Best Personal Trainer Certification

July 19, 2022

There are a variety of personal trainer certification programs out there, and which is the best for you? In this article, we’ll explore the different types of personal trainer certification and which one might be best for you. We’ll also give you tips on how to choose the right program and what to look for when choosing a provider.

What is a personal trainer certification?

There are many types of personal trainer certification, and the best one for you may depend on your career goals. Here’s a look at the most popular personal trainer certifications and what they entail.

The American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer Certification (ACEPT) is the most popular certification among personal trainers. It’s an accredited program that requires around 100 hours of training, including 80 hours of instruction and 20 hours of clinical experience. ACEPT-certified trainers can offer group classes and private sessions, and some states require them to be licensed.

The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) offers the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credential. This program lasts around 180 days, and it includes 72 classroom hours as well as 24 clinical hours in a supervised setting. CPTs can offer group classes and private sessions, but they’re not allowed to give medical advice or perform physical examinations.

The National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) offers the Certified Athletic Trainer (CAT) credential. This program lasts around 240 days and includes 96 classroom hours as well as 36 clinical hours in a supervised setting. CATs can offer group classes and private sessions, but they’re not allowed to give medical advice or perform physical examinations.

What are the benefits of having a personal trainer certification?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the benefits of having a personal trainer certification will vary depending on your individual circumstances. However, some of the benefits associated with having a personal trainer certification include:

1. Increased job opportunities. Personal trainer certification can open up many new career opportunities, as employers are increasingly looking for qualified fitness professionals.

2. Increased salary potential. Many personal trainers receive significant increases in salary upon achieving certification.

3. Improved credibility and reputation. Having a personal trainer certification can enable you to maintain a high level of credibility and reputation in the fitness industry. This can be particularly valuable if you plan on opening your own fitness business or coaching clinic.

4. Greater knowledge and skillset. A personal trainer certification provides you with a wealth of knowledge and skillset which you can use to improve your overall fitness abilities.

What are the requirements to obtain a personal trainer certification?

There are many certification programs out there for personal trainers. Here’s a breakdown of the most common certifications and what they entail:

1. Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
The Certified Personal Trainer certification is one of the most popular personal trainer certifications. The requirements to obtain this certification include completing an accredited personal training program, passing a national exam, and having at least 2 years of personal training experience.

2. National Certification Board for Fitness and Well-Being (NCBFW)
The National Certification Board for Fitness and Well-Being is a nonprofit organization that offers the nationally recognized Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credential. The CPT credential requires completion of an accredited personal training program, successful completion of an examination, and 2 years of personal training experience.

3. American Council on Exercise (ACE)
The American Council on Exercise offers the Personal Trainer Specialist (PTS) credential through its ACE program. The PTS credential is offered through ACE’s online learning program and requires completion of an accredited personal training program, successful completion of an examination, and 1 year of professional experience in the field of personal training.

4. International Federation of Sports Nutrition (IFSN)

The International Federation of Sports Nutrition offers the Personal Trainer (PT) credential through its IFSN program. The PT credential is offered through IFSN’s online learning program and requires completion of an accredited personal training program, successful completion of an examination, and 1 year of professional experience in the field of personal training.

How to get a personal trainer certification?

Recognizing which certification is most appropriate for your training goals is important because it will help employers to see that you have the knowledge and skills needed to provide effective fitness services. There is a range of certification programs, each with its own requirements. Here are five of the most popular personal trainer certifications:

-National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Personal Trainer Certification
-International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Personal Trainer Certification
-American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer Certification
-American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Personal Trainer Certification

Each program has different requirements, so it’s important to research which one is best for you. The NASM and ACE certificates require more coursework than the ISSA and ACSM certificates, but they offer more comprehensive training. If you’re just starting out as a personal trainer, choosing one of the simpler certifications may be a better option.

Conclusion

After reading this article, you will have a better idea of which personal trainer certification is the best for you. The different types of certification come with their own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to weigh these before making a decision. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but reading about all of the options available may help you make an informed choice.

In This Article