Certification as a personal trainer is available
Personal training is a growing occupation, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2010 that demand for qualified trainers will continue to rise. As personal training becomes a more popular career, the number of certification programs also grows. Some certification programs are more respected than others within the industry, and certification from those respected programs is more valuable in a job search. The personal training programs, testing centers and workshops are available throughout the country.
American College of Sports Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is a top-tier personal trainer certification organization, according to Askthetrainer.com. The ACSM program offers a more clinical approach than many other certification programs.
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
401 West Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202-3233
317- 637-9200
acsm.org
International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
Athletic trainers, chiropractors and coaches hold various International Sports Science Association (ISSA) certifications, and the ISSA certification is respected by employers, according to Muscle Mag Fitness. Since 1988, the ISSA has certified 130,000 personal trainers and offers distance-learning opportunities.
International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
SSA 1015 Mark Avenue
Carpinteria, CA 93013
800-892-4772
issaonline.com
National Academy of Sports Medicine
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) offers one of the most popular certified personal trainer (CPT) programs, according to Muscle Mag Fitness and Askthetrainer.com.
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
26632 Agoura Road
Calabasas, CA 91302
800-460-6276
nasm.org
American Council on Exercise
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is one of the oldest personal trainer certification organizations, giving it an established name, according to the Starting A Personal Training Business website. Jeff Behar of Muscle Mag Fitness says the ACE exam has a reputation for being easy, and some employers might be less impressed by it. However, ACE certification may suit those starting out in the personal trainer profession and are not yet certain whether this is the right career path for them.
American Council on Exercise (ACE)
4851 Paramount Drive
San Diego, California 92123
858-279-8227
acefitness.org
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
A National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) strength-coach certification is required for anyone who works with collegiate or professional athletes. According to Askthetrainer.com and Muscle Mag Fitness, the NCSA exam is one of the most challenging personal trainer certification exams. As a result, employers often favor NCSA-certified candidates. Requirements to take the NSCA exam include a degree from a four-year college in an exercise science-related major.
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
1885 Bob Johnson Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
719-632-6722
nsca-lift.org
Tags: Sports Medicine, Muscle Fitness, personal trainer, Academy Sports, Academy Sports Medicine, American College, American College Sports