[Piley]

Hi there-
I'm a registered nurse looking to work independantly as a CPT. I've done quite a bit of reading on this site, but am still am having difficulty deciding upon which certification to opt for. Despite my personal involvement in triathlons and running, I am interested in working with "the average population". My local gyms seem to have a preference for NASM, and based upon what I've read, it seems like the best means to prepare workout programs (which would be ideal as I do plan to work independantly and would need structured guidance). However, NSCA seems more straight forward, without the specific termonology and need to buy into NASMs focused philosophy.

Thoughts? Thanks for your time!
Emily

[standAPART]

Without a doubt...NASM over NSCA. If you want to subscribe to the NSCA's beliefs and opinions, than that is what you will get with their programs. I think that NASM is more cutting edge and more widely accepted as a "leader" in personal training.

ACE is more "popular" and well known.
ACSM is too clinical and they train everyone to think they will hurt a client.
ISSA is not too shabby either.
NESTA, I think, is an up 'n comer.



My 2 cents...

[Christina]

Hi Emily,

If you have not already done so check out this thread. I am not NASM certified so I cannot give you my opinion on this organization but here are some opinions from people who are. Jeff (rbd) gives some good insight.

http://www.fitnessthinktank.com/forum/need-advice-from-nasm-cpt-s-vt531.html

Remember that a certification is only the beginning of your education so go with your gut. Eventually you will learn something from all of the top organizations.

[standAPART]

If you want to hear opinions from an expert regarding the NASM and NSCA, listen to Coach Boyle in this interview titled: "Functional Training for the General Population". Towards the end of the interview he gives his take on the two.
http://www.strengthcoach.com/public/department9.cfm

[chrisg35]

NSCA without a doubt over NASM. No question at all for me. NASM is good...but is not at the level of NSCA right now. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.


Besides...we all know that the cert does not make the trainer. How much you continue to learn and grow is what makes the difference. ACSM,NSCA, NASM...it does matter, but what really matters is how much extra you are gonna put into it.


Chris

[abbi]

Guys there is CrossFit.. and then you have a host of org. like your NSCA,ACSM,NASM,ACE etc. jostling for 1st place.. CrossFit defines fitness.. everything else is incompetent and at best baloney..

[megfit]

Emily,

As you can see, you ask such a question and get TONS of different answers!

When I was making my decision on which organization to go through, I literally researched them all to which would best help me meet MY goals for working with the clients I planned to work with.

Every organization will give you a good sense of their philosophy and what you will get by certifying through them.

Because my background is in the healthcare field, I'll share some of my own insights with you:

I literally did exactly what I suggested you do: Researched all the top companies back then (this was in 1995).

I made the choice to go with ACE first, because they are a great entry-level organization. I then narrowed it down to either ACSM or NSCA. I chose NSCA because ACSM was very focused on a more clinically-oriented approach, primarily cardio rehab, and I was coming from a clinical background and didn't feel I needed more of that approach. What I felt I needed was a solid, researched program for weight training. My target market was previously unfit adults, primarily women, with some post-rehab issues related to injuries. NSCA was a perfect choice.

I am not familiar with NASM, today, but the people I've met in the past who had that certification were lacking in some MAJOR knowledge-bases. Plus, again, it may be different today, but it seemed very trendy and seemed to have it's own cultist following that, at least in the past, had no basis from research.

Good luck to you and I'm sure you'll make the best decision for your needs.

Margie

[davidmccarthy]

I'd be interested to hear what "knowledge" NASM is missing from their certification. I've been in the industry for several years and have both the ACSM and NASM certs. While I do not have the NSCA I've talked with several people who do and liked it very much. I don't think any of the certs mentioned are "bad" or a waste of time. Anyone passing these certifications will have a great basis of knowledge to have an excellent career in the fitness industry.

With that said, I believe each cert has it's place and would be the "best" choice for an individual depending on where they want to take their career and what their goals may be.

Like I said I can't speak for NSCA personally just from what other professionals in the industry have told me, I will say ACSM is the most clinical and would be best suited for those wanting to work in a hospital or rehabilitation setting. ACSM is easily the best and most detailed cert when dealing with special populations.

NASM, in my opinion, is by far the most progressive and practical certification in the industry. While others teach you about personal training NASM teaches you HOW to be a great trainer. Their model is very specific, based off scientific reasoning and speaking from experience, it just flat out works and gets results.

I've heard from others that NSCA would be the best fit for those wanting to be strength coaches.


David McCarthy BS, NASM-CPT, ACSM

[standAPART]

Great post Dave.

I think their should be a requirement for those that attain the "coveted" NSCA certification that they should be able to demonstrate a proper snatch or hang clean.

[Christina]

[chrisg35]

[standAPART]

Yes...I meant the CSCS. However, level 3 trainers should know how to perform a basic snatch or hang clean. I work with some athletes and use them. For my sedentary population, we don't.

[davidmccarthy]

I agree Christina, while I have my preference those four mentioned definitely have valuable parts to each.

I wasn't aware that NASM used to have non proctored exams, not sure when they changed that but the CPT is a proctored exam

[standAPART]

NASM became affiliated with the National Commission of Certifying agencies (NCCA) right around 2003/4--just about the time the industry was scrutinized for its lack of regularity. There was a time when the exam was provided online--but I think it was a marketing/promotional phase NASM went thru. Regardless if it was proctored or not, the certification holds some substance since it is requested by many facilities simply because its curriculum is progressive and on-point with science.