[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

Personal Trainer Certifications: What's The Difference?

When I hold personal training certifications for AAAI/ISMA, I am often asked what the "best" certification is. Different people may have different answers to this but in general, a certification is only as good as the person who holds it. A certification may open a door for someone but it's what that person does after he/she steps through that makes the difference. I have met people who have Masters degrees as well as really good personal trainer certifications, but I felt they did not know much. By the same token, I've met people who have no personal trainer certification or formal education, but know quite a bit (because they read the right stuff, attend workshops, etc).

Some of the biggies out there are as follows:

CSCS. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Offered by the NSCA. One needs at least a bachelors degree to take this 4 hour certification.

NSCA-CPT. This is the personal trainer certification offered by the NSCA. You do not need a bachelors degree to take this certification. It's a 2 hour test.

NASM. Very similar to certifications offered by the NSCA. Both NASM and NSCA place much emphasis on science and strength training technique. NASM also has an online Masters program.

ACSM. The American College of Sports Medicine. Often called the "best" certification. It is very comprehensive.

ACE. American Council on Exercise. Offers many certifications.

The bottom line is that I don't think that there is any one "best" personal trainer certification. Again, whichever certification you hold, it is only as good as your personality, willingness to stay on top of things and ability to interact with others.

Joe

[Danielle]

Hi Joe
Just joined this site this evening. I have been studying for ACSM since last May and took the 3 day workshop, over the summer I took the test and failed . Working full time and being a single mom, I do not think I gave myself enough time to study (3 months to be exact) I will take it again, but for right now I'm pretty discouraged and I'm finding studying difficult.
I was considering going for NASM for now to get started and going back to ACSM. Do you think this is a wise choice? Do you think NASM is an easier test?
I have been working one on one with a personal trainer and was inspired to become one myself. I did get my CPR/AED certification this summer, however I have no experience in actually teaching personal training as of yet. I would like to start off in a reputable gym and want to at least have a reputable certification to begin with.
Please advise
Thank you

[Christina]

Hi Danielle, I am not Joe, but I will chime in if you don't mind.

First of all, I think it's really cool that you went for ACSM right out of the gate. I definitely encourage you to continue studying since you have all the materials. Some of the exams can be difficult for people who have no background in exercise science so don't be hard on yourself. You've come this far so don't give up!

I know certifications can get expensive but if you would like to go for a different one I would recommend ACE. I have been told that the ACE personal trainer certification is a really good one for people just entering the industry. Definitely consider this one. In fact, there are several people on the forum who are ACE certified so maybe they would sell you their study materials.

Christina

[Danielle]

Christina
Thank you so much for your input. I welcome any and all tips you can give me
Honestly I was devastated when I failed the test, I really took it hard and felt like a big failure. I thought it would come a lot easier and when I got into the test room and started answering the questions I could not believe how hard it was. Everything was on the anatomy and I just realized at that point that I did not know the material. I looked into NASM last night and it looked like I would have to invest about $500 for that. I have already invested a great deal of money into the ACSM textbooks, workshop and test, however I want this bad enough and I will find a way to make it all work.
Thanks again

[Christina]

Danielle,

Did you purchase the ACSM online practice exam? I took the practice exam multiple times but did not ever look at the answers. All I looked at was the scores I got in each section. If I scored low in a section I went back and studied the book. In fact, to this day I have no clue what the correct answers are on the practice exam!

Anatomy can be tough. I would recommend you get a book such as Dynatomy. (If money is tight get it through an interlibrary loan.) All of the higher end personal trainer certifications and advanced certifications require that you have a good grasp on anatomy. As you saw on the ACSM exam, there is much more to anatomy than simply knowing the names of muscles and bones.

I suspect that physiology was another tough area for you on the exam. I recommend you get a text such as Physiology of Sport and Exercise. I love this book and it is one that I refer to often. Again, if you do not have extra money right now, go to the library and get it through an interlibrary loan. I get a ton of stuff through interlibrary loans. Healthy Learning Videos are fantastic too.

Finally, at the bottom of my signature is a link to a list of personal trainer resources. Check out some of the anatomy and physiology links. Sometimes it helps to see things animated or in 3-d.

Don't be hard on yourself and don't give up. Like I said, the high end personal trainer certifications can be tough for people who have no background in exercise science. If you have any questions at all don't hesitate to ask.

Christina

[Danielle]

Yes Christina, I purchased all the textbooks and the online test and took it several times. However I seemed to have memorized all 100 answers so after taking it several times I was getting 100% correct. Yep, anatomy was my weak area. I work full time, and have kids, so I was doing my studying late at night and I spent the summer with my head buried in the textbooks every weekend while lounging around at the beach. Granted I could have really studied much more, but my head just couldn't handle it, I was starting to get too anxious and just wanted to get the test over with already.

