u003cpu003eThere are a host of personal training certifications floating around, being snapped up on weekends and evenings by random individuals who want to make a buck u0022trainingu0022 others. How do you know what certifications are good and which are poor? Unfortunately, there is not a solid way to name this one u0022badu0022 or that one u0022good.u0022 However, there are some key factors to consider when searching for your personal trainer.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eA handful of personal training certifications have been recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, which can be referenced at www.credentialingexcellence.org. The NCCA's mission and vision read as follows:u003c/pu003e
u003cpu003eThe NCCA helps to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public through the accreditation of a variety of certification programs/organizations that assess professional competency. The NCCA uses a peer review process to:u003c/pu003enu003culu003enu003cliu003eEstablish accreditation standards;u003c/liu003enu003cliu003eEvaluate compliance with the standards;u003c/liu003enu003cliu003eRecognize organizations/programs which demonstrate compliance; andu003c/liu003enu003cliu003eServe as a resource on quality certification.u003c/liu003enu003c/ulu003enu003cpu003eThe NCCA will be an administratively independent resource recognized as the authority on accreditation standards for professional certification organizations/programs. Based on sound principles, NCCA standards will be optimal and comprehensive criteria for organizational process and performance. They will be broadly recognized, objective, and current benchmarks for certifying bodies to achieve and by which they operate.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThe first personal training certification to meet the NCCA’s requirements was the National Strength and Conditioning Assocation’s Certified Personal Trainer credential. The NSCA accomplished this in 1996. Athough the NSCA-C.P.T. is still widely recognized as the most respected personal training certification, a handful of other certifications have now made the NCCA’s list. The personal training certifications recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies are as follows:u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eNSCA – National Strength and Conditioning Assocationu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eACSM – American College of Sports Medicineu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eNASM – National Academy of Sports Medicineu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eNESTA – National Exercise and Sports Trainers Associationu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eACE – American Council on Exerciseu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eNCSF – National Council on Strength and Fitnessu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eNFPT – National Federation of Professional Trainersu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eIFPA – International Fitness Professionals Associationu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eIn summary, at least the aforementioned certifications have met some recognized quality standards. Does this mean that one should not consider a professional with another certification? Not exactly. Some certifications, such as the Cooper Clinic’s C.P.T., are well known, respected and worth consideration. When picking a personal trainer, consider other important factors in addition to the certification, such as personality, experience, client testimonials, and education. A degree is better than no degree. A health and fitness related degree is better than a degree in an unrelated field. A kinesiology degree will be more beneficial in getting you results than a health promotion degree. Perhaps the best degree for personal training is Exercise Science, the same bachelor’s required for those going into physical therapy or chiropractic. When choosing your personal trainer, look for a combination of good personality, client testimonials, a health and fitness degree, quality certification, and multiple years of experience.u003c/pu003e
Thomas C. Jensen is an exercise physiologist, nutritionist, and a nationally certified personal trainer through both the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He is a summa cum laude graduate of Harding University and a member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society. As a wellness speaker and franchisor, he has shared his expertise in health and fitness with diverse audiences. He has been professionally training and consulting clients of all ages and backgrounds, for both health and human performance, for over 20 years. In March of 2004, he launched Elect Wellness, a thriving home-delivered personal training and nutrition coaching company, which has since expanded into an effective franchise system.
