What does it mean to be a licensed school?

AAPT is a state-licensed personal trainer certification school, which means that we are regulated by the State Department of Education, and we have met all state licensing requirements for the operation of a school.  These requirements include standards related to course hours, course curriculum, instructors, and all administrative policies.  In attending a state-licensed personal trainer certification school, students can be confident that they will receive an excellent education and a seamless administrative experience.

As an AAPT graduate, am I licensed to train? What kind of certification do I get?

Upon successful graduation from the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion in Personal Training (personal trainer certification) granted by the State Department of Education.  AAPT is also a member of the National Organization for Credentialing Agency (NOCA) and a provider for the International Association Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

Currently, there are no licensing options available for personal trainers.  We hope that eventually this will change, that standards will solidify, and that trainers, like physical and massage therapists, will also need to be licensed.  AAPT, personal training school,  is working alongside state and national agencies to improve personal training legislation, and as an AAPT student, you will be on the cutting edge of these new developments in the fitness industry.

Does AAPT do online certifications?

No.  AAPT is an in-house personal training school that requires your attendance and participation in 260 course-hours.

What is the difference between an AAPT personal trainer certification of Completion and a national certification?

To earn a national certification from a specific organization, you must pass the exam administered by that organization.  You are not required to attend any classes or workshops (you are not even required to have ever set foot in a gym!).  While having a national certification can be helpful in terms of building your credentials as a personal trainer, it certainly will not prepare you to begin work as a trainer, nor is it necessary in order to begin work as a trainer.  Still, most trainers do try to sit for at least one national certification exam, and we recommend it – doing so will most likely expand your opportunities, as many gyms do require their trainers to have at least one national certification.

Earning an AAPT personal trainer certification of Completion, on the other hand, not only prepares you to sit for any national certification exam that you choose, but it also prepares to begin working immediately as a personal trainer.  Your AAPT Certificate is just a like a diploma—valid nationwide, internationally, and never expires—and to employers, it sets you apart from the rest.  While most prospective trainers attempt the easy route and try to break into the industry with only an online certification to confirm their credentials, you will be one of the few who have sought out a comprehensive education. 

As a student, you will participate in 260 course hours, which are divided 50/50 between time in the classroom and hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art gym.  At AAPT, we believe that the only way to learn how to train clients intelligently and effectively is to practice, observe the experts, and practice some more.  Merely studying from a text book doesn’t translate into become a personal trainer, nor does simply having experience working out.  That’s why we give our students the best mentors we can—AAPT instructors are all leaders in the field, with multiple advanced degrees combined with years of training experience.  And because students spend 130 hours practicing with their instructor’s guidance, they are trainers by the time they graduate.

Is the AAPT personal trainer certification renewable?

Your AAPT personal trainer certification of Completion is good for life.  You will not have to take any continuing education courses or pay extra fees to keep your Certificate current.

How am I tested?

Your grade will be based on a variety of written and practical exams. You must pass the practical component of the final exam and receive a grade of 70% or higher in order to pass the course.

Who are the instructors?

All of our instructors are extensively qualified, holding advanced degrees (some have several) in Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Exercise and Sports Nutrition, Nutrition and Diet Therapy, Public Health, and other related fields.  In addition, AAPT instructors are all backed by years of experience as personal trainers, and each instructor has received a state license to teach.  The result?  A team of mentors who are just as passionate about teaching as they are about health, fitness and personal training!

How do I get a job as a personal fitness trainer?

AAPT is committed to building a network of relationships with both local and national gyms, and we extend that network of connections to our graduates.  Every three months, AAPT holds a job fair for graduating students and alumni, which are attended by some of the top gyms and fitness centers in the area.  All AAPT graduates are welcome at every job fair that is held.

Currently, AAPT graduates are working at Equinox, Sports Club LA, New York Sports Club, Boston Sports Club, LA Fitness, Hanson Fitness, Club H, NY Health & Racquet, Fusion, and many others.

What distinguishes AAPT from other personal training schools/programs?

Where do we start?  Beyond our passion for education, quality instruction, and our commitment to helping our students find success as personal trainers, we are proud to be part of a larger movement.  The fitness industry is wrought with unqualified trainers, and as a result, clients are exposed to injury and/or lacking results, and trainers are getting a bad rap!  The Academy’s co-owners, Steve Salvatore and Harry Hanson, decided to bring their expertise together as emergency medical physician and celebrity personal trainer in order to form a school focused on sending a new breed of educated and qualified personal trainer out into the industry.  This mission is central to what we do here at The Academy, and it’s what holds us together—staff and students—as a tight-knit family.  As an AAPT student, you can count on a lot of personal attention, as well as a continuing relationship with The Academy after you graduate.

The standards set by The Academy are also recognized by many big names in the fitness industry, including Everlast and Cybex International.  Everlast has sponsored several of our students on partial scholarship, and Cybex has laid out their plans for conducting a performance lab at our facility in Boston, MA.  All Boston students (personal trainers) will have the opportunity to partake in this cutting edge research, designed to help trainers understand key aspects involved in choosing appropriate exercises for their clients.  The performance lab will also help to guide the design of the next wave of industry equipment, and students will have the opportunity to play an important role in that development as well.

How do I apply? Are there any requirements for enrollment?

In order to enroll, become a personal trainer, you’ll need to fill out an enrollment agreement, indicating which class you plan to attend, and with that agreement, you’ll need to submit a copy of your high school diploma, college diploma or GED certificate.  To hold a spot in your desired class, your application fee and 10% tuition deposit must also accompany your application.

How do I get financial aid?

AAPT, personal training school,  has a number of financing options to suit your individual needs.  Schedule an appointment with your AAPT representative today!

Who do I contact to schedule a tour/visit?

If you’d like to come by for a tour of the school and see a class in session, simply call our offices directly and speak with one our staff members.

New York City (NYC): 212-242-2278
Boston: 617-267-2278