I often get people asking me for my opinion on the best personal trainer certifications. I am always reluctant to give my opinion because "best" means different things for different people. You are much better off finding the certification program that matches your goals and requirements.
You really need to go back to the basics to find the best personal trainer certifications for you.
If you are looking for a long term career or are interested in starting a personal training business, the NCCA accredited programs will be the best personal trainer certifications for you.
I added this page to the site because I wanted to give trainers the chance to express their views on the best personal trainer certifications. So if you are certified, tell us what you think.
Even if you are not certified, share what you have learned by researching the best personal trainer certifications. Which one do you think is best?
I am sure we can all get together and agree on what is the best personal trainer certification, right?
Maybe not, but we all can have our say and rate and discuss what everybody else thinks is the best personal trainer certification.
Click on the links below to see what other people say is the best personal trainer certification...Rate and discuss their comments.
All certs are overrated
Please people relax.I have been a trainer for 16 years.I train a pro hockey player.I give seminars to various school districts sports coaches.I am a successful ...
ACSM VS NASM
I am looking to obtain my first CPT. I am comparing what is considered the two best certifications, but I notice a huge cost difference on the programs....
Is Ace For Me?
I have just been recently released from the army. i maxed out all of my pt tests and enjoy working out everyday. I'm looking to become a personal trainer ...
First certification recommendations
I'm about to get started on my first PT certification.
The two that I'm deciding between are NASM and NSCA. Which, in your opinion, would be the best ...
NSCA compared to NASM
I am already NSCA certified, i need to take the NASM for my job. Is there anyone else that has taken both and could tell the differences, i know NSCA is ...
Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology or Exercise Science?
I am in the process of a career change to personal training. My long term goal is to train endurance athletes, specifically triathletes. My plan is to ...
PFTA hands on learning vs. ISSA certification
I have an opportunity to take the ISSA (on line) or a local company PFTA with (hands on). I'm 45 years old and want this very bad. It seem personal trainer ...
Benefits of Getting a Degree
I have been in the fitness business for 30 years and I will tell you, flat out, that a degree from a university, followed with instructional licensing ...
How to start? NSCA or ACSM; no fitness degree; Please help!
I have a bachelors degree in psychology and have decided to get my personal trainer certification to work part time, full time if I can make enough money....
NASM VS. NSCA CPT
I have narrowed it down between these two companies. I am a Firefighter/Paramedic and I am looking for a side job. Can anyone recommend one of these ...
Deciding between ACE or AFAA... or a better option...
I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on which certification is better. The ACE or AFAA? Or if you would recommend something else? I am all ...
Does it matter which personal training certification you get?
I'm currently studying for my personal training certification with NCSF (National Council on Strength and Fitness). It is accredited and has testing centers ...
ACE vs ACSM
I am going to obtain my personal trainer certification and I have narrowed it down to ACE and ACSM. I will be doing the self study method. ACE seems ...
ACE vs. NASM?
Wondering which certification is best for a first time accreditation? Both ACE and NASM seem widely-recognized and accepted. I am undecided whether to ...
The Gold Standard
Its the best! But to be more practical NASM is the way to go! ACSM sets the standard! But NASM puts it to use in real word practices! they are both great ...
NASM or Cooper's Certification
I have narrowed it down to NASM or Cooper's and thought you could tell me which direction you would go if you were me. I know Cooper's is more hands-on ...
YMCA Certification?
Hey guys, Did anybody here take the YMCA Personal training course and get your certificaiton? If you did, what did you think of the whole course and is ...
NPTI review
I am a personal trainer, and have been for twelve years. I have come across many different types of certification, and NPTI seems to be the best. New trainers ...
Online CPR certifications
I know that CPR certifications are a prerequisite and this site mentions that the Red Cross offers courses online but is there any difference between their ...
Certs Accepted in Canada?
Hi, I am in the States right now, but will be moving back to Canada in a year or so and eager to get my certs now, before moving back.
Is ACE/ ISSA and/...
Best Cert for Certain Criteria
okay, i understand that there are valid opinions out there that no one cert is better than another, in and of themselves.
but what if you know what ...
Best Certification for Women's Fitness and Nutrition
I was thinking about specializing as a personal trainer and nutritional consultant for women, especially for women over 50. I just reached that age myself ...
What Certifications are valid in Australia?
Hi I am an Indian,33 yrs, have a vast experience as a personal fitness trainer and have worked as a fitness manager for 8 yrs. I am immigrating to Australia ...
All Certs are the Same
It amazes me how everyone thinks this certification is better than that one and the rest!
What people fail to realize when getting into the PT business,...
PROPTA / The Private Trainers Association
I like your site, it is very informative, but I noticed something that is missing. You talk about certifications and you give your opinion and you have ...
Best Certification for Training the Elderly?
