As a personal trainer, your education and certifications show your level of expertise to potential clients. However, with a wide selection of potential programs, employers and clients look for trainers who hold the best certifications. These programs are from accredited organizations with general and specialty certifications that ensure you possess the knowledge and skills to help your clients reach their fitness goals.
NCCA
The National Commission for Certifying Agencies, or NCCA, is an organization that accredits personal training certification programs to meet minimum standards. The certifications accredited by the NCCA are the most widely recognized in the fitness industry. The top certifications accredited by the NCCA include the National Strength and Conditioning Association, American College of Sports Medicine, National Academy of Sports Medicine and American Council on Exercise.
Specializations
The best personal training programs include general certifications along with specialty areas for working with certain populations. For example, the American Council on Exercise has a personal trainer program along with a group exercise instructor certification. Certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine are designed for a clinical approach to fitness, while the National Strength and Conditioning Association focuses on certifications for strength coaches.
Continued Education
As the fitness industry evolves with new technology and research, trainers must stay up to date on those changes. As a result, the best personal training certifications have a continuing education requirement and recertification period, which typically takes place every two to four years and is designed to ensure retention of knowledge and skills. Continuing education is achieved by attending seminars, clinics or taking exams.
Networking
Personal training is a sales-related business where your network of fellow professionals can drive your business. The best personal training certifications offer various networking opportunities so you can grow your business. Potential networking opportunities include conferences, workshops, seminars, symposiums and clinics. You can meet with top professionals, including physical therapists, strength coaches, sports medicine doctors and top speakers in the field.
References
- Starting a Personal Training Business: NCCA-Accredited Personal Training Certification Comparison
- Ask the Trainer: Personal Trainer Certifications
- National Academy of Sports Medicine: Get Certified
- Elect Wellness; Which Personal Training Certification is Best?; Thomas Jensen; February 2010
- National Strength and Conditioning Association: Conferences, Symposia and Clinics
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