Which personal training cert?

[j_neatherlin]

I always see threads in different sections asking about the different personal training certs and which one is best, etc. etc.

there needs to be a sticky on this subject.

[Arlecchino]

I always see threads in different sections asking about the different personal training certs and which one is best, etc. etc.

there needs to be a sticky on this subject.

Along with the 'call the place that you wish to be employed and let them tell you what they are looking for' type of answer.

Agree that this is far and away the most common PT question.

[Sicshift]

I have 8 or 9 certs right now. If it's your first cert, I'd go with NASM. They have a great, high quality dvd and text book program and a respectable test. Not an open book (rolls eyes) test like some places like ISSA.

CSCS is probably one of the most respected certs and is highly clinical but you must have a bio related college degree to get.

[ny58]

I too have the NASM and think it is one of the best . .another way u can do it. . is figure what gym u would like to eventually work for and find out what cert they would perfer their employess to have. .

[DaJager_Meister]

NASM
NSCA
ACSM
ACE

in no particular order...

like one of the above posts say....some of them are just a joke!!

[PrisonerDilemma]

I have 8 or 9 certs right now. If it's your first cert, I'd go with NASM. They have a great, high quality dvd and text book program and a respectable test. Not an open book (rolls eyes) test like some places like ISSA.

CSCS is probably one of the most respected certs and is highly clinical but you must have a bio related college degree to get.

Just a quick question:

Required as in you need a bachelors/post-undergrad degree to qualify?--or do you mean it would be very very difficult for someone without at least a bachelors in the bio sciences to pass the test? I'm working towards my Physio/Neuro Minor right now and eventually want to obtain certification and this seems to be one that I would actually be proud to have.

[Arlecchino]

Just a quick question:

Required as in you need a bachelors/post-undergrad degree to qualify?--or do you mean it would be very very difficult for someone without at least a bachelors in the bio sciences to pass the test? I'm working towards my Physio/Neuro Minor right now and eventually want to obtain certification and this seems to be one that I would actually be proud to have.

CSCS requires you to have, or being very close to completing, a four year degree.

[Sicshift]

Just a quick question:

Required as in you need a bachelors/post-undergrad degree to qualify?--or do you mean it would be very very difficult for someone without at least a bachelors in the bio sciences to pass the test? I'm working towards my Physio/Neuro Minor right now and eventually want to obtain certification and this seems to be one that I would actually be proud to have.

It's a prereq that you have a bachelors degree in a bio field for the CSCS. You can apply for a waiver but it's pretty rare. With 11 years and 8 certs, they still wouldn't let me take it. Oh well. It's so clinical anyway. For me, it was just to have a hard cert. In the real world, 99.99999% of all clients won't ever even ask you who you're certified through nor would they know the difference.

[PrisonerDilemma]

CSCS requires you to have, or being very close to completing, a four year degree.

It's a prereq that you have a bachelors degree in a bio field for the CSCS. You can apply for a waiver but it's pretty rare. With 11 years and 8 certs, they still wouldn't let me take it. Oh well. It's so clinical anyway. For me, it was just to have a hard cert. In the real world, 99.99999% of all clients won't ever even ask you who you're certified through nor would they know the difference.

Thanks for the very prompt responses, guys. Very much appreciated.

[adoniscomplex]

I have 8 or 9 certs right now. If it's your first cert, I'd go with NASM. They have a great, high quality dvd and text book program and a respectable test. Not an open book (rolls eyes) test like some places like ISSA.

CSCS is probably one of the most respected certs and is highly clinical but you must have a bio related college degree to get.

x2 i think nasm rules
just dont follow the protocol to closely when you make it into the field

[xJKAx]

So did I go wrong in going through ISSA?? It was recommended to me from a trainer at my old gym, and the gym that I'm going to work for said that it was fine..

I plan to get other cert.'s but should I go through different company's instead? I mean is ISSA not very respectable..?

[Sicshift]

So did I go wrong in going through ISSA?? It was recommended to me from a trainer at my old gym, and the gym that I'm going to work for said that it was fine..

I plan to get other cert.'s but should I go through different company's instead? I mean is ISSA not very respectable..?

I have personal issues with ISSA and I''ve been closely tied to the company through employees. I don't like their testing process. That's my main beef. They have super easy tests and open book. You will still learn a lot and remember, it's just a cert. Clients won't know who you are certified through nor do they know anything about the certification process so it's no big deal. What's important is that you continue to educate yourself with the latest information as you progress to be a better trainer.

Stick with your ISSA cert and if you want to get another, try something different. Hell, I have 3 through ISSA, I just think NASM does a better job. That's all. I remember walking into the ISSA office when I was 17 and they were just 2 small rooms.

They're definitely in the top 3 most widely recognized certification companies in the world so you're fine.

[xJKAx]

I have personal issues with ISSA and I''ve been closely tied to the company through employees. I don't like their testing process. That's my main beef. They have super easy tests and open book. You will still learn a lot and remember, it's just a cert. Clients won't know who you are certified through nor do they know anything about the certification process so it's no big deal. What's important is that you continue to educate yourself with the latest information as you progress to be a better trainer.

