Guide to Becoming a Personal Trainer Overseas: Detailed Walkthrough
Working as a personal trainer in a foreign country can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you embark on this adventure:
1. Obtain Required Basic Qualifications
Before diving into the world of fitness certification, ensure you have the necessary prerequisites. At a minimum, you should have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and current CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) certifications.
2. Enroll in and Complete a Personal Trainer Certification Course
Choose an internationally recognized certification program, ideally endorsed by a reputable body such as CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity). You can opt for various formats like online courses offering flexible pacing or in-person workshops; many include study materials, video lectures, and practice exams.
3. Pass the Certification Exam and Obtain Your Certificate
After completing the coursework, prepare for and pass the final exam to receive your certification. This demonstrates your expertise and professionalism, which helps open job opportunities globally.
4. Gain Additional Skills or Credentials (Optional but Beneficial)
Consider pursuing advanced certifications in specialties such as group training, yoga, Pilates, or nutrition modules for better job prospects abroad. Developing language skills, especially English and possibly another language of the destination country, also enhances employability.
5. Apply for Jobs Abroad
Look for roles in international resorts, gyms, cruise lines, or fitness centers that explicitly hire certified personal trainers with appropriate qualifications and visas/work permits. Employers like TUI offer contracts that include visa assistance, accommodation, and benefits, making relocation easier for qualified trainers.
Remember, it's essential to research the rules and regulations for the specific country you are wanting to work in. A job as a PT in a hotel or resort often comes with perks such as free accommodation, insurance, and flights.
Working as a personal trainer abroad can be a great opportunity to network with other fitness professionals and make connections in the industry all over the world. To work in the United States, register with the US Registry of Exercise Professionals (USREPs). For Europe, register with the European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPs). In Australia, register with AusActive (formerly Fitness Australia). To work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), register with REPs UAE.
Explore websites like Retreat Hub and Four Seasons careers website for job opportunities in fitness retreats and major hotel chains, respectively. Utilize job sites such as Indeed to search for personal trainer roles in a specific destination in a gym.
Lastly, consider enrolling in courses offered by OriGym, which offer Level 4 qualifications and CPD courses, all recognized internationally. OriGym's Level 3 personal trainer course is the minimum requirement to work as a PT both in the UK and abroad.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to a successful career as a personal trainer, working and learning in various parts of the world. Happy travels!
[1] Fitness Australia. (n.d.). How to become a personal trainer in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.fitness.org.au/careers-in-fitness/how-to-become-a-personal-trainer/
[2] CIMSPA. (n.d.). Personal trainer. Retrieved from https://www.cimspa.org.uk/careers/job-roles/personal-trainer/
[3] American Council on Exercise. (2021). ACE personal trainer certification. Retrieved from https://www.acefitness.org/certified/personal-trainer/
[4] OriGym. (n.d.). How to become a personal trainer abroad. Retrieved from https://origym.co.uk/blog/how-to-become-a-personal-trainer-abroad/
- As a personal trainer, possessing basic qualifications such as a high school diploma and CPR/AED certifications is essential before enrolling in a personal trainer certification course.
- To enhance employability, consider pursuing advanced certifications or additional skills in group training, yoga, Pilates, or nutrition, and language proficiency in English and the destination country's language.
- Pass the certification exam to receive your personal trainer certificate, which showcases your expertise and professionalism, opening opportunities worldwide.
- Seek out jobs in various settings like international resorts, gyms, or cruise lines that hire certified personal trainers, complete with visas/work permits, and explore websites like Retreat Hub and Four Seasons careers for job postings.
- Network with industry professionals across the globe by working in diverse locations, and don't forget to register as a personal trainer with relevant bodies such as USREPs, EREPs, AusActive, REPs UAE, and OriGym for worldwide recognition.
- Pursue professional development by taking up Level 4 qualifications and CPD courses from OriGym, a well-known provider for internationally recognized personal trainer qualifications.
