Are additional certifications valuable to a new entry in the industry?
I received my personal trainer certification through ACE a couple of months ago. I’ve been seeking employment but have found little in the way of openings. I was wondering if additional certifications in areas that interest me would be worthwhile. I was looking into Crossfit and Combine360. Does anyone have any input on those or other suggestions?
Hi Scott. Congrats on getting your ACE certification. I know that this is probably not what you want to hear, but in the grand scheme of things, a couple of months after receiving your initial certification is not a long time so hang in there! If you are talking to potential employers and they do not have openings, the first question is “is it because you ONLY have a personal training certification (in other words, would they have an opening if you had an additional certification? If so, what is it that they are looking for? This will give you insight into whatever ‘other’ cert you may want to look at. If the answer is “no” they still have no opening for you even with a different certification, then my question would be “why get one?”). Additional certifications “may” help from time-to-time (for example if it’s in a specialty that’s in high demand), but not always. Having a general certification in personal training should make you marketable, it just may take a little time.
Keep searching, and if you find that potential employers are asking “do you have X certification” then, and only then would I consider possibly going for another cert.
Good luck!
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
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