When I was in college many years ago I my major was law, so I have not studied anatomy since High School back in the 80's. I went through a long period of bad health and then after a divorce I lost weight, got my health back and instead of dreading exercise, I loved it. I hooked up with a personal trainer who has her masters in all this and she is certified in ACSM and NSCA, she said that if I could change my lifestyle and lose so much weight then I could motivate people to as well. So now I have been looking forward to starting a new career. I think I rushed taking the test, I was very anxious. I'm going to try and set a goal for the Spring and not be so hard on myself this time.

I must say after taking the test I appreciate certified trainers more and more

[megfit]

Danielle,

I would agree with Christina on her suggestion to consider ACE. It is an excellent entry-level certification and a very good organization. They have a very good book and study guides, plus I believe they have workshops to help.

Also as Christina mentioned, don't be hard on yourself. Congratulations for going for a dream! If we never failed at anything, how will we learn and become stronger?? So, my big question to you is what did you learn from the experience?

I heard something in your notes. You need experience. When I started to plan for my certifications, although my background was in group fitness (totally different, of course), I knew I needed a 'guinea pig'. My dad was very kind to be that for me, as he was my target market. I then found a small, local program to go through. Again, excellent hands-on experience. By the time I was ready for exams, I WAS ready.

Finally, a comment on choosing organizations. Review their mission and purpose and primary membership to decide which one(s) fit with you and your personality and your professional goals. Don't choose one because that may be an easier exam.

Margie
Special offer! http://www.websitesmade-easy.com

[Danielle]

Your right about not picking a certification just because it is an easier exam.

What my plan was now is to get certified so I could get my foot in the door at a reputable gym and then move ahead with ACSM. I've been checking out ACE and I'm not sure at this point if I should just order the new study materials and start preparing for that one or immerse myself back into studying for ACSM. Like I've mentioned before I've invested in all the textbooks, workshop, practice test and the test that I failed. Now I'll have to invest in ACE. I don't know what to do, its not like I'm broke and I know in the future it will pay off, but at the same time, I really do not have the extra money to keep shelling out for exam materials.

I'm thinking I should stay focused on ACSM and get cracking again with the studying.

[megfit]

Danielle,

One little thing to keep in mind. Physiology and kinesiology and anatomy are the same, regardless of who tests you for it. The basics are going to be the same, no matter WHO you test through.

With that said, however, the VERY best of luck to you and if there's any way I can help, don't hesitate to ask!

Margie
check it out: http://www.websitesmade-easy.com

[Christina]

[jackson]

Nice dialogue going on here. I agree with everyone that has spoken before me, follow your dream and dont let it go because of one failed attempt. If its your passion and you really want it, give yourself time and it will happen.

Christina, you mentioned that each organization gives differing degrees of focus to anatomy/physiology. As you know Im preparing for the NSCA- CPT exam and I was wondering does this exam focus highly on anatomy/physiology? I honestly do not have the amount of money to take a test-fail and then re-test. I NEED to pass the first time around. I sorta just kinda want to know what Im in for.

I think your point to not look at the answers on the pre-test is important. Just check your score. That way youre not answering out of memory. Thanks for the tip.

I plan to take this exam in November, I just hope Im ready. Ive been trying to implement the information by working with a friend. For example yesterday, I tested her 1RM on a few exercises. I realized I knew more than I thought. I think its true that practice makes perfect.

Thanks for any feedback and I hope I didnt just high-jack this thread...

Best,

Jackson

[Christina]

Hey Jackson,

Meet me in your old nsca-cpt thread!

Christina

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

Hi Danielle
just reading the message you wrote me back in Oct about studying for the ACSM cert. sorry it took so long to write back
I think ACSM is a good cert. not sure if you studied for the personal traiing or HFI cert but as you know its a tough test. ask yourself who is the population you are thinking of working with? older adults, cardiac rehab, kids etc? Do you think you will be doing the math calculations ACSM requires on their exam? if you take the ACSM exam again it will be a feather in your cap. NASM is also good but I would not say its easier than ACSM. both NASM and NSCA focus much on strength training and cardio aspects of training but do not delve as deeply into the metabolic calculations that ACSM does. if you dont see yourself doing metabolic calculations on a regular basis then Id point you to either NSCA or NASM. both are very good and respected certs also and carry a lot of weight in the exercise community. I hope that helps Danielle. Ill try not to be as tardy if you write me again
Joe

[speedsk8r]

Hi Everyone,

I read most of the posts and I've worked in the industry for many years. Corporations, sports teams, and educational institutions favor only two organizations, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Of course, there is also the Athletic Trainers Association (ATA).

