QUESTION: Which certificates are the best?

[jooyeon]

Hi all.

Was wondering which certification is recognized internationally? Currently live in Europe, so I am thinking of taking the courses on-line.
Looked at ISSA, sounds pretty good.

Any other courses that could be done online that you recommend?
Thanks a lot!

[rhino2605]

Hello there jooyeon,

This will not allow me to post a URL in here; so within google search for "personal trainer certification comparison chart" should be the 2nd or 3rd link down. and will have the starting a personal training business within the URL

It will contain a comparision and takes the standpoint that you are wishing of building a PT business. I was certified by ISSA and did find a job with it. Its more of the "accepted" certifications for and within you area though. I have thought about going and being recertified as I let it lapse, And I was looking at ACE, or NASM.

from that website:
"But NCCA is not the only accreditation. ISSA seems to be bucking the trend by pursuing accreditation through a CHEA (Council on Higher Education) and the U.S. DOE (Department of Education) approved accrediting body. While these accreditations may be meaningful, perceptions in the industry is what really counts. And currently, NCCA is the main accreditation."


I hope that the more information assists and I wish you good luck!

Hi all.

Was wondering which certification is recognized internationally? Currently live in Europe, so I am thinking of taking the courses on-line.
Looked at ISSA, sounds pretty good.

Any other courses that could be done online that you recommend?
Thanks a lot!

[tpuhl]

I think "best" can be a tough question. Best for who? The potential trainer or his/her potential clients? I think the most important thing about a trainer is the seriousness in which they take their career. Hands on components are a key to good training and at least a basic understanding in diet and nutrition. What ever Cert people go with shadowing an experienced trainer is a Great way to start and make sure you dont put someone at risk.

[tpuhl]

ISSA is a very good option. For an online course it is very good. I have taken it and others and most of the info from cert to cert is standard now. I would just avoid the 99 dollar ***** you see on line. ISSA will be a great fit for you. Good luck

[GymMeathead]

Nasm

[baxx]

thank you guy

[Musclemadeeasy]

Huge waste of time and money, I hope that they don't succeed into scamming people.

How is it a waste of time and money? Fitness and nutrition is science, then you have the business side of certification which is essential if you want to become a successful personal trainer. The reason why the majority of personal trainers fail, they don't get the adequate education to provide a good service for their clients.

[AllyBA0121]

I currently have the NASM CPT, AFAA Primary Group Ex, Madd Dog Spinning, TRX Suspension Training, TRX Rip Training, and ISCA Boxing.

I would recommend either NASM, ACSM, or NSCA. Don't stop at just one certification pick some specialty ones, I know NASM and NSCA offer a variety of specialty varying from corrective exercise to cardiovascular training.

Definitely go for your CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) its one of the most accredited ones you can earn.

[tpuhl]

I kinda think eventually when personal training is govt controlled they will probably require some type of further education. Maybe they will grandfather us in lol

[canadianhick]

What about for us Canadians, do we need anything different or fall in the same group?

[Borschtbeet]

How is the NSCA-CPT? Whenever somebody talks about the NSCA they're always talking about the CSCS. I know the CSCS is one of if not the best, but how about the NSCA-CPT?

[KYCSOLO51]

How is the NSCA-CPT? Whenever somebody talks about the NSCA they're always talking about the CSCS. I know the CSCS is one of if not the best, but how about the NSCA-CPT?

It's good.

you used to need a BS in a health science background to sit for the CSCS. The CPT is an easier non-specialized version of the CSCS. Less biomechanics, physiology, and exercise programming involved.

[KYCSOLO51]

I currently have the NASM CPT, AFAA Primary Group Ex, Madd Dog Spinning, TRX Suspension Training, TRX Rip Training, and ISCA Boxing.

I would recommend either NASM, ACSM, or NSCA. Don't stop at just one certification pick some specialty ones, I know NASM and NSCA offer a variety of specialty varying from corrective exercise to cardiovascular training.

Definitely go for your CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) its one of the most accredited ones you can earn.

There must be mad letters after your name, LOL.

