What's the best Certification for being a PT?

[itlleprcn]

Looking into getting my certification for being a Personal Trainer and not sure which one to chose...these are just a few I found..anyone recommend any others??

ISSA,

NASM,

ACSM


Thanks,
Melissa

Itlleprcn@msn.com

[willldabeast]

Looking into getting my certification for being a Personal Trainer and not sure which one to chose...these are just a few I found..anyone recommend any others??

ISSA,

NASM,

ACSM


Thanks,
Melissa

Itlleprcn@msn.com

haha we were just talking one thread down how sick we are of this question. you will hear many varied answers. scroll down the page and over a page and you will see this same topic discussed.

[wizi]

Looking into getting my certification for being a Personal Trainer and not sure which one to chose...these are just a few I found..anyone recommend any others??

ISSA,

NASM,

ACSM


Thanks,
Melissa

Itlleprcn@msn.com


Call your local gyms and ask them what kindda cert. they are lookin for. For Gold's or Lifetime Fitness... NASM is good enough.

[itlleprcn]

Thanks...sorry haven't been on this site for awhile so I didn't realize that there had been a post regarding this topic already...

Melissa

[ny58]

I like NASM

[MVP]

All certs are pretty much the same thing IMO. They all pretty much go over the same thing over and over again. The only real differences is marketing and price.

[BC02]

NASM/ACE/ISSA Best Three Certs You Could Have

Issa isnt even accredited by the ncca so Id disagree with them. I think NSCA is best personally

[gischer]

Issa isnt even accredited by the ncca so Id disagree with them. I think NSCA is best personally

agree on ISSA being trash... and i'm ISSA certified...

NASM
AFAA
ACE
NSCA

Those are the top 4 I can think of offhand

[Sikk]

Why would u rank ACE with NSCA, or ACSM?

rofl

[dasixthsun]

Issa isnt even accredited by the ncca so Id disagree with them. I think NSCA is best personally

I have an issa cert and an accredited cert also and imho i believe i gotten more from my issa manual than the "accredited one". As far as accreditation goes watch the movie accepted and that will explain that whole process

[MVP]

So much marketing

What people fail to understand is, just because you are certified does not mean you know how to train someone, just like having a drivers license does not mean you know how to drive a car

A cert is just a piece of paper with your name on it saying you are a certified personal trainer, nothing more

Alot of gyms say " oh we have the best trainers, NASM certified ". It's a sales pitch and it must work. Gyms will only accept trainers with a certain cert because it's marketing. It makes the gym sound good, to help increase revenue

[dowd48]

I'm in the process of getting certified through ISSA

[fruehling]

NSCA and ACSM are the two most difficult certs according to what I have found. The next most requested/known is NASM, but I read the NASM was taken over by 24 hr fitness and is thus losing prestige. The next is ACE, but everyone and their brother seems to have ACE and I have heard that it's a piece of cake to get.

Looking at craigslist job offers, you can see for yourself which ones are most in demand. I think you will see those four are the top.

[devildogbr]

its really up to the gym that u want to work at to what they think u should have ... but like its been said this doesnt mean your a good trainer ... just covers ur ass if somone questions you... the best thing to do is once u have a certification ... find a good trainer and shadow them and learn from them ... hell shadow a few

[tiffy_sugar]

I agree that its up to the gyms. All the gyms in my area prefer ISSA, but there are people that I've talked to that say they are a joke. So....its kinda up to you. I have ISSA... I think as long as you have some kinda cert, your in good shape. You can always get more later and get yourself covered with accrediated as well later. But ISSA really does have a very good manual that worth having.

Also, here is some info taken from the forums at ISSA's site. It might shed some light on ISSA as being a very good certification:

___________________________________________

Author Question Subject: NCAA
Tonya Mossman

Posted: 15 May 2008

Does the NCAA recognize the ISSA?
_______________________________________________
Responses
Author Response Subject: NCAA
Patrick Gamboa
Posted: 15 May 2008

Tonya, good afternoon and welcome to the Board and the ISSA family of trainers. We are happy to have you here. With regard to your question, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has many member schools that have ISSA trainers and SSC specialist on staff, however there is no official recognition granted by the NCAA.

