Become a Certified Personal Trainer in Tennessee — 100% Online with Fitness Mentors

Fitness is thriving in Tennessee. Now is the time to turn your passion into a profession.

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From Nashville’s thriving fitness culture to Memphis’ community-focused gyms, opportunities for fitness professionals in Tennessee are expanding faster than ever. If you’re ready to turn your passion for health and movement into a rewarding career, earning your personal trainer certification in Tennessee with Fitness Mentors is the perfect place to begin.

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Our nationally recognized, 100% online program gives you the freedom to study at your own pace and become certified in as little as 3–6 months. With expert mentorship, real-world training resources, and built-in business education, you’ll graduate fully prepared to guide clients toward life-changing results and build the successful fitness career you’ve always dreamed of.

Get certified online today and start your journey as a personal trainer in Tennessee

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Why Become a Personal Trainer in Tennessee?

High Demand for Trainers

The fitness industry in Tennessee is growing rapidly, from Nashville’s vibrant gyms and health clubs to Memphis’ community-focused studios and Knoxville’s wellness centers. As more Tennesseans focus on health, longevity, and active living, the need for certified professionals continues to rise. Across gyms, fitness centers, physical therapy clinics, and even corporate wellness programs, you will find abundant opportunities to make a meaningful impact while building a sustainable career.

Flexible Career Paths

Tennessee’s diverse fitness culture gives trainers the freedom to shape their careers in ways that fit their lifestyle. Whether you’re interested in working one-on-one in a gym, offering private in-home training, or building an online coaching business, the flexibility of personal training is unmatched. With Tennessee’s steady population growth and expanding health-conscious communities, opportunities continue to open up for both new and experienced fitness professionals.

Strong Earning Potential

Becoming a certified trainer in Tennessee is both rewarding and financially sustainable. Personal trainers in the state typically earn between $52,000 and $68,000 annually, with top professionals exceeding this range through private sessions, group fitness, and online programs. Many Fitness Mentors graduates further boost their income with specialized CEU certifications or by launching their own businesses, giving them complete control over their earning potential and career path.

Tennessee 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 Tennessee:

  • 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

Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee, Fitness Mentors provides a complete, affordable, and 100% online pathway to success.

Why I Am Qualified To Recommend Top Personal Trainer Certifications

The Best Personal Trainer Certification Programs

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…

Pick a Package. Get Certified. Change Your Life Through Helping Others.

Starter

Includes the Fitness Mentors CPT Certification

$499

Extra 25% OFF

With code “Fitness25” at checkout!

MOST POPULAR

Plus Bundle

Popular plan

Includes TWO Certifications and 1-Year Mentorship!

$729

Extra 25% OFF

With code “Fitness25” at checkout!

Master Trainer Bundle

Includes THREE Certifications and 1-Year Mentorship!

$999

Extra 25% OFF

With code “Fitness25” at checkout!

BEST VALUE

Ultimate Bundle

Includes SIX Certifications and 1-Year Mentorship!

$1599

Extra 25% OFF

With code “Fitness25” at checkout!

How to Become a Certified Personal Trainer in Tennessee

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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee’s competitive fitness industry.

Step 2 – Study & Prepare Online

Flexibility is key to success. With the online personal trainer certification Tennessee 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! Tennessee 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 Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, or Clarksville, 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee’s competitive fitness industry.

Program Highlights

Our personal training certification course in Tennessee 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 Tennessee. 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.

"I am currently going through the online course for the Fitness Mentors' CPT exam and it is great stuff! The team at fitness mentors does a great job of laying out the material in an efficient and easier way to understand than other certifications do and it results in me absorbing the material better!"
Caleb
FM CPT
"I've had nothing but the best interactions with Fitness Mentors; first, with supplemental materials for my NASM certification study, then with completing their own CPT certification. Thank you, Eddie and Team Fitness Mentors for the high quality of service you provide."
Tamieca
FM CPT

Career Opportunities for Personal Trainers in Tennessee

Top Hiring Cities

Tennessee offers a strong and growing job market for fitness professionals, with opportunities spread across its most active cities: Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Clarksville. Each city has a thriving fitness culture supported by gyms, wellness centers, and private studios. Major employers such as LA Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Planet Fitness, and local boutique gyms regularly hire certified trainers to meet the rising demand. Whether you’re drawn to Nashville’s bustling urban fitness scene or the community-driven studios of Knoxville, certified trainers are in demand across the state.

Average Personal Trainer Salary in Tennessee

Personal trainers in Tennessee enjoy competitive pay and flexibility in their careers. On average, trainers earn between $25 – $48 per hour, which translates to an annual income of $52,000–$68,000, depending on location, experience, and specialization. Trainers who focus on private sessions, group classes, or online coaching often surpass these averages. Many Fitness Mentors graduates boost their income further by combining in-person training with virtual coaching, allowing them to reach clients beyond their local markets.

Online Training & Remote Coaching

Like the rest of the U.S., Tennessee has embraced hybrid and online coaching, which continues to grow in popularity. The Fitness Mentors CPT program prepares you to excel both in-person and online, giving you the skills to design effective programs, attract clients, and build your brand. Whether you’re training from home in Clarksville, building an online client base in Memphis, or creating hybrid fitness solutions in Nashville, you’ll be equipped with 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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee

Whether you’re in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, or Clarksville there’s never been a better time to launch your fitness career. With Tennessee’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 Tennessee 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.

Tennessee Personal Trainer FAQ

Do I need a license to be a personal trainer in Tennessee?

No. Tennessee 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 Tennessee gyms?

Yes. FM-CPT is NCCA-aligned and recognized by leading gyms and wellness centers throughout Tennessee.

How much do personal trainers make in Tennessee?

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 Tennessee.

"I am currently going through the online course for the Fitness Mentors' CPT exam and it is great stuff! The team at fitness mentors does a great job of laying out the material in an efficient and easier way to understand than other certifications do and it results in me absorbing the material better!"
Caleb
FM CPT
"I've had nothing but the best interactions with Fitness Mentors; first, with supplemental materials for my NASM certification study, then with completing their own CPT certification. Thank you, Eddie and Team Fitness Mentors for the high quality of service you provide."
Tamieca
FM CPT

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!
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Still Unsure? Talk To A Coach!

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Coach Eddie

30 Minute Meeting

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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!