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What types of personal trainer certifications are there

Exploring the Different Types of Personal Trainer Certifications

I. Why Understanding Different Personal Trainer Certifications Matters

  • Gaining knowledge about various certifications helps individuals make informed decisions about their career paths.
  • Different certifications indicate varying levels of expertise, specialization, and credibility in the fitness industry.
  • Clients often prefer trainers with recognized certifications, enhancing professional credibility and trust.

II. List of Common Personal Trainer Certifications

A. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

- Renowned for its evidence-based approach and science-backed training methods.

- Offers specializations in corrective exercise, performance enhancement, and nutrition.

B. American Council on Exercise (ACE)

- Widely recognized for its comprehensive curriculum and practical application.

- Provides certifications for personal trainers, group fitness instructors, and health coaches.

C. International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)

- Emphasizes practical skills and real-world applications.

Accreditation: most gyms only accept personal training certifications that are NCCA, NBFE or DEAC – recognized so this is an important factor for aspiring trainers. These certifying bodies are considered the gold standard for fitness certifications. Price: includes the cost of the test and the cheapest study materials.

Which is better NASM or ISSA?

NASM offers the exceptional OPT Model that gives you foundational skillsets for program design, while ISSA has excellent coverage of business skills related to fitness training. Either certification will ensure your success in the industry, but each has different strengths.

Is Ace or NASM better?

NASM certification focuses on corrective exercise education while ACE covers the overall fundamentals of health and fitness. Both certifications are popular and well-accepted in the fitness industry. They also both offer exclusive study materials and digital education support to the candidate.

What are the levels of trainer certification?

What are the different levels of Personal Trainers?
PT LevelQualification Title
Level 2Gym Instructor or Fitness Instructor
Level 3Personal Trainer
Level 4Elite Personal Trainer
Level 5 with RSPHElite Personal Trainer and Nutrition Advisor

What personal trainer certificate is most respected in USA?

OVERALL. Summary: The National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) is the most in-depth certification on our list with regard to details on science-backed strength and fitness coaching protocols.

What fitness certification is most recognized?

OVERALL. Summary: The National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer certification (NASM-CPT) is among the most well-known personal training certifications in the industry.

What organization accredits certifying bodies like NASM ACE and NSCA?

The NASM CPT certification is a highly-respected NCCA-accredited fitness certificate with an incredible exercise programming framework for training clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a certified personal trainer in USA?

Typically, a person must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent education to enroll in a personal trainer certification program. Before sitting for a certification exam, an enrolled individual must also earn an adult CPR and AED certification.

What is the most widely accepted personal trainer certification?

The NASM CPT credential The NASM CPT credential is widely recognized and respected across the globe, and it generally accepted anywhere personal trainers are hired. The higher tiers of NASM even offer a job guarantee, which is testament to NASM's commitment to quality education and training.

Is it worth getting certified as a personal trainer?

Having a personal training certification is not mandatory in California, however, it will improve your job prospects greatly. A majority of employers in California will prefer to hire certified personal trainers from NCCA accredited institutions.

Is ACSM the gold standard?

ACSM was the first organization to offer exercise professional certifications, and is considered the gold standard of the industry. Holding an ACSM certification means your peers and clients will recognize you as a leader in the exercise and fitness field.

FAQ

Who are certified personal trainers?
Certified personal trainers are fitness professionals who have the training, experience, and knowledge required to help clients meet their physical fitness goals.
What is NCCA accredited certification?
NCCA Accreditation is a stamp of approval on the quality of a certification program, governed by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). ™ This is part of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence™, the leader in the world of professional credentialing.
What is an accredited certification for the personal trainer credential?
Here are the best personal trainer certifications in California ranked in order: International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA-CPT) National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF-CPT)

What types of personal trainer certifications are there

Are personal trainers qualified? While the standard qualifications for becoming a certified personal trainer are the level-two and three training courses, you may want to take a level-four elite training course.
What is the hardest fitness certification? NSCA-CPT. The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is a notorious certifying agency when it comes to exam difficulty. By now, I've mentioned how difficult the NSCA-CSCS is, probably one of the hardest tests out there with a 55% pass rate.
Is the ISSA certification respected? ISSA is a legit National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accredited organization that runs several programs that include certifications in personal training, nutrition, health, and yoga coaching. They have been in operation for over 35 years which has made them a global leader in their area of expertise.
  • How much do personal trainers charge for a workout plan?
    • On the low end, in-person personal training can cost $40–50 per hour (roughly $200/month); the high end ranges from $115–150 per hour (sometimes as high as $5,000/month!)
  • What is the hardest personal trainer certification?
    • The ACSM-CPT exam is notorious for being in the same league of difficulty as other more advanced qualifications, such as the NSCA-CSCS. The ACSM CPT has a global pass rate of 69%, making it one of the hardest certifications of all time. ACSM is by no means an easy personal training certification.
  • How much is a personal trainer in Baton Rouge?
      • Individual Sessions Rates: 30 minute sessions $38. 60 minute sessions $60.
      • Package Rates (4 sessions): 30 minute sessions $134. 60 minute sessions $220.
      • Package Rates (8 sessions): 30 minute sessions $240.
      • Assessment or Program Update: $40.
      • Fire Starter. A Personal Training Package created specifically for new members.