Stackable Credentials

Credentials for Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

108 credential programs ladder toward this occupation. Median wage on completion: $46,180 · projected growth +11.9%. See full occupation profile →

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Athletic Administration

Jacksonville State University
AL
Master's Degree

Athletic Administration

Union College (KY)
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Athletic Administration (Graduate Certificate)

Jacksonville State University
AL
Master's Degree

Athletic Coaching

Columbia College (SC)
Bachelor's Degree

B.A. in Health and Physical Education

Marian University (IN)
Bachelor's Degree

B.A. in Health and Physical Education-All Grades

Bethel University (IN)
Bachelor's Degree

B.A. in Physical Education Teaching (K-12)

Anderson University (IN)
Bachelor's Degree

B.A. in Sport Management (Interdisciplinary)

Bethel University (IN)
Bachelor's Degree

B.A. in Sport and Recreational Leadership

Anderson University (IN)
Micro-Credential

Becoming an Ambassador for Water Safety

American Red Cross
Certificate

Certificate in Personal Training

Indiana University-Indianapolis
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Certificate in Sports Coaching and Athletic Performance

University of Alabama in Huntsville
AL
Certification

Certified Group Fitness Instructor (AFAA‑CGFI)

Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
$299 cost
Design, choreograph and lead a group fitness classConduct training on modalities, including: strength and resistance, HIIT and interval, boot camp, yoga, cycling, and moreUnderstand essentials of exercise and physiologyUnderstand foundations of nutrition and healthy eatingAdapt training to special populations, like pregnant and senior participantsDemonstrate business skills and professional responsibilities
Certification

Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS)

National Strength and Conditioning Association
$25 cost
Conduct needs analyses to inform performance training strategiesDesign tailored training interventions and context‑specific adaptations to optimize performance and resilienceMonitor acute and chronic training responses to evaluate progress and guide evidence‑based adjustmentsApply scientific processes to develop recommendations grounded in sport science theory and dataCollaborate within multidisciplinary performance teams to enhance outcomes through integrated communication and education
Certification

Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT)

National Academy of Sports Medicine
$999 cost
Coach ethically within professional personal training contextsBuild rapport and apply behavior change strategies to support lasting client successUnderstand movement, body systems, and nutrition concepts to coach with precisionApply the OPT Model to coach exercise technique and design inclusive, goal‑driven training programs
Certification

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

National Strength and Conditioning Association
$340 cost
Apply exercise science knowledge to drive performance outcomes across diverse athletic and tactical environmentsUse sport psychology and nutrition principles to support athlete and clientCoach exercise technique safely and effectively to reduce injury risk and enhance movement qualityDesign strength and conditioning programs aligned with performance goalsConduct testing and evaluation to monitor progress and inform evidence‑based training decisions
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Coaching the Intercollegiate Scholar Athlete

University of Alabama at Birmingham
AL
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Coaching the Intercollegiate Scholar Athlete Graduate Certificate

University of Alabama at Birmingham
AL
Certification

CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Course

CrossFit
Knowledge of foundational movements, the CrossFit methodology, nutrition, and programmingConduct a group workout classHold a standard of proper mechanics when working at high intensity
Doctoral Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Sport Management

Troy University
AL
Bachelor's Degree

Exercise Science - Fitness & Wellness

Emory & Henry University
Certificate

Fitness Specialist

Glendale Community College (CA)
Associate's Degree

Fitness Specialist

Glendale Community College (CA)
Certificate

Fitness Specialist Certification---Advanced

Southwestern College (CA)
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Graduate Certificate in Sport Management

Troy University
AL
Bachelor's Degree

HEALTH & WELLNESS MANAGEMENT

Athens State University
AL
Bachelor's Degree

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Jacksonville State University
AL
Master's Degree

HEALTH,PHYS EDUC & RECR

Oklahoma State University-Tulsa
Bachelor's Degree

Health & Recreation

Voorhees University
Bachelor's Degree

Health and Fitness

University of North Alabama
AL
Bachelor's Degree

Health and Physical Education

University of West Florida
Master's Degree

Health and Physical Education

University of West Florida
Bachelor's Degree

Health and Physical Education - Physical Activity Studies

Jacksonville State University
AL
Bachelor's Degree

Human Performance

Union College (KY)
Master's Degree

KINESIOLOGY

University of Alabama at Birmingham
AL
Bachelor's Degree

KINESIOLOGY

University of Alabama at Birmingham
AL
Short-Term Certificate

Kinesiology

Chattahoochee Valley Community College
AL
Associate's Degree

Kinesiology

Lemoore College
Bachelor's Degree

Kinesiology Major: Exercise Bioenergetics Concentrations

University of Alabama at Birmingham
$46,948 costAL
Bachelor's Degree

Kinesiology, BS

University of Alabama at Birmingham
AL
Short-Term Certificate

Kinesiology/Exercise Science

Chattahoochee Valley Community College
AL
Micro-Credential

Lifeguard Management – Online Course

American Red Cross
Master's Degree

M.A. in Sports Leadership

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
Master's Degree

Master of Arts in Education: Kinesiology

University of Alabama at Birmingham
AL
Master's Degree

Master of Science in Physical Education

Troy University
AL
Master's Degree

Master of Science in Sport Management

Troy University
AL
Micro-Credential

Orientation to Swim Lessons for Parents and Caregivers

American Red Cross
Bachelor's Degree

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Alabama State University
AL
Bachelor's Degree

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Alabama A&M University
Bachelor's Degree

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Athens State University
AL
Master's Degree

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Jacksonville State University
AL
Bachelor's Degree

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS STUDIES

Bethany College (WV)
Certification

Personal Fitness Trainer Certification

Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
$499 cost
Apply exercise physiology concepts to human body movement in personal training contextsImplement behavior modification techniques in client communication contextsConduct fitness screening and health assessments for injury-prevention planningApply nutrition and weight-management basics in personal training settingsIntegrate scientific principles from current fitness research into training practice
Short-Term Certificate

Physical Education

Southern Union State Community College
AL
Bachelor's Degree

Physical Education

University of West Alabama
AL
Master's Degree

Physical Education

University of West Alabama
AL
Education Specialist Degree

Physical Education

University of West Alabama
AL
Bachelor's Degree

Physical Education - General

Emory & Henry University
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Physical Education - Nutrition

Jacksonville State University
AL
Bachelor's Degree

Physical Education K-12

Anderson University (SC)
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