Best Personal Training Certification Association?

[cytrix]

I AM CONSIDERING ISSA, WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF BEING THE BEST CHOICE OF EDUCATION TO BECOME A PERSONAL TRAINER? AND WHY?
I PLACED A THREAD REGARDING THIS SUBJECT BEFORE, AND AFTER INFORMING MYSELF ABOUT THE VARIOUS ASSOCIATIONS CAME TO PREFER THE ISSA, BECAUSE THE EDUCATION SEEMS VERY COMPLETE, AND UNLIKE OTHERS, THEY HAVE INTERACTIVE ON-LINE STUDYING, WEEKEND SEMINARS, AND FREE TECHNICAL SUPPORT EVEN AFTER CERTIFICATION.

 

[gopro]

I have about half a dozen certificaions and out of all of them,i would say that my ISSA cert. is the best.There are other really good ones,like ACSM and ACE,but for home study,ISSA can't be beat.By the way...it aint easy.

 

[ballast]

I agree with gopro-ISSA is the best certification I have come across and between the hands on seminars it offers as well as technical support, it is very efficient for personal trainers.As for the level of difficulty in studying for certification through this organization, I would say it is very difficult.You are issued a 450 page text to study which includes tons of useful information such as kinesiology,physiology,diet and nutrition,anatomy and periodization models/info.You are also given a textbook dealing with the buisness side of personal training which is very useful if you plan on becoming an independant contractor.The ISSA also encourages people to become certified in more than one organization and to constantly keep up with the current trends and studies involved in physical training and personal training.

 

[cytrix]

thanx guys, i think i will go with the ISSA, for the reasons mentioned. i wouldn't want the exam to be easy, i want to have an education that means something, so i can be of the most benefit for my future clients. the ISSA seems to be most up to date with their study material.

has anyone an opinion on the IFPTA? i saw them mentioned together with the ISSA , ACSM and NSCA PT on the net as reputable associations.
They kind of discouraged people from going with ACE, which surprised me, saying that some of their material was questionable (example was that steroids did not have a mayor effect - which we all know is untrue, they do work!).
From what i got looking at IFPTA's site, i don't think they are all that, but maybe i'm wrong? i ordered some info of them, which i will receive in a few days.

 

[CarbAddict]

For what it's worth, I'm going through NFPT and the study materials aren't user-friendly (to say the least) and the personnel who are supposto be there to help and answer any questions aren't helpful and guard information as if it was a top secret document.

 

[Ginni]

I have my certification through ACE. So of course my opinion would have to be they are the best. The study material was very good.. The test was not easy at all... Just make sure you research them all. Some are not Nationally recognized.. Good luck to you with which ever one you choose...

 

[Ginni]

Originally posted by cytrix

They kind of discouraged people from going with ACE, which surprised me, saying that some of their material was questionable (example was that steroids did not have a mayor effect - which we all know is untrue, they do work!).

I don't know where that statement came from, but from my experience with ACE I have never heard that statement..

 

[syntekz]

He is refferring to A.C.E's text book. They mention steroids in a couple sentences stating that they have no effect on weight training and than they skip onto other things.

ACE from what I've heard is mostly for aerobic instructors and cardio type 'things.'

I'm going to go with ISSA; they are the only organization that has called me and spoken to me to see if I had questions, etc etc.

 

[gopro]

You can't miss with the ISSA.It will give you a great knowledge base in all pertinent areas involved with being a solid trainer.Like I said I have many certifications....ISSA,ACE,NAPT,several PAUL CHEK,STRENGTH COACHING through Charles Poliquin,etc.,and I feel that the ISSA was the most comprehensive.Also,they have other very valuable certifications to get after you finish the initial one.

 

[cytrix]

thanx everyone for your advise, i just mailed my enrollment form with the ISSA. they also have another course in FITNESS TRAINER POST REHABILITATION AND MEDICAL FITNESS CERTIFICATION which i am considering already taking afterwards (they are the only ones, offering this kind of studies). i also liked the fact, that they got in touch with me personally, asking me some questions (why i was interested in PT etc.), and if i had any questions for them, offering me to call if i preferred that over email.

 

[gopro]

 

[rmau803]

Ask probably any medically based facility and I think you will find out that the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) is the gold standard by which most of the other organizations are based. Most of the others I have looked at get alot of their material from the ACSM. I am not certified through them yet, but plan on doing it when I can. The thing about them is they are more medical and more difficult than any other organization I have heard of. Also, some of the more renowned facilities REQUIRE and ACSM certification. Just my two beans.

 

[THE_GAME]

do you have to be 18 to get certified?

 

[gopro]

I do not believe that there is an age requirement..but I could be wrong on this one.I have never heard of an age restriction and maybe it depends on the organization.Only way to know is to inquire