When I became an AFFA and ACE certified personal trainer many years ago, I studied the materials and took courses that both organizations offered. But, I kept hearing and reading about staying in compliance with ACSM guidelines. ACSM guidelines? what's that? Thats when I heard about the American College of Sports Medicine. Do they offer certifications I asked? Yes, I was told... but the Health Fitness Instructor (now Specialist in Oct 2008) is too hard is what I kept hearing... Well... If it's that hard, then that's the certification that I want... so... I bought the books and studied... took the test and passed.

I bought the CD and materials to take the CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) exam, but ended up taking a career path in a different field. So I never took that exam.

Anyway, I use to work for 24 Hour Fitness and had to take a weeklong course by a company called Apex. The instructors were all NASM certified. In the course, one of the instructors was telling us how to perform certain strength training exercises. To make a long story short, his techniques violated ACSM guidelines. In fact, it seemed the whole course violated the guidelines. I finished the course and I quit my job at 24 Hour Fitness. I will NEVER, EVER violate ACSM guidelines.

For any of you who want to be highly qualified personal trainers, I recommend the NSCA and ACSM. ACE is good for those entering the field, but it's not the best. NASM was started by a chiropractor named Bob Goldberg. They have there own opinion on Health and Fitness and I don't agree with a lot of it. It hasn't been around very long. The ISSA was started by bodybuilders (Tom Platz, etc.). Not a bad cert but not the best either. Check out the websites at ACSM and NSCA and you'll notice that they're backed up by educational institutions, the medical profession, the legal profession, and the government. What more can you ask for?

To close... Get the certifications offered by the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. I wish you all the best in your careers as Fitness Professionals.

To Your Health and Fitness!!

Doug Murray
============
MA, MS, ACSM-HFI

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

Hey Doug
thanks for the history of the NASM. I was not aware of that. I have not seen any NASM trainer in violation of ACSM guidelines. Id be interested to know which guideline was violated. There is sometimes disagreement between governing bodies on which is best (eg the 1 set vs multiple set ideas).
Joe

[speedsk8r]

Hey Joe,

I was mistaken when I said Bob Goldberg, It was Bob Goldman who founded and served as president of the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He's was a Doctor of Osteopathic (DO) at the time. Since then, he's become an MD and PhD.

Anyway, the APEX trainers were educating the new Fit Pros (that's what 24 Hour Fitness called their trainers) on nutrition, educating them on pushing the Apex supplements (which is an ACSM guideline violation) sold at the clubs. Another example was weightlifting techniques discouraging full range of motion.

When I took the HFI ACSM exam back in 1994, there were two parts, the multiple-choice questions (150) and the practical exam consisting of demonstrating competence in giving a sub-maximum stress test, and a series of exercises, etc. In the practical, the client (an MD who is a fellow of ACSM) told me that he was a woman who was 6-months pregnant. What kind of exercise would I suggest to works his abs? If you said crunches and demonstrated it, you failed the exam. Well, I asked one of the NASM trainers that exact question in front of the whole class. His answer? CRUNCHES!!!! The other trainers concurred!!!! I was disgusted... I didn't correct him to prevent embarrassment. But, I lost respect for the NASM that day. The Apex class I took was back in 2002. Today, I see a lot of NASM certified instructors at 24 Hour Fitness and they work too much on advanced core exercises on new members and still discourage full range of motion on the weight training.

Doug

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

hey Doug
thats a very interesting -and sad - story. I would try not lump all nasm trainers into the same group as that guy but I can empathize with your astonishment at his answer on crunches for pregnant women. lets hope hes still not saying stuff like that...
yes Ive picked up on the Apex link myself in the past. If I remember right (dont quote me) APEX also makes the "body-bug" which got some publicity on last seasons biggest looser. Seems to me they have been making some successful inroads in fitness circles. Time will tell where it leads.
Joe

[speedsk8r]

Hey Joe,

I agree... I can't lump all NASM folks becuz of some bad apples... Yeah, the Body Bugg hasn't been very successful.

I do wish that the fitness industry had legitimized the profession by recommending licensure or registered fitness professionals at the national level. Exercise Physiologists and Kinesiologists should be on par with Physical Therapists, Chiropractors and even the medical profession. There was a Senate Bill here in the California Legislature a few years ago to register fitness professionals and have them fall under a governing body (Either ACSM or NSCA). But the lobbyists (24 Hour Fitness, Ballys, LA Fitness, and others) managed to get the bill thrown out... I was really bummed... Salaries would have gone WAY UP!!!

Doug

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

yes the licensing debate continues. I'm on the fence about it. salaries for trainers in gyms might go up (which means gym memberships might go up) but it might also mean more paperwork if we accepted insurance. I know there have been movements within the industry to rope various certs under a main certifying body (NFEB etc) but Im not sure how I feel about that so far. my friend and Colleague Dan Gaita who runs the Personal Trainer Listing Service (www.personaltrainer.cc) has written extensively about this if you wanted to read more.
Joe

[kelli m]