Question: Which certifications are the best?

[squanderyone]

I've been looking at getting into personal training, at the request of all my friends who I train for free,lol. But there are so many different organizations out there (ACE,ISSA,NFPT), do you have any input into which one is best?

[bigfrog]

Check the sticky.....

[unauthorized]

It doesn't matter really. You will learn 3x more thru trial and error over years of training. The certification just gets you the position

[berardi1111]

Originally Posted by unauthorized

It doesn't matter really. You will learn 3x more thru trial and error over years of training. The certification just gets you the position

So you mean getting a certification doesn't give you omniscience and super powers?

Taking a wild guess and gonna say he prolly means which one gives the best slice of education, job prospects and general respect.

[unauthorized]

Originally Posted by berardi1111

So you mean getting a certification doesn't give you omniscience and super powers?

Taking a wild guess and gonna say he prolly means which one gives the best slice of education, job prospects and general respect.

Nah, well every gym has a ton of certifications they will accept, so it's not that hard to get a job at a gym as long as you have a certification that they accept. General respect will come from results of helping others.

[CSmit724]

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
American Council on Exercise (ACE)

4 of the best, most respected certifications around
However, it's not the certification that makes the trainer. Even if you get a certification that is less known or less respected, it's your ability to demonstrate a true understanding that will land you a job. I know trainers with certifications from institutions I've never even heard of who are great trainers. On the other hand, I also know a few who have great certifications but lack a true knowledge of how to apply exercise science to actually training a person. I'd say find whichever one fits your style, budget and life the best, take the test, but then make sure you keep making an effort to further your knowledge.

Hope this helps.

[LiftNbig3]

Look at what the gyms around you require then go from there
ISSA
NASM
ACE
all are pretty good

[DontSleep]

I think "CSmit724" said it best. For instance, I recieved my certification from NESTA (National Endurance & Strength Training Association).They recently got recognized and accredited by the NCCA, which governs the top certificatoins in the country. When I got certified they were still "pending" to be accredited. Yet, I learned a great deal of knowledge through this company (prior to them being accredited) and am furthering my education with them in other certifications and networking avenues.

So my point is you should try to get certified through an accredited company, (for marketability), but ultimately a certification just states that you have the knowledge to be a trainer, but nothing defines a true trainer like experience and results!

[-Ironside-]

I agree with smith but I would have listed it like this;


National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
American Council on Exercise (ACE)


:P

[starterz]

A certification just gets you in the door of any gym. That's all it really does. The real learning comes from experience

[CSmit724]

Originally Posted by -Ironside-

I agree with smith but I would have listed it like this;


National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
American Council on Exercise (ACE)


:P

haha and the debate rages on!