Personal Training Certification

There seems to be a newly found demand for personal trainer certifications, as people across the world are awakening to the benefits of regular exercise. Demand for trainers also comes from athletes aiming for off-the-charts performances and show business-types observing audiences’ preferences for toned physiques. A certified personal trainer has become indispensable in present-day society, and an aspiring personal trainer seeking to propel himself along this career path needs to take the first step of choosing a certification.

This is not always as straightforward as it seems. Determining the best personal trainer certifications can be difficult, and they often are different for different people. However, below are descriptions of some of the top programs that have positioned themselves on pedestals above others. Keep in mind that information changes over time, and it probably makes sense for you to confirm for yourself the details of each program.

Different Personal Trainer Certifications

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is an organization that is a trendsetter in the health and exercise industry. Over 25,000 professional personal trainers have passed its portals since its conception, and the institution provides its acclaimed certification programs in campuses spread across 44 countries worldwide. A trainer certified by ACSM is acknowledged in just about every corner of the globe. Anyone aged 18 and above is eligible to apply. The study material provided by the institution is the main source for other publications on personal training. Thus a student of the American College of Sports Medicine is guaranteed to receive a good education. ACSM regularly conducts one-day and three-day workshops which are priced at $7 and $28 respectively. The workshops are held for more 6 hours a day, and the participants of the workshops stand to benefit. Exam vouchers worth $30 are given at the end of the workshops. ACSM offers many different types of personal training certifications.

International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is renowned for its distance education personal trainer certification programs. The price of the course stands at $600, and the timings of the classes are flexible and can be finalized according to the convenience of the student. Online sessions are also offered by ISSA. A student is allowed to progress at his/her own pace ample study material is provided. ISSA is accredited by Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), and the course offered is inclusive of in-depth study of the subject matter, the marketing and business aspects of the trade, online student discussion forums, and practice examinations and quizzes. If you are interested in personal trainer certifications online, ISSA might be right for you.

The next organization in this personal trainer certification comparison is the American Council on Exercise (ACE), which is yet another leading institution that offers personal trainer certifications. This organization stands apart from the rest as it is promotes self study among its pupils. Unlike most other institutes that advance personal trainer fitness programs, ACE provides ample quality study material and leaves its students to fend for themselves as the courses are best learned by observation and research. However, ACE does conduct online diagnostic tests to record the progress of the students. Consultations with staff are also provided for those who request for the same. While study bundles that deal with the A to Z of personal training are priced between $285 and $400, and are inclusive of educational audio, visual and print inputs, certain materials that deal with particular branches of personal training are priced anywhere between $30 and $200.

NASM Personal Trainer Certifications

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is another frontrunner in the industry. One certified by NASM is acknowledged to be capable of working with beginners as well as seasoned athletes. They are also known to be capable of repackaging an exercise to best cater to the requirements if the client. NASM offers three different personal training certification programs: a CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) exam that costs $600 and includes an online practice exam and the final certification exam; the CPT pro program that is inclusive of online course content, audio, visual, audio-visual and printed study material, an exam preparation material bundle, a practice exam, and the final exam. The best course provided by NASM is the CPT premier program that includes all the components of the CPT pro program, and an addition of a live workshop. CPT pro and premier are priced at $$640 and $839 respectively. NASM is one of the most respected personal trainer certifications.

The National Strength and Conditioning Association is credited with the unique distinction of being the first institution to provide nationally accredited personal trainer certifications in the industry. The NSCA Certified Personal Trainers (CPT) certification program is one that allows a student to teach in a wide range of environments, including schools, clients’ homes and leading fitness centers. Only those who are CPR certified are allowed to appear for the acclaimed CPT exam, and the certified trainers are qualified to work even with physically challenged folks.

By looking into these and other different personal trainer certifications, you can find one that is right for you: one that is affordable, convenient, and helpful in advancing your career in personal training.