NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist

[jimbuick]

I understand that, for the most part, the certification does not particularly matter. Especially compared to individual studies, marketing and passion for knowledge

But, what I wonder, is this particular even worth the money? It's mostly for a foot in the door to the industry while I go to college, and I had been considering the NSCA CSCS certification but think this might be comparable. I was wondering if anyone had done/known someone who had done this test and if they had really learned anything from it that helped them on their path.

 

[TheMovement]

Id say go with the CSCS through the NSCA as its more common for conditioning professionals once they get their Degree. I say check what area tour in and shoot some emails to guys who own their own facility. Depending on their Cert. they may show more favor to ppl in the same network and organization. The NSCA def. does this so it can be a good or bad.

 

[JudoJosh]

The CSCS requires you to have a BA already. NASM, ACE, NSCA, etc are fine for while your in school. It will make you more marketable. This particular cert might be good if your looking to work at like a sports camp or athletic training facility but if your looking to just work in a gym any personal training cert would suffice

 

[Swanson52]

I think this would be a good stepping stone, but if you're interested in the CSCS, why not NSCA-CPT?

Hell, double em up. I doubt any gym would tell you you have too much certification, and when choosing a trainer, a trainee may be drawn to additional certification vs somebody with just one.

 

[jimbuick]

Id say go with the CSCS through the NSCA as its more common for conditioning professionals once they get their Degree. I say check what area tour in and shoot some emails to guys who own their own facility. Depending on their Cert. they may show more favor to ppl in the same network and organization. The NSCA def. does this so it can be a good or bad.

It's also worth mentioning that there are not any NSCA testing being done close to me. The closest one is in Dallas when I will be in Houston, which is not close.

 

[jimbuick]

The CSCS requires you to have a BA already. NASM, ACE, NSCA, etc are fine for while your in school. It will make you more marketable. This particular cert might be good if your looking to work at like a sports camp or athletic training facility but if your looking to just work in a gym any personal training cert would suffice

I was not aware of that, so to get it I would have to wait until after I got the degree anyway?

The ultimate goal is to open an athletic training facility, but short term I will probably just be working at any gym. For this one, or for just a CPT is about the same price.

I think this would be a good stepping stone, but if you're interested in the CSCS, why not NSCA-CPT?

Hell, double em up. I doubt any gym would tell you you have too much certification, and when choosing a trainer, a trainee may be drawn to additional certification vs somebody with just one.

True, and I am somewhat interested in just a regular CPT, but for a long term career (based upon my goals) I feel as if the performance specific certifications would be more beneficial.

 

[TheMovement]

Yea the NSCA CPT covers you if your 18 and are ready to start making money the day you get that card. The test isnt that intensive either. The CSCS is more for individuals who want to prescribe for the athletic population and doubles as your group ex. cert in most places. If human performance is your goal a Masters Degree in that study would be your best option as it would carry the most weight. I personally dont know of anyone with the NACM equivalent of the NSCA-CSCS but network around and search for them.

 

[jimbuick]

Yea the NSCA CPT covers you if your 18 and are ready to start making money the day you get that card. The test isnt that intensive either. The CSCS is more for individuals who want to prescribe for the athletic population and doubles as your group ex. cert in most places. If human performance is your goal a Masters Degree in that study would be your best option as it would carry the most weight. I personally dont know of anyone with the NACM equivalent of the NSCA-CSCS but network around and search for them.

The plan is to get a bachelors (at this point), mostly because of $$.

 

[bolt10]

If you want something now it would be a viable option. NSCA-CSCS requires a degree so you'd have to wait to get that down the road. Either way I'd get a CPT in something first before contemplating something like the PES from NASM.

 

[TheMovement]

If you want something now it would be a viable option. NSCA-CSCS requires a degree so you'd have to wait to get that down the road. Either way I'd get a CPT in something first before contemplating something like the PES from NASM.

Definitely agree here, The EASIEST money is having your CPT to help train classmates. Theres a gym almost everywhere so it could be valuable to help you start getting hours right away and heck they may even help pay for different things your interested in from equipment to educational conferences. It will set you ahead of the pack and help you maintain a good resume.