Double Certifications - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[Arami]

Is it worth it to get ACSM Health Fitness Specialist, and then get certified for a CSCS a couple years down the line? Or is it best just to focus on one and specialize in the long run?

Question might be more aimed at Christina - I saw you are certified for both ACSM-CPT and NSCA-CPT.

Just wondering of the particular nuances such as keeping up with CEUs/CECs, and possibly the clientele differences (special pop. vs. athletes). I imagine it would get kind of expensive especially for those whom are not really swimming in the green. I'm sure it is possible to have both, no doubt. But maintaining both certs, although there is some minor correlation between them, would be problematic.

I definitely like to see progress within Special Pops, but sometimes I feel like I would like to just have a few athletic people to work with, who also have very specific and nuanced goals.

Essentially, if money was not an issue at the current time, I would definitely pursue both certifications. Just wondering if it is practical, because I imagine I am not limited to working specifically with Special Pops, but I might be more marketable in regards to future job locations/careers with the CSCS certification moreso than the ACSM HFS.

[Christina]

Hi Arami,

This is a good question and frankly I am not sure I have the answer. Perhaps someone who has/had one or both of these certs will chime in.

When I think of the ACSM I think health and wellness. When I think of the NSCA I think strength and conditioning. It really depends on who it is you want to train. I see your point and I completely agree with you about not wanting to be boxed in. I got both CPT certs and I can honestly say that I am glad I did. Was it necessary? No, but I learned a ton because both organizations take a different approach to fitness. For example, ACSM does not focus nearly as much on strength training and program design as NSCA so I am really glad I got the NSCA certification. On the other hand, ACSM focuses on overall health and wellness so much more than NSCA. This knowledge comes in very handy because I train mostly overweight women and couples (ages 35+) who are concerned about not only their appearance but also their health.

You're right - certs can get expensive. I think you need to decide which one suits you best and go for it. Just because you go after one cert doesn't mean you can't buy the book and read up on the other cert. For example, I am not certified through NASM but I have their text. Something to think about.

Christina

[Arami]

Thank you Christina.

I definitely understand what you mean in regards to program/design and health/wellness.

I plan on taking the ACSM HFS test soon, but I have had a class in college dealing specifically with the CSCS exam so I am somewhat familiar with how that program runs as well (even the required text was "Essentials of Strength Training & Conditioning," and our exams were structured exactly the same way as the CSCS exam - video and all).

When I am providing for prospective clients, it is in my best interest to advocate for their well-being. However when it comes to myself, I like to figure out the best program in terms of periodization and avoidance of overtraining, among many other things.

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

I would focus on just one for now. what groups do you want to work with? ACSM tends to be rather clinical. thats good. NSCA tends to be very weight lifting oriented. thats good too. they differ in their ideas on reps, sets, volume etc. when it comes to health guidelines, the NSCA adheres to the ACSM guidelines (like everybody else does)

remember the more certs you have the more money you shell out every year or two to maintain that cert.

hope that helps
Joe

[dinabelz]

just a new member here. .
hello all. . .