personal training certifications

[HeavyHitter2]

I'm looking for feedback on what would be the best certification to go with. I have info on ISSA but was wondering if there were any that were better.
thanks

 

[Kcm3000]

it really depends...think about where you want to work and ask teh other trainers if they needeed a special cert to work there. I have a degree in ex sci. and im ISSA cert. wheni worked for boston sports club they were hassling me to get NASM cert bc they have a contract together or sumthigng. it didnt matter wether i had a degree or not. only thing that mattered was nasm to them. some other places are like that w/ ACE.

I have all the books CSCS NASM ISSA ACE IFPA ACSM etc. they are mostly the same. if you know your shit you know your shit its that simple. good luck w/ your decision.

but if i was goign to get a new cert CSCS would be the way to go in my opinion. not saying ISSA is bad, i think its great but continueing education is crap.

 

[Dado5]

I have ISSA and NASM. Noone cared about ISSA, ewveryone was looking if i have NASM.
I would go with NASM.

 

[7_Deadly_Sins]

I'm studying for my ISSA right now.
I know it's not the best, but it'll help me get a job and give me better knowlage on how to do it. Then, I can get another one later down the road.
ISSA just got accreated with the dept of edu. I believe, I know they're the only org they has done this.
Call the gyms around your area and see which ones they want. All the ones here want ISSA oddly enough.
Good luck man.

 

[hellraiser27]

I have IFPA. I think ACE is probaby the most widely accepted.

 

[king1033]

I have NASM, everyone is looking for NASM these days.

 

[smootheavy]

NSCA, ACSM, and NASM lastly...all accredited

 

[sharksden69]

A.F.A.A.

A.F.A.A. is one of the easiest certification to get that is pretty much excepted everywhere.. NASM is like second to none among top four.. ACSM you almost have to be a brain surgeon to pass the damn thing , I have studied and studied and they will throw shit at you that isn't in any of their books or tapes... but it is basically your cadillac of certifications... or atleast in my area... good luck on your choice though

 

[6packguy]

AFAA is a weekend cert that anyone can get. It is not as respected as ISSA,NASM,ACE,And NCSM. I have ISSA and have never had a problem getting a job in any gym.

 

[cowsryummy]

My understanding was that CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) is the top certification in the fitness industry. Anyone care to comment?

 

[AWN2004]

My understanding was that CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) is the top certification in the fitness industry. Anyone care to comment?

You need a four year degree in a specific field to test for that cert. Most university and professional strength coaches have this certification. Having a CSCS is much like having a PhD in strength training and conditioning in my opinion.

 

[cowsryummy]

You need a four year degree in a specific field to test for that cert. Most university and professional strength coaches have this certification. Having a CSCS is much like having a PhD in strength training and conditioning in my opinion.

Ah, interesting. I don't have any certifications myself so was just parroting what I had heard.

Does someone with a CSCS not need a CPT then, if they want to go train people at a chain gym, or example?

 

[The Myth]

I don't believe in certs....

Any kid can get a cert and call themselves a personal trainer. That is what we are seeing in the gyms these days. I believe in applied experience and quite honestly all of the local trainers I know are relying on their reputations. During these hard times, I see more of the experience trainers profiting more than the trainers with less than 3 years under their belts.

 

[IRON37]

Ive just begun getting into training myself,heres a quick rundown of what Ive learned from others;

--issa, ace, nsca, nasm are the top names..but in reality, most clients wont even ask you if youre actually certified. I got certified by ifa for $100 LOL. if you know your stuff, you know your stuff. but theres always room to learn..dont get me wrong on that.

--real life experience I believe is just as important as book smarts in this field. Also having a presentable physique and knowing how to sell yourself somehow.

--By all means, try to work as an independent, and not on a gyms salary if possible. 98% of the time they will fuck you over and take over half of your profits. If youre an indy, you can try to work out a deal for 15-20% of your proftis or a monthly fee. Way more money this way.

--Most trainers Ive seen are laughable, even with years of experience just by looking at them I wouldnt hire them. if you can talk the talk and convince them you bring something unique and with tried methods youre good..youll eventually build a reputation and connections if youre good

--maybe best case scenario, find a gym/studio solely for personal trainers where you pay the fee and youre done.

 

[smootheavy]

Ah, interesting. I don't have any certifications myself so was just parroting what I had heard.

Does someone with a CSCS not need a CPT then, if they want to go train people at a chain gym, or example?

Yes CSCS qualifies you to work with athletes and/or general population...it requires a 4 year degree, the Pers. Trng cert from NSCA does not

The two top are CSCS and ACSM