Personal training is not a licensed profession in the U.S.so you don't need a state license to legally work as a trainer. Instead, employers look for a recognized personal trainer certification or, better yet, a credential from an accredited school like FPTI that combines certification prep with hands-on training.

Unlike self-study certifications like NASM, ACE, or ISSA that are mainly textbook-based, FPTI is a New York State–licensed and nationally accredited school. You'll learn through live instruction, gym-based practice, and real-world coaching, so you graduate with skills and confidence - not just a certificate.

No experience required. FPTI teaches you everything from the ground up, whether you're brand new to fitness or already have some background. You don't need to look like a pro athlete. What matters is your passion for fitness and willingness to learn.

At Focus Personal Training Institute, we offer flexible courses to fit your career goals.

• Personal Training Master Course (600 hours): Full-time, 22 weeks. The most in-depth personal trainer education program in the world. This exclusive program is for those who want to become elite personal trainers.
• Personal Training Foundations Course (150 hours): Part-time evenings, 11 weeks. Do you want to be a personal trainer, but can't commit full-time? The Personal Training Foundations program has everything you need to get started.
• Personal Training Elements – Online (12 hours): 4 weeks, 1 class per week. This hands-on live online program is a blend of self-study along with guidance from an experienced teacher to prepare for a personal trainer certification.

Yes. Our Personal Training Elements – Online certification prep course is delivered live via Zoom, providing real-time instruction and feedback from expert trainers.

For the most in-depth experience, our Personal Training Master Course and Personal Training Foundations programs are offered on-campus in NYC.

Yes. FPTI graduates are job-ready and often get hired by top gyms like Equinox, Crunch, and Lifetime, or start their own businesses right out of school. Our high job placement rate proves the value of our hands-on approach.

FPTI graduates receive a Certificate of Completion from our state-licensed, nationally accredited school plus CPR/AED certification for select programs. If you want to add extra credentials to your resume, you'll also be prepared to sit for popular personal trainer certification exams at exclusive student discounts.

Costs vary by course, but we offer 0% interest monthly payment plans, Federal Student Aid, Veterans Benefits, and scholarships. Over 76% of our Master Course students receive financial aid.

Absolutely. FPTI provides lifetime career placement support, including resume coaching, interview prep, and direct access to hiring managers at leading gyms.

FPTI courses start four times per year: January, April, July, and October. Our online certification prep course starts every other month. Early application is recommended due to limited class sizes.