Become a Certified Personal Trainer in Illinois — 100% Online with Fitness Mentors
Fitness is thriving in Illinois. Now is the time to turn your passion into a profession.
From Chicago’s bustling fitness studios to Naperville’s upscale wellness centers, opportunities for fitness professionals in Illinois are expanding rapidly. If you’re ready to turn your passion for health and movement into a fulfilling career, earning your personal trainer certification in Illinois with Fitness Mentors is the ideal place to begin.
Our nationally accredited, fully online program lets you study at your own pace and get certified in just 3–6 months. With expert mentorship, practical training resources, and built-in business guidance, you’ll graduate prepared to inspire clients, deliver real results, and launch the fitness career you’ve always envisioned.
Get certified online today and start your journey as a personal trainer in Illinois
Enroll NowWhy Become a Personal Trainer in Illinois?
High Demand for Trainers
Illinois offers a thriving fitness landscape from Chicago’s luxury health clubs and Springfield’s local gyms to Naperville’s boutique studios. As residents focus more on wellness, strength, and longevity, the need for certified fitness professionals continues to rise. You’ll find abundant personal trainer job opportunities across gyms, corporate fitness centers, physical therapy clinics, and university athletic programs throughout the state.
Flexible Career Paths
Illinois provides endless flexibility for trainers to build the career they want. Whether you’re guiding clients in a Chicago high-rise gym, offering private sessions in suburban homes, or running virtual training programs statewide, you have the freedom to create your own path. With its diverse population and growing health-conscious communities, Illinois is an ideal place to establish a long-term fitness career.
Strong Earning Potential
Personal training in Illinois is both meaningful and financially rewarding. The average salary ranges from $55,000 to $70,000 annually, with top earners making more through private coaching, group fitness, and online programs. Many Fitness Mentors graduates boost their income further by earning additional CEU certifications or launching their own fitness brands, giving them full control over their career growth and earnings potential.
Illinois Personal Trainer Certification Requirements
Minimum Requirements
Before beginning your certification journey, make sure you meet the basic eligibility standards for becoming a personal trainer in Illinois:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Maintain a current CPR/AED certification.
These foundational steps ensure you’re prepared for the educational and professional responsibilities of a certified trainer.
Licensing Note
Illinois does not require a state-issued personal trainer license, but employers expect candidates to hold a nationally recognized, accredited certification. This ensures you meet industry standards for safety, exercise science, and professionalism, making your credentials valid and respected across Illinois and nationwide.
Accredited Certification Options
Choosing an accredited certification is crucial. The Fitness Mentors Certified Personal Trainer (FM-CPT) program aligns with NCCA standards, ensuring national recognition and employer trust. While popular certifications such as ISSA, ACE, NASM, and NSCA are also respected, Fitness Mentors stands out for its flexibility, mentorship, and business training. If you’re looking for the best CPT certification in Illinois, Fitness Mentors provides a complete, affordable, and 100% online pathway to success.
Why I Am Qualified To Recommend Top Personal Trainer Certifications
Hi, I’m Eddie Lester, the founder and CEO of Fitness Mentors. I’ve been a personal trainer for nearly 20 years and have 10 personal training certifications. In addition, I used to be a personal trainer certification teacher at a vocational college making me highly familiar with the educational materials and learning styles of each major CPT body and prospective students, respectively.
The contents of this article have also been reviewed by Alex Cartmill and Matt McLeod, both of which are experienced personal trainers holding multiple personal training certifications themselves, as well as having more than 10 years of training experience.
I am excited to share with you my analysis of the best personal trainer certifications that will specifically cover:
- Certification cost
- Exam difficulty
- Curriculum contents
- Exam pass rates
- Accreditation status
- Overall rating
Tens of Thousands of trainers certified. Here’s what they say…
After checking reviews decided to give Fitness Mentors a try. The videos and extra supplements with explanations are a big...
July 11
This course has made learning online for me a lot better than I ever expected. The only reason I did...
July 2
I just passed the Fitness Mentors certified personal trainer course. The class was well worth taking. It breaks down everything...
