Which cert for starting out

Cindyn · Joined: 23 Feb 2008 Posts: 4

After researching NASM, ACSM and NSCM certifications, I've determined that the NSCM model seems to most match my personal goals and personal training aspirations. While I am very fit and active, I also have not been in any sort of school/learning environment for 20 years. I've been told the NSCM certification is MUCH more difficult than the other two.

I am curious as to what this group thinks. If indeed the NSCM exam is that much more difficult - do you recommend I start my purusit of this degree by perhaps certifiying first with NASM or ACSM? If I take that route first, my fear is that I won't have the energy to get right back on the horse (so to speak) to start in studying for the NSCM - yet that is ultimately the course I would like to follow.

I am 52, have a degree in Recreation Therapy. While I lead a personal active lifestyle, I've been in the computer industry for 20 years so the information I'll be studying will all be new to me. Please don't think you'll hurt my feelings - I'd rather just hear your honest feelings. Thanks in advance for any recommendations you could give me.

Christina · Joined: 14 Apr 2006 Posts: 851

Hi Cindyn and welcome,

What is NSCM? I am not familiar with this organization. Do you mean NSCA?

Christina

Cindyn · Joined: 23 Feb 2008 Posts: 4

Ooops - yes I mean NSCA. I'm sorry - please give me your opinions. Thanks

Christina · Joined: 14 Apr 2006 Posts: 851

I think that many trainers here will tell you that ACE is actually a good organization to start out with. (I know ACE is not on your list but I'm throwing it out there.)

I am not NASM certified so I cannot speak for that organization. I think the NSCA exam will be a challenging first certification for you, but not impossible by any means if you take a few months to study. I think the NSCA text has all the info you need in order to pass the exam, but if you really want to get a good grasp on the WHOLE picture you will need to refer to sources outside of the book. (At least that's how it was for me. Others may disagree.)

Best of luck and if you have any other questions just ask!

Christina

Natalie · Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Posts: 1

I also have a question about certifications.
I have a degree as a Dental Hygienist and currently work part-time in this field. and am a full time mom to 3 children. Several years before my oldest (17) was born I went back to a community college and completed a 2 year degree in exercise phy. I loved the field but soon babies came and then life took over. I now would like to re-enter the exercise field starting as a personal trainer. I have been asking around in regards to the type of cert. Would you recommend I start with ACE? I have heard of AFAA is that a lower level? Do you have a suggestion?
Thanks,
Natalie

newguy · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 12

ACE is good to start off with. But of course, organizations like ACSM and NSCA have a better reputation than ACE. I'd say go for ACE. Good luck.

Christina · Joined: 14 Apr 2006 Posts: 851

I agree with newguy. You can always get your NASM, NSCA, or ACSM certification at a later time. Learn the basics, get your first certification (ACE), get a little experience, and then go for one of the others. That's what I would do. Good luck!

Christina

maratonec · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Atlanta

PhillyJen · Joined: 04 Mar 2008 Posts: 19 Location: Bucks County, PA

I think it's great that both of you (Cindy & Natalie) are willing to take the steps to do what you love!

I am ACE certified, and I can attest that ACE is definitely a good jumping off point. Is it the best? No, but the exam wasn't that difficult, and it's widely recognized. If you're choosing to work in a specific setting, you might want to talk to some of the places where you're interested in working and see what cert they want you to have.

I will be studying for my NSCA-CPT soon, because I agree with their stance as well. I know a lot of trainers will ask why bother starting off with a "lesser" cert like ACE, especially if you're just going to get a follow up cert like NSCA, ACSM or NASM. My feeling was that I wanted to ease into the studying. That may not be the best reasoning for some people, but it was exactly what I needed. I now have the confidence to go for bust.

I will tell you that if $$ is a factor, NSCA is extremely expensive. Look at joining...it's $129, but you'll more than make that up on the materials. ACE is not so bad, but if you join them, for $29, they knock off 10% of everything. Not sure about ACSM or NASM.

Jen