Originally published August 4 2018. Updated July 19 2026. Can you be a personal trainer with a criminal record? This is a question I've seen asked quite a bit online, but I don't think I've ever seen it discussed in any fitness publications. While I'm sure some might think the answer is obvious, I don't think it necessarily is. I think for some people, yes, it's possible. I want to discuss this topic not only because nobody else seems to want to, but also because I want to speak directly to those in prison now — as well as paroled individuals — to give them insights into how to do this if they feel fitness is their calling. If you want to add anything or believe I missed something, leave a comment below. I'll be interested to read what you think.
Quick Answer: Can you be a personal trainer with a criminal record?
Yes, some people with a misdemeanor or felony conviction can become personal trainers. A criminal record does not automatically prevent someone from earning a certification, but it may affect gym employment, background checks, insurance, or work with children and vulnerable adults. The type of offense, how long ago it occurred, its connection to the job, and evidence of rehabilitation may all matter. Before paying for a fitness certification, contact the certification organization you're interested in, local gyms, and a personal trainer insurance company to find out whether your record could limit your options.
Getting Certified Is Not the Same as Getting Hired
There are several separate steps involved in becoming a working personal trainer:
- Qualifying to take a certification exam
- Passing the exam
- Meeting CPR and AED requirements
- Getting hired by a gym or fitness center
- Passing any required background check
- Obtaining personal training liability insurance
Some certification organizations will allow those who have been incarcerated to take the certification, but always ask the organization before spending money. That said, always remember that while obtaining a fitness certification is an important qualification, it is not a promise of employment at a gym.
Can a Felon Get a Personal Trainer Certification?
Possibly, but do not assume every organization has the same rules.
Major certification companies publish eligibility requirements and candidate handbooks. Common requirements include:
- A high school diploma or GED
- A minimum age (usually at least 18)
- Current CPR and AED certification
- A government-issued identification
Fitness certification organizations may also have their own ethics, disciplinary, and appeals policies.
Usually, a college degree is not required to take a certification exam, but many organizations will require a valid ID (such as a driver's license) to sit for the exam.
The websites for fitness organizations may not clearly state how every type of criminal conviction is handled. A certification company may also distinguish between being allowed to take an exam and disciplinary action involving someone who is already certified.
Before paying for a certification, contact the organization directly and ask:
“I have a criminal conviction in my background. Does this affect my eligibility to take your personal trainer certification exam or maintain the credential after I pass?”
Give enough information to receive a useful answer, but do not send sensitive documents unless the organization requests them through a secure process.
Ask for the response in writing. Save the email.
I would contact several recognized organizations and compare their answers. A list of popular fitness organizations includes:
Policies can change. Verify the current requirements instead of relying on blogs, online forums, or social-media comments.
Do Gyms Perform Background Checks on Personal Trainers?
Some do. Others may not.
A large health-club chain, hospital-based fitness center, municipal recreation department, school, university, senior facility, or youth program is more likely to conduct a background check than a small independent gym.
Personal trainers often work closely with clients. They may train people alone, touch clients while demonstrating or correcting an exercise, enter clients’ homes, handle payment information, or work around children. Employers have legitimate reasons to think about member safety and liability. Facilities that serve children are often subject to stricter screening requirements, so applicants should expect that a background check may be part of the hiring process.
If an employer uses a third-party company to perform a background check, the Fair Credit Reporting Act gives applicants certain rights. The employer generally must obtain written permission before ordering the report. Before taking negative action based on the report, the employer must provide a copy and a summary explaining the applicant’s rights.
Does a Criminal Record Automatically Disqualify You?
Not in every case. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify every applicant from every personal training job.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission advises employers to consider:
- The nature and seriousness of the offense
- How much time has passed
- The nature of the job
The EEOC also recommends looking at individual circumstances instead of automatically rejecting every applicant with any conviction. Relevant information may include work history, education, rehabilitation, references, and evidence of successful post-conviction work performance.
That does not mean a gym must hire everyone who applies.
Which Convictions May Cause the Most Problems?
No offense should be placed in a simple “acceptable” or “unacceptable” category. Employers, state laws, insurers, and clients may judge the same conviction differently.