May 27
I came to Fitness Mentors after a long search sifting through different certification providers. I like the down-to-earth approach and...
May 16
Despite the fact that the course sounded amazing, exactly what I needed to grow my health coaching/fitness business, I was...
May 4
Good course on program design. Quick response to any questions. Provide step by step formula to building programs and design...
April 19
Fitness Mentors is an amazing company for people looking to get certified as a Personal Trainer. I 100% recommend Fitness...
March 17
Even with 15 years of experience teaching fitness classes and aerobics, this course far exceeded my expectations on ease of...
March 11
The concepts were easy and entertaining to follow. I love the audio lectures with the slides. I love the explanations...
February 12
This has been a truly eye-opening experience, the information provided is formatted and structured in a way that is easy...
February 9
This course was easy to understand and gave me great knowledge to start my career as a personal trainer!!
...January 26
This program broken down weekly helped me learn it properly. Hearing the audio lecture and seeing the power points each...
January 11
Thank you for the nutrition certification class. The knowledge this provides will benefit me greatly in the culinary industry.
...December 30
I highly recommend these courses. They are easy to follow and very informative. I really enjoyed the health coach certification...
December 22
Really a good concept. So much usefull info that is easily digestible. It will get you on a right path...
December 2
The material is very in depth but easy to follow. The full audio lessons really make learning more easy and...
November 16
I just past my NASM exam today on the first try!! This is all thanks to Fitness Mentors& The audio...
October 15
Thank you for donating the certified nutrition course to Habilitat. I appreciate the opportunity to learn about nutrition and its...
October 15
Thank you so much for the online nutrition course you donated to Habilitat. The course greatly enhanced my understanding of...
October 13
I just passed the certified health coach course. I found the video lectures to be very helpful and easy to...
October 11
The Fitness Mentors Certified Personal Trainer Course was full of useful knowledge and tools which I will use in my...
September 20
I couldn t have passed my exam without the audio lectures, study guide, and practice tests! Saved my life. I...
September 14
I loved everything about the guidance and information learned through the Fitness Mentors program. My only complaint is that if...
August 24
So far I finished a few modules and I am loving the course
...August 21
I would like to thank Fitness Mentors for the nutrition course that they made available to me at Habilitat. I...
August 4
I would like to say thank you for your class. I learned a lot about protein and carbs as well...
July 26
I purchased the Ultimate Bundle and have completed the Online Certification thus far. Im so happy I found Fitness Mentors....
July 22
Fitness Mentors is a great service and worth every Penny! Chad & Eddie and all their resources helped me pass...
July 21
The Fitness Mentors virtual group fitness instructor course is great. I enjoyed the class. It was easy to understand and...
July 19
Well thought out and the information is given in easy terms.
...July 13
Eddie is amazing! I definitely did not feel prepared taking the exam after going through ACE s study guide so...
July 6
Straight forward course, you do it on your own pace, receiving the certification is quick after completion of the final...
June 29
This is the first time I used Fitness Mentors for continuing education. I m very impressed with the material and...
June 23
So far, I am really enjoying the Starter course. I didn t realize how much you have to learn in...
May 25
A big thank you to Eddie Lester at Fitness Mentors for offering such an incredibly well organized, structured, and informative...
May 12
The experience provided by prompt and positive customer service made the choice easy in deciding where to pursue my personal...
April 30
I’m still working my way through the course i’m taking, but felt compelled to leave a review before I’ve even...
April 21
The Fitness Mentors Online Course for the NASM CPT Exam was excellent. The course broke down and explained the key...
April 18
Pick a Package. Get Certified. Change Your Life Through Helping Others.
Starter
Includes the Fitness Mentors CPT Certification
$499
With code “Fitness25” at checkout!