I want to learn more about personal training and fitness overall. My ultimate goal is to create an e-book and market it on the internet. I want to acquire ...
IFPA is the best cert
I just came across this site and its really well done- a lot of good info. But the best certification to me is IFPA. They have the best customer service,...
ACE or NASM certification?
I am trying to decide which PTcert would be better for a newbie. I'd like to pass the exam and get to work ASAP. I live on the east coast and I've narrowed ...
NSCA-CPT
I have to give kudos to the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association). They really make sure you know your stuff in the field. They educated ...
AFPA personal trainer certification
I live in Spain where I own my personal training business. I was thinking to take an online course in personal training or nutrition, for putting another ...
AFPA or ISSA certification?
I am undecided which of this two, ISSA or AFPA online personal trainer certifications should I be signing up for. I would really appreciate some feedback....
WITS Certification
Just taking a test for personal training is not enough – You have to apply personal training. WITS Certification taught me that certification is a lifestyle ...
Not sure which certification is best for my background?
I have been looking at the various PT certifications out there and I am trying to decide which one best meets my background or if I even need to get a ...
Crossfit Level 1 vs. Everything Else
I used this site to pick my personal training cert. I chose NASM. I was extremely pleased with what I learned, the information on this site, and the organizations ...
IFPA or NFPT
This site is fantastic! I've been wanting to get my certification for some time but I had no idea where to start or which certification would be best ...
N.C.C.P.T.
I am certified by NCCPT and I think it is one of the best and easiest certifications to obtain. They come to most U.S. cities a few times a year and you ...
NASM But Just a opinion Backed up By acceptance by many Gyms
I have personaly took this and currently studing with the afpa for the nutrition and wellness and the weightloss consultant cert Beacause NASM does not ...
NSCA versus NFPT
I'm looking to get certified and having a hard time distinguishing whether to go for a NSCA or NFPT certification. Which is better and why?
Which certification NASM, ACE, or ISSA?
Not rated yet
I'm currently enrolled at a college in my sophomore year and plan on getting a bachelors in business management with a minor in risk management. I am doing ...
AFAA or ACSM??
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Hello!
I am currently a group fit instructor, and really want to become a personal trainer. I am just not sure which route to go. I know ACSM is NCCA ...
American Fitness Training of Athletics AFTA
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I went with AFTA in the fall of 2008 and was VERY pleased! They offer an extensive home study course "Personal Trainer II" and it was quiet difficult.
I ...
1st certification- AFAA and ACE
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I am deciding between AFAA and ACE. I would like to work in a gym for a while and then start on my own with individual training outside of the gym. I ...
PROPTA
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I search all the certification courses and the one that stood out for me was PROPTA because it is taught by professional athletes. that's what I got and ...
YAFT from AFTA, CFSC from AFPA, YFT from ISSA
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I am looking to start training children and youth fitness so I am particularly intrigued by these courses as they are specified for what I am looking for....
NSCA & ACE Certification
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My wife and I our starting our own Personal Training business. We are going to start out of our home and go to clients homes if needed. We have two other ...
Questions About the Field
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Hi, I'm only 19 years old, but have a passion for fitness. I have tried the ACE PT exam and failed the first time. I am re-taking it in November. I am ...
Cert for functional fitness?
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What cert would be the best foundation for functional fitness training? I am interested in whole body, dynamic training, not muscle isolating machines,...
NSCA or ACSM Clinical Certifications
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I would like some feedback as to whether it is better to get a NSCA, or one or more of the ACSM Clinical Certifications, such as ACSM Certified Clinical ...
Best International Certification
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I'm currently in London, although South African by nationality. I'm still unsure if I want to stay in London as not too long ago I left my career in the ...
Your advice in picking CPT(CFT) to fit my personal criteria
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I've perused through your very helpful site. Summarized below are my criteria in order to receive advise accordingly:
1.) Lifelong interest in Fitness ...
The CSCS: better than any PT cert.
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I would have to say that the CSCS certification is better than any form of a Personal Trainer certification. It is much more comprehensive in terms of ...
Best training for back problems?
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I currently have a corporate desk-job career, but am coming to realize that my true path lies in following my passions of health and fitness (I love running ...
NPTI
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Plain and simple... it's an actual course devoted to educating you on all aspects of personal training in depth (biological, anatomical, mechanical, nutritional,...
ACSM/ISSA Review
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I have both Certs and am a physical therapist. I still believe that ACSM is the benchmark of all personal training certs, but that is my humble opinion....
NCCPT Recommendation
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I think it's the best certification out there. Here's why:
1. It's applies the academic information in a practical manner.
2. It's geared towards commercial ...
AAPT, NPTT, and SETS
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I am looking for a certification program where I can start working and know what I am doing when I become certified. I found some similarities between ...