Stick with your ISSA cert and if you want to get another, try something different. Hell, I have 3 through ISSA, I just think NASM does a better job. That's all. I remember walking into the ISSA office when I was 17 and they were just 2 small rooms.

They're definitely in the top 3 most widely recognized certification companies in the world so you're fine.

Okay, that makes me feel better then! Thank you! I am finishing it regardless, and I will definitely be furthering my education! Thanks again!

[Sicshift]

Okay, that makes me feel better then! Thank you! I am finishing it regardless, and I will definitely be furthering my education! Thanks again!

Good. Just so you know, having their specialist in performance nutrition cert paid off a lot! It set me apart from other trainers. Clients look at it and see that you know nutrition as well as training and have picked me over other trainers many times just because of that title.

[xJKAx]

Good. Just so you know, having their specialist in performance nutrition cert paid off a lot! It set me apart from other trainers. Clients look at it and see that you know nutrition as well as training and have picked me over other trainers many times just because of that title.

That was the next thing I was going for! I could also go ahead and get the martial arts cert. just b/c I hold a black belt in TKD, and I guess thats just one more thing.

[Sicshift]

That was the next thing I was going for! I could also go ahead and get the martial arts cert. just b/c I hold a black belt in TKD, and I guess thats just one more thing.

I have a 3 black belts in Kung Fu and a lot of Muay Thai training. I incorporated it a lot into my workouts. It was a huge hit with the girls in their late teens/twenties.

You can, but you really don't need that one. It's just money. I went with the Fitness Therapy Cert as my 3rd so I could work with people after injuries and surgeries but the NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist is a far better program. But I only have so many certs cause I went back to a big gym and they paid more money when you had more certs.

A lot of the certs at ISSA were put together in a short time to make money. I know many of the people that wrote those certs and text books and giggle at it a little. Choose wisely son.

[xJKAx]

I have a 3 black belts in Kung Fu and a lot of Muay Thai training. I incorporated it a lot into my workouts. It was a huge hit with the girls in their late teens/twenties.

You can, but you really don't need that one. It's just money. I went with the Fitness Therapy Cert as my 3rd so I could work with people after injuries and surgeries but the NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist is a far better program. But I only have so many certs cause I went back to a big gym and they paid more money when you had more certs.

A lot of the certs at ISSA were put together in a short time to make money. I know many of the people that wrote those certs and text books and giggle at it a little. Choose wisely son.

That's what's up! I've been wanting to get into Muay Thai!!

I'll stick to nutrition and take it from there! Thanks again!

[PrisonerDilemma]

Too many MMA backgrounds!

I was a 5.5 NTRP Tennis player back in HS. How the hell can I incorporate that into client sessions without attracting only skinny Asians?

[j_neatherlin]

So did I go wrong in going through ISSA?? It was recommended to me from a trainer at my old gym, and the gym that I'm going to work for said that it was fine..

I plan to get other cert.'s but should I go through different company's instead? I mean is ISSA not very respectable..?

if ISSA gets you the job you want, I don't see a problem with it.

certs are basically just red tape, if you are qualified.

you can be a great trainer with a ****ty cert or with no cert.

you can be a horrible trainer with a great cert.

it depends more on YOU and what YOU know. IMO, if you're taking some class to try to learn how to become a trainer, then you're not ready to be a trainer. but it's at least a step in the right direction.

[JNo20]

if ISSA gets you the job you want, I don't see a problem with it.

certs are basically just red tape, if you are qualified.

you can be a great trainer with a ****ty cert or with no cert.

you can be a horrible trainer with a great cert.

it depends more on YOU and what YOU know. IMO, if you're taking some class to try to learn how to become a trainer, then you're not ready to be a trainer. but it's at least a step in the right direction.

I agree 100%. That said, I have the ISSA cert and I know what comprises the test. I also know that after you submit your test (online), you get an email the next morning from ISSA telling you whether you passed or not, as well as what all you missed. If you didn't pass, they let you correct the mistakes you made and you can resubmit it that day. If you get stuck, you can call their "help line" and they'll give you the answer.

So while I agree with everything you said, if I see anyone going on about how qualified they are or talking about how much they know and they try to use their ISSA cert to back that up, I ALWAYS look at them like they're full of ****.

IMO, use the cert to get a job or raise your pay-grade (at 24 Hour Fitness you get more $$$ the more certs you have), but you absolutely cannot use an ISSA cert as a source of pride or accomplishment.

[Sicshift]

I agree 100%. That said, I have the ISSA cert and I know what comprises the test. I also know that after you submit your test (online), you get an email the next morning from ISSA telling you whether you passed or not, as well as what all you missed. If you didn't pass, they let you correct the mistakes you made and you can resubmit it that day. If you get stuck, you can call their "help line" and they'll give you the answer.

So while I agree with everything you said, if I see anyone going on about how qualified they are or talking about how much they know and they try to use their ISSA cert to back that up, I ALWAYS look at them like they're full of ****.