However, certain offenses may be especially difficult to overcome. Examples include convictions involving:
- Sexual misconduct or sexual violence
- Abuse or exploitation of children
- Serious violence
- Human trafficking
- Theft, fraud, or identity theft when the job involves money or personal information
- Drug distribution or drug-related activity at a fitness facility
- Repeated offenses showing a continuing pattern of unsafe behavior
An employer will probably take a more serious look at an offense that directly relates to a personal trainer's duties.
For example, an old conviction for an offense unrelated to fitness employment may be treated differently from a recent conviction involving violence against a person, theft from an employer, or sexual misconduct.
Time also matters. A single offense from many years ago followed by steady employment and no further trouble presents a different picture from several recent convictions.
Arrests and Convictions Are Not the Same
While this article does not provide legal advice, an arrest does not prove that someone committed a crime.
The EEOC states that an employer should not reject an applicant merely because the person was arrested. An employer may, however, consider the conduct behind an arrest when reliable evidence shows that the conduct occurred and is relevant to the job.
Dismissed charges, sealed records, expunged records and convictions may be treated differently. The law also varies by location.
Do not guess about what you must disclose. Check the law in your state or speak with an attorney or qualified reentry organization.
Should You Tell a Gym About Your Criminal Record?
My original advice was to disclose a conviction immediately at the beginning of the interview. I no longer think one rule works for everyone.
Some states and cities restrict when an employer may ask about criminal history. In some places, the question may not come up until after a conditional job offer. The FTC advises job applicants to check state and local laws because some jurisdictions limit what employers may ask about criminal records and when they may ask during the hiring process.
Do not lie on a job application. At the same time, do not volunteer information that the law says you do not need to disclose.
Before an interview:
- Learn what your state and city require.
- Find out whether sealed or expunged records must be disclosed.
- Read the exact wording of the job application.
- Answer only what is being asked.
- Prepare an honest explanation in case the subject comes up.
A reentry counselor or attorney can help you decide what must be disclosed. Some resources that may help you include:
How to Explain a Conviction During a Fitness Job Interview
Do not give a 20-minute account of everything that happened. Do not blame everyone else. Do not pretend the conviction did not matter.
Keep the explanation brief and move toward what you have done since then.
For example:
“Several years ago, I was convicted of ____. I accept responsibility for it. Since then, I have completed my sentence, stayed out of trouble, earned my personal trainer and CPR/AED certifications, and built a stable work history. I can provide references from people who know how I work today.”
Your explanation should cover four things:
- What happened, stated briefly
- Acceptance of responsibility
- What has changed
- Evidence supporting what you say
Evidence is much stronger than promises.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired at a Gym
A criminal record may put you at a disadvantage. That means the rest of your application needs to be strong.
Build a Strong Resume For The Fitness Job Interview
Your resume need only be one page long and should focus on what you can do now.
Include:
- Personal trainer certification
- CPR and AED certification
- Relevant education
- Work experience
- Volunteer work
- Coaching or leadership experience
- Customer-service experience
- Sales experience
- Professional references
If you accomplished anything unique (such as losing 100 pounds) or have sales experience, add it. It will help you stand out.
Have someone proofread your resume. Spelling mistakes and poor formatting can make an employer reject you before the interview begins.
Get CPR and AED Certified
Most personal trainers should have current CPR and AED certification. Many fitness organizations and employers require it.
Perform an online search for “CPR/AED classes in my area” to find a local course.
Both CPR and AED training are usually offered in the same class, which makes it easier.
For your first course, I prefer hands-on instruction. You should practice the skills rather than just watching videos and answering questions online.
Add the certification and expiration date to your resume.
Save for the Fitness Certification Before Enrolling
Before choosing a program, ask local gyms which certifications they accept. Not every employer treats every certification equally.
Easy-to-read personal training textbook that is affordable
Be aware that some fitness certs may cost several hundred dollars or more, and textbooks cost extra. I do not recommend going into debt for a certification, especially when a new trainer may not earn much money or receive a full schedule immediately after being hired by a gym.
When possible, save the money first and pay for the certification in full. This removes the pressure of making monthly payments while you are still studying or trying to find your first clients.
Before spending any money, ask the organization whether it offers:
- Scholarships
- Financial-hardship assistance
- Discounts for people in reentry programs
- Military or veteran assistance
- Reduced-cost exam-only options
- Seasonal discounts
- Used or lower-cost study materials
Do not assume a scholarship is available. Many certification companies offer payment plans rather than true financial assistance, and a payment plan is still debt.
