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 Personal Trainer Certification
Tips for Choosing a Personal Fitness Training Certification Program

When it comes to earning a personal trainer certification, there are hundreds of programs to choose from – each with different levels of specialization, accreditation and acceptance at major health clubs and gyms.

At NASM, we’re dedicated to delivering evidence-based health and fitness solutions for those seeking a personal trainer certification.  Here are the top things to look for – and things to avoid – when you’re choosing a personal fitness training certification program:

Accreditation
Accreditation is the approval by a qualified third party of a certification program, academic program, school or university. Designed to increase professionalism and competency, accreditation is especially important in a field like personal training, where safety and knowledge are essential. For your clients’ wellbeing and your own success, we recommend that you only consider a personal trainer certification program that is accredited.

NASM’s Certified Personal Trainer program is accredited by NCCA, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, which has reviewed and accredited programs like ours since 1987. The NCCA is a division of NOCA, the National Organization for Competency Assurance, which has been a leader in setting standards for credentialing organizations for more than three decades.

Subject Matter
When it comes to effectively – and safely – training clients and athletes, you need to know more than how to count reps. Instead, you need a well-rounded, integrated personal trainer certification program that will prepare you for every facet of the training process, including:

  • Knowing and understanding movement science, anatomy, physiology and essential scientific elements.
  • Performing functional assessments, including physiological, performance and strength assessments.
  • Creating individualized, complete personal training programs for clients.
  • Demonstrating and teaching proper exercises and form.
  • Analyzing clients’ nutritional needs and making informed dietary recommendations.

Professional Endorsements
A personal trainer certification won’t help you in the professional world unless it’s respected by your potential employers. When choosing a program, look for courses that are preferred, recommended or endorsed by the company or type of company you’d like to work for. For example, NASM is the preferred certification organization for these leading fitness clubs:

  • 24Hour Fitness
  • Bally Total Fitness
  • Gold’s Gym
  • Lifetime Fitness
  • Town Sports International

Choosing a personal trainer certification program is a major decision. The quality and reputation of the certification you receive will play a large role in your professional future. So don’t get your personal training certificate from just any provider.

Learn to train the right way with NASM – and discover the power of the NASM CPT.