- Certified Personal Trainer (FM-CPT)
- FM-CPT Certification Exam
- Digital Textbook
- Lecture Video Presentations
- Audio Book Lectures
- Study Guide Questions
- Chapter Quizzes
- Two Realistic Practice Exams
- Facebook Support Group with Expert and Peer Guidance
- Certified Nutrition Specialist Certification
- Exercise Library
- Bonus Learning Videos
- Flashcards
- Interactive Learning Activities
- Study Guide Answers
- Final Exam Preparation Guide
- Online Trainer Certification
- Certified Nutrition Specialist Certification
- Access to Personal Fitness Mentor
- Pass Guarantee
- Online Trainer Certification (COPT)
- Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
- Virtual Group Fitness Instructor Certification (VGFI)
- Virtual Health Coach Certification (VHC)
- Pain Management Specialist (PMS)
- Plus Many More Bonuses Included
MOST POPULAR
Plus Bundle
Includes TWO Certifications and 1-Year Mentorship!
$729
With code “Fitness25” at checkout!
- Certified Personal Trainer (FM-CPT)
- Certified Nutrition Specialist (FM-CNS)
- Exercise Library
- Bonus Learning Videos
- Flashcards
- Interactive Learning Activities
- Study Guide Answers
- Final Exam Preparation Guide
- FM-CPT Certification Exam
- Digital Textbook
- Lecture Video Presentations
- Audio Book Lectures
- Study Guide Questions
- Chapter Quizzes
- Two Realistic Practice Exams
- Facebook Support Group with Expert and Peer Guidance
- Online Trainer Certification
- Certified Nutrition Specialist Certification
- Access to Personal Fitness Mentor
- Pass Guarantee
- Online Trainer Certification (COPT)
- Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
- Virtual Group Fitness Instructor Certification (VGFI)
- Virtual Health Coach Certification (VHC)
- Pain Management Specialist (PMS)
- Plus Many More Bonuses Included
Master Trainer Bundle
Includes THREE Certifications and 1-Year Mentorship!
$999
With code “Fitness25” at checkout!
- Certified Personal Trainer (FM-CPT)
- Certified Nutrition Specialist (FM-CNS)
- Certified Online Trainer (FM-COPT)
- Access to Personal Fitness Mentor
- Pass Guarantee
- FM-CPT Certification Exam
- Digital Textbook
- Lecture Video Presentations
- Audio Book Lectures
- Study Guide Questions
- Chapter Quizzes
- Two Realistic Practice Exams
- Facebook Support Group with Expert and Peer Guidance
- Certified Nutrition Specialist Certification
- Exercise Library
- Bonus Learning Videos
- Flashcards
- Interactive Learning Activities
- Study Guide Answers
- Final Exam Preparation Guide
- Online Trainer Certification (COPT)
- Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
- Virtual Group Fitness Instructor Certification (VGFI)
- Virtual Health Coach Certification (VHC)
- Pain Management Specialist (PMS)
- Plus Many More Bonuses Included
BEST VALUE
Ultimate Bundle
Includes SIX Certifications and 1-Year Mentorship!
$1599
With code “Fitness25” at checkout!
- Certified Online Trainer (FM-COPT)
- Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
- Certified Virtual Group Fitness Instructor (FM-VGFI)
- Certified Virtual Health Coach (FM-VHC)
- Certified Pain Management Specialist (FM-PMS)
- Plus Many More Bonuses Included
- FM-CPT Certification Exam
- Digital Textbook
- Lecture Video Presentations
- Audio Book Lectures
- Study Guide Questions
- Chapter Quizzes
- 3 Realistic Practice Exams
- Facebook Support Group with Expert and Peer Guidance
- Certified Nutrition Specialist Certification
- Exercise Library
- Bonus Learning Videos
- Flashcards
- Interactive Learning Activities
- Study Guide Answers
- Final Exam Preparation Guide
- Online Trainer Certification
- Certified Nutrition Specialist Certification
- Access to Personal Fitness Mentor
- Pass Guarantee
How to Become a Certified Personal Trainer in Illinois
Step 1 – Choose Your Accredited Program
The first step to launching your fitness career is selecting an accredited program that employers recognize and trust. Accreditation ensures your certification meets national standards for safety, science-based training, and professional excellence. The Fitness Mentors Certified Personal Trainer (FM-CPT) program is one of the best personal trainer certifications in Illinois, offering NCCA-aligned education that’s respected by gyms, health clubs, and wellness centers across the state. With Fitness Mentors, you’ll gain both the technical knowledge and business skills to stand out in Illinois’s competitive fitness industry.
