluence building.
Students who complete the certificate program are eligible to sit for the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified personal trainer (CPT) exam.
CCD Online offers fully online certificates and degrees, and individual online courses to help match your busy schedule. This program offers 75 percent of its degree either online or through a hybrid program.
Your first step is to see if online learning is right for you. Online and hybrid environments offer much more flexibility but require more self-direction and self-discipline. Certain work habits, learning styles and skills contribute to a successful online or hybrid learning experience.
Online Experience Questions?
303.352.6785 | TLC@ccd.edu
Some programs and/or courses may require additional fees in addition to the base tuition and fees. High-cost course fees are used to support the maintenance and development of the course labs and are embedded within your general tuition.
The following courses have additional fees:
HWE 1068
View the 2024-2025 Course Specific Fees
The personal trainer certificate program is not eligible for federal student aid.
The personal trainer certificate program is not eligible for federal student aid as a stand-alone certificate. The Health and Exercise Science AS degree, of which the personal trainer certified is embedded, is financial aid eligible.
Your first step is to connect with the Financial Aid office to discover how you can afford college. Our dedicated staff and support services help you wade through all the legal language and get you past the first hurdle to completing your educational goals.
In addition, CCD has $1,000,000 available in scholarships. Learn More
There are even special scholarships available for short certificates, like our certificate in food, wellness & nutrition. Learn more about our short certificate scholarship program.
Work-based and internship learning opportunities are available for students thanks to our partnership with the Denver YMCA and other local employers.
Personal trainer certificate credits stack into the AS in Health and Exercise Science degree pathway.