[BoeingDriver]

I recently became NASM certified....it was a toss up between NASM and ACSM when I was researching. I have even considered both....but keeping the two ***** current would put me in the poor farm!

[wheynweed]

Why is the ACSM so much cheaper than the NASM?

[mmiisslleeaahh]

I need advice on which of the "top 3" to go through here on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. I wanted to get my BSN in nursing first (we have two kids) but due to the Army's cuts, my husband is paranoid he'll be one of them. I have my GI Bill, but if its not too pricey, Id rather save that for nursing school after certifications. Anyone have any ideas?

[mmiisslleeaahh]

I need advice on which of the "top 3" to go through here on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. I wanted to get my BSN in nursing first (we have two kids) but due to the Army's cuts, my husband is paranoid he'll be one of them. I have my GI Bill, but if its not too pricey, Id rather save that for nursing school after certifications. Anyone have any ideas?

I was thinking I could do ISSA and then ACSM?

[IronPatriot85]

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

Agreed. I got my ACSM before my degree, but I did graduate with honors in Exercise Science. CSCS is good for sports/athlete oriented. ACSM is best for general population. Entire degree programs are designed off of ACSM. Not so sure about the third one they listed. I have always been told ACSM, CSCS, and ACE (for group fitness) are the only LEGIT certifications. The rest it is a toss up as to whether they hold the same credibility. Some do, some don't. I just went with the one backed up with research and has partnerships with the American Heart Association and the CDC. I agree ACSM is the best cert.

[Rocket2010]

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..?

I think it's awesome!

[garellano19]

I agree with a lot of you guys, it's not the cert you have but the know how to get your clients results. I know we all shouldnt judge a book by it's cover but the last thing i'd want is taking fitness advice from soneone that isn't fit them self. It's hard work when done without drugs and to those who have put in the time and effort, good job. I myself never really thought about becoming a personal trainer until I started to push myself and learn about the body, I've only lost 40lbs and have now been working on reaching my next goal of building lean muscle. It's a lot harder but I love a challenge and the experience I get from working on myself first is great because it allows me to pass it on to others who might be in the same shoes. The only trouble i have is thinking do I want to work with a gym or work for myself....

How many of you started working for yourself right off the bat and quit your job?

[jimmyk21]

It's good.

you used to need a BS in a health science background to sit for the CSCS. The CPT is an easier non-specialized version of the CSCS. Less biomechanics, physiology, and exercise programming involved.

Does that mean you don't need a bachelors now? I thought you still did.

[wjs010]

I have the HFS. Working on CSCS. As far as academia is concerned, those two are the best. Ofcourse you can get an entry job with almost any cert, but these two say that you have actually been taught by a 4 year uni in exercise science. If you are more of strength and conditioning, get the nsca cscs. If you are far more clinical, go ACSM. Look no further , as these are the facts

[ovhenderson]

If it's a commercial gym you want to work in it's ACSM, NASM, ACE, but usually ACE

If it's a medical facility (rehab clinic etc.), it's usually ACSM

If it's for a sports league, it's usually NSCA or ACSM

I've been forced fed that ACSM is best since many other organizations build much of their curriculum off of ACSM research. Additionally ACSM is heavy on the formal education side since you have to have a BS in Exercise Science or related field to even sit for the exam now. There is a REALLY REALLY low barrier to entry for personal trainers (no major start up costs, not state regulation...anybody can call themselves one really), so I was also told that you should pick a cert that will help set you apart from the crowd. Since ACSM is the only one that requires formal education, that could serve as a real stand out. HOWEVER, IN ALL HONESTY, only a handful of clients have ever asked to see my certification or other credentials (ACSM certified by the way with a degree in Exercise Science). So the BOTTOM LINE is, the average client won't care what you have as long as you look good and can give them results too.

P.S. I'm not knocking any of the certifications above, because you get out what you put into any of them. I've met some really crappy trainers with any of those *****. I've also met some really good ones with any of those ***** too. I even know a guy who has no cert, but has hands on experience and has studied hard on his own for years, and he's great.

