Ace has been around for many years and is one of the more widely accepted
personal trainer certifications.
It is a reputation for being a standard certification which takes the least
preparation and money to obtain so it is desirable for people who want to try
out the personal training profession with the least investment of time and
money.
Advanced Health + Fitness Specialist Certification
4. ISSA
International Sports Sciences Association
The ISSA has long been one of the top personal trainer certification bodies
and their certifications continue to be some of the top 5 personal training
certifications you can get.
Straight from the ISSA website.
"Since 1988, the ISSA has certified and provided continuing fitness education
to nearly 100,000 people just like you who want to help others feel better, look
better and improve the quality of their lives.
We are unconditionally committed to providing expanded access to the highest
quality personal training certification and continuing fitness education
programs available, advancing our industry as a whole, and developing greater
access to career opportunities for those who share our vision of
Creating a Stronger, Healthier World™."
While the ACSM is definitely the most respected personal training
certification the ACSM certifications tend to focus more on the clinical side of
personal training.
The certifications may be unnecessary for the personal who is working at the
local YMCA but for trainers with college degrees, ACSM certifications are a good
way to make use of the college degree because most ACSM certifications require
degrees.
ACSM certifications demand a lot of respect for possible employers so they
will always be one of the best certifications to get and maintain.
Available Certifications from the ACSM:
Certified Health Fitness Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer
ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist®
ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist®
2. NSCA
National Strength & Conditioning Association
The NSCA has certifications for personal trainers and strength coaches which
really focus on keeping the basic principles of strength and conditioning
intact.
Strength & conditioning specialists certifications are required for any job
working with collegiate, and professional athletes.
The NSCA only offers 2 certifications which both require previous education.
The tests are statically proven to be some of the most challenging personal
training certification exams even though the exam takers have previous
education.
NSCA certifications both must be maintained by rigorous continuing education
programs and are highly regarded in the United States and internationally.
Available Certifications from the NSCA:
Certified Personal Trainer
Certified Strength & Conditioning Association
1. NASM
National Academy of Sports Medicine
The NASM has taken a different path than many other personal training
certification companies.
Rather than emphasizing teaching the standard scientific principles of
training the NASM takes current research and the current state of the sedentary
adult to create certification which is more relevant to today's personal
training profession.
The NASM offers continuing education as well as higher education for busy
professionals to receive their online masters degree as well as undergrad
programs.
Any person who is serious about beginning a career as a personal trainer or
any client who wants the best service is highly likely to have their
expectations exceeded with NASM personal training certifications.
Personal Trainer Job Description Learn about the personal fitness training
profession. What are the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a
personal trainer? How do personal trainers get new clients? Do
personal trainers need college degrees?
4. ISSA
2. NSCA