You should also ask a parole officer, a workforce development agency, or a state vocational rehabilitation program whether job training funds can help pay for the certification. Some programs may cover all or part of the cost when the credential is connected to a realistic employment plan.
Most important, contact gyms in your area before spending the money. Ask which certifications they accept and what a newly hired trainer typically earns. Remember also that expensive certs are not necessarily better than less costly options.
Learn More Than the Minimum
Passing a certification exam does not make someone a great trainer. To be successful, you must continue learning about:
- Exercise technique
- Program design
- Client screening
- Working with older adults
- Obesity and common health conditions
- Emergency procedures
- Professional boundaries
- Basic business practices
A workout that is hard is not automatically a good workout.
Most gym members are not trying to survive a punishing boot camp. They want to lose weight, become stronger, move better, reduce health risks, and exercise without getting hurt.
Show employers that you can train their members safely.
Develop Customer-Service Skills
Gyms do not hire trainers solely because they look fit.
A personal trainer must be able to:
- Listen more than they talk
- Explain exercises clearly
- Make clients feel comfortable
- Show up on time
- Keep appointments
- Behave professionally
- Handle disagreements professionally
- Encourage people without embarrassing them
Gym managers also value trainers who can attract and retain clients. You do not need to become a pushy salesperson. You do need to explain your service, build trust, and show people why your help is worth paying for.
Use Your Time in Prison Productively
Someone who is currently incarcerated may be able to begin preparing for their fitness career before release.
Possible steps include:
- Studying anatomy and exercise science
- Earning a GED
- Taking college or vocational classes
- Learning CPR and first aid if courses are available
- Helping with approved fitness or recreation programs
- Improving writing and communication skills
- Learning basic business and computer skills
If you are attempting to get certified while you are in prison, ask when the certification period begins. You do not want the credential to expire before you are released. Many fitness certs expire and need to be renewed every one or two years.
Also ask your parole officer, workforce-development agency or corrections department whether funding is available for vocational training, certification fees, interview clothing or transportation.
Can You Become a Self-Employed Personal Trainer With a Felony?
Self-employment may remove the need to pass a gym’s hiring process, but it does not remove every obstacle.
A self-employed fitness trainer will still need:
- Liability insurance
- A facility that allows independent training
- Client waivers and health forms
- A way to accept payments
- A clear policy for working with minors
- Permission to train clients in parks, apartment gyms or other locations (if that's what you will be doing)
An insurance company may ask questions that a certification organization did not ask.
A landlord or fitness studio may also perform a background check before renting space.
Contact an insurance agent before starting the business. Explain the type of service you plan to provide and ask whether your past history affects eligibility or coverage.
Do not hide information on an insurance application. An inaccurate answer could create serious problems if a client later files a claim.
Your Clients May Search Your Name
Potential clients may search Google, Bing, social media, court websites, review websites, and public records before hiring you.
Search your own name and see what appears. Check several search engines. Search in a private window/incognito mode to reduce some personalization of results.
Make sure your current work is also visible online. You might create:
- A website that has a professional trainer biography
- Articles answering common fitness questions
- A LinkedIn profile
- Educational exercise videos
- Client testimonials, if you have them
Do not create fake reviews or try to impersonate another person. Build an accurate picture of who you are today.
If old news stories or public records appear, prepare a short answer for clients who ask about them. Trying to hide something that is easy to find may hurt trust more than the record itself.
What to Do If a Background Check Is Wrong
Background reports sometimes contain mistakes. A report might include:
- Someone else’s record
- A charge that was dismissed
- A conviction that was expunged
- Incorrect dates
- A misdemeanor listed as a felony
- Incomplete information about the outcome
When an employer uses a third-party background-screening company, federal law generally requires the employer to give you a copy of the report before refusing to hire you based on it. This gives you an opportunity to review the report, dispute inaccurate information, or explain negative information.
If possible, request copies of your criminal records before applying for jobs. Correcting an error before an employer sees it may save time and frustration.
Working With Children or Vulnerable Adults
Jobs involving children or vulnerable adults may have stricter hiring and background-check requirements.
