Which educational institution/program is the most recognized when starting to become a certified health and fitness instructor?

]I live in a college town. Just counting the personal trainers that are on IDEA we have about 20 trainers just in my town alone, most of them are ACE certified, but I'm pretty sure that's only because the university offers a class with an ACE certified instructor. I took the class, and I learned A LOT from it. I took the certification exam, and I felt well-prepared even though we weren't able to get through all of the material in one semester. The work load is pretty intense, but I think ACE has put together a well-rounded and detailed program. They have some high standards for their instructors as well. I can't really speak to any other agencies, but I can say that I've been happy with ACE so far. ACE has a partnership with AARP, so I definitely feel like there are perks to being ACE certified.

An excellent certification under your circumstances is NASM which is a home study with the option (it is not mandatory) to attend a weekend course. The testing is done at a certified testing center, and there are many around so you won't have to travel far. NASM is nationally accredited and has an very good reputation. And - let me tell you - that test is not easy. If you have not studied really well, you will not pass it.

Other certifications of high reputation are ACE and ACSM.

I studied at home and tested at home with the International Sports Science Association, ISSA. The have many courses to continue your education, the price is right and you can test at home. It may sound easy, but trust me, it is not! The price is right and once you've completed the test, the website offers great tools to help you start your CPT business.

Please check out, resistansetrainingspecialist.com RTS, if you are new to this industry? it is one the best. Good luck.

The best nationally recognized one is NASM-CPT. However, if you have a Bachelor's degree NSCA's CSCS is highly renowned. There are other more in-depth certifications that aren't as renowned, but are probably better. I looked up Louie's recommendation of RTS and it looks very good. It isn't currently renowned, but it is high quality info it looks like. I often recommend that people get the type of certification that best suits what they want to do. No client ever asks what certification you have.

Degree - Certs are going to be worthless in the future

Take online courses.

Fuel the Movement,
JM

Some of the industry leader's are NASM, ACE, NSCA, ISSA, and ACSM. I listed these in no particular order and I have NASM, ACE, and ISSA. I think that the new ACE is the most comprehensive, NASM just updated ther manual(JUNE 2011) but is basically the same thing with more exercises, ISSA is due for an update soon so their 800pg text will be more comprehensive in the future.

If you are interested in earning a degree and a certification then look at CALU they are partnered with NASM for BS and MSc degrees. I just finished my 3rd year in this program and love it.

Hi Jennifer: Although many of the certifications are similar, what really drives which one(s) you may want to focus on is "who will be your target audience and target employers." Interestingly, but not surprisingly, many perspective employers and types of organizations have their own "favorites," and if you plan to work for one of those institutions, finding out what they require may be a great starting point - otherwise, if your point in getting certified is to get a job, then why bother (one CAVEAT: if you plan to have your own practice then this may not really be of a concern)? For example, almost every academic athletic program is looking for strength and conditioning professionals certified by NSCA (CSCS) and/or USAW (Sports Performance). Without either or both of these, in most cases they won't even entertain your resume. That's just one example, but you get the idea.

So, with most people having limited $$$ available for obtaining certifications, in my opinion it makes sense to hone in on the one(s) that will help you get the job you want.

I hope this helps.

LaRue, MHA, JD, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com

Do you mean group fitness instructor? Ask your employer what they require, but ACE, AFAA, and ACSM are all well recognized for group fitness certifications.

I have found ACE and NASM to be the most recognized certifications. That's just what I have come accross. It seems that as long as they are recognized by NCCA they are good.