Fitness Trainer—FAQs

Once you finish the program, are you automatically certified?
Completion of the Fitness Trainer Certificate program does not guarantee certification as a personal/fitness trainer or group fitness instructor. Our program is not a certifying organization, nor are we accredited through national organizations. Our program’s mission is to give our students a comprehensive, current, academic background as well as hands-on experience in group and individual fitness training. Students who have completed the program have scored well in national tests.

Are the courses that I take within the Fitness Trainer Program transferable to a four-year school?
If you are interested in obtaining a bachelors degree, Moraine Valley has an articulation agreement with Chicago State University. This agreement allows our students to transfer up to 66 credits hours into Chicago State University's bachelors degree in Recreation with a major in Fitness Management. If you are considering transferring to any other four-year college or university to obtain a bachelors degree using courses from this program, make an appointment with an academic advisor to review your options at (708) 974-5721.

Is Financial Aid available?
Financial aid is available on an individual basis. Please refer to the Scholarships and Financial Aid information.

What are the minimum qualifications for entering a job?
Each fitness facility has their own established qualifications for employment and applicants should check with the facility. In current employment outlooks, the majority of fitness clubs, park districts, corporate fitness centers, etc., require the following: being certified as a personal trainer/group fitness instructor by a national organization, work experience in the fitness field, and formal education. Many facilities rely on certification and experience as their lead qualifications for employment, however, medical-based fitness facilities require fitness professionals to have an advanced degree (associate's or bachelor's). Our program is designed for students who desire to integrate education of exercise science with practical training experience.

Why should I complete this program if national certification is the minimal job requirement?
We believe that the Fitness Trainer Certificate program educationally and practically challenges our students and prepares them for potential fitness careers and/or national certification. Students who complete the program will have the confidence and knowledge to successfully pass national certification/tests. With the need for more fitness trainers, we feel our students will be more employable as fitness trainers.

What national certification test should I take?
Moraine Valley in cooperation with The American Council on Exercise, ACE, conducts national certifying exams on Moraine's campus four times a year. Please see related links for other national certifying organizations.