Personal trainers help clients move toward their fitness goals in a safe and effective manner. They provide proper nutrition information, assessments, program development, exercise form demonstration, as well as accountability and motivation. Many programs are available. Choose one that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. In general, an applicant must be a high school graduate and hold a current practical CPR certification from a reputable organization, such as the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
American College of Sports Medicine
Established in 1954, ACSM was the first to certify fitness professionals and is highly respected within the industry. Students have access to an online portal with practice exams and additional free exam preparation courses. Study materials and a choice of two workshops are available and recommended, but they are not required. The Certified Personal Trainer exam, available at numerous testing centers worldwide, consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and students have 2 1/2 hours to complete it. Recertification is required every three years.
National Academy of Sports Medicine
Founded in 1987, NASM also offers personal trainer certification programs. Choose from five different Certified Personal Trainer packages with varying materials, such as membership to the Health and Fitness Provider Network, a live workshop and exam preparation. Students have 180 days from registration to take the exam, which is available at various testing centers throughout the United States. Students must have proof of CPR with automated external defibrillator certification prior to attempting the exam which has 120 multiple-choice questions and a two-hour time limit. Retests are available. Recertification is required every two years.
National Strength and Conditioning Association
The NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer certification was established in 1993. Three years later, it became the first personal training credential to receive accreditation from the NCCA. Choose from six different Certified Personal Trainer packages containing a variety of material such as a multimedia symposium and practice exams. Students have one year from the time of registration to attempt the 140-question exam, which has a time limit of three hours. CPR with AED certification is also required to sit for the exam.
American Council on Exercise
ACE was established in 1985 and has become the largest non-profit organization dedicated to certification, training and education. Choose from three Personal Trainer Certification packages containing various study materials, such as practice exams, exam review courses, and a study coach program. Students must have a current CPR with AED certification to sit for the exam. Completion within three to six months of registration is recommended. The exam contains 150 multiple-choice questions and a written practical skills test and has a three-hour time limit. Recertification is required every two years.
References
- Institute for Credentialing Excellence: Accredited Certification Programs; National Commission For Certifying Agencies; November 2010
- Starting a Personal Training Business: 8 Simple Steps to Success; Personal Training Certification School Comparison
- American College of Sports Medicine: Become an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
- American College of Sports Medicine: Preparing for the ACSM Personal Trainer Certification
- American College of Sports Medicine: Exam Specifications
Member Comments