______________________________________________

Author Response Subject: NCAA
Patrick McCandless
Posted: 15 May 2008

I was going to post this in my own thread but I saw this one. Tonya asked about ISSA being recognized by NCAA, but my question is regarding the NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies). Is ISSA accredited by the NCCA? If so, great. If not, why is it not? Any other info would be great.

__________________________________________________ ____
Author Response Subject: NCAA
Patrick Gamboa
Posted: 15 May 2008

Patrick M. good afternoon I hope you are well and having a great Thursday thus far. With regard to your question, we have not pursued NCCA accreditation as they are not recognized by the United States Department of Education:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_unrecognized_accreditation_associations_of _higher_learning

However, if you visit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_recognized_accreditation_associations_of_h igher_learning

you will find DETC who the ISSA is currently pending final approval and can be found listed at:

http://detc.org/new_applicants.html

We hope this helps.


__________________________________________________ ______________
Author Response Subject: NCAA
Patrick McCandless
Posted: 15 May 2008

yes it does thank you. when is ISSA expected to be approved by?

__________________________________________________ _______________
Author Response Subject: NCAA
Patrick Gamboa
Posted: 15 May 2008

Patrick M., we hope to achieve final approval in the January commission meeting.

[scottymac710]

Is the ASFA cert. accepted most places? It looks like a joke..

[PrisonerDilemma]

NSCA CSCS would be at the top

[CMillertime]

So much marketing

What people fail to understand is, just because you are certified does not mean you know how to train someone, just like having a drivers license does not mean you know how to drive a car

A cert is just a piece of paper with your name on it saying you are a certified personal trainer, nothing more

Alot of gyms say " oh we have the best trainers, NASM certified ". It's a sales pitch and it must work. Gyms will only accept trainers with a certain cert because it's marketing. It makes the gym sound good, to help increase revenue

I agree. I haven't gotten certified yet, still debating on which one. But I have corrected trainers numerous times, sorry but I've been lifting for 10 years, I think I'm more qualified then some person who read the books. I was actually just talking to the people who own the gym i go to about this yesterday. She said she went through NESTA, how is that cert? Never heard of it till yesterday.

[MVP]

I agree. I haven't gotten certified yet, still debating on which one. But I have corrected trainers numerous times, sorry but I've been lifting for 10 years, I think I'm more qualified then some person who read the books. I was actually just talking to the people who own the gym i go to about this yesterday. She said she went through NESTA, how is that cert? Never heard of it till yesterday.


Actually NESTA is a good cert with John Spencer Ellis. It's somewhat affiliated with ISSA. I'm certified through NESTA and ISSA. I was once certified through NASM, and let me tell you, i bought into the whole "NASM" is the best certification, but i look back it, and the NASM text is not much different from my NESTA or ISSA text. What does that tell you?

Just so you know Jackie Warner (many here hate her) Co-Owner of Sky Sport Spa on Bravo's workout is NESTA certified. Jillian Michaels from the Biggest Loser and founder of Sky Sport Spa is also NESTA certified.

[db2012]

Ace & Nsca.

[instantmassege]

I agree. I haven't gotten certified yet, still debating on which one. But I have corrected trainers numerous times, sorry but I've been lifting for 10 years, I think I'm more qualified then some person who read the books.

You have been working out 10 years? lol you dont looke like you've been wokring out 6 months.

[Sikk]

Just so you know Jackie Warner (many here hate her) Co-Owner of Sky Sport Spa on Bravo's workout is NESTA certified. Jillian Michaels from the Biggest Loser and founder of Sky Sport Spa is also NESTA certified.

Using Jackie Warner as an example of a celebrity trainer who got the same cert that you have is a TERRIBLE comparison.

Jackie is a terrible trainer, anyone who charges that much and offers so little shouldn't be in the business.

[Addictedlifter]

Actually NESTA is a good cert with John Spencer Ellis. It's somewhat affiliated with ISSA. I'm certified through NESTA and ISSA. I was once certified through NASM, and let me tell you, i bought into the whole "NASM" is the best certification, but i look back it, and the NASM text is not much different from my NESTA or ISSA text. What does that tell you?

