Hey there again!
Two posts in one day!
Lucky ducks.
As I mentioned this morning, in my attempt to find structure and add routine to my summer break, I am going to be pursuing a personal training certification!
{The last two boxes are also applicable to RDs…}
So like the good little student I am try to be, I want to make sure I get the right certification.
Duh-duhduh-duuhhhh!
{If you are new to the blog, that would be superhero music.}
The three options I am considering {although there are many, many more} include:
- National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA)
- American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer Certification (ACE)
- American College of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM)
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This is what I’ve discovered from their websites…
* I’m thinking I can get cheaper books on Amazon/Barnes and Noble though…
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This is what I’ve discovered from a few articles, forums, and discussions…
- The ACE certification, while highly recognized, is not as well respected as ACSM and NSCA [okay, so ACE is out]
- ACSM markets themselves as the “gold standard” for CPT certification
- NSCA and ACSM are recognized by the NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies)
- The ACSM Health Fitness Specialist [which I plan to work towards eventually] qualifies you to work with individuals in poor health [Carol from On Nutrition is a HFS]
- The NSCA-CSCS is extremely prestigious for individuals making personal training their career (which, obviously, nutrition is my intended career path, not personal training)
- ACSM is more clinical and more applicable for those interested in rehab and hospital settings
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So after reviewing all of this, I think I’m leaning towards the ACSM-CPT certification!
YAY!
My Reasons:
- I will have more time to study for the ACSM exam (August 28th vs. the August 4th date of the NSCA exam).
- The ACSM-HFS cert was something I already knew I wanted to pursue after working with Carol this past Spring.
- The cost of the ACSM exam is slightly lower than the NSCA.
- I don’t know if this is true or not, but the ACSM cert seems to be more in line with my chosen career path.
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Now all I have to do is round up some cash money and get started! Hello, early birthday present!
Any recommendations, suggestions, or advice as I begin my certification journey?
Do you have a ACSM/NSCA preference?
Later party people.
Stephanie Wilson, RDN 