Answers (10)
3
I think it is important to understand the approach of the certifying body for which you are seeking a credential.
Holding three ACE credentials and four ACSM credentials, I would say that they both have much value. However, the objective of the American Council on Exercise and the objective of the American College of Sports Medicine are very different.
If keeping abreast of current research as it relates to exercise physiology/science is what you value, then the ACSM is a wonderful organization to earn a credential through. You will be able to become an ACSM member and subscribe to the journals they publish which for the most part are science based.
It is also important to know that the ACSM is the primary body that dispenses the research related to exercise physiology. For the most part most certifying bodies look to the ACSM for established scientific guidelines.
On the other hand the ACE Personal Trainer credential, I personally believe is a very valuable to credential to have. Their Integrated Fitness Model truly address the skills I believe the new personal trainer should possess from assessment, writing an exercise prescription, behavioral modification and business.
In addition, there are great benefits one can avail themselves to by becoming an ACE Certified professional. You can become an AARP Trainer. With this benefit you can market yourself to the over 50-years of age population. With the ACE credential you are automatically included on the IDEA Fitness Connect portal. This allows you to market yourself 24-hours a day. The general public gets to see who you are as a professional, your clients get to review you. It puts you in a position to differentiate yourself from those who serious about their professional. As an ACE certified professional you also receive their journal.
Personally, I believe they both have great value.
Holding three ACE credentials and four ACSM credentials, I would say that they both have much value. However, the objective of the American Council on Exercise and the objective of the American College of Sports Medicine are very different.
If keeping abreast of current research as it relates to exercise physiology/science is what you value, then the ACSM is a wonderful organization to earn a credential through. You will be able to become an ACSM member and subscribe to the journals they publish which for the most part are science based.
It is also important to know that the ACSM is the primary body that dispenses the research related to exercise physiology. For the most part most certifying bodies look to the ACSM for established scientific guidelines.
On the other hand the ACE Personal Trainer credential, I personally believe is a very valuable to credential to have. Their Integrated Fitness Model truly address the skills I believe the new personal trainer should possess from assessment, writing an exercise prescription, behavioral modification and business.
In addition, there are great benefits one can avail themselves to by becoming an ACE Certified professional. You can become an AARP Trainer. With this benefit you can market yourself to the over 50-years of age population. With the ACE credential you are automatically included on the IDEA Fitness Connect portal. This allows you to market yourself 24-hours a day. The general public gets to see who you are as a professional, your clients get to review you. It puts you in a position to differentiate yourself from those who serious about their professional. As an ACE certified professional you also receive their journal.
Personally, I believe they both have great value.
1
I've wondered the same thing myself. I've heard things like "ACSM is considered the Gold Standard" in the fitness industry. But I've also heard great things about ACE as well as hold my certification through them as well. Mostly I've trained clients out of my home and I find that the ACE certification is more than adequate as a reputable and easily recognized certification in the fitness industry.
I've also had several job offers in local gyms in my area which I attribute most of the credit to my ACE certification. Call me biased, but I have nothing but good things to say about ACE and the certifications they offer!
Hope this helps. Also be sure to check out this link:
http://www.starting-a-personal-training-business.com/personal-training-c...
I've also had several job offers in local gyms in my area which I attribute most of the credit to my ACE certification. Call me biased, but I have nothing but good things to say about ACE and the certifications they offer!
Hope this helps. Also be sure to check out this link:
http://www.starting-a-personal-training-business.com/personal-training-c...
1
Depends are what your goals are. Being certified by both as well as NSCA, I use all my credentials when I promote myself as a trainer. To me ACE PT is great for general strength training approach, whereas ACSM HFS is a tad more medical orientated. I may be wrong, but that's my feeling. When I took ACSM exam, I had a practical and remember distinctly having another person check my BP reading as I administered a sub-max stress test (I believe I am aging myself). With that said, I am also AHFS certified through ACE which is their answer to the medical challenged population. So there really is no answer. If you are degreed, more then likely your degree prepared you for ACSM as mine did.
1
As this question pretains to employers' views on these certifications, I might have to give the edge to ACE for an employer's access to the trainers profile. Both certifications are from recognized accredited certifying agencies, so both are respectable. However, neither cert will make a trainer better than the other. In my personal opinion, ACSM is a bit more advanced but not by much, and ACE does give you a better beginning in promoting yourself by giving instant access to an IDEAfit profile. Gaining knowledge from continuously learning, practicing, and educating is the most beneficial thing a trainer can do to enhance their abilities amongst our profession, and prove the experience that will pad their resume.
0
I agree with the commenters above. Both are valuable. Keeping a current certification, no matter which certifying body you choose, is key to long term success and enhanced employment opportunities.
0
Both are nationally recognized and accredited certifications. You can always go for both - or speak with potential employers in your area to see if they have a preference.
0
Dominica,
My personal professional opinion as a trainers trainer is ACSM Health Fitness Specialist. Both are very reputable however the health specialist certification goes much more in depth in the cardiovascular arena. Actually it is presented and measured at a higher level than ACE. Again it is my opinion. It doesn't hurt to ask someone whom you admire (trainer) who not only gets results but is a trainers trainer.
Good Luck,
Michele
My personal professional opinion as a trainers trainer is ACSM Health Fitness Specialist. Both are very reputable however the health specialist certification goes much more in depth in the cardiovascular arena. Actually it is presented and measured at a higher level than ACE. Again it is my opinion. It doesn't hurt to ask someone whom you admire (trainer) who not only gets results but is a trainers trainer.
Good Luck,
Michele
0
I can tell you this... You need to have a four year degree in a related field (physiology, exercise science etc.) to sit for the HFS exam. Anyone can study, then take the ACE test. I believe that ACSM has filled this gap by adding the ACSM personal trainer certification. I have the manual and can tell you that it is still steeped in clinical application, and may not be as relevant to you as ACEIs it still the gold standard? I would have to say that in any setting outside of a chain gym setting, you'd likely have a better chance landing a position with an ACSM credential behind your name than ACE. One last thing, whatever you choose, it may be helpful to fist determine what type of demographic will be your main target. There are lots of certifying bodies, and many of them offer highly specialized certification and training programs. Research, research, and like you've already done, ask questions! Good Luck!
0
As a gym owner, I would welcome either. Both require a lot of commitment. But book smart is one thing--how you apply it and interact with clients is equally important.
0
I still maintain, even 20 years later, that the ACSM is the Gold Standard. You cannot go wrong with an ACSM certification. On the other hand, ACE is a great organization too, and both are NCAA accredited. Personally, I would add that you need to factor in what your goal is in terms of learning. For instance, if you wish to focus on strength training in particular, I wouldn't say either one of those is the best choice. Instead, I would say that you should pursue the NSCA C.S.C.S certification, as that really is the strongest strength training certification you can get, in my opinion. Thanks!
Paul
Paul
