How to check a personal trainer's licence
An international certificate is good, but it doesn't replace the Saudi licence. Here's what the licence is, who issues it, how to read its date, and…
An international certificate is good, but it doesn't replace the Saudi licence. Here's what the licence is, who issues it, how to read its date, and…
Source (as reported by news sites; we found no official page): Saudipedia: Professional Licences and Programme Accreditation project (Ministry of Sport); Okaz: the draft regulation; Sabq: the project launch. Some rules are still a draft and may change.
The Leaders Development Institute (معهد إعداد القادة) of the Ministry of Sport. It sets the sports professions, the licence length and renewal, under the "Professional Licences and Programme Accreditation" project launched in April 2025.
From the Leaders Development Institute of the Ministry of Sport, which issues the fitness trainer licence.
One year, then the trainer renews it. An expired licence is not valid.
Under the published draft rules, training without a licence, or with an expired or forged one, counts as a violation.
We found no public look-up tool, so use these steps and ask the Institute if in doubt.
A clear photo showing the name, licence number and expiry date. Don't settle for "I have a licence".
The licence name must be the trainer who will train you. Ask to see their ID if needed.
It must be after today. If it's close, ask when they'll renew.
Contact the Leaders Development Institute / Ministry of Sport, or ask the trainer to show their licence and give you its number.
International certificates. Useful as knowledge and experience, but they don't replace the Saudi licence.
An American body. Its personal trainer exam is accredited by NCCA (a US accreditor for certifications).
An American body. Its personal trainer exam is also NCCA-accredited.
An American body, mostly taught online.
The Saudi Red Crescent Authority runs first aid and CPR courses, about two hours, with a certificate; you book through the Mutahib platform.
We couldn't confirm how long a first aid certificate stays valid. Ask for the date on it, and a recent certificate.
On Laqeeni the Experience badge needs proof, such as work letters, references or a client record.
Shown after we check the ID. It isn't needed to be listed. The licence is.
Three questions are enough.
And have them message it to you, not just say it.
It must be a future date. Ask when they will renew.
NASM, ACE, ISSA or any other, with the year and the body.
Each one deserves a question.
"I have certificates" isn't enough. The Saudi licence has a number.
Even if they'll renew, don't start until they have.
It may be someone else's licence.
It hides the date or number. Ask for the whole thing.
An international certificate doesn't cancel the licence.
Followers aren't proof of quality or of a licence.
Four points.
| Item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Leaders Development Institute, Ministry of Sport |
| Valid for | One year, then renewed |
| What to look at | Name, licence number, expiry date |
| What isn't enough | An international certificate without a licence, or an expired licence |
💡 On Laqeeni you can see the licence number and expiry date on the trainer's page. We remind the trainer before it expires, and we never list a trainer with an expired licence.
Sources: the announcement of the "Professional Licences and Programme Accreditation" project (Ministry of Sport, April 2025) as reported by Sabq, Saudipedia and Okaz; the Saudi Red Crescent Authority's first aid course pages; NASM's certification comparison pages. Some rules are drafts and may change; the final reference is the Leaders Development Institute.
No. NASM is an international certificate that shows knowledge, but the Saudi licence is what's required to practise. Laqeeni lists licensed trainers only.
One year, according to what's published. The trainer renews it.
We remind them before it ends, and if it expires they disappear from the list until they renew.
Ask for a photo of the licence and check the name and date. If in doubt, contact the Leaders Development Institute. We found no public look-up tool; if you know of one, tell us.
Last updated: November 2026
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