Did I just make a mistake?

[greesemuunkie]

I have been reading the posts in this particular forum and it seems no one has the NCSF certification. I just purchased the material and now I'm wondering if I am about to work on the "wrong" cert?

The reason I chose this one was because is was reasonably priced for military and the local gym listed this as one of their accepted certifications. I really wanted to get the NASM, but it was twice the price for the NCSF and I have read a few times that the ACE is too basic--and it wasn't that much cheaper for the NCSF.

I'd like to hear feedback--thanks!

[popupwindow]

If your gym accepts it then it's fine. Learning about health and fitness goes far beyond your cert, so the cert is just to get a job, to be a good trainer you need to continually keep learning. I've never had a prospective client ask me where I got my PT cert from, because they wouldn't know if it's a good place anyway, and you can normally tell an incompetent trainer within 5-10 minutes of talking with them and working with them anyway.

[greesemuunkie]

If your gym accepts it then it's fine. Learning about health and fitness goes far beyond your cert, so the cert is just to get a job, to be a good trainer you need to continually keep learning. I've never had a prospective client ask me where I got my PT cert from, because they wouldn't know if it's a good place anyway, and you can normally tell an incompetent trainer within 5-10 minutes of talking with them and working with them anyway.

I plan to get more than one cert anyway, but I am definitely going to keep learning forever. I just can't get enough of this stuff!

Thanks!

[Bradster101190]

I'm one of the biggest fans of NASM there is, but NCSF will do fine and you got it for a good deal. Your definitely not studying the "wrong one",they are all great and later down the road when your making good money off training you might get another. Most gyms always pay more the more certifications you have and it will diversify your knowledge.

Goodluck

P.S some certifications like ACE sell just the test for around so once you get experienced and really know your stuff you can pick up those cheap.

A local gym pays 2 dollars more hour per certification. So there buying ACE for 200 you would improve your income a lot more and pay off the certification very quickly.

[greesemuunkie]

I'm one of the biggest fans of NASM there is, but NCSF will do fine and you got it for a good deal. Your definitely not studying the "wrong one",they are all great and later down the road when your making good money off training you might get another. Most gyms always pay more the more certifications you have and it will diversify your knowledge.

Goodluck

P.S some certifications like ACE sell just the test for around so once you get experienced and really know your stuff you can pick up those cheap.

A local gym pays 2 dollars more hour per certification. So there buying ACE for 200 you would improve your income a lot more and pay off the certification very quickly.

Thanks!

[Bradster101190]

No problem, you have a great attitude so just study hard and comprehend as much as possible without memorizing and you'll do great.

[TheDude8734]

Use the certification to get yourself in the door with a job. Don't worry about your initial certification as long as it gets you on a payroll. It's what you do with it once you have the clients coming in that is important. If you keep pushing yourself to improve and learn once you have the job, you will be golden.
I started with personal training with a lesser known agency, but I will be completing my NASM certification this fall. In the meantime, the first cert. enabled me to get the job that will help me improve my skills while funding my own interests in the world of fitness. Don't worry about your purchase, you will be just fine.
Also, if your certification prerequisites requires internship hours, use those hours to your advantage and use them at the place in which you'd like to work. This will form connections amongst the staff while learning continuously. You also will most likely quickly learn who calls the shots in the gym who will most likely get you on the staff.
Best of luck you will be great!

[greesemuunkie]

Ahhh! I love positive responses! Thanks!

[Nick Helm]

Good responses from everyone so far. I haven't been certified through any of the aforementioned companies, but have been an NSCA-CPT, and am now a Health/Fitness Specialist with ACSM. Both of these are well known and reputable. The NSCA was the first company to be nationally accredited, and ACSM has been around the longest. Either will get you a job at any gym. Good luck with your training!