Just so you know Jackie Warner (many here hate her) Co-Owner of Sky Sport Spa on Bravo's workout is NESTA certified. Jillian Michaels from the Biggest Loser and founder of Sky Sport Spa is also NESTA certified.

Okay, but given that both the ISSA and NASM cost roughly 600$ each, wouldn't it make more sense to get the one that is more widely accepted by gyms? A serious question, I'm deciding between the two myself.

[MVP]

Using Jackie Warner as an example of a celebrity trainer who got the same cert that you have is a TERRIBLE comparison.

Jackie is a terrible trainer, anyone who charges that much and offers so little shouldn't be in the business.


We really dont know how Jackie Warner is as a Trainer unless we actually know her, though she is a very successful business woman

The PASSION to change peoples lives, is what makes you a successful trainer, not the cert. Though $400/hr is pretty insane, but it's her location / market

[MVP]

Okay, but given that both the ISSA and NASM cost roughly 600$ each, wouldn't it make more sense to get the one that is more widely accepted by gyms? A serious question, I'm deciding between the two myself.


Call the gym you would like to work at, and find out. I believe ALL gyms accept ISSA and NASM. You'll make the same pay with either cert or even a cheaper cert

[CM82682]

We really dont know how Jackie Warner is as a Trainer unless we actually know her, though she is a very successful business woman

The PASSION to change peoples lives, is what makes you a successful trainer, not the cert. Though $400/hr is pretty insane, but it's her location / market

I heard an interview Jackie did last week and they asked her about the $400. She said that she works 10-12 hours a day, runs 5 businesses and when shes not dedicating her time to running the businesses shes losing money. The only way for her to justify taking time out to actually train people these days is to charge that amount of money because shes losing money by not doing other business type things...if that makes sense. Basically her time is what your paying for right now, not her training.

[Sikk]

I heard an interview Jackie did last week and they asked her about the $400. She said that she works 10-12 hours a day, runs 5 businesses and when shes not dedicating her time to running the businesses shes losing money. The only way for her to justify taking time out to actually train people these days is to charge that amount of money because shes losing money by not doing other business type things...if that makes sense. Basically her time is what your paying for right now, not her training.

she's been charging $400 an hour for years, just another lie she tells

and I do know how she trains, my fiance is very close to a female trainer who works at Sky Sport (one who isn't on the show because shes not dramatic enough) Not only have I been to the gym numerous times, I've seen her "boot camps" and her 1 on 1 with other clients, she's not good I can assure you.

Just look at her "skylab" ppl from last season, a few months went by and the most anyone lost was like what, 20 pounds? Didn't see anyone come away w/ much muscle tone, $400 an hour is a crock.

[CM82682]

she's been charging $400 an hour for years, just another lie she tells

and I do know how she trains, my fiance is very close to a female trainer who works at Sky Sport (one who isn't on the show because shes not dramatic enough) Not only have I been to the gym numerous times, I've seen her "boot camps" and her 1 on 1 with other clients, she's not good I can assure you.

Just look at her "skylab" ppl from last season, a few months went by and the most anyone lost was like what, 20 pounds? Didn't see anyone come away w/ much muscle tone, $400 an hour is a crock.

You onviously know much more then me when it comes to this topic, I was just telling what I heard :) I can respect her business mind though, shes doing well for herself to say the least.

[Sikk]

You could assume that, but I can tell you this:

- Her clothing line has been dropped by a few stores and isn't selling too well
- Gatorade dropped her gym as one it sponsors (and the TV show)
- She lost a possible contract with Nike to put a shoe out over her actions on the show this year.
- Her fitness video isn't too hot
- Her business partner (who owns more of sky sport than jackie does) is completely fed up with her and on the verge of letting her go

She had great opportunities, but her constant belitting of every male employee/business associate of hers will end up costing her big time over the long haul.

Who cares, the woman's a huge bitch in real life. Can't even begin to tell you how many horrible things I've seen her do. Both before the TV show and after.

[CM82682]

You could assume that, but I can tell you this:

- Her clothing line has been dropped by a few stores and isn't selling too well
- Gatorade dropped her gym as one it sponsors (and the TV show)
- She lost a possible contract with Nike to put a shoe out over her actions on the show this year.
- Her fitness video isn't too hot
- Her business partner (who owns more of sky sport than jackie does) is completely fed up with her and on the verge of letting her go

She had great opportunities, but her constant belitting of every male employee/business associate of hers will end up costing her big time over the long haul.

