Which is the most recoginized personal training certification?

**DECABEATZ** · 09-15-2010, 11:57 PM

Im thinking on ace! Any others outhere i should know about or pick over ace?? Any help is greatly appreciated

**Barrett** · 09-16-2010, 12:02 AM

ISSA is excellent. NSCA is probably the most recognized though.

I'm ISSA, ACE and CPR certified. Ace is almost a joke really. The course is very outdated in my opinion but it does teach you a few old school things alot of todays certifications and courses dont.

If you're looking at getting a cert purely for the purpose of getting a job, any piece of paper will do at any normal gym. The gym just needs to see you have credentials so they can cover you on their insurance. Contact the ISSA, its an awesome course!

**Mr.Bones** · 09-16-2010, 12:23 AM

Probably ace or ISSA, either way is fine but...

A four year degree in exercise science will take you farther then just a certificate.

**Sean** · 09-16-2010, 12:57 AM

What, it's not S.M.A.R.T.?! Lol....

**JVALDEZ** · 09-16-2010, 01:38 AM

Nasm

**memphismuscle** · 09-16-2010, 02:24 AM

ISSA just got my cert and am now working as a trainer

**Costco77** · 09-16-2010, 02:37 AM

Nasm

**Woofman81** · 09-16-2010, 02:45 AM

What's so great about NASM over the others? Just curious...

**TooPowerful4u** · 09-16-2010, 03:31 AM

Originally Posted by Woofman81

What's so great about NASM over the others? Just curious...

Nothing except the name. When i was managing fitness departments i respected it most for a few reasons.......

1. It does NOT represent the type of knowledge a trainer has but....

2. It DOES represent their work ethic and dedication, as it is VERY hard to pass compared to most other tests. If you don't study your butt off you will fail. Plain and simple.

3. It gives you an idea of their level of intelligence. A good portion of the test will make you think and problem solve, use process of elimination, or use logic. I can teach someone to be a good trainer, but i can't make someone intelligent to begin with! You can only work with what you have....potential is everything!

**ScottyMac710** · 09-16-2010, 03:27 PM

I am ISSA Certified, and love the cert, company, and support system they offer .. as far as most respected/recognized I'd have to say:
NASM - NSCA - ACSM - ISSA - ACE
in that order (tho i feel like im missing one or two to be honest, maybe someone can chime in)

..

I'm actually writing this from the gym i work/train at right now between clients/interval classes

**bhman6** · 09-16-2010, 04:58 PM

if you're looking at credibility, especially at the university research level, then ACSM is the gold standard. NSCA is right up there as well with a more athletic spin on it.

any other certs that base their information off ACSM standards is legit...i.e. ACE, AFAA

NASM and many similar certs do "in-house" research...which means the information they teach regarding testing/evaluation and programming is essentially made up

**yeahbuddy** · 09-16-2010, 05:16 PM

It is true that ACSM sets the standard for the industry. I majored in exercise science and ACSM guidelines are the standard for recomendations and exercise prescription. If you ever have to go to court in a lawsuit, it is important to show that you followed ACSM guidelines for safety, health screening/risk stratification, etc.

**Youngguns** · 09-16-2010, 05:28 PM

Most recognized in Canada? CAN FIT PRO BABY!

**beggs_05** · 09-16-2010, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by yeahbuddy

It is true that ACSM sets the standard for the industry. I majored in exercise science and ACSM guidelines are the standard for recomendations and exercise prescription. If you ever have to go to court in a lawsuit, it is important to show that you followed ACSM guidelines for safety, health screening/risk stratification, etc.

ACSM is definitely up there in terms of setting the standard. However, I go to the University of Kentucky and I'm a KHP - Exercise Science major and they pretty much follow NSCA guidelines as far as I can tell. So if I had to choose two of the top it would probably be NSCA and ACSM, though most of the people who train at my gym have either ACE or AFAA so I know they're definitely good too.

**maximusmac** · 09-16-2010, 11:01 PM

24 hour fitness one week PT course. that will get you a job as a trainer making 9 an hour selling old ladies protein powder and fat burns and upgraded memberships and all the swiss ball and bosu balls they can handel

ok joke aside the quickest ACE, I feel the golden standard is ASCM (which i think requires a BA) and NSCA but the 4 year degree in Exercise science or Kinesiology will open more opportunities for you.