In this context, a vulnerable adult may include an older person or an adult who has a physical disability, intellectual or developmental disability, cognitive impairment, or other condition that makes it harder to protect themselves from abuse, exploitation, or financial harm. The legal definition varies by state.
Stricter requirements may apply when a personal trainer works in places such as:
- Schools and youth sports programs
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
- Senior living or assisted-living facilities
- Programs serving adults with disabilities
- Municipal recreation departments
- Clients’ homes
These employers may be required to conduct criminal background checks. Certain convictions may legally disqualify someone from working with a protected population, even if the employer would otherwise consider hiring that person.
Questions to Ask Before Paying for Fitness Certification
Before spending any money, contact the certification organization, several local gyms, and an insurance company. Each one answers a different part of the problem.
Questions for the Certification Organization
- Does my criminal record affect my eligibility to take the certification exam?
- Could it affect my ability to receive or keep the credential after I pass?
- Do you require a background check?
- Are there different rules for felonies, misdemeanors, or offenses involving violence, theft, drugs, or sexual misconduct?
- Can you provide your answer in writing?
- When does the certification period begin?
- How long does the certification remain valid?
- What are the recertification costs?
- Do you offer scholarships, hardship assistance, military benefits, reentry discounts, or reduced-cost exam-only options?
- Are payment plans available, and do they include interest or extra fees?
Questions for Local Gyms
- Which personal trainer certifications do you accept? Ask to see the list of all certs, not just the ones the manager says are “the best.”
- Do you hire newly certified trainers?
- What qualifications do you require besides personal trainer and CPR/AED certification?
Checking the gym's website may reveal if they conduct background checks on new hires.
Questions for an Insurance Company
- Can I qualify for personal trainer liability insurance with my criminal record?
- Do you need details about the offense before issuing a policy?
- Are certain convictions excluded from coverage?
- Would my past history increase the premium?
- Does the policy cover the locations and populations I plan to train?
- Can you confirm your answers in writing?
Getting these answers first can prevent someone from paying for a certification that local gyms do not accept, or that cannot be used because of hiring or insurance restrictions.
How To Do Well on the Fitness Job Interview
Dress Professionally
Personal training is a casual profession, but a fitness job interview is still an interview.
Clean pants and a collared shirt should be enough for many gyms. A suit is not always necessary and may look out of place in a small fitness studio. Look at how the managers dress and aim slightly above that level.
Good grooming, clean shoes, making eye contact, and respectful behavior matter more than wearing expensive clothing. Avoid excess cologne/purfume.
Questions to Ask During a Personal Trainer Job Interview
At some point during the interview, the manager/owner will ask you, “Do you have any questions?” This is where you can outshine your competition. I suggest you ask questions like these:
- What are the biggest challenges you would like the person in this position to help solve?
- About how much does an average personal trainer at this facility make per pay period?
- Are trainers paid hourly, per session, by commission, or through a combination of these?
- Do you feed trainers clients, or are trainers expected to build their own client base?
- Does the gym provide leads or continuing education opportunities?
- Are there sales quotas or monthly performance requirements?
- Are trainers classified as employees or independent contractors?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a convicted felon become a personal trainer?
Yes, in some cases. A felony does not automatically prevent every person from earning a certification or working as a trainer. The type of offense, its age, the employer, local laws and evidence of rehabilitation may affect the outcome.
Do personal trainer certification companies perform background checks?
Policies vary. Some organizations publish eligibility and disciplinary rules, but their websites may not answer every criminal-history question. Contact the certification provider before paying and ask for a written response.
Can a felon work at a gym?
Possibly. The gym may conduct a background check and consider whether the conviction relates to member safety, finances, children, or other job duties.
Can a felon own a personal training business?
Possibly, but self-employment does not eliminate insurance and client-trust issues.
Should I disclose an expunged or sealed conviction?
The answer depends on state law and the exact question being asked. Do not guess. Contact a qualified attorney, legal-aid organization or reentry service in your state.
Can someone on probation or parole work as a personal trainer?
Probation or parole terms may limit employment, travel, contact with certain groups, or business activities. Discuss the plan with the supervising officer before accepting work.
Will every client find out about my record?
Not necessarily, but you should assume that clients may search your name online. Be ready to answer honest questions without letting the conviction become your entire identity.
Final Thoughts: Can You Be a Personal Trainer After Prison?
