Become a Personal Trainer: Select the Right Certification

Many people want to know how to become a certified personal trainer quickly. One way is to attain a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science or a related field. However, the quicker route is to attain a certificate from an organization accredited by the NCCA. NCCA stands for the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

This organization was one of the pioneers within the fitness and health industry to provide accrediting for certain physical fitness programs. This assures the public is kept healthy and safe. It is also positive for you, as a personal trainer, in that your certification is recognized on a national level by the majority of health clubs, gyms and physical fitness centers.

You’ll find in your research that before you can enroll in a certified personal training program you are going to need CPR certification. The best place to go for certification is the American Heart Association. The majority of gyms and fitness clubs seem to prefer the certification provided by the American Heart Association. Earn the Healthcare Provider Certification since you’ll only need to renew it once every two years. If you choose the Basic CPR, you’ll need to renew your certification annually. In earning the CPR certification, you will provide your clients or an employer confidence that you have the knowledge to employ the proper life-saving techniques should this become necessary.

When choosing personal trainer certification, since this appears to be a daunting task, look toward particular websites which profile individual NCCA programs and also make a point of comparing prices, levels of intensity, recognition within the fitness industry, etc. Persons in the industry also look favorably upon other certifications: a) NCSM, b) ACSM, and c) NSCA. The ACE certification which is a certification attained for a special populous is looked on favorably by some fitness industry employers and by others not so much. Many employers like programs that place special emphasis on designing a good fitness regimen for the client.

If you aren’t sure how to proceed with regard to certification, it is recommended you phone up health clubs in your area and speak with the physical fitness managers. Ask them what certifications they most prefer. Many gyms require at least one certification; however, two is even better.

If you can’t find employment right away at a bigger health club, you can always approach the local YMCA or a community center offering recreational services. Both of the venues will allow you to gain credibility in the field. Also as a side note: the YMCA (additionally) has their own certification program. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t attain national accreditation; you are just at a better advantage with as much training as possible. This greatly decreases employer liability.

Additionally, it is recommended you specialize in one or two particular areas such as: a) Sports training; or b) Losing weight. Pursue taking continuing education credits which are offered through your accrediting organization; attend conferences relative to physical fitness, and become all you can be with regard to your profession.