QUESTION: Which certificates are the best?

[NorwichGrad]

Hi gang,

This is more or less for the newbies. I, too, was a newbie four years ago and asked the same question many of you now ask, "which certification is best?" Don't get too wrapped up. Certifications do not make the trainer. Get whatever your gym will accept, then keep on learning. Never stop learning. And try not to send your clients to snap city.

[allstar5044483]

I'm thinking about going with the NESTA, but am also considering the NFPT. Any suggestions?

[Razerfitness]

Anyone ever go with nccpt cert?

[Dan3332]

The ACSM is the best personal training certification in the country. It's ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist, is the hardest exercise cert. to get and also the most prestigious. The NSCA's CSCS is second to it and equal to ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist. If you want a an assured hire for a training job. ACSM is the way to go

I have heard the same thing, will be going for my ACSM Personal Training Certification in the next couple months.

[junek090]

If you live close to the Dallas area, look up the Cooper Institute. Otherwise ACE is well known.

Ok .I will take an eye in the cooper institute.Thanks

[jsfLip]

I trained at a small commercial gym after college because they desperately needed trainers and did a quick certification through ExpertRating (I know, I know). That gym went down, and a nearby Gold's accepted me for a part-time position (not training). I know I need a nationally recognized cert to start training and I've decided upon NSCA-CPT, but wouldn't taking the NASM-CES be a much quicker route? It's a shorter test and offered online, though I'd still like to get my NSCA-CPT. These are the eligibility requirements for the NASM-CES:

- A current NASM-CPT certification, or
- A current health and fitness certification accredited by NCCA, NBFE or DETC, or
- REPs Level 3 or higher credential (candidates outside of the US only), or
- 4-year collegiate degree, or
- Current Licensed or Certified Massage Therapist

I have a BS in Psychology, so technically I'm eligible. But let's say I wanted to work at a studio instead, would they allow me to train as a NASM-CES? It is nationally recognized...

[CaptnMorgan13]

Mythic Beast:

I see you recommend the big 3 but you are ISSA certified? I was looking at this one as well. From what you know from experience, would you chose one of these "big 3" before ISSA?

My highest point of interest is in nutrition and performance supplementation.

THANKS!

I am a week into both my CPT (certified personal trainer) and SFN (specialist fitness nutrition) and I am loving them both!!! People frown on ISSA because it's all online, open book, and call in for assistance, even for the final test. It's a couple hundred T/F, Multiple Choice, and some very elaborate case studies.
The content in the book is phenomenal! My friend who is in her senior year of pre-physical therapy was very complimentary of it as she was studying with me.
At the end of the day, find a highly recognized Certification. Not some $75 crap on the internet. Prepare yourself like you'd want someone to prepare for you, if you were going to pay them 30-50 bucks, don't cheat your self thru the learning process, and then help people change their lives. And make a few bones

Adam

[GodChaser316]

Hello Mythic Beast,,, just wanted to say thank you for the info you posted. Im lookin at getting certified as a personal trainer myself and this info is extremely helpful.. Thank you

[sayebrant12]

There are many organizations which provides for personal trainer certification. This article compares 4 of the most recognized NCCA-accredited programs for certification as a personal trainer.

[Jonny03]

Does anyone have any information on the "top" certificates in the UK? I've been unable to find a good list of awarding bodies so far to compare.

[jrincon10]

As mentioned before, the certificates is the least of it. What matters most is how you train and your likability. But for helping purposes, I'd say ACE is a great start for anyone wanting to becoming a trainer because it focuses more and the concepts of training and how to manage clients and evaluate them. Other tests like the ACSM are more prestigious but more science related. Either way, good luck any certification you get will be worthwhile. =)

[supermant11]

How does everyone feel about ISSA? I'm about half way through my certification.

[absprint]

i like nasm

[Freightdawg747]

I went with NASM... the main reason why. I travel a lot and workout at gyms worldwide and I noticed more NASM certificates hanging in gyms than any other. I plan on getting the ACSM Group fitness trainer cert since there is no such offering from NASM. This will also help form an opinion of a new certification.

[Borschtbeet]

The NASM is really good especially when it comes to corrective and rehabilitative exercises. The NSCA-CPT and NSCA-CSCS are very detailed in ways to train both athletes and the general population but they offer scarce resources on corrective exercises and treating muscular imbalances.

[AssassinCrazy]

How does everyone feel about ISSA? I'm about half way through my certification.

Very good Certification. I have been offered 5 jobs with my ISSA cert. Never had a problem.

[Borschtbeet]

The ISSA content is actually REALLY good. If it weren't for the fact that you can take it online it probably would be one of the most reputable certifications.

