If you want to be a personal trainer you can easily follow your dream by becoming a certified personal trainer, or CPT, by taking a certification examination. When it comes to CPT certification, you have dozens of certifying agencies and associations to choose from. You have an option to enroll for an online course or one taught in a classroom. If you already feel you have the knowledge to be a personal trainer, you can just take one of the CPT examinations and become certified within days or weeks.
American Council on Exercise
The American Council on Exercise, also known as ACE, offers a CPT certification examination. ACE is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, or NCCA, and is one of only a few certifying agencies accredited by NCCA. The ACE exam will test your knowledge of fitness assessment, exercise programming, instructional and spotting techniques and lifestyle modification, among many other subjects. You can buy books and other materials that will help you prepare for the exam. Prices start at $285, as of March 2011, and include study guides, online practice tests, flashcards, an anatomy book and a weekly email from a study coach. Once you are ready to take the CPT exam you can find a location near you and sign up online for $249.
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, or AFAA, offers a three-day workshop that helps you prepare for a written and a practical exam. AFAA is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Department of Education -- DETC -- which is a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education. The AFAA workshop includes lectures and demonstrations and gives you more hands-on experience than you would get through a online course. Once you successfully complete both the written and practical exam, you will become an AFAA-certified personal trainer. AFAA has issued more than 250,000 certifications, and each year over 2,500 workshops are held nationwide. The workshop fee is $489 as of March 2011 and includes the exam fees.
National Academy of Sports Medicine
Another agency that offers NCCA-accredited CPT certification is the National Academy of Sports Medicine, or NASM. The NASM teaches you to design goal-specific programs for your clients and how to develop and modify safe and effective exercises to all your clients. You will also learn scientific rationale, teaching tools and practical experience to become a successful personal trainer. As of March 2011, the cost of the exam is $599. Additionally you can purchase a study package that includes the exam, online course, textbook, study guide, DVD and much more, starting at $649.
The Athletic Certification Training Commission
You can also take a free certification examination and become a CPT without paying a dime. The Athletic Certification Training Commission -- ACT -- offers a free CPT examination and a free textbook that helps prepare you for the exam. You can also enroll for a more versatile plan that also includes unlimited practice tests, email support, personal study coach and a career counselors for $65. ACT believes that the success of a personal trainer is determined by his knowledge, not his certifications or accreditations. However, as of March 2011, ACT is currently working on becoming NCCA-accredited.
Other CPT Certifications
ACT, AFAA, ACE and NASM are only four of dozens other agencies that offer CPT certifications. The differences between these agencies are price, requirements, accreditation status and teaching methods, among other factors. When you choose your CPT certifying agency you should take all these factors into consideration when making your decision.
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