Which pt certification?

buffed · 04-11-2004, 04:07 PM

ive been looking for a personal trainer certificate and ive found tons of em... Any advice?

Var · 04-11-2004, 04:10 PM

I'm working on ISSA now. There are other good ones, but this looked best to me. You can check out www.issaonline.com for info.

SpinQueen · 04-11-2004, 05:04 PM

We Bally trainers get a big discount on ISSA. I have to have my cert soon, or I'll get fired. Better get on it.

**P-funk** · 04-11-2004, 06:10 PM

I have NASM.

ACE and CSCS are also good ones.

DrChiro · 04-11-2004, 07:44 PM

there are alot of decent ones as people are mentioning....just find one that you can take soon...make sure the places you want to work accept it...and find out what you have to do to keep your certification....

you can be smart as hell or totally stupid and still get certified...there were a bunch of dumbasses in my classes....so dont worry too much about what organization it is.....just make sure you know what you are doing and never stop learning...just get certified so you can get out there and help people and make some "bling" in the process!

jaim91 · 04-12-2004, 06:02 AM

Is it beneficial to go through kinesiology in university in order to become a personal trainer?

DrChiro · 04-12-2004, 10:40 AM

of course the more education you get the better!

i think the anatomy you would learn would open up some other avenues if you wish to pursue them (like chiropractic or med school)....go for it!

**Prince** · 04-12-2004, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jaim91
Is it beneficial to go through kinesiology in university in order to become a personal trainer?

Definitely!

I took a year of Anatomy & Physiology in college, amoung other courses, and my CFT is with ISSA.

DrChiro · 04-12-2004, 10:49 AM

I actually got certified through ACE in college.....one of my teachers started the program there...it was cool...i got credit for school and PT certification all in one...maybe suggest this idea to the head of your PE department.

jaim91 · 04-13-2004, 10:02 AM

I'm in high school, not college - so I can't change the curriculum just yet...but two years from now, I will mention it. But from what I hear, almost any tom, dick, or harry can get certified through the internet and all the mail order programs out there. Does it really make that much of a difference if I have my B.A. in Kinesiology?

topolo · 04-13-2004, 08:49 PM

Mine is through ISSA as well

MXQdRacer · 05-05-2004, 01:55 PM

You know DrChiro, my local Technical College is offering a "National Certificate" course this summer, but I called in to find out which certificate it was, and the instructor wasn't there......I may pursue this. But the only bad thing is, (well not bad, but not reassurring) the class is only 6 weeks long, 2 nights a week..That is like 18 hours.......That's not nearly enough time, is it? They say the test at the end of the course will determine whether or not you are certified.......

Vieope · 05-05-2004, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jaim91
...can get certified through the internet and all the mail order programs out there.

I think that is the way to go for me. I need to find out if there is a repectable online certification out there. I would love to spend a few months in U.S learning and to get one but I have no time.

**Prince** · 05-05-2004, 11:22 PM

you can do ISSA CFT online/home, they just published the 8th edition text book and a new video which is on DVD.

http://www.issaonline.com/courses/cft.cfm

MXQdRacer · 05-06-2004, 11:37 AM

Has anyone heard of the WITS WOrld Instructor Training School??? Ths is what my local college is offereing, and I am thinking about taking it.......

LAM · 05-06-2004, 11:42 AM

I just started the cert for IFPA...

http://www.ifpa-fitness.com/

buffed · 05-07-2004, 03:55 AM

There are so many pt cert there are out there.
http://www.ptonthenet.com/accreditation.asp
go to that site, they have some of the "well known pt cert". Thats according to a friend of mine who is a manager and the head of a personal trainer in a gym in Singapore. And according to the gym that i go to here in the US, they recognise certs such as ACE and NSCA. Dont just register for any certs just becos of the cheap price they offer. If you wanna be a trainer in a gym, you better ask the gym first cos they might not accept just any kind of cert.

jaim91 · 05-07-2004, 05:12 AM

Is it better to get it by going to university, and taking kinesiology, etc. Or on the internet? Do you get just as much in depth education from the 'net?

buffed · 05-08-2004, 05:10 AM

well most of the courses on the net cover kinesiology as well, so i guess it would be the same as taking class on the university.. but the thing is that with online courses you have to read the book yourself, no one is gonna force you.. if you have the discipline i recommend that you take the online courses... it certainly safe you time and money.. and btw if you have the cert and can find a job in the gym, that would be helpful as well as education doesnt just occur in classroom.

jaim91 · 05-08-2004, 05:21 AM

Anyone here who is/ wants to be a certified pt take kinesiology?