Who cares, the woman's a huge bitch in real life. Can't even begin to tell you how many horrible things I've seen her do. Both before the TV show and after.

Wow, very interesting, thanks for sharing that. Correct me if I am wrong but isnt Jillian Michaels the other owner?

[godevs4ever]

Why would u rank ACE with NSCA, or ACSM?

rofl

i concur

ACSM

NASM

probably the only two you really need to have without a college education.

[godevs4ever]

Call the gym you would like to work at, and find out. I believe ALL gyms accept ISSA and NASM. You'll make the same pay with either cert or even a cheaper cert


unfortunately not all gyms accept nasm only the ones who are serious about their personal training programs are. the former golds that was bought out by my house that i work out at actually told me they only accept acsm because it's more "prestigious" than nasm. when i told that to the current gym that i work at they laughed at how that gym runs things. So if you get nasm (which is great btw) and you get shot down at one gym don't get discouraged just try again.

[scottymac710]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but from what ive been told ISSA is an online, pretty much open-book test. Am I missing something or does that mean that and dumb@ss who can afford the test and google search the answers can be a PT in no time??

[jw23]

unfortunately not all gyms accept nasm only the ones who are serious about their personal training programs are. the former golds that was bought out by my house that i work out at actually told me they only accept acsm because it's more "prestigious" than nasm. when i told that to the current gym that i work at they laughed at how that gym runs things. So if you get nasm (which is great btw) and you get shot down at one gym don't get discouraged just try again.


I decided to get a NASM-PES because I thought the NASM-CPT could be too basic for me. It turned out that the PES was NOT that advanced at all.

[furious420]

All certs offer something different. I am NASM CPT and NSCA CSCS. For a new personal trainer, I would recommend NASM due to the fact it provides an integrated assessment and progression for working with clients.

Ace and ISSA are crap.

[furious420]

You could assume that, but I can tell you this:

- Her clothing line has been dropped by a few stores and isn't selling too well
- Gatorade dropped her gym as one it sponsors (and the TV show)
- She lost a possible contract with Nike to put a shoe out over her actions on the show this year.
- Her fitness video isn't too hot
- Her business partner (who owns more of sky sport than jackie does) is completely fed up with her and on the verge of letting her go

She had great opportunities, but her constant belitting of every male employee/business associate of hers will end up costing her big time over the long haul.

Who cares, the woman's a huge bitch in real life. Can't even begin to tell you how many horrible things I've seen her do. Both before the TV show and after.

Agreed. As a PT studio owner, I can say customer service is 90% of the profession and I am appalled with the way she trains and treats her clients.

This is an unfortunate example of how marketing and hype dominate our profession and allowing her trainers to get away with that crap on national television has done nothing for anyone but her.

[Sikk]

Wow, very interesting, thanks for sharing that. Correct me if I am wrong but isnt Jillian Michaels the other owner?

Jillian is actually technically the OWNER. Jackie is the business partner. Jillian owns more of the company than Jackie does and from what I'm told, Jackie is on her last string with the gym.

Jillian has many other business ventures she is involved in, so jackie basically runs sky sport exclusively. Unlike jackie, jillian will get results and get them quick.

imo they should focus the show around Jillians training and not Jackies.

[Commonpremier21]

from my experience, NSCA's CSCS requires the most in depth and useful information to be learned

[ThaiFighter_83]

NSCA CSCS would be at the top

That's the one I'm going to start studying for next week, when I order the study materials. I hear it's the best, and I'm surprised no one has mentioned it besides you.

