A personal trainer certificate is proof that a person is a qualified personal trainer who has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to create and carry out safe and effective exercise plans for clients. However, someone can try to make a fake personal trainer certificate. The fake certificate may look real as those issued by reputable certifying organizations showing that the person has passed an exam that tests their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, exercise science, and other related topics.
How to make a fake personal trainer certificate
This unethical behavior hurts the reputation of the personal training industry and puts clients at risk of getting hurt. Below are the steps to make a fake personal trainer certificate:
Step 1: Research and gather information
To make a fake personal trainer certificate that looks real, one needs to know a lot about the requirements, rules, and standards of the personal training industry.
This can be done by researching the different certification bodies, their requirements, and the courses they offer.
An unqualified trainer can also find out about the different styles and formats of certificates that are given out by legitimate certification bodies. They can find this information online or by calling the certification bodies directly.
Step 2: Create a template
Once enough information has been gathered, the next step is to create a certificate template that looks real. This means making a document that looks and feels like a real certificate from a reputable certification body.
The certification organization’s name, the name of the certificate holder, the date of certification, and the certifying authority’s signature will be included in the template.
To make the design look more professional, the person can include the right graphics and images. I’ve spotted some free personal trainer certificate templates to download on the Wepik.com website.
Some individuals pay for a fake personal trainer certificate from online mills or vendor that specializes in creating fake certificates. These vendors may offer a variety of certificates, including personal trainer certificates, and can even customize the certificate with the individual’s information.
Alternatively, photoshopping could be used to make a fake certificate with photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop. People can easily create a fake certificate by altering the information on a real certificate template or by creating a new certificate from scratch. They can then print it and use it as a fake personal trainer certificate.
Step 3: Generate a fake certification number
To make the fake certificate look real, a fake certification number is generated using online tools or software to make a random alphanumeric code that looks like the certification number used by real certification bodies. Along with the name of the certification body, the certification number is added to the certificate.
Step 4: Add fake credentials
Fake credentials like degrees, diplomas, or other certifications can be added to the fake certificate to give it more legitimacy.
The trainer can simply make these fake documents or buy the fake credentials online. The fake credentials are entered on the certificate alongside the name of the issuing institution.
After finding a template, the person will need to choose an organization to use as the certificate’s issuer. This is because clients may ask to see the certificate and would want to be sure that it came from a legitimate source.
The individual may choose to use the name of a well-known organization, such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
Step 5: Print the certificate
The next step is to print the certificate after the template has been created and all the necessary components have been added.
The certificate should be printed on high-quality paper that looks like the paper used by real certification companies. The font size, style, and color will be made consistent with the certificates issued by legitimate certification companies.
To give the certificate a more official appearance, the person can add a watermark or an embossed seal. If the person is creating a certificate using software, they may choose a font that looks like the one used by the organization issuing the certificate.
They may include a unique identification number or a hologram sticker to make the certificate more difficult to replicate. They might also have the signature of a representative of the organization giving out the certificate.
Step 6: Get it laminated
One could get the fake certificate laminated to make it look real. The certificate will be shielded from damage and will appear more professional as a result.
Laminating is done with high-quality sheets that are frequently used by official certification bodies. That’s why a copy of an authentic trainer certificate is usually needed.
Step 7: Promote the fake certificate
Once the fake certificate has been made, it can be used to advertise the services of the personal trainer.
The dishonest person simply displays the certificate on their website or social media platforms to attract clients. Potential clients are then shown the fake certificate during meetings or consultations to convince them to sign up for their services.
Can you call yourself a personal trainer without certification?
You can technically call yourself a personal trainer without a certification. However, understand that certification plays a vital role in establishing oneself as a professional personal trainer, and is often a requirement set by gyms and fitness centers.
A certification shows that you have undergone a specific level of education and training, and have successfully passed an exam demonstrating your knowledge and expertise in the field.
According to NASM, contrary to professions such as doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists, physical therapists, and athletic trainers, working as a personal trainer does not require national or state licensing. This means that anyone can refer to themselves as a fitness professional and provide personal training services without being subject to any licensing regulations.
While you can work as a personal trainer without certification, you want to get one to boost your credibility, increase your marketability and broaden your career prospects in the industry.
Additionally, a fake trainer certificate can be used to get a job as a personal trainer, alongside a fake experience certificate. A dishonest person can submit the certificate along with their resume and other credentials to potential employers. Some employers may want more proof, like calling the company that gave the certificate to make sure it’s still valid. But if the fake certificate looks real enough, the person may be able to get hired without further checks.
Read also: trick to get a reference for a job
Is faking your trainer certificate legal?
Of course, it’s not. faking a personal trainer certificate is illegal and can have serious repercussions. If caught, you might have to pay fines, go to court, or have your reputation hurt. Also, if a client gets hurt or gets sick because they followed your advice, you could face legal action and be held responsible for damages.
Conclusion
The process of making a fake personal trainer certificate may seem straightforward, but using them can have serious consequences. People who fake certificates risk their own reputation, clients’ health and safety, and the fitness industry’s reputation.
