Three Main Fitness Certifications

Like most careers worth having, becoming a fitness trainer will require education. This is education that will almost always end in certification. But just what kind of certification?  There are actually four major certification paths available the aspiring personal trainer. Let’s examine these four.

AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EXERCISE, or ACE. This nonprofit group was established in 1985. It’s one of the largest certification organizations on the planet, with more than 50,000 people that they’ve certified.  They actually have four certification programs, one of which is the Personal Trainer and Group Fitness program.

Receiving your certification through ACE will require that you be at least 18 and have your CPR certificate.  You can take the certification exam in either of two ways: either the old-fashioned pen and paper format or the computer based exam. The former costs $219, the latter $249.  After you receive your ACE certification, you’ll be required to renew it every two years. Renewal fee is $79.

NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SPORTS MEDICINE, or NASM.  This organization has existed since 1987 and offers a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credential.  Qualifications include that you be 18 or older and possess a CPR certificate. The cost, though, is higher, running $599 to $799, with a cost of $549 for the exam.  Price of renewal is also more expensive, costing $700, and is required every two years. We should mention that while this is an expensive certification, an NASM certificate is considered highly prestigious.

 NATIONAL STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING ASSOCIATION or NSCA Certificate. This is an educational nonprofit organization which serves about 30,000 members in 52 countries.  To receive it, you must again be at least 18 years of age and have your CPR certificate. In addition, their members are expected to have a high school diploma or equivalent.  Of the three, their certification exam is considered the hardest. For this reason, it’s recommended that you take NSCA practice tests before tackling the real thing. Once you pass the exam, you must renew your certification every three years. Cost for the first certification runs from $305 to $340, with renewal costs running between $185 and $220.

Which of the exams should you take?  Or should you take more than one? That’s a highly subjective matter. Clearly the first one is the best option if you’re really strapped for money, while the second is preferred if you can afford it and desire the prestige. The third one is a good middle ground between the first two. And of course, it only enhances your credibility if you have multiple certifications.