MXQdRacer · 06-23-2004, 02:02 PM

I have two weeks left before my written, and practical final for my WITS cert. We'll see I guess....lol

MXQdRacer · 07-14-2004, 11:50 AM

Well, I took the practical test, and the written test last week. I could have up to a month wait before I know my results...that sucks : (

eskimo515 · 07-14-2004, 04:54 PM

If you have the time, is it better to go through a class (like WITS) or just do the take home courses? Thoughts?

MXQdRacer · 07-15-2004, 07:02 AM

personally, I think it would be better to go through the class...you have lectures, and practical training as well... But I am not sure that WITS is as recgonized as say ISSA..........

**Dale Mabry** · 07-15-2004, 09:30 AM

I would go either NASM or NSCA because they just seem to have more stuff. For example, the NASM PES and NSCA CSCS are the only 2 certs that will allow you to work with athletes at the collegiate level or higher, unfortunately you need a Bachelors to sit for the exam. Sure, you can WORK with athletes without this, but no college or sport training facility would hire you without either of these exams or a degree in exercise phys. I am going to do the NASM PES when I muster up the time to do it. Alot of the drills athletes do are incredible for advanced BBers.

MXQdRacer · 07-15-2004, 11:10 AM

Yea, but for someone who is interested in the field, like myself, and doesn't have a bachelors, Like myself again..lol, these could be some good alternatives...

eskimo515 · 07-21-2004, 01:08 PM

Seems like we have beat this topic to death, but I am about spend money on this thing so I want to make sure I got it right. I was choosing between ISSA and NSCA. NSCA seems so much cheaper than ISSA and I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts as to why or if their own research confirms that. Antyhing would be helpful.

LAM · 07-21-2004, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dale Mabry

I would go either NASM or NSCA because they just seem to have more stuff. For example, the NASM PES and NSCA CSCS are the only 2 certs that will allow you to work with athletes at the collegiate level or higher, unfortunately you need a Bachelors to sit for the exam. Sure, you can WORK with athletes without this, but no college or sport training facility would hire you without either of these exams or a degree in exercise phys. I am going to do the NASM PES when I muster up the time to do it. Alot of the drills athletes do are incredible for advanced BBers.

good examples but you have to remember that the goals are total different for the NASM and/or NSCA then most other PT certs. for example the NSCA’s CSCS was specifically designed for college and professional strength coaches, that's it. it is a world of difference between training elite athletes in college than it is training housewifes, elderly, businessman, etc.

If you are looking to work for yourself then a cert like the NSCA’s CSCS is actually overkill and not directed towards the fitness industry directly and it won't warrant a higher hourly wage, etc..

eskimo515 · 07-21-2004, 02:28 PM

that helps. definitely looking for the traditional fitness industry cert.

fitgirl18 · 10-05-2007, 04:34 PM

i recently got certified through ifpa and wishing i had done more research on certifications.
IFPA IS A NOOOOO!!
ifpa is convenient if you don't hve the time to go somewhere and take a test. they send you the test in the mail and you take it when ever you'd like.(anyone can pass! that's why they're not recognized) or you can go to one of their seminars and do the test there. but they don't offer the test in too many states, so you'll have to make a trip out of it.
the material itself is good and i learned a lot from it. but i was also begining and the only other education i had was a human anatomy class i took in college about a month prior.
if you are serious about personal training or any field of education within fitness, but you don't have a degree yet, i'd suggest nasm or ace. these are more recognized within the fitness industry and if you're planning on starting out at a gym, like bally's or 24 hour fitness ace and nasm will help you out a lot more with a job.
i'm just beging in the personal training industry, so i don't know all. but i have been looking around and i'm planning on getting recertified through nasm. try to avoid spending the money on ifpa when you may have to get recert. through another.

hope this helped!

04-11-2004, 04:07 PM	#1
buffed Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tucson Posts: 133	Which pt certification? ive been looking for a personal trainer certificate and ive found tons of em... Any advice?

