Are you passionate about fitness and ready to take the leap into becoming a certified personal trainer? With the fitness industry booming and an increasing demand for qualified professionals, selecting the right certification can be a daunting task. As someone who has been in the fitness industry for over 20 years, I am often asked by both young aspiring trainers and clients, “What’s the best personal trainer certification?”
Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast considering a career change or a newcomer eager to make your mark in the industry, here are my suggestions for the best personal trainer certifications.
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
If we are looking at just certifications, then the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) is considered the best of the best. Anyone who has this certification will typically be able to train anyone at any level of fitness and any age as well. However, being ready to pass this exam requires a very high level of understanding of both training programs, anatomy, and physiology. Because of this most who have their CSCS often have either other certifications or some sort of degree program, an associate’s or bachelor’s, to prepare for it.
More Recognized Certifications
Next up the other more recognized and slightly easier to achieve include National Academy
of Sports Medicine (NASM), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), and American Council on Exercise (ACE). Any of these certifications will prepare you for training most of the general population. Any gym or fitness center will accept these certifications to be hired as a personal trainer. Each of these has slightly different philosophies on training approaches, so I would recommend researching each to decide which matches most with your current experience and knowledge as it will make getting your first certification easier.
Once you have one of these certifications you can pursue more education with the others, or each group has their own supplemental certifications for Continuing Education Credits (CECs) to renew your existing certifications. For whichever certification you pick, I highly recommend attending the workshops to prepare for the exam. This is a great way to get hands-on learning if you are a visual learner over a reading learner. Also, if you do not have a lot of experience with different exercise techniques yet the live hands-on training will help you build up your confidence for working with clients.
Do Your Research
There are other certifications out there, but those mentioned above are the ones that will for sure get you a call back when you have it on your resume. Many of the other ones out there while they may offer great knowledge, they have not been accredited yet and therefore are not accepted by most employers as valid certifications for hire. So, if you see a certification that is not listed above, do your research before investing in the certificate. As a training director for different facilities, I have unfortunately had to tell new and excited trainers that I cannot hire them because their certification is not considered legitimate.
Do I Need a Degree?
The next big topic that comes up when discussing what the best personal training certification is what about a degree. Full disclosure I do have a degree in Kinesiology. While this has given me a greater understanding of physiology, body movement, and even some aspects of psychology, it was my personal training certifications that showed me the application of all this knowledge. So ultimately what you pick to pursue for your education will directly depend upon what type of clients you are looking to work with in your career.
Special populations will require more specialized certifications whereas a general gym member can address all their training needs with the certifications already mentioned for the fraction of the cost of a degree program.
If you do choose a degree program, be sure to check on the school’s accreditation. There are more associates programs popping up every month. Some will prepare you for passing certain personal training exams, I know NASM partners with many. However, if you are doing the associate’s program as a stepping stone to a full bachelor’s, then you will need to ensure the accreditation will transfer to your desired school before making payment for the classes.
Coaching Certification
Now truly helping clients transform their health will take more than just great workouts and nutrition guidance. You will be working against a lifetime of habits and unsupportive environments that your clients will be struggling with. I strongly recommend looking into some form of coaching certification, life or health is fine, to give you the tools to be able to help your clients through these challenges. It is what happens in the client’s life outside of your session that will ultimately impact their results. I have completed the 200-hour program at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts and it has made a world of difference in how approach coaching habit and behavior change with clients. The Health Behavior Institute and the Enlifted Method are both great programs as well.
Whatever you decide to use for credentials, always be sure to confirm accreditation before you purchase any materials. By making informed decisions and staying committed to your growth, you’re not just building a career in fitness – you’re unlocking your full potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.