Fitness Specialist FAQ

How long does the Fitness Specialist Certificate take to complete?

The Fitness Specialist Certificate takes 1 year (2-semesters; Fall - Spring) to complete with a full-time schedule. It is a total of 21-24 units, depending on which electives are chosen. With a part-time schedule it will take approximately 2 years to complete. A few classes are offered online, hybrid, or in winter/summer.

What are the requirements to become a personal trainer?

 

There is no licensing requirement for personal trainers in CA, however most gyms require a minimum of a CPT (certified personal trainer) certification from an accredited organization, and prefer candidates who also have a college degree or certificate in a fitness-related field. Many gyms also offer more competitive pay for higher education achieved. Some gyms may accept the CPT for group fitness instructors but most prefer a basic GFI cert and specialized certs for specific or branded classes.

In order to sit for the GFI or CPT exams you must:

• Have a high-school diploma or equivalent
• Have a valid CPR/AED certification (part of HLTH 102)

What is the benefit of GCC's Fitness Specialist program?

The Fitness Specialist certificate program not only prepares you to take the CPT and GFI tests, it prepares you to be an exceptional fitness professional. We give you the latest science-backed and evidence-based fitness information plus hands-on experience in our labs so that you leave with the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to start your career. The fitness industry is highly competitive and constantly evolving, and GCC can help you get to the front of the pack.

Most of the core classes are offered at the same times Spring/Fall on Mon/Wed morning/early afternoons and Tue/Thur afternoons, with elective options offered mornings, evenings, weekends and online.

Yes! We recommend beginning with introductory courses that compliment your regular school schedule, are offered during the Summer, or online.

Internships are available for qualified students. You must go through an interview process and get approval from a faculty advisor before registering. Internships are typically offered as 1-2 unit courses. Talk to your Kinesiology professor for more information.

You can certainly apply to your favorite gym(s) to get a job, or search NASM/AFAA job postings in your area. We are also in the process of developing an alumni network for GCC's fitness specialists to keep you up-to-date with current job and internship opportunities, so talk to your Kinesiology professor for more information.

Can I get a degree in Kinesiology at at the same time?

 

Yes. The Associate's Degree in Kinesiology for Transfer (KIN AA-T) at GCC prepares students to transfer to a 4-year university and major in Kinesiology. You can find the KIN AA-T degree requirements here.

I'm already certified. Do these classes count for continued education units (CEUs)?

Yes. Most certifying agencies including NASM and AFAA count college courses toward their continued education units (CEUs) required for recertification. Check with your certifying organization for details.

California's Glendale Community College (GCC) Fitness Specialist Program is an absolute amazing learning opportunity - whether taking in-person or participating remotely - regardless of someone's educational background, fitness status, or life circumstances. The program not only lays the best possible foundation for a career in health and fitness... but it also provides an excellent basis for further undergraduate and graduate level education in exercise science and kinesiology. The content and instruction are flawlessly designed and updated with the latest evidence-based research, professional guidelines, and certification-centric testing strategies, demonstrating a level-of-effort beyond anything required or expected, even in the collegiate area.

...When interacting with students, [Professor Calderone] maintains an excellent balance of seamlessly leading instruction while also showing patience and empathy for individuals' personal learning styles, educational needs, and extenuating circumstances. Her engagement with students goes above and beyond class times and required office hours - even after students graduate - as she has continued to encourage and nurture their educational and professional development, while also assisting in their professional networking, both locally and nationally. 

... Multiple graduates are currently pursuing further undergraduate and graduate degrees in exercise science and health-related fields, while simultaneously having earned the following health, wellness, and fitness-related credentialing:

Duke School of Integrative Medicine: Integrative Health Coach

University of Virginia (UVA), Virginia Center for Diabetes Prevention and Education: Center for Disease Control (CDC) National Diabetes Prevention Plan (NDPP) Lifestyle Coach

American Council on Exercise (ACE): Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Health Coach, Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Weight Management Specialist

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM): Certified Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Stretching and Flexibility Coach, Group Personal Training Specialist, Women's Fitness Specialist, MMA Conditioning Specialist, Performance Enhancement Specialist, Certified Nutrition Coach

Functional Aging Institute (FAI): Certified Functional Aging Specialist

Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA): Certified AFAA Group Fitness Instructor, Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM): Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer

Precision Nutrition (PN): Level 1 Certified Nutrition Coach, Level 1 Sleep, Stress Management and Recovery Coach, Specialist in Change Psychology, Specialist in Nutrition for Metabolic Health, Specialist in Nutrition Coaching for Athletes, Specialist in Coaching Dietary Strategies

National Associate of Speed and Explosion (NASE): Level 2 Certified Speed Specialist

National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA): Certified Kettlebell Coach

-Aaron, Class of 2021

 

I moved from overseas to Glendale and found GCC in my second year as a resident. The education at GCC paved me the way to become a well-rounded, confident personal trainer. GCC offers comprehensive academic resources of exercise science as well as off-campus internships. With the knowledge and skills acquired from the program, I successfully passed the board exam within a year. Now as a full-time fitness trainer, I thank GCC everyday. It opens a door for every talent who is willing to learn, take, and give. Thank you GCC!       

-Cadence, Class of 2018

 

I earned my Fitness Specialist certificate through NASM 3 years ago and ever since then I have gone on to earn 4 other certifications: TRX Group, Animal Flow Lv 1, CFSC, and FMS Lv 1. I am currently waiting to get my Animal Flow Lv 2 and my CES (Corrective Exercise Specialist) through NASM...I train one on one, Group X, and coach local sports teams. Health and Fitness has always been a cornerstone in my life, so when I knew I wanted to pursue a career as a Personal trainer, I knew I had my work cut out for me! I joined the first Kinesiology class I could find at Glendale Community College with Erin Calderone. She is an incredible instructor, and thanks to her and her program, I was more than ready to ace my NASM CPT exam, and begin my journey as a Fitness Professional!

-Emin, Class of 2016