There are many different types of personal training certifications in the fitness industry. The United States federal and state governments have not regulated personal training so there are no laws to specify whether or not a fitness professional should have certain credentials. A law might be passed someday that would ensure all personal trainers must have an exercise related four year degree and a specific personal training certification. Until a law is passed and enforced, there will be no regulation on personal trainers and what they need to be qualified.
Having trained clients for several years, I have decided to research what are often considered the top four certifying agencies. The National Strength and Conditioning Association, the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise rank among the top certifying agencies. When a personal trainer does not hold a certification from one of these agencies, it does not necessarily mean they are not qualified but most reputable trainers will have a certification from at least one of these. A trainer with an exercise related degree might not make a trainer qualified either. Whether or not a trainer has some experience is also another factor. Multiple variables should be determined before hiring a personal trainer.
The National Strength and Conditioning Association published a study in 2002 in which investigators used the Fitness Instructors Knowledge Assessment. This assessment tests personal trainers on knowledge in areas like nutrition, health screening testing protocols, exercise prescription and special populations. The research study showed the trainers with a formal education were more knowledgeable. More than half of the personal trainers with the study did not have degrees. The trainers without degrees scored 31% less than those that did. The study found that personal trainers with a Bachelor’s or Master’s in exercise science will have a deeper understand of exercise physiology and the human body.
Most certifying agencies will require bachelor’s degree in an exercise related field. Most advanced personal training certifications will require a degree as a prerequisite to take the exam. Both the American College of Sport Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association have certifications that will require a Bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite to take the exam. Personal trainers that posses an exercise related degree are likely to be serious about fitness as a career choice and not a hobby.
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is recognized by collegiate strength coaches and other fitness professionals. The CSCS or Certified Strength Conditioning Specialist credential is highly respected since the exam is very comprehensive. A candidate taking the exam must know exercise science and have knowledge in strength training.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is referred to as the gold standard in the fitness industry. This is mainly because it has a clinical approach and addresses risk factors and injuries a client might have. The American College of Sports Medicine is often referenced to in many text books since they are the organization that has established guidelines in fitness. Fitness professionals who have achieved a certification through the American College of Sports Medicine usually work in a clinical, hospital like setting.
The National Academy of Sports Medicine ( NASM) is becoming more recognized in the industry. The National Academy of Sports Medicine specializes in post-rehabilitation and also has a certification for sports performance. The certifications offered by NASM might be helpful for clients with postural and orthopedic issues.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is a popular organization among exercise professionals. Most fitness professionals view the American Council on Exercise as having a reputable but entry level certifications. It is not uncommon for a personal trainer to seek an ACE certification as their first certification since it is a good foundation.
To minimize risks and maximize the chance for success, clients should look for one of the certifications that I listed above. It is also important that a personal trainer is experienced working with different types of clients and hold an exercise related degree. Unfortunately, there are many trainers today that are not degreed or certified. This can create a problem because a personal trainer with no qualifications is more likely to put a client at a higher risk of injury.
People who are hiring a trainer for the first time need to ask the trainer about their background. When a trainer does not meet specific requirements it can be detrimental to a client. The debate remains whether or not action will be taken someday for personal trainers to uphold certain standards and there are no federal regulations coming in the near future. Unfortunately, unless a law is made and enforced, many personal trainers in the fitness industry will remain without specific certifications and exercise related degrees.
Tom Bowler B.S., CSCS, NASM-CES