[8MilesHigh]

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

Based on prerequisites to sit for the exam:
1) ACSM-RCEP requires MS in exercise science, exercise physiology, or kinesiology, plus 600 hrs clinical experience,
2) ACSM-CCES requires a BS in exercise science, exercise physiology, or kinesiology, plus 400-500 hrs clinical experience,
3) ACSM-CHFS requires a BS in exercise science, exercise physiology, or kinesiology.
4) NSCA-CSCS requires a BS degree, not specifically in an exercise science, nor experience

Cut in pasted from ACSM and NSCA websites:
1. ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist
before you can even take the exam you must have:
Master's or Doctorate degree from a college or university in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, or Kinesiology

The degree program must include at least two graduate level courses that cover:
1) Exercise Physiology
2) Clinical exercise testing, exercise prescription, exercise training and clinical assessment (baseline physiological measurements, medical record review, etc.)

Current certification as a Basic Life Support Provider or CPR for the Professional Rescuer
600 hours of preceptor-supervised clinical experience

2. ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist
All of the following requirements must be met:

Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology or Kinesiology from a regionally accredited college or university (You are eligible for the certification exam if you are in the last term or semester of your degree program.)
Practical experience in a clinical exercise program
Minimum of 400 hours if a graduate of a CoAES Accredited program OR
Minimum of 500 hours if a graduate of a non-CoAES Accredited program
Current certification as a Basic Life Support Provider or CPR for the Professional Rescuer (available through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross)

3. ACSM Health Fitness Specialist:
All of the following requirements must be met:

Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology or Kinesiology from a regionally accredited college or university. (Candidates are eligible for the HFS certification exam if in the last term or semester of the degree program.)
Current American Heart Association or American Red Cross Adult CPR certification

4. NSCA-CSCS
Prerequisites
Registrants must submit an original, official transcript of their academic work, showing attainment of at least a bachelor's degree (BS/BA) or chiropractic medicine degree granted by an accredited institution. College seniors can also take the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam; however, they must be currently enrolled in an accredited institution.* For college seniors, the NSCA Certification will not release exam scores until transcripts verifying graduation and noting the degree earned have been received.**

[steveovig]

I'm a little confused on getting ACSM certified. Currently, I don't have any type of college degree, is that a requirement for getting certified? Also, do I need to become a member of the ACSM to be able to get certified through them?

[8MilesHigh]

I'm a little confused on getting ACSM certified. Currently, I don't have any type of college degree, is that a requirement for getting certified? Also, do I need to become a member of the ACSM to be able to get certified through them?

No you do not need a college degree to sit for the ACSM-Certified Personal Trainer Cert. or the ACSM-Group Exercise Instructor. You don't need to be a member either, but you get discounts on study materials and exam costs if you are a member.

All of the following requirements must be met for both of the ***** mentioned above:

18 years of age or older
High school diploma or equivalent
Current American Heart Association or American Red Cross Adult CPR certification

[steveovig]

No you do not need a college degree to sit for the ACSM-Certified Personal Trainer Cert. or the ACSM-Group Exercise Instructor. You don't need to be a member either, but you get discounts on study materials and exam costs if you are a member.

All of the following requirements must be met for both of the ***** mentioned above:

18 years of age or older
High school diploma or equivalent
Current American Heart Association or American Red Cross Adult CPR certification

Ok, thanks a lot. I just got my CPR certificate in the mail so I'm covered there and with everything else. I'll go and order the books, etc. asap. Thanks again.

[FUF]

Wait so to get certified is just a matter of passing the test? There's no hands on type of training required?

[8MilesHigh]

Wait so to get certified is just a matter of passing the test? There's no hands on type of training required?

Yes, It's either a paper or computer based exam. Some of the certification agencies offer workshops and webinars to prepare for the exam, but they're an addition cost ($300-400) on top of the study materials and exam fees.

[lindastar28]

So I'm a NASM Personal Trainer and I was curious as to whether anyone has taken the NASM FNS certification? I'm currently looking at nutrition certifications and am needing some feedback as to which one I will benefit with the most! Any takers?