[CAC758]

Personal Training: NASM-CPT. NASM is a lot more assessment / health based, after all, it is PT based. Add CES (corrective exercises specialist) and your set for personal training.
Strength training/team sports: NSCA-CSCS. Focuses more on lifting, sprinting and conditioning, work to rest ratios.... all athletic performance based. And as stated above, requires 4 year degree

I went with CSCS right out of college (exercise and wellness degree) and will be adding CPT soon (just for CEU's)

If your looking for a smaller gym or commerical gym (la fitness, fitness works) ACE or any of those will work, but expect to have some schooling and a accredited cert for any more serious companies.

[YoungDrSwole]

Personal Training: NASM-CPT. NASM is a lot more assessment / health based, after all, it is PT based. Add CES (corrective exercises specialist) and your set for personal training.
Strength training/team sports: NSCA-CSCS. Focuses more on lifting, sprinting and conditioning, work to rest ratios.... all athletic performance based. And as stated above, requires 4 year degree

I went with CSCS right out of college (exercise and wellness degree) and will be adding CPT soon (just for CEU's)

If your looking for a smaller gym or commerical gym (la fitness, fitness works) ACE or any of those will work, but expect to have some schooling and a accredited cert for any more serious companies.

So if I wanted to be a strength coach, like for a college or something, I would need a degree as well as a four year NSCA?

[CAC758]

For college or higher, Definitely, high schools and lower, maybe not, depending on experience level with strength and conditioning and the specific sport you'll be involved in.
Another thing not mentioned too much in here is once your certified, you have to pay to maintain your cert, (CEU's), which can run upwards of $400 every 3-4 years so make sure you factor that into your decisions on which association to go with.

[CAC758]

The NASM is really good especially when it comes to corrective and rehabilitative exercises. The NSCA-CPT and NSCA-CSCS are very detailed in ways to train both athletes and the general population but they offer scarce resources on corrective exercises and treating muscular imbalances.

This is a really good point about the CSCS. One way to combat this is get the NASM-CES. Easy to get and does not require CEU's to maintain

[redepjohn]

I'm new to all this ,and this is my. Fist post hope it works, lol I also want to become a PT I been training for a while and love helping,showing ppl how to ,my question I guess is Wat would be the best certificate for me that is recognized that I can start out with till I gain sum experience working n training clients ,also are there any books I can pick up that gives me workout routines for like woman looking to loose weight . I fear that would me my down fall ,anyone? Thanc

[Ruddigore]

I'm new to all this ,and this is my. Fist post hope it works, lol I also want to become a PT I been training for a while and love helping,showing ppl how to ,my question I guess is Wat would be the best certificate for me that is recognized that I can start out with till I gain sum experience working n training clients ,also are there any books I can pick up that gives me workout routines for like woman looking to loose weight . I fear that would me my down fall ,anyone? Thanc

If you're looking for a certification where you'll actually learn a lot of valuable information while studying for the exam then go NASM. The NASM, ACSM, and NSCA are the 3 best certification organizations but the NSCA is best for training athletes while the ACSM is best for clinical settings. NASM is best for the general population.

[TrainerNetwork]

NSCA is considered the Gold Standard for Strength Coaches and ACSM is considered the Gold Standard for Personal Trainers. All of the major certifying agencies are listed at Trainer Network

[gopackgo25]

After looking into all of the certifications, I have decided to go with NASM. I am currently 20 and am looking to be a part-time trainer until I get out of school and then hopefully pursue an Accounting career. Fitness has always been my passion, but unless something changes I feel like accounting would be the better choice for financial stability, but personal training would be perfect while going through school!

Anyways, NASM offers the CPT Pro, CPT Premier, and the CPT Platinum. Is it worth spending the extra money for the more expensive packages?

Thanks!

Ty

[brandonhays]

It's funny that you mention a four year cert--Purdue is now offering a 4-year degree in Personal Training!!

Seems a little excessive to me--what do you guys think about that..?

Yeah that is excessive. Maybe you will get to work with cool machines? Lol

[JayHardGainz]

After procrastinating for years on this, I have decided to go with ACE and also bundle it with a nutrition cert. and possibly more certs later on. In my state ACE is recognized and no one looks down on it like said in this post.

[bigandy2010]

I did mine through ACE. No classroom time required just had to go take the test in a nearby computer testing center. Test was hard but very doable for anyone with good knowledge in the area. Only thing is they just raised the price from $249 to $399 recently.

[bwnfitgeek]

Anyone heard of blueprint fitness?
"Educating Fitness Pros in Canada since 1986"
our courses/workshops are ACE, CanFitPro, BCRPA, Manitoba Fitness Council Approved

Total cost is around 1000 dollars w/ tax for all the books - self paced and no classes to attend to - I schedule my exam dates.


I'm looking to become a personal trainer (In the Vancouver BC area) and want to know if anyone has had any experience with them or know what kind of reputation they hold? There are other options like Hilltop academy
Any insights would be great! thanks!!

Unfortunately I cannot post links to their site as bb.com says I need to have 50 post counts to post links :\.

[tjwessksu]

Poliquin international certification program ftw...principles are all backed by extensive research from east germany, bulgaria, etc. and they know what they're doing.