04-11-2004, 04:10 PM	#2
Var Filthy Animal Join Date: May 2002 Location: Finally back in New England!! Posts: 5,438	I'm working on ISSA now. There are other good ones, but this looked best to me. You can check out www.issaonline.com for info.
	But when you disarm them, you at once offend them by showing that you distrust them, either for cowardice or for want of loyalty, and either of these opinions breeds hatred against you. -N. Machiavelli

04-11-2004, 06:10 PM	#4
P-funk Patrick Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: AZ Posts: 30,629	I have NASM. ACE and CSCS are also good ones.
	http://pwtraining.blogspot.com/.....come and see what is on my mind! Ivonne's Blog on Health and Wellness! Looking for online training/coaching/consulting? --> Optimum Sports Performance "In the beginners mind there are many possibilities, in the experts there are few." -Buddha's Little Instruction Book

04-11-2004, 07:44 PM	#5
DrChiro addicted to the crack Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: houston, tx Posts: 798	there are alot of decent ones as people are mentioning....just find one that you can take soon...make sure the places you want to work accept it...and find out what you have to do to keep your certification.... you can be smart as hell or totally stupid and still get certified...there were a bunch of dumbasses in my classes....so dont worry too much about what organization it is.....just make sure you know what you are doing and never stop learning...just get certified so you can get out there and help people and make some "bling" in the process!
	My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I am right. When one door closes another door opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us.

04-12-2004, 10:40 AM	#7
DrChiro addicted to the crack Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: houston, tx Posts: 798	of course the more education you get the better! i think the anatomy you would learn would open up some other avenues if you wish to pursue them (like chiropractic or med school)....go for it!
	My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I am right. When one door closes another door opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us.

04-11-2004, 05:04 PM	#3
SpinQueen Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 112	We Bally trainers get a big discount on ISSA. I have to have my cert soon, or I'll get fired. Better get on it.

04-12-2004, 06:02 AM	#6
jaim91 Ms. Olympia Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 1,484 Photos: 16	Is it beneficial to go through kinesiology in university in order to become a personal trainer?

04-12-2004, 10:49 AM	#9
DrChiro addicted to the crack Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: houston, tx Posts: 798	I actually got certified through ACE in college.....one of my teachers started the program there...it was cool...i got credit for school and PT certification all in one...maybe suggest this idea to the head of your PE department.
	My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I am right. When one door closes another door opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us.

04-13-2004, 10:02 AM	#10
jaim91 Ms. Olympia Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 1,484 Photos: 16	I'm in high school, not college - so I can't change the curriculum just yet...but two years from now, I will mention it. But from what I hear, almost any tom, dick, or harry can get certified through the internet and all the mail order programs out there. Does it really make that much of a difference if I have my B.A. in Kinesiology?

05-05-2004, 01:55 PM	#12
MXQdRacer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Harrington, Delaware Posts: 124	You know DrChiro, my local Technical College is offering a "National Certificate" course this summer, but I called in to find out which certificate it was, and the instructor wasn't there......I may pursue this. But the only bad thing is, (well not bad, but not reassurring) the class is only 6 weeks long, 2 nights a week..That is like 18 hours.......That's not nearly enough time, is it? They say the test at the end of the course will determine whether or not you are certified.......

05-05-2004, 11:22 PM	#14
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,984 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 320	you can do ISSA CFT online/home, they just published the 8th edition text book and a new video which is on DVD. http://www.issaonline.com/courses/cft.cfm
	SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal BigBackGrips - If you lift weights you've got to try these grips! HumaneVoLabs - Foaming Transdermal Delivery System. Creatine Ethyl Ester HCL (CEE) On Sale $17.49 per bottle!

05-06-2004, 11:37 AM	#15
MXQdRacer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Harrington, Delaware Posts: 124	Has anyone heard of the WITS WOrld Instructor Training School??? Ths is what my local college is offereing, and I am thinking about taking it.......

05-06-2004, 11:42 AM	#16
LAM Gym ratt/Part-time pimp Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 7,384 Photos: 2	I just started the cert for IFPA... http://www.ifpa-fitness.com/
	Dumbest statement made in the Anabolic Zone for Nov TBD ----------------------------------------------------- What you talking about Willis ?

05-07-2004, 03:55 AM	#17
buffed Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tucson Posts: 133	There are so many pt cert there are out there. http://www.ptonthenet.com/accreditation.asp go to that site, they have some of the "well known pt cert". Thats according to a friend of mine who is a manager and the head of a personal trainer in a gym in Singapore. And according to the gym that i go to here in the US, they recognise certs such as ACE and NSCA. Dont just register for any certs just becos of the cheap price they offer. If you wanna be a trainer in a gym, you better ask the gym first cos they might not accept just any kind of cert.

05-07-2004, 05:12 AM	#18
jaim91 Ms. Olympia Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 1,484 Photos: 16	Is it better to get it by going to university, and taking kinesiology, etc. Or on the internet? Do you get just as much in depth education from the 'net?