[Sikk]

probably because CSCS isn't necessarily a "personal training" cert

its a strength and conditioning cert

imo its overkill to think you need that to be successful in the gym industry. CSCS is for those looking to work in the college/pro ranks

[MVP]

There is no "best personal trainer certification" out there

The so called "best personal trainer certification" does not make you a good trainer, nor does it mean your gonna make more money, than the next trainer with just your standard cert

[Sikk]

There is no "best personal trainer certification" out there

The so called "best personal trainer certification" does not make you a good trainer, nor does it mean your gonna make more money, than the next trainer with just your standard cert

ty for posting this same info twice in the same topic

every post you make on these forums states, "the cert doesnt make the trainer"

that is common knowledge, time to get some new material

[MVP]

ty for posting this same info twice in the same topic

every post you make on these forums states, "the cert doesnt make the trainer"

that is common knowledge, time to get some new material

If it is common knowledge, then nobody would be asking what cert is the best. So many trainers are in the bizz for the wrong reasons, seeing them bounce from gym to gym, or even dropping it totally.

[Sikk]

there are more rigorous cert's than others, you are ignorant if you think otherwise

unfort a lot of ppl do want to see credentials, a new trainer w/ some weekend cert is going to have a HELL of a time building a nice clientele. A good cert opens many doors.

[Commonpremier21]

If it is common knowledge, then nobody would be asking what cert is the best. So many trainers are in the bizz for the wrong reasons, seeing them bounce from gym to gym, or even dropping it totally.

there are definitely differences in the quality of the certifications. People ask about the 'best' because they want to see which one is the most legit and which one can actually provide them with the most useful knowledge.

Of course experience, personality are also important aspects for trainers, but if I was a gym owner, I would hire the guy with the college degree and an ACSM HFI or a guy with the CSCS compared to someone without a Bachelors in Ex. Science and only has a NASM.

[MVP]

there are more rigorous cert's than others, you are ignorant if you think otherwise

unfort a lot of ppl do want to see credentials, a new trainer w/ some weekend cert is going to have a HELL of a time building a nice clientele. A good cert opens many doors.

So if i have a so called better cert, that means i will have a easier time building a nice clientel, and many doors will open??

Most commercial gyms accept a bunch of different certs. Just because you have a certain cert does not guarantee success.

Sorry, but if you want many doors to open, and you want a nice client base, the best way to accomplish that and be successful in the bizz is to provide "results". No cert or degree will do that for you. Your passion for changing peoples lives is what will make you successful. It'll make you or break you

I see way too many trainers bounce from gym to gym, complaining about pay. Why they get paid less when they have such and such cert and degree. They end up dropping out because they are not making money, and see no future in it

[MVP]

there are definitely differences in the quality of the certifications. People ask about the 'best' because they want to see which one is the most legit and which one can actually provide them with the most useful knowledge.

Of course experience, personality are also important aspects for trainers, but if I was a gym owner, I would hire the guy with the college degree and an ACSM HFI or a guy with the CSCS compared to someone without a Bachelors in Ex. Science and only has a NASM.


The most important aspect for a trainer to be "successful" is to provide results!

Will having a degree and a certain cert make me a better trainer vs just a trainer with a cert? Will it make me more successful? Alot of pt certs are pretty much the same thing, going over the same thing over and over again. The only real difference is marketing and price.

There are plenty of trainers out there with degrees and a cert, that fail. Why is that?

[Al Shades]

The most important aspect for a trainer to be "successful" is to provide results!

Marketing ability trumps even that.

There are many high profile trainers whose clients look and perform the same, month-after-month.

People are willing and able to pay for a high priced babysitter, if you market yourself well.

[MVP]

Marketing ability trumps even that.

There are lots of high profile trainers whose clients look the same, month-after-month.

People are willing and able to pay for a high priced babysitter, if you market yourself well.

Well if you are providing results, and have pics as proof to show potential clients, that would be marketing

[Commonpremier21]

The most important aspect for a trainer to be "successful" is to provide results!

Will having a degree and a certain cert make me a better trainer vs just a trainer with a cert? Will it make me more successful? Alot of pt certs are pretty much the same thing, going over the same thing over and over again. The only real difference is marketing and price.

There are plenty of trainers out there with degrees and a cert, that fail. Why is that?

Like I said, of course how good a trainer you will become depends on you. But AS A START, you still need to choose a certification, and some are better than others. No one said a cert makes a trainer, but a certification and the education you've gotten still reflects a large part of your knowledge base, and that shows your potential to be a good trainer. How you develop from that potential is a separate topic.