Yes, some people can become successful personal trainers after prison.
Fitness is full of people trying to change their lives. That should include those who have completed their sentences and are making a serious effort to do better.
Still, good intentions are not enough. You need education, professional behavior, honesty, patience and proof that you are dependable. You may hear no from several employers before someone gives you an opportunity.
Do your homework before purchasing a certification. Contact the organizations involved. Understand your legal rights. Build strong references. Learn how to work safely with ordinary clients. Make it easy for an employer to see the person you are today.
I've always felt that fitness is a big tent with room for a wide range of people. And, if you think about it, gyms are all about redemption — people who join in the hopes of bettering themselves.
At the end of the day, we all make mistakes in life. Granted, some mistakes are harder to overcome than others, but with patience and help, I think we can achieve a lot. For those who feel otherwise, I'll respect your opinion but I'll leave you with these words: If it's true, that our mistakes define who we were, then it's also true that what we do with our lives― because of those mistakes―define who we are.
Any questions?
If someone is in jail and wanna get a personal trainer certificate how do they go about doing that
Anquanette, I think the first step is to see if the prison has an activities director. I may not be using the right term for this. Maybe one of the guards knows the correct term or someone else here does? Whoever that person is can give you information on how to obtain a personal trainer certification while in prison.
I believe IFTA (interactive fitness trainers of America) does live lecture courses. They would have to be invited into the prison to do this. Another organization is International Sports Science Association (ISSA). they have a correspondence course that people take on their own. They study the textbook on their own and when they are ready they can send away for the exam. They then send the exam back to ISSA to be graded.
I hope this helps. If you have any other questions let me know and I’ll try to help.
I was just given my offer letter as a fitness manager making a good amount $. the entire staff I spoke to and interviewed with where very impressed with me and basically told me 2 weeks ago welcome aboard… BUT I got a completely harmless and stupid ONE TIME DUI. Just i months ago. my offer letter States that the job is contingent upon the following excetera which includes of course a background check and MVR or motor vehicle Report.
My license is not suspended but it is restricted. This job is a huge thing for me I have had a tough few months because of all of this and I’m finally feeling like the light is at the end of the tunnel. But I am so afraid to fill out this background information because I don’t want to be excited just to be told thanks but no thanks.
Mind you the entire supervisory staff above me was overboard in their Pursuit Of Me and have been extremely interested and impressed but of course, they never even asked for a license or if I ever had a crime and so on now that I have the offer letter and that makes it official I suppose, Contingent upon my passing a background check.
It’s corporate which is a bigger fear of mine because I know that corporate tends to just look at a simple piece of paper and say oh no he has a DUI he lied which I never did I was never asked.
In anybody’s or experience, Has a DUI conviction prevented you from getting a job after an offer letter, and salary location, title, all and everything else is in place?
Jay, sorry to hear you are going through this stressful situation. I wish I had some words of wisdom for you except to say just continue down this road and see where it leads. It sounds like you are very close to being hired. I would fill out the background check info and see what happens. I also think it would help if you told the supervisor staff about your DUI and how it may impact things. At least you will not be in the dark as much. Explain to them just as you did here what happened. its quite possible that since it was your first offense they may overlook it.
I know this will be difficult to do – I can tell you are stressed – but sometimes getting out in front of something can be better than waiting for it to creep up on you from behind.
I hope you will let us know what happens..
Does anyone else have guidance for Jay about this?
So I was arrested for breaking into a house 5 yrs ago. Ive cleaned myself up and have been working out. I want to be a personal trainer. Will my previous transgressions be a problem for me?
Hi Timothy, If that’s the only thing that occurred then I dont see a problem. If what you did was a felony then ask the certification agency up front if this will be a problem for you taking their test. I know the NASM (national academy of sports medicine) does not allow people who’ve commented felonies to be in their organization. I believe they are one of the few though. I believe for most organizations (AAAI/ISMA, IFTA, ACE, NSCA, ISSA and others), this should not be a problem.
If a person is in still in prison which organizations allow for exams to be taken on their own since they can’t get to a testing facility?
