Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM PES)

[sapherson]

I took the PES test for NASM, because I coach several sports and I am also the strength and conditioning coordinator for those sports. I have a degree in Physical Education and School Health from Ball State University so I was able to take the test for the credentials. My question is now what? I got a 90% on the test and I am certified, but I'm not 100% sure what that means. I have been wanting to become a personal trainer for some time now as I already train so many athletes and also help with friends and family. I was under the impression from a personal trainer at a gym I used to work at (membership representative -- sales) that I could take that test and then be a personal trainer with that specific certification, but I'm starting to think that's not exactly right. I guess what I am getting at is I want to know what I can do with this certification. I also wanted to get it, because I felt that adding this to my degree would hopefully peak the interest of whatever schools that I apply to for Physical Education or to become a Head Football Coach.

[titusricard]

As far as most commercial gyms go, you are not a personal trainer until you complete an actual certified personal trainer course. Sorry someone mislead you. From what I understand, there are some gyms that will let you train as long as you know what you're doing, in which case the PES comes in handy.

[adoniscomplex]

My understanding was things like pes are for resume add ons after you get a pt cert. That being said you'll likely be able to find a gym to hirer you

[Footballa_19]

The PES from NASM serves as a comparable program to the NSCA's CSCS (certified strength and conditiong specialist). They are add ons to CPT's to build resumes when you want to do more than personal training. If you want respect in the elite athletic programs from big high schools to the pro's, get the CSCS. It is what everyone has. You still have to get your CPT with someone though.

[BC02]

I know you can still get hired at commercial gyms with a cscs, not sure about the nasm -pes though

[sapherson]

well that kinda sucks I guess. I guess my next step would be to look into obtaining my CPT through someone and then the cscs. Unfortunately I just don't have a lot of money to be throwing around on all these things. I graduated in 2010 from Ball State University and since then I have been a coach at a 2A Indiana high school (which pays very little) and I am currently working as a Special Education Paraprofessional (which the pay is awful) but I did it to get myself in the schools. I should have stayed working as a manager of Chuck E. Cheese, because honestly I made a lot more money, but it was not want I want to do with my life. I really want to stay in the sport and gym style careers and life, because even though I'm broke I am much more happier than I was before. I guess I'm just venting a little bit here. What would least expensive way to go about obtaining my CPT? Would NASM offer a discount, because I already received my PES through them? Would it be a waste of time to take my PE and Health degree and my NASM - PES certification to a couple of gyms to see if they would consider me?

[LiftHardOrDie22]

Bro, I have my CPT, PES, and CES all through NASM. NASM is one of the highest regarded certifications to have, the good thing about their PES and CES is that they do not expire. Unlike their CPT which requires a retest every 2yrs. If you are looking to just train at a gym then they might consider your degree good enough and not require a CPT. But that really depends on the gym (my coworker majored in kinesology and that sufficed for him, although he did go on to get his PES and CES). If you are trying to do more than get a job at the gym then yes, go ahead and get your CPT.

Once I decided I wanted to train, I simply walked into 3 or 4 gyms spoke with their club and fitness managers and asked what they would like to see when hiring someone and which certifications they recommended. I chose NASM, but there are plenty of other nationally recognized associations too, most of which are cheaper.

[greySea]

Not sure if anyone will look at this anymore, but I am currently in grad school for Exercise Science and Health Promotion. A part of the program is to sit for the NASM PES certification test. The reason I am interested in this major is because I am interested in the field of strength and conditioning coaching. I understand I am not on this site for body building but came across the forum when I saw you talking about the PES. Have you thought about working for a college as a strength and conditioning coach? Or are you only looking to becoming a personal trainer? I would say that you have already reached the goal of becoming certified as a PES, in that you are a strength and conditioning coordinator/coach? You are just on top of the ball! I'm sure there are schools that would love to have you and your credentials as a part of their team.

[extremenergy3]

I used to work at 24 HF and we hired those with physical education degrees, whether they have a CPT or not. I'm assuming other commercial gyms would too.

[joekingpt]

Like the others said, with your degree plus the PES you shouldn't have trouble getting hired. You can also specialize or "find your niche" at a gym. If you are the only trainer with a PES at your gym then that puts you at an advantage and allows you to specialize in athletes and get some athlete-oriented group training programs together.