[hublife]

Like I said, of course how good a trainer you will become depends on you. But AS A START, you still need to choose a certification, and some are better than others. No one said a cert makes a trainer, but a certification and the education you've gotten still reflects a large part of your knowledge base, and that shows your potential to be a good trainer. How you develop from that potential is a separate topic.


There is some truth here. One of the worst trainers I have ever observed has his B.S plus his CSCS and NASM PES. He was HORRIBLE.

To me exercise is about two things. Science and applied Science. They are not the same thing. I think there are a lot more important things than what a piece of paper says.

Intensity
Integrity
Understanding
Listening
Focus
Professionalism
Caring

I would put a certification at the bottom of this list. A cert is simply a tool. However some of the most successful trainers who get their clients results consistently have ZERO certs or degrees.

Fitness unlike other industry's can be honed in the gym over time using "applied" knowledge.

[PrisonerDilemma]

There is some truth here. One of the worst trainers I have ever observed has his B.S plus his CSCS and NASM PES. He was HORRIBLE.

To me exercise is about two things. Science and applied Science. They are not the same thing. I think there are a lot more important things than what a piece of paper says.

Intensity
Integrity
Understanding
Listening
Focus
Professionalism
Caring

I would put a certification at the bottom of this list. A cert is simply a tool. However some of the most successful trainers who get their clients results consistently have ZERO certs or degrees.

Fitness unlike other industry's can be honed in the gym over time using "applied" knowledge.
Ding ding ding

I've been getting to the conclusion that many people pursue a career in personal training after others suggested the option to them from their integrity and sheer passion for the lifestyle (the good ones, anyway). Getting the certification just seems to be a means to an end and doesn't reflect anything to those smart enough to realize that they're just paper.

It's really up to the trainer to create a balances, ACHIEVABLE plan for their clients to follow--the bad ones are ones that have a cookie cutter regimen or just take ones from fitness magazines and make their clients follow fads of the month.

The only reason I'm going to be pursuing my NASM CPT over summer is just to open doors. I won't rely on the paper to find a clientele.

[Al Shades]

Well if you are providing results, and have pics as proof to show potential clients, that would be marketing

Correct.

But realize there is a ton of effort involved in that.

I would know, since that's the path I'm on now. I'm just building my own client base and trying to get people results as fast as possible.

[atjohan23]

i was having an interview at gold's and they will give you a payraise for every cert you have... seemed pretty rediculous to me. I have a NESTA cert and soon as i get my BS im goin for the CSCS.
One trainer at my gym has NSCM and hes a horrible trainer... hes also into networking so he will talk on his cell phone the entire time while he is training his clients as well as hits on his female clients. totally unprofessional.

[basscurl]

Looking into getting my certification for being a Personal Trainer and not sure which one to chose...these are just a few I found..anyone recommend any others??

ISSA,

NASM,

ACSM


Thanks,
Melissa

Itlleprcn@msn.com
Let's face it primary certifications server there purpose but, if you really want to step up your business and help people chance check out Z-Health. Check it out: thestrengthrelease.blogspot.com/

[JohnSmeton]

I value experience must more than a certificate. I know so many trainers who have that piece of paper but dont have much experience.

just get one that works for you

[Dolphinbotes]

I was just certified via NCSF. It is not quite as popular but accredited. I figured, it's a start. My research found that the more popular, well-known organizations now require a BS/BA in a health field.

[JoeCannonMSCSCS]

Dont believe the hype. there is no best cert. Focus on knowledge now and after you get certified and you will be light years ahead of most trainers.
certified does not mean qualified. I think we would all agree on that

http://www.joe-cannon.com/best-personal-training-certification-nasm-acsm-nsca/
Joe

[jhow2319]

ACSM HFS is very prestigous, a 4-year degree in Exercise Science, Physiology, & Kinesiology is required to sit for it. I believe the CSCS also requires these credentials I believe. However, that being said, there are many great trainers who don't have the qualifications to sit for these two. Just because you cannot attain these doesn't mean that you're hopeless in the industry.

[JoeCannonMSCSCS]

Melissa, Ive written a blog post on this. I think this may help answer your question

http://www.joe-cannon.com/best-personal-training-certification-nasm-acsm-nsca/

Joe