Introduction to Schools That Offer Personal Training Certification
Personal trainers are vital in helping people achieve their health and fitness goals. Certification ensures knowledge and understanding of training methods, nutrition, anatomy, physiology and injury prevention. With personal training becoming an increasingly popular career choice, more institutions now offer personal training certification programs. For the prospective student, accreditation is an essential factor to consider when searching for a credentialing institution. Schools that are certified or accredited by reputable organizations provide strong credentials and have met rigorous standards to provide quality courses.
The type of certifications offered by schools can vary depending on the provider, but may include general fitness certification as well as specialist certifications such as strength and conditioning coach or corrective exercise specialist credentials. It’s important to research which certifications schools offer and select one that provides the best fit for individual needs and goals. Other factors to consider include cost and time commitments of completing each program, availability of instructors or mentors during course time, internship opportunities or other job placement services offered by the school, allocated study time required to complete each exam module if applicable and access to libraries offering relevant films or assessment resources.
Completing a personal trainer certification provides individuals with a professional edge in an increasingly competitive marketplace and also leads to improved confidence in offering effective training programs for clients. It also allows trainers learn about evidence-based coaching techniques for safe and effective programming that reflects industry trends amidst ever-changing science advancements. With so many schools available today offering various types of personalized training certification programs it is important that students carefully review the qualifications before making any decisions.
Types of Personal Training Certifications
National Certifications – When it comes to becoming certified in personal training, there are two main national certifications available. These include the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The NASM certification introduces an evidence-based approach for personalized training programs and corrective exercises. In order to become certified through the NASM, students must pass a comprehensive exam that focuses on anatomical sciences, neuroscience, functional anatomy, biomechanics and exercise science. The ACE certification is tailored more towards fitness facility management and program design. The ACE exam tests applicants on topics such as exercise techniques, nutrition and health assessments.
International Certifications – If you’re looking for an international credential in personal training there are quite a few options available including Certified Education Training Association (CETA), International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA), International Sports Science Association (ISSA) and others. Each of these certifications offers different levels of accreditation which range from beginner to master level instruction. Aside from having more specified curriculum for personal trainers, most of these international certifications require candidates to take both a practical application assessment and a written assessment on that specific association’s material prior to certification.
Top Schools That Offer Personal Training Certificates
1. International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) – ISSA is one of the most popular schools for personal training certification, offering certifications in both Health and Fitness Science, and Personal Training. The program’s instruction is done completely online and it takes about 10-12 weeks to complete depending on the student’s experience level. Courses cover topics such as nutrition, exercise science, injury prevention and management, anatomy, exercise physiology and resistance training. Certification requires an exam fee and payment of an annual membership fee.
2. American Council on Exercise (ACE) – ACE offers a comprehensive personal trainer certification designed to give trainers the knowledge they need to be successful in the job market. It covers all aspects of health and fitness training, including anatomy, nutrition, biomechanics, exercise prescription, program design and client education. ACE also offers an assessment exam that is one step ahead of basic certification requirements that can make a candidate eligible for higher-level positions with increased pay/benefits packages. Students receive access to ACE digital library material which includes quiz banks for studying purposes.
3. National Academy Of Sports Medicine (NASM)- NASM is a highly regarded organization with its own spin on certified personal trainer certifications which focuses heavily on corrective exercise protocols necessary for safe effective movements in each muscle group for both stability/mobility exercises or performance power lifting sessions . Their methodology uses competencies-based approach identifying goals associated with different programs courses students are required to complete in order gradate from this program . It also allows them to continue their career by applying credit-earning activities through updated version professional development module .
Final Thoughts
Personal training can be a rewarding, fulfilling profession. Those interested in becoming certified personal trainers have an array of schools to choose from. This article discussed seven schools that offer personal training certification programs. These programs range from hands-on courses to online certificates, providing plenty of learning opportunities for aspiring trainers.
University of Delaware’s program is ideal for students who want to become fitness specialists, offering two options – general studies and exercise physiology stream – as well as certificates in other areas such as health informatics and injury prevention. Cooper Institute offers multiple professional certifications in the form of hands-on workshops with experienced instructors and the ability to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Arizona State University offers a comprehensive certificate program that includes a variety of workshops and seminars including anatomy, nutrition counseling, client assessment, biomechanics and more.
American Health Science University provides two different diploma options – one in Fitness/Wellness Training and one in Personal Training/Post Rehabilitation Therapy – that are designed for those wanting further their careers as trainers but also for those working in clinical settings such as nursing or physical therapy. International Sports Sciences Association provides ample specialty certifications that offer exhaustive supplemental educational materials like online video lectures and exams to become certified trainers after successful completion of course work . PA College’s 9-month program provides comprehensive personal trainer certification training which prepares learners for the national certification exam as well as post career opportunities such as business planning skills or even sports nutrition advice. Lastly Academy of Applied Personal Training Education rounds up the list with a comprehensive 6-month personal trainer program with applications to real world business scenarios and practice experiences.
Overall, potential students have an extensive amount of information when deciding which school they want to attend by researching each school’s unique offerings. The courses provide detailed insight into both the theory behind exercising behavior modification methods as well deeper analysis into how proper muscle abilities are impacted by human anatomy concepts along with multiple approaches on how best set reasonable expectations between themselfs and clients during personal training sessions. Additionally, these courses may include resources such as networking with health professionals industry leading employers or possibly course credits at other accredited universities if desired.
FAQs
Q: How much does it cost to get certified as a personal trainer?
A: The cost of getting certified as a personal trainer can vary depending on the program. Generally, the fees associated with certifying in personal training will range from around $200 to $1,000 or more. Each program may also have certain fees related to other materials and testing that need to be taken into account when budgeting for certification.
Q: What do I need to do to become certified as a personal trainer?
A: In order for individuals to become certified as a personal trainer, they need to meet certain requirements. Generally speaking, most programs require applicants to have knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, exercise science, kinesiology and injury prevention/management in addition to holding either a high school diploma or an equivalent degree such as an associate’s degree in physical education. Additionally some programs also take into account professional experience, academic achievements and volunteer/work experience before being admitted.
Q: Are there any differences between certifications?
A: Yes, there are different certifications available depending on the school or organization offering them. For example, some certifications may focus more heavily on elements such as sport-specific strategies and others may have greater emphasis on general fitness or functional training techniques. It’s important for prospective students to understand the difference between certifications before enrolling in one specifically so that they know what type of information will be covered in their program ahead of time and receive the type of knowledge that best suits their individual needs.
Passionate about providing useful information to anyone with an interest in the field of Personal Training, I strive to pass on to our readers quality information and to answer any questions about Personal Trainers, the work they do and how to become one.