[Ronin4help]

I took the PES test for NASM, because I coach several sports and I am also the strength and conditioning coordinator for those sports. I have a degree in Physical Education and School Health from Ball State University so I was able to take the test for the credentials. My question is now what? I got a 90% on the test and I am certified, but I'm not 100% sure what that means. I have been wanting to become a personal trainer for some time now as I already train so many athletes and also help with friends and family. I was under the impression from a personal trainer at a gym I used to work at (membership representative -- sales) that I could take that test and then be a personal trainer with that specific certification, but I'm starting to think that's not exactly right. I guess what I am getting at is I want to know what I can do with this certification. I also wanted to get it, because I felt that adding this to my degree would hopefully peak the interest of whatever schools that I apply to for Physical Education or to become a Head Football Coach.

Compared to your college education, it means very little. Why you decided to become certified in the first place is interesting. There is no certification program that can compare to a college degree from a university. But, now that you have a certificate too, you may want to look into fitness club management. Your credentials make you a very good candidate along with your personal interest and involvement in fitness. There are far more opportunities in club management than there are in personal training. You will learn as most do, that personal training, as a full time profession, is not as glamorous as it seems from the outside. Aim higher, where those who are only personal training certified cannot shoot to and you may be surprised what some club owner is willing to offer you. The pay is typically better at the managerial level too.

[funnycraic]

Compared to your college education, it means very little. Why you decided to become certified in the first place is interesting. There is no certification program that can compare to a college degree from a university. But, now that you have a certificate too, you may want to look into fitness club management. Your credentials make you a very good candidate along with your personal interest and involvement in fitness. There are far more opportunities in club management than there are in personal training. You will learn as most do, that personal training, as a full time profession, is not as glamorous as it seems from the outside. Aim higher, where those who are only personal training certified cannot shoot to and you may be surprised what some club owner is willing to offer you. The pay is typically better at the managerial level too.

Good point!

[94beastmode]

Compared to your college education, it means very little. Why you decided to become certified in the first place is interesting. There is no certification program that can compare to a college degree from a university. But, now that you have a certificate too, you may want to look into fitness club management. Your credentials make you a very good candidate along with your personal interest and involvement in fitness. There are far more opportunities in club management than there are in personal training. You will learn as most do, that personal training, as a full time profession, is not as glamorous as it seems from the outside. Aim higher, where those who are only personal training certified cannot shoot to and you may be surprised what some club owner is willing to offer you. The pay is typically better at the managerial level too.

Isn't club management about how much you can sell not education?

[kennycroxdale]

Bro, I have my CPT, PES, and CES all through NASM. NASM is one of the highest regarded certifications to have, the good thing about their PES and CES is that they do not expire. Unlike their CPT which requires a retest every 2yrs. If you are looking to just train at a gym then they might consider your degree good enough and not require a CPT. But that really depends on the gym (my coworker majored in kinesology and that sufficed for him, although he did go on to get his PES and CES). If you are trying to do more than get a job at the gym then yes, go ahead and get your CPT.

Once I decided I wanted to train, I simply walked into 3 or 4 gyms spoke with their club and fitness managers and asked what they would like to see when hiring someone and which certifications they recommended. I chose NASM, but there are plenty of other nationally recognized associations too, most of which are cheaper.

NO Retesting

Retesting is not required if you maintain you Continuing Education Units.

Kenny Croxdale

[a7stringkilla]

My advice would be to get your PT certification through ACE. If you already have the PES, you can then put both logos on flyers or cards or whatever.

[Darealiss1]

I say get it, it's much more advanced than a CPT. Learned so much more than my CPT cert, and would recommend it to anyone!

I took the PES test for NASM, because I coach several sports and I am also the strength and conditioning coordinator for those sports. I have a degree in Physical Education and School Health from Ball State University so I was able to take the test for the credentials. My question is now what? I got a 90% on the test and I am certified, but I'm not 100% sure what that means. I have been wanting to become a personal trainer for some time now as I already train so many athletes and also help with friends and family. I was under the impression from a personal trainer at a gym I used to work at (membership representative -- sales) that I could take that test and then be a personal trainer with that specific certification, but I'm starting to think that's not exactly right. I guess what I am getting at is I want to know what I can do with this certification. I also wanted to get it, because I felt that adding this to my degree would hopefully peak the interest of whatever schools that I apply to for Physical Education or to become a Head Football Coach.