Personal training stands as one of the most rewarding careers for those who love fitness. Working as a personal trainer allows you to directly influence and improve the fitness levels and overall health of the general population. Several organizations in the United States offer credible certifications in personal training for fitness enthusiasts who want to take their career to the next level.
American Council on Exercise (ACE)
The American Council on Exercise offers certification to fitness professionals who score 500 out of a potential 800 points on its Personal Trainer Certification Exam. The test is comprised of a multiple choice exam and written simulation designing an exercise program. ACE makes its study materials available online and the exam fees sit around the $250 range. Candidates must be over 18 and possess up to date CPR and AED certifications.
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
Eligibility requirements for the ACSM Personal Trainer Certification include completion of high school or the equivalent and a valid CPR certification with practical component. Candidates need to be 18 at the time of writing the exam. The ACSM exam can be scheduled online and written at any one of 5,200 test centers located internationally. Exam fees range from $200 to $300.
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
The National Strength and Conditioning Association offers both a sit-down paper and pencil exam and a computer based exam for fitness professionals who are 18 years of age or older and who have a high school diploma. NSCA candidates also require valid CPR and AED certificates that include a practical component, such as those offered by the American Red Cross. Exam fees range between $200 and $400.
Exercise Science
Personal training certifications do not typically require a degree in exercise science, except in cases where the personal trainer will work with special populations such as arthritic individuals. That said, a solid background in fitness training different populations is absolutely necessary. The ACE, ACSM and NSCA are stringent exams that thoroughly test participant's fitness knowledge, and there are fees to retake each exam.
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