***Which Personal Training Certification is Best???

[dancebubbles]

Hey,
I am really interested in getting certified, but I'm not sure which certification is best. I know the quality ones are all pretty expensive. I've heard that these are the best:
NASM, AFAA, AFPA, ISSA, ACE, ACSM, NSCA
Some of them have workshops you can go to...which I think I would like, and some don't. Anyone have any recommendations. Also, are there any other useful materials or resources that I should get my hands on?
Thanks so much!!

[TinaC]

Hey,
I am really interested in getting certified, but I'm not sure which certification is best. I know the quality ones are all pretty expensive. I've heard that these are the best:
NASM, AFAA, AFPA, ISSA, ACE, ACSM, NSCA
Some of them have workshops you can go to...which I think I would like, and some don't. Anyone have any recommendations. Also, are there any other useful materials or resources that I should get my hands on?
Thanks so much!!

I asked this question a little while back and basically came to the conclusion that NSCA and NASM are two of the top. I was told to stay away from the online certs like ISSA...but in the end I decided to go with ACE because they are highly recognized and offer many workshops and exams in my area. I just started studying a week ago. Good luck!

[misstransformer]

Hey,
I am really interested in getting certified, but I'm not sure which certification is best. I know the quality ones are all pretty expensive. I've heard that these are the best:
NASM, AFAA, AFPA, ISSA, ACE, ACSM, NSCA
Some of them have workshops you can go to...which I think I would like, and some don't. Anyone have any recommendations. Also, are there any other useful materials or resources that I should get my hands on?
Thanks so much!!

Hi DanceBubbles, opinions will vary on this, but I've read articles by many reputable trainers, who refer to ACSM and NSCA. The article below might be helpful. Just be sure to look for internationally recognized and accredited certification programs. Also, have any of you noticed that many junior colleges now offer 8 week classes for certification now? T

http://www.femal************/archive/...al_trainer.php

[elainedeluca]

I got my certification through NASM, and I know other trainers who have gotten their certs through ACE which is also very good. CSCS (Certified Sports and Conditioning Specialist) is also a very good cert.

[Donica]

I was told to stay away from the online certs like ISSA...

Actually, I'm studying through ISSA right now, myself, and I am rather impressed with the course structure and the various available helplines and seminars. I don't think of it as "online certification" so much as "studying from home"--I haven't had to go online once yet, the textbook is very clear and understandable (and huge!) and I find that I'm able to retain the information well if I just sit down and study every day, regularly, and let the info build upon itself inside my head. The program comes with the huge, aforementioned textbook, a workbook, an interactive CD, a book on getting yourself "out there" as a PT and/or running your own business--and some other things I really am not at the point of using yet (like a pre-final exam test thing to help you get ready for your Big Test). You have two years to complete your course, you need to be certified in CPR to pass (among other things, obviously, like passing the final!), and the workshop seminars are staggered in a number of major cities in all the States that I cared to look at on the list.

My understanding, though, is that in the States some gyms are more picky when it comes to accepting ISSA certification for their trainers, since it's scope is more broad for the international audience and not as fine-tuned for instructing/training in the USA, as some others are--I suppose standards must be different in different countries. But since I'm planning on operating out of my home once I'm certified and licensed I don't consider it that much of an issue... And what I've read in different places, if you do ever go abroad, ISSA is a pretty decent certification to have since so many countries recognize it as a higher-level of fitness trainer certification. In general, though, I've heard ACE is very good to work through, too, particularly in the US, and that seems to be the favored program among a lot of people here at BB.com.

Oh, yes: When I was at a local bookstore the other night, I found a book on becoming a personal trainer (very general info) in the fitness section which I paged through but didn't end up buying... it had a list of about ten PT courses that are well-respected in the US, and are the most popular, as courses for fitness trainer certification. ACE was toward the top, and the ISSA had a decent rating too. You might want to look around and see if you can find a list like that (it listed all their websites, besides, which would be helpful) and check out the different programs to find just what you're looking for.

[misstransformer]

Actually, I'm studying through ISSA right now, myself, and I am rather impressed with the course structure and the various available helplines and seminars. I don't think of it as "online certification" so much as "studying from home"--I haven't had to go online once yet, the textbook is very clear and understandable (and huge!) and I find that I'm able to retain the information well if I just sit down and study every day, regularly, and let the info build upon itself inside my head. The program comes with the huge, aforementioned textbook, a workbook, an interactive CD, a book on getting yourself "out there" as a PT and/or running your own business--and some other things I really am not at the point of using yet (like a pre-final exam test thing to help you get ready for your Big Test). You have two years to complete your course, you need to be certified in CPR to pass (among other things, obviously, like passing the final!), and the workshop seminars are staggered in a number of major cities in all the States that I cared to look at on the list.

My understanding, though, is that in the States some gyms are more picky when it comes to accepting ISSA certification for their trainers, since it's scope is more broad for the international audience and not as fine-tuned for instructing/training in the USA, as some others are--I suppose standards must be different in different countries. But since I'm planning on operating out of my home once I'm certified and licensed I don't consider it that much of an issue... And what I've read in different places, if you do ever go abroad, ISSA is a pretty decent certification to have since so many countries recognize it as a higher-level of fitness trainer certification. In general, though, I've heard ACE is very good to work through, too, particularly in the US, and that seems to be the favored program among a lot of people here at BB.com.

Oh, yes: When I was at a local bookstore the other night, I found a book on becoming a personal trainer (very general info) in the fitness section which I paged through but didn't end up buying... it had a list of about ten PT courses that are well-respected in the US, and are the most popular, as courses for fitness trainer certification. ACE was toward the top, and the ISSA had a decent rating too. You might want to look around and see if you can find a list like that (it listed all their websites, besides, which would be helpful) and check out the different programs to find just what you're looking for.

You're always a wealth of information. I'll have to borrow this book from the library. I would love to encourage others to reach their goals in the future, especially women who have struggled with obesity and compulsive overeating all their lives, so I try to stock up on information about personal trainers. Thanks for the suggestion girl. T

[taytumwright]

nsca acsm are the "gold standard" certs I believe

[FeralGoth]

And what I've read in different places, if you do ever go abroad, ISSA is a pretty decent certification to have since so many countries recognize it as a higher-level of fitness trainer certification. In general, though, I've heard ACE is very good to work through, too, particularly in the US, and that seems to be the favored program among a lot of people here at BB.com..

Very cool - I'm currently studying ACE right now, but since my long term goals involve moving to Europe, I may consider picking up the ISSA certification in the future as well.

[SuziCue]

I would first think about where you are going to be employed prior to seeking a certification. Some gyms have different requirements so you will need to ask them. My certification is through AFAA.

[ms_moneypenny]

I have the NSCA -CSCS certification. I'm always impressed with the research and journals they publish, plus the fact that you must have a university degree in a related field appealed to me more than one from the back of a magazine.