QUESTION: Which certificates are the best?

[Tommylsantos]

I have NASM CPT, PES and CES and the only one that I recommend others check out is the CES program. I ended up not recertifying through NASM and just going through the NSCA CPT course, which I think is much better.

My suggestion is NSCA, then ACSM. I would only choose NASM over those two if the gym preferred it. From there, you can venture out into seminars and workshops/certifications from the trainers/coaches that you follow.

I also hold a diploma in Neuromuscular/Soft Tissue Therapy and am Certified through the state of California and am enrolled the ISSN Applied Sports and Exercise Nutrition diploma program.

[AngieCaribbean]

Hello there,
I'm Angela and new to the community. I decided for a career change into personal training as I realized that I'm the happiest whilst exercising and helping others.
I'm currently investigating which CPT certification to go with. The most reviews I have seen in the forum are pretty old so I was wondering if you could give me recommendations based on programs that are on the current market.

Note: I want to focus on corrective exercises and nutrition. I'm not interested in working in a gym as I live on an island in the Caribbean and there is plenty of demand for private instructions. From what I understand ACE and NASM is pretty general and set up to work for gyms. Pls correct me if I'm wrong.

I came across the CPT and SNS (Sport Nutrition Specialist) package by NCSF. Any thoughts and experiences reviews? Also do you recommend taking the CPT and SNS certification separetly or is the package a good option for somebody who is eager to study and progress fast?

Your feedback is highly appreciated!
Thanks so much in advance for your taking your time!!!

Tropical regards,
Angela

[AngieCaribbean]

Hello there,
I'm Angela and new to the community.

I came across the CPT and SNS (Sport Nutrition Specialist) package with NCSF. Any thoughts and experiences? Also do you recommend taking the CPT and SNS certification separetly or is the package a good option for somebody who is eager to study and progress fast?

Note: I want to focus on corrective exercises and nutrition. I'm not interested in working for a commercial gym as I live on an island in the Caribbean and the demand for private instructions is great. From what I understand ACE and NASM is pretty general and set up to work for gyms? Pls correct me if I'm wrong.

Your feedback is highly appreciated!

Tropical regards,
Angela

[Ryuhadoken]

I am in So-California and thinking about getting my certification in ACSM. I am hoping to start off working for LA Fitness or 24 hours fitness. What was your experience like working for LA and 24 fitness?

[swiftsloth]

QUESTION: Which certificates are the best in Australia? and training providers

[chevin11]

I'm ACTION Certified, but only because they do monthly payments. I'm located in Canada, and, unfortunately, the only really well-known course here is Can-Fit and, it's expensive.

[Cubanmuscle82]

But how can you explain that issa offer the exam online which can be taken open book and with not limited time.that that's the reason is not ncca accredited.

[servandodomi]

Go with the most recognizable one, NASM. If you walk into a gym with a NASM cert, there will be no more questions or test. $600 is what a client will pay you for a month of training. That is an no brainer investment. The challenge of being a personal trainer is not the certification or cost of it, its also not getting clients. The real thing you need to worry about is how are you going to become profitable? How are you going to make your personal training job pay you a steady income, time off, vacations and even health care. I know nobody talks about this and its about time. The worst thing for you would be to invest your time and money and be just like every other trainer out there, making $18,000-$3600 per year and slaving them selves to a gym. I know this because thats what happened to me. I have been a personal trainer for 12 yrs and I have made up to 12k a month while working 50+hrs a week and getting burned out and only taking home 2k. Look I understand your need a cert and your question is a good one but don't worry so much about it. Go get the one that will open the most doors for you and get starting training, you can only become a great trainer by training people. You then have to worry about clients and profit. I have worked very hard to have a PT business that has NO employees or other trainers working for me, a low overhead and independent. I have a steady income, health care, paid vacations, and even a 401K. Get the cert, start training and once you get your first paying client send me a message and I will share with you what I have learned. I make 60k a year (which I know is not the highest you can make) and I only work 20 hrs a week, dont have to worry about how much I am going to make next month and I take a week off without having it affect my income. How many other trainers can do that? Anyways, Mythic Beast, good luck and hit those books.

[EdLest10]

This is a good article on comparing the top Fitness Certifications. Check it out at fitnessmentors.com/best-personal-trainer-certification/

[dynoplex6]

Would you also recommend NASM for someone interested in starting their own PT business?

[klausk]

Anyone in the UK, what would be the best place to do a cert? YMCA, Discovery Learning, etc?

[Luca2]

Anyone in the UK, what would be the best place to do a cert? YMCA, Discovery Learning, etc?

Yes, I'd be interested too.

[AKohanski]

When you get your certs it's always good to call around your local gyms to see what the rates are. In my area (South Jersey) there's actually one gym that pays trainers at 70% but they're hard to get into. I went freelance when I couldn't find good rates. I find most of my clients on shredshared.com because it's a free platform. Doesn't cost anything to create a profile or list services.

[sherif1258]

Thank You :-)

[BoB0Tiller]

If there is a specific job you want see if they require a specific certification...

[Flori6]

I got back in the gym 6 weeks ago after a long time off (did physical therapy for my left knee for over half a year).

My goal is to get a Personal Trainer certification (I know that I am kinda old to start as a trainer, but never had the confidence...still working on it..) that has a better information curricula course and step on the stage for Bikini competition in 1year - 1yr and a half max.
I already have one from EFA, but in Romania, I moved to Switerland and wasn’t too happy about what I learnt either.
I know the basics really well, but I want a good structured course also.
Can you guys recommend a good fitness course that might be recognized in Switzerland too? I read about YMCA Level 3, but can’t afford moving to UK atm anyway...
I found SAFS, but I’m not sure how good they are (didn’t find so many reviews).

[harshtuktuk]

The 7 Best personal training certification programs :

1. American Council on Exercise (ACE)

2. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

3. International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)

4. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

5. National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

6. American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA)

7. National Endurance and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA)

Ranking of best personal training certification programs are posted on healthcureplus.com (health and fitness website)

[Gornald]

Has this been updated? Or it still applies today what OP posted. Cheers

[Swifteroo]

Hey Guys,

If there are any PT's on here looking for more clients, feel free to sign up to our free platform

swifteroo.com

[Murrmanski]

Anyone have any information on certs in Australia? I have a Kin Degree and an ACSM but I don't think i'm qualified to be a PT in Aus. This seems insane to me. Do I really have to do Cert 3 and 4 just to work there?

[Stevolifts89]

[QUOTE=DLStar64;220632841]just found a pretty cool site that compares alot of these, not sure if we can link but it includes cost which is was i was looking for

Looks impressive to be fair

[cwsmith35]

I work with a company called Mobile Trainers, https://mobiletrainers.com, and the preference for the personal trainers is: NASM, ACE, and ISSA, in that order.

[rets85]

I know so many trainers working with private clients outside with no certificate. Almost makes you wonder if they know something we don't...