Answers (12)
2
I would suggest you start with ACE. You will be able to do all of the studying at home and take the test electronically at a testing center. The test is thorough and it's a quality certification, no doubt!
ACE will teach you the theoretical knowledge, but it will take some time to learn the practical skills of training- interacting with clients, dealing with emotions, motivating the way individual clients need to be motivated, using a skinfold caliper correctly, etc. You may want to volunteer to train some colleagues to gain that experience before joining a staff of experienced personal trainers.
ACSM and NSCA require a college degree (associates or bachelors) in the field in order to attempt their certifications, but down the road, if you get a degree in the field, go forward with getting ACSM-HFS and/or NSCA-CPT. NSCA, specifically, is a very difficult test; it would be a great one to aspire towards if you have hopes of training athletes.
ACE will teach you the theoretical knowledge, but it will take some time to learn the practical skills of training- interacting with clients, dealing with emotions, motivating the way individual clients need to be motivated, using a skinfold caliper correctly, etc. You may want to volunteer to train some colleagues to gain that experience before joining a staff of experienced personal trainers.
ACSM and NSCA require a college degree (associates or bachelors) in the field in order to attempt their certifications, but down the road, if you get a degree in the field, go forward with getting ACSM-HFS and/or NSCA-CPT. NSCA, specifically, is a very difficult test; it would be a great one to aspire towards if you have hopes of training athletes.
1
Definitely the ACE certification. Not only is it a quality certification. There are so many resources that are available to you while you prepare for your exam.
When you pass you are automatically listed on the Fitness Connect portal.
While you are studying you have access to all the resources connected with exam preparation. The ACE Certification is nationally recognized.
You might want to visit their website at www.acefitness.org to learn more about the exam.
I wish you well.
When you pass you are automatically listed on the Fitness Connect portal.
While you are studying you have access to all the resources connected with exam preparation. The ACE Certification is nationally recognized.
You might want to visit their website at www.acefitness.org to learn more about the exam.
I wish you well.
1
Jerry, be sure to checkout IDEA's new career section which should help you answer a lot of questions as well as all the great answers you can receive here as well. It's been created to help everyone considering a career in the fitness industry to fitness professionals already in the industry looking to take it to the next level. Good luck!
Career Guide
http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-career
Career Guide
http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-career
0
Hi Jerry,
ACE is one of several nationally recognized and accredited personal trainer certifications. Here is a link where you can investigate others:
http://www.starting-a-personal-training-business.com/accredited-personal...
Best of luck!
ACE is one of several nationally recognized and accredited personal trainer certifications. Here is a link where you can investigate others:
http://www.starting-a-personal-training-business.com/accredited-personal...
Best of luck!
0
I highly recommend NASM. Its OPT model works and it is one of the most highly-regarded certifications. There are additional specialties you can attain for Corrective Exercise and Sports Enhancement that are very effective in training clients.
Good luck!
Good luck!
0
ACE and ACSM have been known as the gold standards within the industry. I have been certified with ACE for over 18 years, and couldn't be happier with my choice. Ace is constantly improving and expanding their services offered. Magazines often quote from ACE execs in articles on fitness. In addition, ACE regularly adds new avenues to help us trainers get new business. such as links to IDEA or AARP.
0
I'm partial to ACE since that is where I got my certification, but look for a certification that is on the list of the NCCA, has a philosophy you can agree with, and ongoing career and education support.
Also, if you're looking to work at a particular gym, then call and ask which they prefer and see if that certification is a good fit for you.
Also, if you're looking to work at a particular gym, then call and ask which they prefer and see if that certification is a good fit for you.
0
The Country Clubs in my area require the NASM-CPT (National Academy of Sports Medicine) certification. I am certified by ACE as a Group Fitness Instructor and NASM as a Personal Trainer. Both quality, educational and valuable certifications.
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I believe ACE is the best place to start. It's a general certification that will give you a solid foundation to then explore other certifications and niche avenues. Good luck!
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Just one addition... the ACSM personal trainer certification (not previously mentioned, I believe) does not require a four year degree, and has options for LIVE education. I would feel more comfortable learning in an environment where you can get your "hands-on" experience so that when you show up for your first client you aren't caught with that "deer in the headlights" syndrome and end up putting your client through YOUR workout because you don't have a clue what to do... That aside, I agree mostly with the previous contributions... But, before you spend a dollar, be sure that it feels right, and you are going to recieve the education you need in the way you need to learn it! Then, not only will you be successful, you'll likely be on the right path the first time!
0
Decide what places that you want to work and then contact them to find out what certification organizations that the accept for employment. Then make your choice.
I recommend sticking with companies such as ACSM, ACE, AFAA, NASM, NSCA. These are some of the companies that have been around the longest and are the most accepted for employment in the US.
Along with my Kinesiology degree, I have AFAA and ACE and well as over 30 certifications from different organizations.
I recommend sticking with companies such as ACSM, ACE, AFAA, NASM, NSCA. These are some of the companies that have been around the longest and are the most accepted for employment in the US.
Along with my Kinesiology degree, I have AFAA and ACE and well as over 30 certifications from different organizations.
