Answers (5)
1
Hi Gary. "Top," or "best" certification is somewhat like answering the question "what is beauty." :-) The answer, "it depends on who you ask" (as I'm sure you will find out when the answers to your question start filtering in. A lot will depend on the focus of your business. One of the certifications that I hold is the CSCS from NSCA which personally I think is a great certification to have (particularly if your practice will involve work with athletes). The CSCS tends to focus more toward the athlete clients, so if that's the market that you're looking for, it's a good one. Like many other certified trainers, I also hold several other certifications from other organizations, but again, I've chosen the ones that I've chosen based on my personal interest, the areas that I want to focus my practice in, and sometimes even cost.
In addition to soliciting answers on this forum, I also recommend that you check around in your local area to see what certifications other trainers there have. What I sometimes find is that most popular and recognized ("top?") certifications can sometimes be locale based, and supported based on where you are. This may be less of a consideration for you if in fact you are starting your own practice.
The bottom line is "top" or "best" may come down to how YOU feel about what your research tells you about the course, the cost, the prerequisites to sit for the certification exam, the types of certifications that the organization offers etc.
Good luck, and remember that in the end, the decision is YOURS and yours alone.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
In addition to soliciting answers on this forum, I also recommend that you check around in your local area to see what certifications other trainers there have. What I sometimes find is that most popular and recognized ("top?") certifications can sometimes be locale based, and supported based on where you are. This may be less of a consideration for you if in fact you are starting your own practice.
The bottom line is "top" or "best" may come down to how YOU feel about what your research tells you about the course, the cost, the prerequisites to sit for the certification exam, the types of certifications that the organization offers etc.
Good luck, and remember that in the end, the decision is YOURS and yours alone.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
1
LaRue makes excellent points. Certifications organizations are sometimes slanted towards a certain type of training. But since you are asking about 'credibility', I would name NASM, ACSM, ACE, NSCA. There is a career guide at this site where you can find links to all of them.
1
Hello Gary,
A new certification available, view this link:
http://www.smartfitness.com/
Other great certifications are; ACSM, AFAA, ACE just to name a few..
Sincerely,
Michael
A new certification available, view this link:
http://www.smartfitness.com/
Other great certifications are; ACSM, AFAA, ACE just to name a few..
Sincerely,
Michael
0
Personally i like ACSM and NSCA.
Sample exam questions are found at Acsmlearning.org and (you can take the sample exam after you create an account first which is completely free) http://www.hkeducationcenter.com/Courses/CSCS_info/pretest.cfm
Here are some NASM sample questions.
http://www.nasm.org/getcertified/quiz/quiz_1/cpt_quiz.aspx
I am sure people who respond after me will tell you to stay away from ACSM.
Sample exam questions are found at Acsmlearning.org and (you can take the sample exam after you create an account first which is completely free) http://www.hkeducationcenter.com/Courses/CSCS_info/pretest.cfm
Here are some NASM sample questions.
http://www.nasm.org/getcertified/quiz/quiz_1/cpt_quiz.aspx
I am sure people who respond after me will tell you to stay away from ACSM.
0
Out of NASM, ACSM, ACE, and NSCA I have heard more people say that NSCA is the most respected. I hold the ACE personal trainer certification; it is nationally recognized and is a very helpful resource if you are just starting out; they recently started something called the Integrated Fitness Training model which makes it easier to decide when to progress your clients to the next level for each aspect of fitness. ACE is also more affordable and like the other national certifications you can earn more advanced or specialized credentials. Before you get a certification you will need to take a CPR and AED training course.
