How to Become A Personal Trainer South Africa

A personal trainer is an individual who has earned a certification that demonstrates they have achieved a level of competency for creating and delivering safe and effective exercise programs for apparently healthy individuals and groups or those with medical clearance to exercise.

What Does a Personal Trainer Do?

Personal Trainer Careers Basics

Personal trainers work with clients to develop and implement fitness training regimens that help achieve goals. Trainers introduce clients to exercises based on their skill levels and needs. They must keep up with the latest professional recommendations and findings in fitness and nutrition.

Why do personal trainers quit?

Many personal trainers quit because they don’t see much potential for career progression. It can be tough to figure out how you’ll move forward. Think about what your dream career path would be and then create a plan to make it a reality. Read up on how other PTs have become successful and seek out mentors

Is personal training a dying career?

Unfortunately, personal training will die within the next 10 years. Or, at least, the type of personal training being done in most gyms today will be irrelevant and obsolete.

What’s the salary of a personal trainer?

Average annual salary: R 520982.56 – R 1794184.30

In setting their own hourly rate and taking on as many clients as they like, Personal Trainers have the potential to increase their annual earnings beyond the average wage.

Below is How to Become A Personal Trainer South Africa

Decide If Personal Training Is Right for You

From the outside, personal training often looks like a satisfying career, and it can be. You get to help people achieve their goals in a field you love, it’s flexible, and you have lots of options for where you can work.

Get Certified as a Personal Trainer

If you’ve decided personal training is for you, your next step is to get certified. The most important factor in the decision of where to obtain your certification is whether the certifying organization has been accredited.

Consider a Specialty

Over time and with experience, you will develop a sense of which types of clients you most enjoy training. You can then invest in further education and get a specialty certification.

Courses in Personal Training Programs

Though most personal training certificate programs only require a high school diploma, expanding your education is a great way to expand your career. Generally, you could seek a personal training certificate or associate degree. You also have the option of seeking an advanced degree such as a bachelor’s or master’s.

Personal Training Certificate

These programs typically require two to three semesters of study and expose students to the fundamentals of exercise science, nutrition, and human anatomy and physiology. Some courses include:

Components of a Successful Personal Trainer Career

Personal trainers need education, experience, and personal qualities to help clients achieve their fitness goals. Learn more about the skills that can help pave the way to a prosperous career in personal training.

Personal Trainer Skills

check-circle iconFitness Assessment

Trainers can understand fitness screening techniques, determine the appropriate type of screening based on the client and setting, and identify risk factors that could impact the client’s health

.check-circle iconCommunication

Effective communication is key to becoming a personal trainer. You must be able to teach clients, listen and respond to their needs, and maintain professional relationships

.check-circle iconLeadership

Trainers should be ethical professionals that can convey information effectively to motivate clients to achieve their goals

.check-circle iconNutrition and Weight Management

To establish appropriate programs for clients, trainers should be knowledgeable in nutrition, weight loss, and weight management

.check-circle iconAnalytical ThinkingYou should understand human behavior and know how to leverage a client’s learning style to maximize their exercise needs.


How long does it take to become a personal trainer in South Africa?

The programme is delivered through mixed-mode which combines contact in the form of seminars and workshops plus self-study. The duration of this learning programme is approximately nine months.

What qualifications do you need to be a personal trainer in South Africa?

Our qualifications: National Certificate Fitness (SAQA ID 67693) and National Diploma Fitness (SAQA ID 67691) and also accredited by CATHSSETA. SSISA is also a provider of the Register for Exercise Professionals South Africa (REPSSA).

How much do personal trainers cost in South Africa?

Costs for the programmes are as follows: 4-week programme – R650; 8-week programme – R1,100; Individual sessions – from R185/session.

How much does it cost to do a personal training course?

On average, the cost to become a personal trainer in the UK is around £1,500. This covers the price of the Level 3 Certificate training course, which qualifies you to work as a PT. Some courses cost more than this, and some less (see our complete list of all PT courses with prices).

Is it hard to become a personal trainer?

Becoming a personal trainer isn’t hard, but serious work and study are required. Look at both entry-level and advanced certification programs. Personal trainers need to spend a lot of time experimenting in the gym to gain knowledge. Personal trainers must put the necessary effort into marketing.

Do personal trainers make good money?

Yes, making good money as a personal trainer is very viable. Even entry-level personal trainers can make upwards of R 358.08 an hour, and easily up to R 1432.34an hour if they are experienced. Private personal trainers can make even more per hour, charging up top R1432.34 an hour.