Personal trainers are fitness educators who guide clients in the methods of safe exercise. There are no national or state standards for personal trainer education. Still, trainers can prove their fitness knowledge and increase their professional reputations by seeking certification from an organization accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies or the National Board of Fitness Examiners.
The NCCA
The National Commission for Certifying Agencies, or NCCA, is an organization created by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. Its purpose is to help ensure public safety, health and welfare by setting rigorous, voluntary standards for personal trainers and a variety of other professionals. A number of nationally prominent NCCA-affiliated organizations issue personal training certificates, including the American Council on Exercise, the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association.
The NBFE
The National Board of Fitness Examiners, or NBFE, is an organization attempting to set nationwide standards for all personal trainers and a variety of professionals in closely-related fields. The main focus of this standard-setting process is a comprehensive examination designed to test a trainer's knowledge on a wide array of topics related to safe and effective training practices. Before taking this exam, an applicant must have 500 hours of experience of training in a fitness- or health-related field, current certifications for the administration of CPR and use of an automated defibrillator, and a personal trainer's certificate from a nationally recognized organization.
Accreditation Vs. Certification
The NCCA and NBFE are accrediting organizations and do not issue personal trainer certifications. Rather, they set standards for trainer experience and education, and give their approval -- or accreditation -- to organizations with certification programs that meet these standards. Personal trainers have an interest in participating in this process because certification is a meaningful way to demonstrate to their potential clients that they have the knowledge they claim, and can use that knowledge to establish safe, effective and appropriate fitness routines.
Considerations
You can contact the NCCA to get a full list of accredited organizations that certify personal trainers. You can contact the NBFE to get a complete rundown of their examination process for personal trainers. Please note that trainers don't need certification to operate a business or instruct groups or private clients. If you have questions about your personal trainer's professional standing, ask to see his certification before seeking private instruction or participating in a class. To maintain their certification, trainers need to undergo re-examination every two years.
References
- National Board of Fitness Examiners: Frequently Asked Questions
- IDEA Health and Fitness Association: Licensing Debate; Personal Trainers, Group Fitness Instructors; Ryan Halvorson; December 2008
- Institute for Credentialing Excellence: NCCA Accreditation; 2009
- Institute for Credentialing Excellence: National Commission for Certifying Agencies; Accredited Certification Programs as of November 2010
- American Council on Exercise: Personal Trainer Certification
- American Council on Exercise: Maintaining Your ACE Certification
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