IMO, use the cert to get a job or raise your pay-grade (at 24 Hour Fitness you get more $$$ the more certs you have), but you absolutely cannot use an ISSA cert as a source of pride or accomplishment.

Bingo! This couldn't be more true. Reps. 24 is also the reason I have so many certs. At least redundant cpt certs.

(I used to sit there when the people would call in the help line and you wouldn't believe how stupid some of those questions would be)

[PrisonerDilemma]

Heh

So I should just get something credible like an NASM and then build from there to get pay increases?

[mjhfi]

wow, i would have never thought that about ISSA, it is almost funny, but not. Many individuals whom dont carry a degree in Exercise Science, etc. can become trainers. However without first obtaining a degree, and then certification with that degree (ACSM HFI, NSCA CSCS) you will be a long way from the top. I know many great trainers with NASM, ACE, etc. But, what will happen if you want to explore other options in Exercise Science, besides being a trainer. I think that is where other organizations leave their members washed up. Also i know personally the public have no idea of the difference of certs, but top organizations and managers do, and in the long run unless you want to train 50-60 hours a week the rest of your life it makes a difference.

[HitItHard]

NSCA-CSCS, easily

ACSM-CPT would be next

[drooks10]

I am ISSA certified, and I take GREAT PRIDE in it. I worked my butt off to study and pass the exam, and did not take any "short-cuts" that some in this thread have suggested. I am flourishing as a trainer at my local gym and have never received any criticism whatsoever about my cert. People know that I am very competent when it comes to training and nutrition, and a lot of it I learned through the ISSA. There are other great organizations out there, but I am confident that I can stand toe-to-toe with anyone regardless of who they are certified through. Okay, now I'll get off my "soap box."
Thanks and good luck with your certification.

[HitItHard]

I am ISSA certified, and I take GREAT PRIDE in it. I worked my butt off to study and pass the exam, and did not take any "short-cuts" that some in this thread have suggested. I am flourishing as a trainer at my local gym and have never received any criticism whatsoever about my cert. People know that I am very competent when it comes to training and nutrition, and a lot of it I learned through the ISSA. There are other great organizations out there, but I am confident that I can stand toe-to-toe with anyone regardless of who they are certified through. Okay, now I'll get off my "soap box."
Thanks and good luck with your certification.

thats cool man and all man and you should feel proud but the issa wont hold water against a couple others, at all. although experience will trump them both which you apparently have alot of. off my soapbox (yes cscs)

[j_neatherlin]

I am ISSA certified, and I take GREAT PRIDE in it. I worked my butt off to study and pass the exam, and did not take any "short-cuts" that some in this thread have suggested. I am flourishing as a trainer at my local gym and have never received any criticism whatsoever about my cert. People know that I am very competent when it comes to training and nutrition, and a lot of it I learned through the ISSA. There are other great organizations out there, but I am confident that I can stand toe-to-toe with anyone regardless of who they are certified through. Okay, now I'll get off my "soap box."
Thanks and good luck with your certification.

like i said bro, you can be a GREAT trainer with a ****ty cert, a great cert or no cert (i'm not trying to imply that ISSA is a ****ty cert - i honestly don't know much about it).

like the above guy said, experience trumps all. there are probably CSCS's out there with no clue on how to practically apply principals to training and have never lifted a weight in their lives.

on the other hand, Charles Glass was probably training people before certs even existed...whether he has a cert or not, he is one of the premier trainers out there.

[dasixthsun]

I am ISSA certified, and I take GREAT PRIDE in it. I worked my butt off to study and pass the exam, and did not take any "short-cuts" that some in this thread have suggested. I am flourishing as a trainer at my local gym and have never received any criticism whatsoever about my cert. People know that I am very competent when it comes to training and nutrition, and a lot of it I learned through the ISSA. There are other great organizations out there, but I am confident that I can stand toe-to-toe with anyone regardless of who they are certified through. Okay, now I'll get off my "soap box."
Thanks and good luck with your certification.

couldn't of said it better. I think its up to the individual on how seriously he will take the test. yes ISSA has an open book option but you can also go to the seminar and take the exam. For the open book part you could be careless and just answer the questions and pass just to obtain a certification or you could be dedicated and study real hard and learn all you have to learn and actually walk away knowing something. Also with the open book they make you write like 6 case studys and make you write programs based on different scenarios to make sure you are competent in client programming. I used to read these boards and see how much flack issa got for not being recognizable so i decided to go and get one of the accredited certs and in my opinion the issa cert provided more info and went more into depth than the accredited ones.

[drooks10]

Yes, the case studies took a tremendous amount of time to complete. Everyone is right though about experience. We should all be proud of going through the steps of gaining our certs. but it is only through working in the profession where real, meaningful learning and application can take place. Good luck to all you trainers out there regardless of your cert. Do your thing and may you prosper!

[Vipersg123]

NSCA-CSCS, easily

ACSM-CPT would be next

CSCS, yes

But the ACSM HFI is much better than the CPT, they are changing the name from health fitness instructor to advanced personal trainer to make the name more fitting.