If you’re looking for a career in fitness, you’re on a long, hard road. There are numerous certification programs out there, and which one is the best for you depends on your goals and interests. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular personal trainer certifications and help you decide which one is right for you.
What is a Personal Trainer Certification?
If you want to be a personal trainer, there are a few certifications you can hold. The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) offers the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) also offers the Personal Trainer Professional (PTP) certification. Both of these certifications require 4,000 hours of supervised experience and a written exam. If you’re just starting out in your personal training career, the ACE certification may be a better option for you. It requires less supervised experience and only a written exam.
The NASM certification is more comprehensive and requires more supervised experience. It also requires a practical test and an oral examination. The CPT certification is good for people who already have some personal training experience and want to upgrade their certification.
Types of Personal Trainer Certifications
There are many personal trainer certification programs out there, so which one is the best for you? Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular types of personal trainer certifications:
Certified Fitness Professional (CFP): This certification is offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The CFP program is designed for trainers who want to specialize in fitness and offer their clients complete fitness programs. They will need to pass an exam with a score of 70 percent or higher.
Certified Trauma Specialist (CTS): This certification is offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The CTS program is designed for trainers who specialize in working with patients who have suffered physical injuries. They will need to pass an exam with a score of 70 percent or higher.
National Certification Board for Athletic Trainers (NCBAT): This certification is offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). The NCBAT program is designed for trainers who want to become board certified as an athletic trainer. They will need to pass an exam with a score of 75 percent or higher.
American College of Sports Medicine Registered Athletic Trainer (ACSM-RAT): This certification is offered by the ACSM. The ACSM-RAT program is designed for trainers who want to become registered athletic trainers. They will need to pass an exam with a score of 75 percent or higher.
What are the Benefits of Having a Personal Trainer Certification?
The benefits of having a personal trainer certification are numerous. First and foremost, certification proves that the individual has a thorough understanding of the principles and techniques of personal training. This sets them apart from those who simply have experience working with people and can demonstrate their knowledge in a more rigorous way. Certification also shows clients that the trainer is committed to providing high-quality service and that they are knowledgeable about the latest trends in the field. Furthermore, certification can give personal trainers an advantage when seeking employment. Many companies require proof of certification before hiring someone, so having one is definitely beneficial. In addition, personal trainers who have certification commit more time to their clients than those who do not. This means that they are more likely to be able to provide quality service on a consistent basis. Finally, having a certification can help personal trainers build a reputation for themselves in the personal training community. This can lead to opportunities for additional coaching and consulting work, as well as referrals from current clients.
What are the Requirements for Taking a Personal Trainer Certification Course?
There are a number of different personal trainer certification courses out there, and which one is right for you will depend on your goals. If you want to become a certified fitness instructor, then a certificate from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is the best course to take. This certification requires completing 4 courses and includes topics such as anatomy and physiology, exercise science, nutrition principles and program design, and safety in training. If you only want to become a personal trainer, but don’t want to have to take all 4 courses to get the certification, then the American Council on Exercise (ACE) has a two-day personal trainer certification course that you can complete.
Both NASM and ACE require that you pass an exam after completing their courses, so it is important to choose the right course for your needs. In addition, many states also require personal trainers to be certified by state boards of physical therapy or occupational therapy.
Which Personal Trainer Certification is Right for You?
There are many personal trainer certification programs available, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Some of the popular personal trainer certification programs include the ACE Personal Trainer Certification, the NSCA-CPT Personal Training Certification, and the National Council on Strength and Conditioning’s (NCCA) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Certification.
Each of these certification programs has its own benefits. The ACE Personal Trainer Certification is the most popular personal trainer certification program in the United States. It is accredited by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), and it offers a variety of benefits, including access to continuing education courses and a network of trainers. The NSCA-CPT Personal Training Certification is also accredited by ACE, and it offers similar benefits, including access to continuing education courses and a network of trainers. The NCCA CPT Certification is not as well known as the ACE or NSCA-CPT Personal Training Certifications, but it is gaining popularity because it offers more comprehensive training than the other two programs. The NCCA CPT Certification requires candidates to complete both a written test and a practical examination.
Conclusion
Finding the right personal trainer certification can be a daunting task, but it’s important to do your research in order to find the best training program for you. There are many certifications available, and each one has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. If you’re not sure which certification is right for you, ask around — friends, family, colleagues, online forums — or consult with a certified personal trainer to get the most comprehensive information about training options currently available.