Is NASM a good choice over the other certifications?

by Ranjini
(CA)

I had almost made up my mind to take up the NASM's CPT certification when I read in another website posted by a fitness trainer herself that NASM is not the first choice in many gyms. If that is the case how does it enable people who are new to the fitness industry with a NASM certification find jobs in gyms?

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NASM
by: Kathy

Where I live they love NASM. NASM and Cooper are big here but I live near Dallas so Cooper Institute is very well known in this area.

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NASM
by: kevin

I think you'll find the majority of gyms accept NASM. Personally, I feel the NSCA CPT or CSCS is a better choice.

Kevin
kevin@Cox-fitness.com

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NASM and gyms
by: Anonymous

I went to the NASM web site and read the text pertaining to the OPT approach they emphasize. It's very scientific and thorough. But it would seem very difficult to implement in a gym environment.

Because you often find yourself waiting to use equipment in the gym it would be more difficult to follow the very specific rest periods between sets and other variables critical to the OPT approach.

I'm very analytical and I happen to like the very scientific and controlled approach. But it seems best suited for situations where trainer and client have uninterrupted access to training equipment.

I recently saw a job opportunity for personal trainers and the qualifications were as follows:

Level I Personal Trainer
Certified Personal Trainer
American Council on Exercise (ACE)

Level II Personal Trainer
Certified Personal Trainer
American Council on Exercise (ACE)
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
Six-months of Personal Trainer experience

Level III Personal Trainer
Certified Personal Trainer
American Council on Exercise (ACE)
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
National Strength and Conditions Association (NSCA)
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or
Advanced National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
One-year of Personal Trainer experience

The above would seem to suggest that acquiring multiple certifications is the way to go. Beyond that, I think confidence, personality, professionalism and dedication to quality service will be just as important as the particular certifications.

I plan on starting with ACE. Next, I'll probably do NASM, followed by ACSM.

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NASM
by: Boston Area

I'm in the Boston area and one of the top gyms was looking for NASM certified trainers so that's who I went with - Speaking with others in the industry, it is certainly a recognized certification.

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I'm from Florida
by: Anonymous

Can I take the state exam in Spanish

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ACSM, NSCA, IF you have the proper background
by: Anonymous

Coulda, woulda, shoulda. My BS in in Marketing, so I am was not eligible for ACSM. Next best option-- NASM cPT. Better job outlooks with NASM than with ACE, ISSA, IFPA, or AFAA. Too many damn certifications out there if you ask me. If some of them would "buy out" the others and streamline, there would be a lot less confusion and idiot trainers, thus "raising the bar" and allowing the rest of us to earn more money by weeding out the junk. I like ACSM's "clinical certification" approach-- if I had the time to go back to school for a second degree, I'd certainly pursue ACSM. Could, woulda, shoulda.

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NASM CPT
by: Anonymous

I have 2 NASM certifications and never had a problem finding a job in a gym.

Is NASM a good choice over the other certifications?

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