Hi Danielle, excellent question and I WILL be writing a big post on all the different fitness organizations which help those prison become personal trainers. If you join my newsletter list you will be alerted when I post it (I will hope to have it up soon). For now, I can tell you this organization is “prison friendly”
ISSA. International Sports Science Association. https://www.issaonline.edu/ Their course is $799 but they may offer a discount to those in prison. I spoke to ISSA about this. To learn more call them mat 805-755-7208 and ask for Ryan. That is who I spoke with.
Again, stay tuned. I will be posting a great deal more on this topic very soon in a separate post.
Any other questions, just ask.
PS, like your email name 🙂
I was charged with petty theft and am scared to death that it might end up a conviction. I made an idiotic choice and regret it ever since. I have turned my life to fitness as it has always been a passion and personal training is something I want to do to help others with their fitness goals. I just wanted to ask if I have a chance with some education and a personal training certification. It hasn’t been a year yet so time has past by not a lot.
Thanks, your article gives me hope.
Hi Rey, you are very welcome. I’m so glad I was able to ease your stress level. Keep me posted on your progress in training or if you have any other questions
Thank you Joe but I just wanted to know in your opinion does a petty theft, one-time, past stop your from becoming a personal trainer? I am still going to attempt it because as I said fitness is my passion and will educate myself to learn as much as possible. I have a long way to go for my training to excel but I will get there, thanks again for replying.
Hi Rey, we all make mistakes in life and if this is all that occurred, I dont think it will be an issue especially as time goes by. I think the best thing is to get out in front of it when you go for interviews. Bring it up before they do. Be nice about it and say something like “this is what happened in my past and while Im not that person anymore, I wanted to share it with you in case it matters. If it doesn’t great but if it does, then let me know now.”
As far as fitness certification’s are concerned, some wont certify people who’ve been convicted of felonies. Not sure if your mistake was a felony or not. One of those that are like that is NASM, the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I dont think that’s a big deal because they are over hyped and over-priced anyway in my opinion. I dont think most fitness organizations are like this though. Before you sign up for a certification – and pay for it – call the organization and ask them if they have any policies that prohibit those who’ve been convicted of crime from taking their exam. I dont think most do but it cant hurt to ask just in case.
I think the best thing you can do now is build up as much good stuff as possible. Make yourself look as good on paper as you can. Fitness certs, CPR/AED cert can help and even volunteering at church etc., can make people look past what happened in the past and see you for the person you are now.
Keep me updated on how everything is going. Sign up for my free newsletters. I have a LOT of information I pass along to trainers there.
Okay, I see, and no mine was a misdemeanor charge but still has an effect. I am always willing to work harder towards my goals! And with the advice you present me with, I am going to take action on it. I do have a job so I am not unemployable, just not a clean past over a mistake.
I will proceed to get certified and get educated as much as possible, and I will even look into volunteering at my church, thanks again for the advice and boost of confidence. I definitely look into the newsletters!
Sounds good Rey, I wish you much success!
I’ve made the mistake of getting into a fight with my Mom while I was 19 back in 2011. I got charged and convicted with misdemeanor domestic battery and spent up to two weeks in jail. Nowadays I haven’t been in anymore legal trouble, me and my Mom have a better relationship than before and I’ve taken anger management, family therapy and individual therapy in order to help me develop coping skills.
I’m currently going to school to be a personal trainer and I was wondering will my past stupid mistake keep me from getting a job as a personal trainer at a gym? This is something I’ve been thinking about for years and I hope I didn’t pick the wrong career with my misdemeanor.
Hi John, based on what you said, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. If it ever comes up during an job interview, just be honest and say it was an unfortunate family altercation and leave it at that. There is no need to go into the details. If you eventually become self employed (which I hope you do – check out my marketing book for ideas), this will almost certainly never come up.
I say don’t worry anymore about the past and focus on your future. I’m glad you and your mom have a better relationship now too.
I made the mistake of assaulting someone while ill in 2005. After doing 2 years in prison, I never got in trouble again. I looked up many code of conducts on personal training organization’s websites and most said you can’t be a convicted felon. I have been reading so many personal training books to prepare myself before attending school, but I want to make sure I can become a personal trainer with a record before spending so much money on a vocational school.
I plan on earning a certificate from the government that states I’m fully rehabilitated, and I can’t be turned down most jobs and licenses, just because of my record, but there are limits, like I can’t become a cop or get a license to practice law. My main question is: should I still pursue a career in personal training?
