Please Scroll Down to See Forums Below That's why I suggested ACE. It gives a nice overview and it is much more widely recognized than ISSA. Honestly, two different companies (large in the industry) did not recognize ISSA as a national cert. ACE is widely recognized, gives a nice general approach with some detail, and is a great building block. You can always get NASM, ACSM, NSCA, a CSCS or PES, or whatever down the road. NASM and ACSM also have many speciality certs. If you don't have a degree in the field you can get a Sports Fitness Specialist from NASM, they also have integrated flexibility programs, a masters programs, and much more. Check out their webiste.
personal trainer certifications
- Thread starter bandwagon
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I think I heard somewhere that ACE was the most recongized. I def wouldn't say it's the best though. ISSA does offer a lot of support after you finish. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it though, if you end up getting one from ACSM or NSCA, that will be that much more important.
A B.S. is required to qualify to sit in on the exam for the NSCA-CSCS. I also believe that is the same for the ACSM. I think that any Cert from ACE, NSCA, NASM are recognized by every Health Club in america. I know that the company i work for won't reimburse for any certifications other then the ones i have listed.
I am a certified NESTA-CPT. I got this to get my foot in the door and I am currently working on my NSCA-CPT and an working towards and Exercise Physiology Degree.
I am a certified NESTA-CPT. I got this to get my foot in the door and I am currently working on my NSCA-CPT and an working towards and Exercise Physiology Degree.
That is correct except for that I believe you can become ACSM CPT without a BS. I'm not positive on that though. I've never heard of any CPT certification requiring a degree though. An Exercise Phys degree combined with a NSCA CPT is a very strong combination. Certification are great knowledge and can look great on paper but it's only half of being a good trainer. Don't get me wrong. I'd take an ACSM certified trainer over no cert. any day. But there are other factors involved. I've seen geniuses with every certification under the sun fail as trainers.Pumped650 said:
You do have to have a degree to sit for the CSCS exam however you can get a PES which is NASM's equivalent and you can petition them to sit without a degree if you have multiple certifications and a lot of experience in the field or other qualifications. Also, NASM offers a SFS (Sports Fitness Specialist) I believe it is which is like a CSCS or PES but more designed for a gym setting and doesn't require a degree or a degree in the field.
thanks
thanks for all the great info.. i'm going to do the NASM if i can ensure that i have more than 120 days before i have to take the exam. their site says you have that much time after enrolling before you are required to take the exam. otherwise, i will do the ISSA first.
thanks for all the great info.. i'm going to do the NASM if i can ensure that i have more than 120 days before i have to take the exam. their site says you have that much time after enrolling before you are required to take the exam. otherwise, i will do the ISSA first.
Atomic Punk
New member
If you:
1. Look the part(are in shape).
2. Can deal with people.
&
3. Like to help others.
then a Certification is worthless in my opinion. I just went today to a new gym that opened in my area. I walked in and immediately got an interview. Dude asked about it, and I said that I was NSCA, but he had no clue who they were. NSCA is probably the second most recognizable certification you can get, and this dude had no idea. Just goes to show you, that even the good certs are pretty much a joke. I got a second interview tomorrow with the other partner in the company, but I GUARANTEE YOU that even if I didn't have a certification, that my build, as well as my overwhelming personality will win them over and get me in the door. Those two traits imo(build & personality--in that order) are what will get you in ANY door WAY WAY before ANY certification bro. What you do after that is up to you! And I have YET to have even ONE client ask if I were certified either. If they did, I'd just lie. Something to think about.
1. Look the part(are in shape).
2. Can deal with people.
&
3. Like to help others.
then a Certification is worthless in my opinion. I just went today to a new gym that opened in my area. I walked in and immediately got an interview. Dude asked about it, and I said that I was NSCA, but he had no clue who they were. NSCA is probably the second most recognizable certification you can get, and this dude had no idea. Just goes to show you, that even the good certs are pretty much a joke. I got a second interview tomorrow with the other partner in the company, but I GUARANTEE YOU that even if I didn't have a certification, that my build, as well as my overwhelming personality will win them over and get me in the door. Those two traits imo(build & personality--in that order) are what will get you in ANY door WAY WAY before ANY certification bro. What you do after that is up to you! And I have YET to have even ONE client ask if I were certified either. If they did, I'd just lie. Something to think about.
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