Step 2 – Study & Prepare Online
Flexibility is key to success. With the online personal trainer certification Illinois program from Fitness Mentors, you can learn at your own pace through interactive lessons, video tutorials, quizzes, and mentorship support. Most students complete the program in 3–6 months, balancing studies with their current job or lifestyle. You’ll build confidence as you master anatomy, exercise science, and client programming all through a proven, student-friendly online platform.
Step 3 – Pass the FM-CPT Exam
Once your coursework is complete, you’ll take the FM-CPT certification exam, which includes 100 multiple-choice questions completed over two hours. A 70% passing score is required to earn your credential. Fitness Mentors provides practice exams and study guides to help you prepare with confidence. The exam tests your applied knowledge of exercise science, program design, and client safety, ensuring you’re fully ready to train clients in any professional setting.
Step 4 – Get CPR/AED Certified (if not yet)
Before working with clients, you must hold a valid CPR/AED certification. This ensures you’re equipped to respond in emergency situations and meet employer requirements. Fitness Mentors offers resources and recommendations to help you complete this step quickly and efficiently.
Step 5 – Start Training Clients
With your certification in hand, you’re ready to begin your new career! Illinois offers endless opportunities to train clients in gyms, corporate wellness centers, private studios, or online. Many Fitness Mentors graduates also launch their own businesses, supported by Fitness Mentors Business Coaching and continuing education programs that help you grow your brand and income. Whether you’re in Chicago, Naperville, Springfield, Peoria, or Rockford, your journey as a certified personal trainer starts here.
About the Fitness Mentors CPT Program
Why Choose Fitness Mentors
The Fitness Mentors Certified Personal Trainer (FM-CPT) program is built to help aspiring trainers in Illinois start and grow successful careers with confidence. Our certification is 100% online, offering complete flexibility so you can study on your schedule from anywhere in the state. You’ll receive lifetime mentorship and business support, guiding you beyond certification and into career success. Aligned with NCCA accreditation standards, the FM-CPT ensures your credentials are nationally recognized and respected by employers. Plus, Fitness Mentors provides bonus CEU courses and business tools, giving you everything you need to stand out in Illinois’s competitive fitness industry.
Program Highlights
Our personal training certification course in Illinois is designed to give you a deep understanding of the science and strategy behind effective fitness coaching. The curriculum covers key topics including anatomy, exercise science, program design, client assessments, nutrition basics, and business strategy everything you need to become a knowledgeable and confident professional. You’ll study through a combination of video lessons, interactive quizzes, textbooks, and practice exams, ensuring you’re fully prepared for both the certification exam and your real-world clients.
Payment Plans & Packages
Fitness Mentors makes certification accessible for everyone with affordable personal trainer certification in Illinois. Choose from three flexible packages: Starter, Plus, and Ultimate to fit your learning goals and budget. Each package includes 0% interest payment plans, allowing you to invest in your career without financial stress. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking an advanced edge, there’s a Fitness Mentors CPT option designed to help you succeed.
Career Opportunities for Personal Trainers in Illinois
Top Hiring Cities
Illinois offers a strong and growing job market for fitness professionals, especially in major cities like Chicago, Naperville, Springfield, Peoria, and Rockford. Each city has its own dynamic fitness culture, supported by modern gyms, community wellness centers, and boutique studios. Major employers such as LA Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Equinox, Anytime Fitness, and Planet Fitness consistently hire certified trainers to meet increasing demand. Whether you’re drawn to the urban energy of Chicago or the welcoming community vibe of Naperville, certified trainers are highly sought after throughout Illinois.
Average Personal Trainer Salary in Illinois
Personal trainers in Illinois enjoy steady career growth and solid earning potential. On average, trainers earn $25–$50 per hour, equating to an annual salary of $55,000–$70,000, depending on experience, location, and specialization. Those offering private coaching or online sessions often earn even more. Many Fitness Mentors graduates combine in-person and virtual training to reach a broader client base and boost their income.
