Dozens of different personal training certification programs exist. Each program promises to make you the best personal trainer on the market. When choosing from these personal training certification programs, you must collect and review vital information before enrolling and investing your time and money. This includes accreditation.
Accreditation
Check the program certification. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies--NCCA--reviews and accredits all legitimate personal training certification programs. The best place to start your search for potential programs is with this database. An accreditation means the program meets the minimum standard of health and exercise proficiency.
Proven History
The American College of Sports Medicine, ACSM, and the American Council on Exercise, ACE, have each been around for more than 30 years. These programs have solid reputations and have become leaders in the fitness industry. Both the ACSM and ACE have tens of thousands of members.
Prerequisites
Legitimate certification programs have prerequisites you must meet before enrolling. Most programs will require that you have a basic understanding of anatomy and exercise.
Curriculum
Personal training certification programs must cover a broad range of necessary topics. A few key topics are anatomy, program design, nutrition, physiology, kinesiology and goal setting. A good personal trainer must have a balanced understanding of a wide range of areas to best help their clients.
Testing
The certification tests should include written, multiple choice and hands-on portions to fully demonstrate a student's level of understanding. Any test that does not include all of these portions will not fully illustrate the student's competency.
Acceptance
Ask health clubs and certified personal trainers if the personal training certification program is widely accepted. Certifications that have very little recognition can hinder you ability to find a job as a trainer.
Expert Insight
No legitimate personal training certification program is free. All legitimate personal training certifications are expensive, ranging from $300 to $600 dollars. Higher prices weed out the less committed individuals.
The ACSM personal training certification program is the most widely accepted and revered program throughout the health and fitness industry. It costs between $300 to $400 dollars and is considered the gold standard of personal training certifications, representing a higher level of knowledge, skills and abilities.
References
- ACSM's Resources for the Personal Trainer; American College of Sports Medicine; 2007
Member Comments