Best Certification Program??? Please Help!!!

code_4 · 07-06-2008, 10:19 PM

Hi, i've finally decided to become certified (and use what i love doing to help me get through university). I have been searching through the internet at numerous certification programs. But i have a few restrictions, making this process alittle more difficult. I live in Canada so the program would have to be recognized here, secondly the community i live in will probably never have any certification seminars. I have been looking at the ISSA program (any good?). Please if you have any advice or suggestions please help. thanks.

MVP · 07-06-2008, 10:28 PM

ISSA is a great cert, yet so many are against it because you can take it online. Pretty much every gym accepts ISSA.

In reality, any certification will do. It's just a piece of paper with your name on it saying you are a CPT. What will separate you from other trainers, is your passion to help change peoples lives. No certification will ever do that for you. Try not to buy into the "which certification is the best, this ones the best" hype. You look at every website that offers CPT certification, and they market "we are the best". There is no best certification!

code_4 · 07-06-2008, 10:42 PM

oh great. Well thanks alot. Do you know if ISSA is recognized in Canada? I can understand why people might be against taking it online but unfortunately my situation requires that i take such an approach. Hopefully i dont get frowned apawn for taking an online certification. But regardless, I am knowledgeable and love everything to do with being healthy. I really want to become apart of the fitness industry and i feel this is a step in the right direction.

MVP · 07-06-2008, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by code_4

I am knowledgeable and love everything to do with being healthy. I really want to become apart of the fitness industry and i feel this is a step in the right direction.

And this will lead to your success as a Trainer

Not sure if ISSA is recognized in Canada. ISSA may be an online cert, but i know a few very successful trainers with strong portfolios who are ISSA only certified. If you plan on working for a gym, call that gym and see what certs they accept. Pick one and roll with it.

FillyMan85 · 07-07-2008, 01:39 PM

My vote goes to ACSM

BIGPHILL1984 · 07-07-2008, 01:47 PM

i have ISSA myself. however i am not a trainer anymore, not enough money for me. if u want better money just work at a real estate office for the same work(sales)...........whether u want to believe it or not, personal training is all sales and marketing. yes u have to know ur **** as far as training and nutition, but if u cant even establsh a client base whats the point? right?

MVP · 07-07-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGPHILL1984

i have ISSA myself. however i am not a trainer anymore, not enough money for me. if u want better money just work at a real estate office for the same work(sales)...........whether u want to believe it or not, personal training is all sales and marketing. yes u have to know ur **** as far as training and nutition, but if u cant even establsh a client base whats the point? right?

No offense, but if you were in the PT business for the money, then it sounds like you were in it for the wrong reasons. Every PT that i see that is or was in it for the money, failed.

BackI00 · 07-07-2008, 02:13 PM

My vote goes with NSCA, which is what i am currently studying for. I know NSCA is nationally recognizable in the states, so Im hoping it is usable in Canada. Its a great test that goes really in depth and has tons of study guides you can use to help you through it. You can schedule an online test or take the test thats scheduled nearest to you.

code_4 · 07-07-2008, 06:27 PM

Maybe i'll look up NSCA then, cause as i mentioned earlier i need it to be online because the chances of my town ever gettin a certification program short of the Y is next to nill.