Answers (21)
4
Your choice in certification should depend on where you will be using it. If you are on your own, any of these three (very promising) certifications will suffice. If you want to work at a specific gym , ask them who they prefer. The truth of the matter is that no certification is going to make you a better trainer. That only comes with time, research, and experience. Its all about what you've done in your profession, rather than, who your fist certification was from.
3
Having achieved the for the most part all of the NCCA accredited certifications, I would have to say go for the ACE credential.
I see the benefit of all the credentials I have earned, however, your question is which one of the three would I go for first. Unequivocally, I say ACE.
Please know that for the most part the research comes from the ACSM or the NSCA as far as exercise prescription and sport conditioning is concerned. ACSM does not have a programming model that the rookie personal trainer can learn from. The American Council on Exercise has a model and but references the ACSM as well as other sources for this is where the science emanates from.
I guarantee you that if you take your time to really learn the ACE IFT model, you will not be disappointed. It's well worth taking the time to learn and assimilate.
I see the benefit of all the credentials I have earned, however, your question is which one of the three would I go for first. Unequivocally, I say ACE.
Please know that for the most part the research comes from the ACSM or the NSCA as far as exercise prescription and sport conditioning is concerned. ACSM does not have a programming model that the rookie personal trainer can learn from. The American Council on Exercise has a model and but references the ACSM as well as other sources for this is where the science emanates from.
I guarantee you that if you take your time to really learn the ACE IFT model, you will not be disappointed. It's well worth taking the time to learn and assimilate.
2
First, look into where you will be applying your certification. Do specific clubs require a specific certification? If so, obviously go with those. If you aren't working for a club that has specific requirements, any NCCA accredited organization is fine. This may be argued by other trainers, but from what i have experienced, the real learning comes from what you learn "in the trenches" and non-certification based training. Good trainers will find a unique system that works for them. Anyone can learn a system, and everyone should have some system in which can form a foundation for them. However, try not to get caught up with the "which is better" argument, because in the end you'll end up using your own unique system.
No client will ever ask you which organization you are certified under, nor will they care. They don't know the difference. What they will know is if you can connect with them, have a personality, and can get the job done for them. If you can give them that, then the rest is trivial.
No client will ever ask you which organization you are certified under, nor will they care. They don't know the difference. What they will know is if you can connect with them, have a personality, and can get the job done for them. If you can give them that, then the rest is trivial.
2
Get a degree, it will last the test of time. This industry will only go so far with certifications.
Fuel the Movement,
JM
Fuel the Movement,
JM
1
ACSM was long considered to be the standard of a personal training certification. Personally, I believe that NASM is giving you a better base on the strength training side, though.
1
ACSM is best if you plan on working in a medical setting otherwise stay away from it. NASM is very good but limits the information in the Cert to mostly prehab and restoring function, which again is very good. ACE followed NASM with movement screens and such, their certification has more depth than NASM but no real programming solution like the NASM OPT. ISSA give you information on the strength curve which no other certification that I have come across does. NSCA is a sound program but is again vague when it comes to current programming solutions...but you won't go wrong with NSCA. Lots of science and very recognized in the industry.
If you are going to train a specific niche then factor that in, if you are going to work at a specific gym than factor that in, if you have a weak area that needs improving than factor that it. You get the idea....choose what is relevant and will make you a well rounded trainer.
If you are going to train a specific niche then factor that in, if you are going to work at a specific gym than factor that in, if you have a weak area that needs improving than factor that it. You get the idea....choose what is relevant and will make you a well rounded trainer.
1
Honestly I think we have confused this person more than anything. Do your research and choose the organization that you want to be accredited through. You do not want to waste your time acquiring certifications that wont lead you to a good job.
1
Here's what ACSM has to say. from http://certification.acsm.org/why-acsm.
Why choose ACSM?
Professional sports medicine certification began with us.
The American College of Sports Medicine was the first organization to certify health fitness professionals. Today, we are the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world, and we continue to set the standards in the fitness industry.
ACSM establishes the exercise guidelines that all other certifications use for training and certification.
ACSM certifications are NCAA-accredited, meeting the highest qualifications.
ACSM has certified over 25,000 health fitness professionals in 44 countries.
We will challenge you to become the best fitness professional you can be. And your hard work will be rewarded with one the most highly respected and recognized certifications in the industry.
Why choose ACSM?
Professional sports medicine certification began with us.
The American College of Sports Medicine was the first organization to certify health fitness professionals. Today, we are the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world, and we continue to set the standards in the fitness industry.
ACSM establishes the exercise guidelines that all other certifications use for training and certification.
ACSM certifications are NCAA-accredited, meeting the highest qualifications.
ACSM has certified over 25,000 health fitness professionals in 44 countries.
We will challenge you to become the best fitness professional you can be. And your hard work will be rewarded with one the most highly respected and recognized certifications in the industry.
1
ACE certification is widely accepted and covers some very important information for the new personal trainer. This was the certification I chose to start with. I agree with others, that each certification you obtain, (including college ) will only make you better qualified, and hopefully more successful in your passion as a trainer . Good luck and KEEP on learning.
