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Personal Training Certification?

tmb6x

New member
What national certification program for Personal Training do you think is the best/most respected/most recognized?
 
More credentials = better

BAM!
Alas, if he gets a BS and a CSCS, I really doubt he wants to be just a PT. The NSCA-CPT, ACSM, or NASM are universally accepted and are generally considered the most widely recognized. NSCA and ACSM have been at the top for years, but NASM has gained recognition in recent years.
 
Alas, if he gets a BS and a CSCS, I really doubt he wants to be just a PT. The NSCA-CPT, ACSM, or NASM are universally accepted and are generally considered the most widely recognized. NSCA and ACSM have been at the top for years, but NASM has gained recognition in recent years.

Bump to this and needing a BS for some of the more detailed certs. I was planning on it anyway (the BS in exercise science) but found it interesting that it was required. CSCS w00t.
 
Batman, tell us about the test (if you've taken it yet). How was it? Any formalities associated with getting certified that suck more/less than others? Any info is much appreciated!
 
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This is just CPT but it should give you an idea. Im going to take it after i finish my Instrument rating. There's a lot more to being a trainer than you would expect by looking at most of the trainers in gyms, at least the ones that I see.
 
VolcomX311 is an NSCA-CSCS and I have talked to one of my profs who is a CSCS and he said that the CPT and CSCS exams are similar, but the CSCS is more in-depth, which is expected.

The CPT is 40% Ex Phys, 40% Program Design, 10% Special Conditions (e.g pregnancy) and 10% Legality is I remember correctly (I took it in '04, so its been a while).
 
Batman, tell us about the test (if you've taken it yet). How was it? Any formalities associated with getting certified that suck more/less than others? Any info is much appreciated!

I've been studying up on my A+P lately and will be getting my CPR cert and college transcript done in june. Planning on taking the computer based test at the beginning of july.
From what I know the practical portion of the exam is not bad at all, but the science portion is not exactly easy.

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good practice test to see where your at.

this link has everything you need to know really.

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Thanks for all the info guys - I've been doing research on the various certifiations. I'd been leaning towards ACSM but now will re-visit the NSCA.
 
I took the practice, I got 4/5's and 3/5's on everything.

I didn't know anything about plyometrics, or validities.



All certs!!!
The NSCA-CPT was a lot more difficult than I expected because of all of the Ex Phys that is on the test. A&P does not prepare you for this either. The materials for the exam are very information dense, but nothing that is impossible. A solid month of studying for 2 hours/day will prepare for the exam.
 
I used the study materials. All 11 CDs, the practice tests, and the information book.

damn thats more intensive that I though. I wonder how much more complicated the CSCS would be as well. Was the study material your first step into the info or were you in specific classes at school before? I figure by the end of Sophomore year (summer) between schooling and the study material should be fairly easy to ace. CSCS got to wait on though for the BS.
 
You can take the test before you get your degree. You just get the cert when you graduate. I would definitely take A&P and Exercise phys first.
 
damn thats more intensive that I though. I wonder how much more complicated the CSCS would be as well. Was the study material your first step into the info or were you in specific classes at school before? I figure by the end of Sophomore year (summer) between schooling and the study material should be fairly easy to ace. CSCS got to wait on though for the BS.
It was more than I thought as well, but it wasn't overwhelming. I took mine after the Spring semester was over so I wouldn't have any distractions.
 
You have to remember also that it being more intensive is what puts it above the other certs.

I can't wait till I get my CSCS and get to leave this desk job.
Sitting here all day drives someone like me crazy. Next week the intense studying starts.
 
CSCS with degree.

NASM without degree here in New Mexico. It's looked upon as the godlike certification for some reason.
 
I like NASM for practical application.

For getting a well paying job in the respected field I would REALLY encourage getting your bachelors or > in Exercise Science.
 
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