Hi Michael, is this something you truly want to do? If yes, then I say go ahead and do it. Yes there will be some in the job market who may hold it against you. We all have obstacles that will stand in our way from time to time. When I run into those types of things, I look at them as something to make me better. I try not to get depressed over them. Neither should you.
Can you list the organizations that said being a convicted felon is against their code of conduct? I think that will help others who are thinking about this save time by avoiding those organizations.
Before you pick a certification go to with, call them and ask if your prior conviction is against their code of conduct. Given what you said and that it was from 2005, I’d be surprised if it still came back to haunt you.
Yes, I can. According to my research, the organizations with specific felon clauses are the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), and the National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT). The most lenient, usually following policy by government laws, are the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA).
Michael, thanks for those names. Have you personally called them to explain your situation? Im wondering if they would bend their rules on a case by case basis. Of those organizations you mentioned, ACE would be the most well rounded in my opinion. I also know most gyms accept ACE too. I dont know much about AFPA but they have been around a long time so that is good. Call them and see what they say.
Other organizations to call include NSCA, IFTA (interactive fitness trainers of America), AAAI/ISMA and ISSA (international sports science association).
Hey i have a question as well… I am 28 years old i am interested in getting in the field of personal training. I have a record and have been to jail. Never for anything serious. I got a dui when i was 21 and just kind of kept driving and kept getting caught during the time i was supposed to be suspended. My last conviction i did 120 days and they took my license for 3 years. That was 2.5 years ago. I have an interview with a fairly high end gym thursday. I’m trying to get as much info as i can regarding a background check. What do you think i should do.
Hi Dan, If it’s a high-end gym, odds are they are going to run a background check so your past DUIs will come up. If it doesn’t come up during the interview, wait until the person asks if you have any questions for them, and then bring it up. Explain it was a stupid thing and that you are much more mature now. Tell them just what you told me and ensure them that its in the past and that you don’t do anything like that anymore. I’d think if your fitness credentials and personality are good, the gym might overlook it since its been almost 3 years ago. Given alcohols connection to increased estrogen levels, not to say cancer, I’d say dont even drink anymore. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/dietandphysicalactivity/alcohol-use-and-cancer
let me know how the interview on Thursday goes.
Will do
again thanks for the help.
Hello Joe,
Sorry get back to you late i did find out information on this.
what happen is that if you are denied from your prison then you will ave to wait till you are out to take class and exams. but if you are denied from the school you can appeal you denied and if approve take the class and exams.
So in my husband case he was denied by the prison after we paid for everything and he was ready to take exam. so as soon as he out in a couple of months the school will allow for him to go straight in to take exam.
Thank you for your help.
Hi Jamie, thanks for letting me know. I didnt know about the prison’s role in all this. Glad your husband will be out in a few months. Just tell him to keep studying. By the time hes out rolls around, he will be even better prepared to take and pass the exam. Let me know how it goes.
Hey Joe,
here is the name of the organization (NFPT) national federation professional training
Hi Jami, Here is the website for the NFPT : https://www.nfpt.com/
Here is the NFPT contact page: https://www.nfpt.com/contact-us
Here is the NFPT contact phone # : 800-729-6378
They are open M-F 9AM-5PM (EST)
Let me know what happens.
thank you so much i will let you know everything that happens. i sending him the information to give now.
Good Im glad 🙂
hello my husband is trying to get his cert in personal training in prison. He brought his books and now ready to take exams but the prison is trying to tell us that now he can not take the exam because of his felon but gave him the information and had him pay for everything. is it true or not that he can get his cert. thanks
Hi Jamie, That is 100% incorrect. There is no universal rule that felons cannot take a personal trainer certification test. This is what I suggest you do:
1. Find out the name of the fitness organization your husband is trying to be be certified by. For example it might be “ISSA” – International Sports Science Association or it might be “NASM” – National Academy of Sports Medicine. Ask your husband. He has the books and the name of the organization will be on the front and back covers of those textbooks.
2. When you know the name of the organization you can call them on the phone. If you cant find the phone number, let me know the name of the organization here in a comment and I will find you their contact phone number.
3. When you speak to the organization on the phone, ask this question “Do you have any rules against felons in prison taking your certification test?” Say it just like that. My guess is that the organization has no rules that would prohibit your husband from taking the test in prison. Also tell them that your husband has already purchased their study materials and is ready to take the exam.
