Fitness Certifications
From personal training and group fitness instruction to specialized disciplines, Tulane Campus Recreation offers programs and certification events to help you obtain the right certifications for a successful and impactful fitness career.
Upcoming Certification Events
| Training | Dates | Times | Standard Price | Early Bird Pricing | Registration Link | Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Les Mills BodyCombat 97 | February 24-25, 2024 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | $349 | $299 (Ends Jan. 12) | - | February 14, 2024 |
| Les Mills GRIT 46 | February 24-25, 2024 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | $349 | $299 (Ends Jan. 12) | - | February 14, 2024 |
Two student scholarships are available to apply to one of these initial training options that fully covers the training cost. Apply for the student scholarship.
There is a 45% off standard price tickets for Tulane affiliates. Apply for the affiliate discount.
Fitness Professional Certification Track Program
Tulane Campus Recreation's certification track program offers a comprehensive learning pathway to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to be a trained fitness instructor or personal trainer. Through a co-teaching model and mentorship opportunities, you will gain a deep understanding of best practices and emerging trends while earning an accredited fitness certification that signifies expertise and readiness for professional success.
Application for Fall 2023 are due on September 1, 2023.
- FPCT Application Due: September 1, 2023
- Receipt of Certification Program: September 8, 2023
- Mentors Assigned: September 13, 2023
- Meet-and-Greet: September 15, 2023, 4:00 p.m., Lagniappe Room (Ground Floor, Reily Student Recreation Center
- Deadlines to Pass Desired Certifications:
- December 1, 2023 (to teach/train in the spring)
- You must complete hire paperwork and i-9 verification before leaving for the Winter Recess.
- January 15, 2024 (to sub in the spring)
- Can start subbing when hire paperwork and i-9 verification is processed.
- December 1, 2023 (to teach/train in the spring)
- The application is completed.
- Participants select their desired certification program from the Group Fitness Certification Track or the Personal Training Certification Track.
- Send reciept of enrollment to the Fitness Coordinator and request a mentor.
- Attend the Meet-and-Greet Event
- Complete the desired track:
- Group Fitness:
- Attend/Observe 5 fitness classes.
- Mentor/instructor must sign off on attendance.
- Complete Co-Teaching Modules:
- Shadow teach or demonstrate at the front of a class.
- State introductions and closing statements at the beginning and end of your mentor's class.
- Help monitor with set-up and clean-up of class.
- Lead 10-15 minutes of a mentor/instructor's class.
- Attend/Observe 5 fitness classes.
- Personal Training
- Observe 3 personal training sessions or small group training sessions.
- Assist a mentor at 2 free fitness screening and space/weight room orientation events by:
- Giving guided Weight Room and Functional Fitness Gym tours.
- Leading fitness screenings.
- Learning to use body composition equipment:
- BodyScript.
- Blood pressure cuff.
- Omron Scale.
- Conduct 1 mock training session with your mentor.
- Group Fitness:
- Complete accredited certification courses and submit copy of certificate once complete.
- Audition through a class demo/mock session with your mentor or other volunteers.
- Receive CPR Certification.
- Complete hiring paperwork.
| Certification | Program Type | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|
| ACE Personal Trainer | Self Study/Online | - |
| ACE Group Fitness Instructor | Self Study/Online | - |
| Les Mills RPM (Indoor Cycling) | In-Person | - |
| Les Mills BodyPump (Strength Training) | In-Person | - |
| Les Mills BodyCombat (Mixed Martial Arts) | In-Person | - |
Before signing up, email fitness@tulane.edu for 45% off registration cost.
Special Note for Les Mills Certifications:
Les Mills Initial Trainings involve pre-work and post-work surrounding the initial trainings. In the post-work, instructors will submit a video of their class to LesMills Connect. Work with your mentor and Fitness Coordinator to select a time to film your submission. It will serve as your audition for the Fitness Professional Certification Track Program
I Want to Teach/Train with Tulane Campus Recreation
If you are already accredited with an NCCA certification or want to become NCCA-certified outside of the Fitness Professional Certification Track Program, please contact Fitness and Wellness at fitness@tulane.edu or 504-314-2864 for more information.
Certifications must be NCCA accredited. The NCCA is the National Commission for Certifying Agencies that regulate these certifications and educational material. We have provided a list of great personal trainer certifications below that are all NCCA-certified.
- NASM- National Academy of Sports Medicine
- ACE– The American Council on Exercise
- NSCA– National Strength and Conditioning Association
- ACSM– American College of Sports Medicine
- NESTA– National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association
- NCCPT- National Council for Certified Personal Trainers
- NCSF– National Council on Strength & Fitness
ACE also offers discount pricing for students. Included here is a link to the ACE student pricing webpage: https://www.acefitness.org/student. The page offers discounts on study aids, manuals & certification exam.
