The Most Popular Personal Trainer Certification

The Most Popular Personal Trainer Certification
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Becoming a personal trainer is a rewarding career that allows you to instruct and motivate people to help them achieve their fitness goals. Getting a professional certification will ensure you get a proper education in diet and exercise. Also, the certification will let everyone know that you conduct yourself as a fitness professional while you run your personal training business.

NASM

The National Academy of Sports Medicine was founded in 1987 and offers personal trainer certification, continuing education, and higher education for exercise science, says Ask The Trainer. NASM also partners with major U.S. universities to help their clients achieve college degrees in the health and fitness field. NASM is one of the most popular certifications in the fitness industry and is accepted at all major gyms, health clubs and personal training studios. This certification retails between $599 and $799 based on CPT bundle.

ACE

The American Council on Exercise is a highly accredited certification that is designed for trainers providing one-on-one or small group fitness instruction. The ACE personal training certification includes two fees; the study materials, retailing between $284 and $579, and the exam, which costs $249. ACE is a national accreditation which enables you to work at any major health club across the United States.

ISSA

The International Sports Science Association is a popular personal training certification that is accepted at gyms such as Bally's, World Gym and LA Fitness. The ISSA certification costs $599 and is nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council`s Accrediting Commission, which is the governing body that oversees the accrediting efforts of any long-distance education organization, says Guide to Online Schools.

NSCA

The National Strength and Conditioning Association was founded in 1978 and is known for having the most challenging certification. The NSCA offers a certified personal trainer program and a certified strength and conditioning specialist which both require a 4-year college degree. The NSCA certification retails between $409 and $815 based on membership and choosing between online or pencil and paper testing method.

References

Article reviewed by Tad Cronn Last updated on: May 26, 2011

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