4. Ask the organization for an email or letter that says they have no restrictions. Take that to the prison and show it to the warden or whoever is in charge.
That should take care of your problems.
Jamie, do let me know what happens. I’m really curious to know how this turns out.
I am enrolled in NASM already I have previous Felonies just 2 non violent and non drug offenses will that bar me from getting certified?
Hi Ledell, generally, I’d say no, it wont impact your ability to take the NASM test and if you pass get certified. It may come up during job interviews but if you take the advice I gave, it might help smooth things over. good luck in the test and keep me posted on how things go after you pass.
Hello my name is Duell. I am 26 years old and I am considering becoming a PT. I was charged with aggravated assault (class 3 felony) and possession of paraphernalia (class 6 felony) in 2010. I didn’t actually touch or hurt anyone, I just threatened a guy and i never went to prison, just a little bit of jail time.
I am intelligent and I can speak and communicate extremely well. I have also worked in customer service and sales for years. could I please get some honest opinions about the odds of me becoming employed through a gym after my certification.
Hi Duell, have you had any problems with the law since 2010? If you have left your former life behind and are willing to learn all you can about health and fitness, then I don’t see a problem. Your past may show up in background checks if the gym does any so it will be up to them to decide if something that happened in 2010 is relevant today or not.
Keep me posted on how things go for you if you decide to pursue a career as a personal trainer.
Thank you for the input. I haven’t been in any trouble since then and its been almost 6 years now, I’m feeling confidant. I will let you know what happens for sure.
Duell, sounds good I’m glad I was able to help.
Haven’t been in prison, however a month ago I made terrible judgement and drove a car after going to a baseball game with a few drinks in my system. Unfortunately, the embarrassment and guilt is added to the misdemeanor that will be on my record for the rest of my life. I am planning to move in September and will be pursuing a career as a personal trainer in my new destination. I am already certified with 6 months of experience and am hoping that the gyms I interview with will be able to understand my transgression. It was a HUGE eye-opener for me. No one was hurt, and although the situation could have been better it could have been so much worse. Anyway, your article is helping me feel a little better about my situation.
Patrick, I’m glad I was able to help and also glad that you are OK also. It sounds to me like you will be just fine.
Always on the cutting edge – aren’t you. Bold article. I definitely believe that people are capable of redeeming themselves after making mistakes & deserve second chances. But for me, it depends on the crime. Child predators, violent rapists, murderers – sorry – not hiring as a personal trainer, especially if I’m having you go to people’s homes. Stealing a car as an 18 year old & stayed out of trouble for years – I’ll consider it. I’m going on a case by case basis here.
Paul
Paul, I agree, we have to go case by case with this. Ive had former inmates in classes Ive taught and that’s what got me to thinking about it. Hopefully this makes its way to the people who need to see it.
Hey when I was 19 a girl lied about her age saying she was 18 but then I find out she was 15 and we hooked up. Nj is crazy with this law. She had tattoos and everything she was fully developed for her age and I was completely fooled. Now I’m stuck on parole until 2027 just cause of an age difference. Am I screwed to ever get hired at a gym I’ve been on parole for 5 years now and haven’t gotten in trouble at all. I love fitness and I wanna become a personal trainer. Are my chances non existent now?
This happened in 2009. I am 27 now this was seriously almost a decade ago. I now have a wife and a child. I’m not a violent person just got lied to
Hi Tony, Have you tried to get a job at a gym as a personal trainer yet? If you are certified now as a trainer, I say give it a shot and see what happens. If you are not yet certified, do that first. Get the CPR/AED cert too as this will make you even more attractive to gyms. Then, when you apply, Follow my guidelines for what to do during the interview and if the topic of the background check comes up, be open and honest with them. State what happened calmly (practice what you will say ahead of time) and don’t curse when you describe the events.
I don’t think what happened to you totally closes the door on you becoming a personal trainer. you just may have to work a bit harder but its not impossible. Its also good that you have been out of trouble for over a decade too. The best advice I can give is be calm, have patience and expect some of this to haunt you as you apply for jobs. If you expect it to come up, then you wont be blindsided when it does. That’s ok. Just take this one day at a time and one step at a time.
Keep me posted on how you are doing.