Opinion on Certifications

J

JimR

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Hi, brand new to this site and brand new to Personal Training. I just passed the ACE exam. There seems to be so much negative written about ACE on a lot of forums...is it really not a good certification? I thought it was widely recognized within the industry. And the test definitely was not easy. I am currently working on ACSM certifcation which seems to be highly regarded and I am looking into NHE (although I am not entirely sure about that one yet)...I became certified because I enjoy it, don't plan on (though I wish I could) make a living with it so it is not so important to have the "best of the best" certification but I don't want it to be looked down upon either.

I know I am opening myself up for everyone's differing opinions but I asked...

Thanks.
 
JimR said:
Hi, brand new to this site and brand new to Personal Training. I just passed the ACE exam. There seems to be so much negative written about ACE on a lot of forums...is it really not a good certification? I thought it was widely recognized within the industry. And the test definitely was not easy. I am currently working on ACSM certifcation which seems to be highly regarded and I am looking into NHE (although I am not entirely sure about that one yet)...
I became certified because I enjoy it, don't plan on (though I wish I could) make a living with it so it is not so important to have the "best of the best" certification but I don't want it to be looked down upon either.

I know I am opening myself up for everyone's differing opinions but I asked...

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Good Lord, I'm in almost the same exact situation as you are!
"because I enjoy it, don't plan on (though I wish I could) make a living with it so it is not so important to have the 'best of the best' certification but I don't want it to be looked down upon either."

That is my exact same sentiments on this whole certification process, and is why I haven't decided one what certification to pursue yet, because of the same reason as you're concerns are.

My thing is I'm interested mainly in NCSA-CPT, but I'm not sure how it compares to others.
Plus, I really want to attend actual classes not just study it and take it online, and it seems like there isn't anything like that anymore, at least not where I live.

Jason Salamone
 
I am from Australia so I don't know the ones you are talking about. However, there are different places you can go to and get qualifications. Some people pay $1000's on a qualification and they pass no matter what because of the money.

Did you feel that you studied hard for it. Did you learn what you wanted to learn? Think of it this way
 
Everyone has an ACE certification, that's the problem. Most are non college graduates and so the reason many well qualified trainers don't like them is because they certify everyone. All you have to do is watch an ACE certified trainer. Chances are, they are not even someone you would hire yourself and they are usually "average" looking people. Not very motivating.

If you thought the ACE exam was hard, wait until you take the NHE exam. Your brain will explode.
 
Certs are so meaningless it's silly.

Get what the gym you'd like to work at desires and learn from other, more meaningful sources (degrees, texts, papers, etc.)

If you're not going to be working for someone, and you're in the states, I'd suggest either the NSCA cPT or CSCS depending on who you're working with.

For training athletes, the CSCS has become the creme de la creme. It's good. But it's not perfect. Nothing is in terms of certifications.
 
It's just a game we all must play. It's like slowing down everytime you see a cop. The fact is, strout is right. The certification really doesn't mean much because there are so many different variables to attaining one.
 
Not only that but the information in cert programs aren't all-encompassing of everything we need to know as trainers. Quite the contrary, in fact.

Far too many think becoming a trainer means obtaining a cert when obtaining a cert simply means you have something to hang on your wall.

Education begins after a cert is obtained by way of experience and research.

And it doesn't end.
 
I agree completely with taking classes. I am not a self-study type of person. I learn much better from a classroom setting, getting tested one chapter or segment at a time. I need to see the practical use of certain concepts.

Thanks for all your comments. Much appreciated. In the end, it is all a game I suppose. Either way I am glad to have some certification...I think it does say something about your commitment to fitness and exercise at the very least.
 
You missed my point.

My point is, in this profession many so-called professionals rely on their certification of choice to prove their efficacy as a trainer.
 
I agree, the whole certification thing can be a nightmare..

My advice is find a college course that you can take modules from over time, without having to be a full-time student, and do the ones that you find most interesting/relevant to what you want to do, then look at other certifications which complement the modules you've chosen.

In Ireland, those of us working in the industry will know many of the various certifications, but the ACSM & NCSA are well respected in their areas.


Hard to beat a B. Sc., but if you talk to those who have done the courses, & get a feel for where they're coming from, it might help you find which area you really want to work in.

hope this helps,
Mal
 
Help!

If I am a certified personal trainer, does it qualify me to teach group fitness?? An aerobics class?? Or would I be required to be group fitness certified??
 
how in depth are these personal training classes? I mean I'm a HS student who works out and does reading on these forums and other similar forums, is that enough to pass the exam? Oh yeah and i'm taking a high school anatomy class, so I know some muscles and movements
 
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RE: Woopydalan's question:

Most larger certifying organizations have workshops and or study guides.

As far as the general question this thread is concerned with, I would agree completely with stroutman81, and add that EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER.

Find out what you want to do, find someone who's doing it, and figure out how to replicate and hopefully improve on their platform.

Jake
 
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