A personal training school is an accredited education program with live instruction and hands-on coaching practice. Certification courses are typically self-study exams. Employers often prefer graduates of a school with practical training, because they are more qualified to work with a wide variety of clients.

At FPTI, we believe becoming a personal trainer takes more than memorizing a textbook. That's why our programs are taught live, in a gym setting, where you can apply what you learn right away.

With small class sizes, you'll get individual attention from expert instructors who have years of real-world experience. We also provide ongoing career support and strong connections with employers, so when you graduate, you'll feel confident, prepared, and ready to start your career.

At Focus Personal Training Institute, we offer flexible programs 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.

No experience or specific fitness level is required. What matters most is your interest in fitness and your commitment to learning. We start with the fundamentals and guide you step by step toward advanced coaching skills, so you can succeed no matter your starting point.

A quality personal training program covers much more than exercise technique. You'll study anatomy, biomechanics, and movement assessment, while also learning how to design safe, effective programs. You will also develop hands-on coaching and cueing skills, understand injury considerations, nutrition fundamentals, and build professionalism and business knowledge. Most importantly, you'll apply it all in a practical setting that prepares you for real-world success.

Unlike self-study certifications like NASM, ACE, or ISSA that are mainly textbook-based, Focus Personal Training Institute is a New York State Department of Education-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.

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. Focus Personal Training Institute 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 program, 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.

Yes. At FPTI, career support doesn't end at graduation. Select programs provide lifetime job placement assistance, including resume coaching, interview preparation, and direct connections to hiring managers at top gyms. Our graduates work in health clubs, boutique studios, corporate wellness, sports performance, private training, and online coaching—or even launch their own business.

Yes. We welcome prospective students to visit our campus for tours, information sessions, and even class observations. It's the best way to experience our learning environment, meet instructors, and make sure FPTI feels like the right fit for you.

FPTI programs 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.

Not at all. Personal trainers come from all age groups, and clients often prefer to work with someone who shares their life experience. At FPTI, we've trained students at every stage of life, and many find their age to be an advantage in connecting with clients.

FPTI is located in the heart of New York City at 115 West 27th Street, 11th Floor, and is easily accessible by all major transportation.