Online Training & Remote Coaching
With the rise of hybrid and online fitness models, Illinois trainers are embracing new ways to connect with clients. The Fitness Mentors CPT program equips you to thrive in both traditional and digital settings. Whether you’re training clients from your home gym, offering virtual fitness programs across the Midwest, or building your own online brand, Fitness Mentors gives you the tools and business knowledge to succeed in today’s evolving fitness industry.
Fitness Mentors Vs. Other Certifications
Fitness Mentors | NASM | ACE | ISSA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
NCCA accreditation option | ||||
Best industry value CPT | ||||
Highest pass rate | ||||
20 CEU requirement | ||||
Lifetime expert guidance included | ||||
Business coaching included | ||||
After-hours and weekend support | ||||
Virtual coaching education included |
Continuing Education & Renewal
Your certification is the foundation of your career, but continuing education keeps you at the top of your game. The Fitness Mentors Certified Personal Trainer (FM-CPT) credential is valid for 2 years. To renew your personal trainer certification in Illinois
, you’ll need to complete 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and maintain a current CPR/AED certification.
Fitness Mentors makes this process easy and affordable with a wide range of continuing education for trainers, including specialized CEU courses in Nutrition Coaching, Online Personal Training, Corrective Exercise, and Business Growth. These programs not only help you meet renewal requirements but also expand your skills, attract more clients, and increase your earning potential.
Start Your Personal Trainer Career in Illinois
Whether you’re in Chicago, Naperville, Springfield, Peoria, or Rockford, there’s never been a better time to launch your fitness career. With Illinois’s thriving health and wellness industry, you can turn your passion for fitness into a purpose-driven profession that transforms lives, including your own.
The Fitness Mentors CPT Program gives you everything you need to succeed: a flexible, 100% online certification, NCCA-aligned credibility, and affordable pricing options designed for real-life learners. You’ll gain expert knowledge, business confidence, and lifelong mentorship to help you thrive in any setting, from elite gyms to your own online fitness brand.
👉Enroll in the Fitness Mentors CPT Program today and start your certified fitness career in Illinois 100% online, NCCA-aligned, and backed by industry experts.
“No matter your experience level, we have the course for you.”
“Even with 15 years of experience teaching fitness classes and aerobics, this course exceeded my expectations on ease of use, instruction guides, video tutorials, and format. Easily one of the best online courses available for aspiring trainers.”
Habilitat, Inc.
Illinois Personal Trainer FAQ
Do I need a license to be a personal trainer in Illinois?
No. Illinois does not issue a state license for personal trainers, but employers require a nationally recognized certification like FM-CPT.
How long does it take to get certified?
Most students complete their certification in 3–6 months, depending on study pace and schedule.
Is FM-CPT recognized by Illinois gyms?
Yes. FM-CPT is NCCA-aligned and recognized by leading gyms and wellness centers throughout Illinois.
How much do personal trainers make in Illinois?
Trainers earn between $25 and $50 per hour, averaging $55,000–$70,000 per year, with higher earnings in major cities or private settings.
Can I complete my certification 100% online?
Absolutely. The Fitness Mentors CPT program is fully online and designed for flexible, self-paced learning anywhere in Illinois.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
We care so much about your happiness with our certifications that we hired the best, nicest, most awesome human beings we could find to help with anything you need. We call them the Fitness Mentors Customer Happiness Team, and they’re your go-to when you need a recommendation, have a question, or just need a reason to smile.
Reach out to us to say hi!
(310) 227-9261
Still Unsure? Talk To A Coach!
Coach Eddie
30 Minute Meeting
Web conferencing details provided upon confirmation.
I can’t wait to speak with you about your personal training goals and aspirations! Beginning your personal training career and growing in the fitness industry should be exciting and uplifting. That’s why I am here to help!
This will be a video call via google meet. Please find the link in the confirmation email. If you prefer to speak over the phone, feel free to dial in without video. Let’s schedule a time together to chat!
