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Certified Personal Trainer

The Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credential from Lionel University is the essential first step toward a successful career in the fitness and wellness industry. Designed for both aspiring trainers and experienced professionals seeking formal recognition, this program equips students with the scientific knowledge, practical skills, and business foundations needed to help others achieve lasting results.

Whether taken as a standalone certification or as the first stackable credential within Lionel University’s Exercise Science degree pathway, the CPT prepares you for immediate employment and long-term academic progression.

Through a curriculum grounded in exercise science, anatomy, physiology, and client assessment, you’ll learn to design safe, effective, and individualized programs that support health, performance, and lifelong wellness.

Graduates of the Certified Personal Trainer program work as:

  • Personal Trainers and Fitness Coaches
  • Strength and Conditioning Assistants
  • Health and Wellness Coaches
  • Gym or Studio Trainers
  • Group Fitness Instructors
  • Lifestyle and Behavior Change Coaches
  • Fitness Consultants or Entrepreneurs

 

Is the Certified Personal Trainer Right for You?

Take the Lionel University “Certified Personal Trainer" Readiness Quiz”

This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.

Get Your Fitness Training Readiness score now >>

Certifications

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Stackable Pathway to a Degree

Your Certified Personal Trainer credential is more than a certification — it’s the first building block of Lionel University’s degree programs in Exercise Science.

Apply your CPT toward an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science.

Continue your education with advanced specializations, including:

Fitness Nutrition
Strength and Conditioning
Corrective Exercise
Group Fitness
Transformation and Performance Coaching


As you progress, each milestone expands your expertise and career options — from personal training to leadership, clinical, or graduate-level roles.

Certified Fitness Trainer
Foundations of Fitness and Personal Training
Specialist In Fitness Nutrition
Functional Anatomy and Physiology for Trainers
Transformation Specialist
Human Movement Fundamentals
Bodybuilding Specialist
From Principles to Programming
Corrective Exercise Specialist
Assessment, Screening, and Client Data
Specialist In Exercise Therapy
Nutrition Science for Fitness Professionals
Specialist In Group Fitness
Training Special Populations
Specialist In Strength And Conditioning
Behavior Change and Coaching Skills
Specialist In Senior Fitness
Business, Sales, and Marketing for Personal Trainers
Youth Fitness Trainer
Technology, Online Coaching, and Professional Development
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Certificates Earned From Lionel Global

No hidden costs or fees.

$0 APPLICATION FEE
$0 FOR TEXTBOOKS
$0 TRANSFER CREDIT EVALUATION

Outcomes

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Certified Personal Trainers will be able to:

  • 01 Conduct comprehensive client assessments and develop evidence-based training programs.
  • 02 Apply foundational principles of exercise science, biomechanics, and nutrition to optimize results.
  • 03 Demonstrate professionalism, ethical practice, and effective communication with clients and colleagues.
  • 04 Utilize behavioral and motivational strategies to promote adherence and long-term health outcomes.
  • 05 Apply practical business and management skills to operate successfully as a personal trainer, entrepreneur, or wellness coach.

Accreditation

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A University Education You Can Trust

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Lionel is in the top 8% of Military Friendly® schools nationwide and 70% of our students are affiliated with the military.
DEAC
Lionel is proud to be accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
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Lionel is recognized by the IHRSA, and independent and nationally recognized accreditation for personal training certification programs.
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Lionel is proud to be recognized as an Educational Recognition Program (ERP) institution by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Tuition & Fees

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Tuition & Fees

Pursue your passion without breaking your budget.

Lionel Global programs are built to make quality education accessible, affordable, and transparent — with no hidden fees and no surprise costs.

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Affordable, Flexible Options

  • Pay in full to secure the lowest rate.
  • Monthly installment plans available at no added interest.
  • Workforce partner discounts offered for eligible organizations and members.
  • Scholarship promotions announced throughout the year.

Your Workforce Advisor can help identify the best pricing or promotion for your goals.

Program Tuition

One-time tuition for the Certified Personal Trainer program. Includes all course modules, digital learning materials, and assessments.

$999 / certificate

Application Fee

No fee to apply or enroll.

$0

Technology Fee

Covers system maintenance, LMS access, and tech support.

$0

Wellness Fee

Supports student resources and wellness initiatives.

$0

Textbook Costs

All course resources are embedded in your learning portal.

$0

Scholarship or Partner Pricing

Eligible students may receive promotional discounts or workforce partner pricing.

Varies

 

Payment Plans

Flexible installment options for students paying out-of-pocket.

Available

No Federal Financial Aid:
Lionel Global programs are non–Title IV and do not qualify for federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants, or student loans). Students may use personal funds, employer tuition assistance, or promotional scholarships to cover program costs.

Career Services

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Career Services

At Lionel University, we are dedicated to ensuring the success of our students and alumni by providing them with unparalleled access to career opportunities.

 

Our Career Connect For Life Program has partnered with leading companies in Exercise Science – enabling both current students and alumni alike to take advantage of job postings as well as receive top-quality coaching services for their professional journey into the future.

  • Career Coaching 
  • Resume & Cover Letter Critiques  
  • Interview Prep 
  • Job & Internship Searching 
  • Professional Etiquette & Networking 
  • Career Fair Prep 
  • Evaluating Career Opportunities
  • Career blogs and video content
  • Networking and mentorships
  • Personal brand development
  • Entrepreneurship Development

Job Prospects & Salary

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Job prospects & salary

The demand for qualified fitness professionals is growing rapidly as communities and organizations prioritize health and performance. With the CPT credential, you’ll be ready to enter the field immediately or enhance your current role in the industry.

  • 50% of the adult US population is predicted to be clinically obese by 2030.*
  • The U.S. fitness and wellness industry is worth $30 billion annually, and it grows every year.**
  • 67,600 Projected job openings for fitness trainers and instructors through the year 2028.***

Certified Personal Trainers earn an average of $47,000–$60,000* per year, with many building six-figure incomes through private training, online coaching, or studio ownership.

Lionel sets you up for success

Lionel has Career Connect partnerships with many of the largest fitness organizations in the country. 

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Impact opportunities for graduates

  • Certified Personal Trainer
  • Health and Wellness Coach
  • Strength & Conditioning Coach
  • Corporate Wellness Specialist
  • Fitness Studio or Gym Manager
  • Independent Trainer or Entrepreneur

FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Certified Personal Trainer credential?

Is this a self-paced program or part of a traditional degree schedule?

How long does it take to complete the program?

Who issues the certification?

Is Lionel Global accredited?

How much does it cost?

Do I need prior experience to enroll?

What will I learn?

What kind of support will I receive?

Will this help me get a job?

Can I apply this credential toward a degree?

When can I start?

Do I need to purchase textbooks or materials?

What happens after I earn my CPT?

Who is Lionel Global?