ACSM vs NSCA (4 someone w/4 year degree in unrelated field) - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[tmg78]

I'm thinking about getting certified as a personal trainer but I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Administration of Justice. Thus, I have no formal education in anatomy, physiology, etc., just a passion for health & fitness.

Would ACSM or NSCA be appropriate? And if so, which would be best?

[jackwt84]

If you are looking for just a personal training certification both of the these organizations offer a certification that is just that. The certifications requiring a four year degree are pretty specific and do require quite an extensive anatomy/physiology background. If you are willing to put in the long hours of study time to learn such things I would suggest ACSM HFS certification. The NSCA CSCS certification is pretty specific to sport and human performance rather than personal training. ACSM is health and wellness oriented and is probably more up your alley. If you choose to go the route of a certification that doesn't require the degree then either NSCA-CPT or ACSM personal trainer certifications are pretty much on a level playing field.

[tmg78]

If you are looking for just a personal training certification both of the these organizations offer a certification that is just that. The certifications requiring a four year degree are pretty specific and do require quite an extensive anatomy/physiology background. If you are willing to put in the long hours of study time to learn such things I would suggest ACSM HFS certification. The NSCA CSCS certification is pretty specific to sport and human performance rather than personal training. ACSM is health and wellness oriented and is probably more up your alley. If you choose to go the route of a certification that doesn't require the degree then either NSCA-CPT or ACSM personal trainer certifications are pretty much on a level playing field.

Thanks for your response, I really appreciate it. Another option I was considering was the National Personal Training Institute. Are you familiar with them? Would they be a good option for someone like myself with no experience in the industry?

[Christina]

I know someone who went there and she learned a lot. She got ACSM certified along the way. Don't know much more than that. Maybe someone else will chime in.

Good luck!
Christina

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

I found the NSCA-CPT cert very real life and reflective of what trainers needed to know
joe