05-08-2004, 05:10 AM	#19
buffed Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tucson Posts: 133	well most of the courses on the net cover kinesiology as well, so i guess it would be the same as taking class on the university.. but the thing is that with online courses you have to read the book yourself, no one is gonna force you.. if you have the discipline i recommend that you take the online courses... it certainly safe you time and money.. and btw if you have the cert and can find a job in the gym, that would be helpful as well as education doesnt just occur in classroom. Last edited by buffed : 05-08-2004 at 05:21 AM.

05-08-2004, 05:21 AM	#20
jaim91 Ms. Olympia Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 1,484 Photos: 16	Anyone here who is/ wants to be a certified pt take kinesiology?

06-23-2004, 02:02 PM	#21
MXQdRacer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Harrington, Delaware Posts: 124	I have two weeks left before my written, and practical final for my WITS cert. We'll see I guess....lol

07-14-2004, 11:50 AM	#22
MXQdRacer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Harrington, Delaware Posts: 124	Well, I took the practical test, and the written test last week. I could have up to a month wait before I know my results...that sucks : (

07-14-2004, 04:54 PM	#23
eskimo515 King of the Dog Freaks Elite Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: NYC Posts: 335	If you have the time, is it better to go through a class (like WITS) or just do the take home courses? Thoughts?
	Because I'm not on an Atkins Diet nor would I ever do one. I'm a BB not a dieter! - Jodi

07-15-2004, 07:02 AM	#24
MXQdRacer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Harrington, Delaware Posts: 124	personally, I think it would be better to go through the class...you have lectures, and practical training as well... But I am not sure that WITS is as recgonized as say ISSA..........

07-15-2004, 09:30 AM	#25
Dale Mabry Moderator Moderator Join Date: May 2003 Location: Elsewhere Posts: 13,882 Photos: 10	I would go either NASM or NSCA because they just seem to have more stuff. For example, the NASM PES and NSCA CSCS are the only 2 certs that will allow you to work with athletes at the collegiate level or higher, unfortunately you need a Bachelors to sit for the exam. Sure, you can WORK with athletes without this, but no college or sport training facility would hire you without either of these exams or a degree in exercise phys. I am going to do the NASM PES when I muster up the time to do it. Alot of the drills athletes do are incredible for advanced BBers.
	If sense were common, everyone would have it. 4/2007-Current 75th Ranked most popular image 1 spot behind Prince's bulge...

07-15-2004, 11:10 AM	#26
MXQdRacer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Harrington, Delaware Posts: 124	Yea, but for someone who is interested in the field, like myself, and doesn't have a bachelors, Like myself again..lol, these could be some good alternatives...

07-21-2004, 01:08 PM	#27
eskimo515 King of the Dog Freaks Elite Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: NYC Posts: 335	Seems like we have beat this topic to death, but I am about spend money on this thing so I want to make sure I got it right. I was choosing between ISSA and NSCA. NSCA seems so much cheaper than ISSA and I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts as to why or if their own research confirms that. Antyhing would be helpful.
	Because I'm not on an Atkins Diet nor would I ever do one. I'm a BB not a dieter! - Jodi

07-21-2004, 02:28 PM	#29
eskimo515 King of the Dog Freaks Elite Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: NYC Posts: 335	that helps. definitely looking for the traditional fitness industry cert.
	Because I'm not on an Atkins Diet nor would I ever do one. I'm a BB not a dieter! - Jodi

10-05-2007, 04:34 PM	#30
fitgirl18 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 5	i recently got certified through ifpa and wishing i had done more research on certifications. IFPA IS A NOOOOO!! ifpa is convenient if you don't hve the time to go somewhere and take a test. they send you the test in the mail and you take it when ever you'd like.(anyone can pass! that's why they're not recognized) or you can go to one of their seminars and do the test there. but they don't offer the test in too many states, so you'll have to make a trip out of it. the material itself is good and i learned a lot from it. but i was also begining and the only other education i had was a human anatomy class i took in college about a month prior. if you are serious about personal training or any field of education within fitness, but you don't have a degree yet, i'd suggest nasm or ace. these are more recognized within the fitness industry and if you're planning on starting out at a gym, like bally's or 24 hour fitness ace and nasm will help you out a lot more with a job. i'm just beging in the personal training industry, so i don't know all. but i have been looking around and i'm planning on getting recertified through nasm. try to avoid spending the money on ifpa when you may have to get recert. through another. hope this helped!
fitgirl18 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 5