1
I agree with much of what has already been said. All are respectable certs, but is important to find out what each particular place of employment requires.
That being said, I am a firm believer that certified does not necessarily mean qualified. Qualification comes from continuing education (preferably a degree), time on the job, shadowing other trainers with significant experience, and an open mind to continue the educational process as long as you are working.
Best of luck to you.
That being said, I am a firm believer that certified does not necessarily mean qualified. Qualification comes from continuing education (preferably a degree), time on the job, shadowing other trainers with significant experience, and an open mind to continue the educational process as long as you are working.
Best of luck to you.
0
I would suggest ACSM since it is the organization that provides the scientific basis to all other programs. You will get a great foundation of anatomy and body kinetics along with a comprehensive over all base of knowledge. Granted, you need to study really hard to obtain this certification but I think it stands out from the others. With that being said, if you can also aquire an ACE certification that would be excellent.
Remember, an exam only teaches you so much... it takes experience, a good mentor, a supportive boss, continuing ed credits, workshops, the ability to interact with other fitness pros to help assist you, a business brain, professionalism..I could go on but.....
Remember, an exam only teaches you so much... it takes experience, a good mentor, a supportive boss, continuing ed credits, workshops, the ability to interact with other fitness pros to help assist you, a business brain, professionalism..I could go on but.....
0
Personally, I think NSCA, NASM and ACSM are all good certifications. They will only get you started as the true learning comes after you get your certification and start working with clients. My basic point is don't over think it. Review what covered in the certifications and see which best aligns with your interests.
Lastly, attend conferences and learn as much as you can before and after becoming certified. I attended the NSCA Personal Trainer Conference before I became certified and it was a wake up call. It also got me in the right frame of mind to start studying for my cert. The IDEA conferences are phenomenal too.
Best wishes!
Lastly, attend conferences and learn as much as you can before and after becoming certified. I attended the NSCA Personal Trainer Conference before I became certified and it was a wake up call. It also got me in the right frame of mind to start studying for my cert. The IDEA conferences are phenomenal too.
Best wishes!
0
Why not go for ACSM then do ACE if possible?
All of the research comes out of ACSM, they are very reputable and professional.
Continuing Eds are just as important.
All of the research comes out of ACSM, they are very reputable and professional.
Continuing Eds are just as important.
0
Start small and work up. I started with ACE and kept learning and building. I then got SFA, ACSM and CSCS. Build your confidence. Then go for the top three ACSM, NASM or CSCS.
0
To answer your question with one word... Yes.
Each organization has a different way of doing things, and all of the above are excellent answers. Karin and Shawn gave you some accurate information.
In the end, the best certification for you is going to be the one that you choose. The fact that you intend on seeking a first certification from any of these three organizations says to me that you'll be fine! I would go with ACE, personally. I think it's good for someone who is just starting out on the certification side of things. I also view it as probably the most inclusive among the three. Joanne did a good job of explaining that. She knows her stuff!
Each organization has a different way of doing things, and all of the above are excellent answers. Karin and Shawn gave you some accurate information.
In the end, the best certification for you is going to be the one that you choose. The fact that you intend on seeking a first certification from any of these three organizations says to me that you'll be fine! I would go with ACE, personally. I think it's good for someone who is just starting out on the certification side of things. I also view it as probably the most inclusive among the three. Joanne did a good job of explaining that. She knows her stuff!
0
A degree is best, but any of the top certifications will be fine! Do the one you are most drawn to and is the best match for what your goals are.
Top certifications:
ACSM
ACE
NASM
AFAA will also be ok.
Top certifications:
ACSM
ACE
NASM
AFAA will also be ok.
0
When I got my certs from AFAA and NFPT, there was always references about ACSM and NSCA as Joanne mentioned. So I did the next best thing; get my certifications from ACSM and NSCA. Talking about money well spent!!!!
0
Hi,
I just found this thread and its great information!
I have been an athlete all of my life and now I would like to train others. My plan is to go freelance, as much as possible. Teach people one on one in their homes then I would like to open a small gym that is personal.
I like the science behind the philosophy of working out, how things work etc.
I dont have a college degree.
After reading the post, and doing some reaserch, would skipping the ACE and jumping to get the NASM cert be better?
I just found this thread and its great information!
I have been an athlete all of my life and now I would like to train others. My plan is to go freelance, as much as possible. Teach people one on one in their homes then I would like to open a small gym that is personal.
I like the science behind the philosophy of working out, how things work etc.
I dont have a college degree.
After reading the post, and doing some reaserch, would skipping the ACE and jumping to get the NASM cert be better?
0
NASM - Hands down! I have the nasm CPT, CES, and PES. Each exam was challenging, but the study material prepares you completely
-2
If a gym prefers any cert over ACSM then they don't know what they are talking about and they are likely to hire a bunch of incompetent trainers. ACSM delves into the medical side of personal training more so than many other certifications. I would advise you to go for a specialist certification if you are in an exercise related degree. If you want to tain athletes go with NSCA but if you want to train sedentary people go with ACSM (or you can go for both). ACSM HFS and the NSCA CSCS are the two certifications that are most prevalent in the field.
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