ACSM Certification?

[Slyder190]

IS this a good one? I have the chance to get a spot part-time at my gym and I'm psyched about it. The current trainers and must get recertified with that specific certification as well, as the gym recently changed names. How tough is it for a guy who was never great at math or science? I have a BA, so I'm thinkin I should pass on the first shot with enough work and effort.

 

[Pilot22]

ACSM and NSCA are probably the two best

 

[mtguy8787]

ACSM and NSCA are probably the two best

x2.

I am an ACSM certified trainer.

From what I have learned from talking to other trainers with the NSCA cert, the ACSM focuses a bit more on working with a variety of populations, and NSCA focuses a bit more on actual strength training.

In either case, if you want to be very knowledgeable, you need to actively do research on your own; what you will learn from even the best certs, in regards to building muscle, strength, and transforming the body is very limited.

 

[DBoh9]

Hi,
Great question. The ACSM certification is one of the most reputable out there. Out of the "Big 3", it is the most medically based. So, if you were going to work in a research or a rehabilitation setting, it would have the best carryover. However, it will still allow for you to develop and implement sound fitness programs for your clients.

The NSCA-CSCS certification specializes more specifically with the development of athletes and athletic teams, but the principles of this certification can also be modified to fit various populations. Everyone has an inner athlete.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your search.

Boh

David Bohmiller
http://www.my-personal-trainer-school.com

 

[lorenzo79]

go 4 it !

 

[calimuscle]

I have a BS in Mathematics with a postbaccalureate education in Biology/Chemistry/Physiology and I can tell you the ACSM is very attainable.

With any certification, understand the big picture and you will do well. The specifics are usually items that are referenced when needed.

 

[bsdgeek]

I just took and passed my NSCA-CPT a while back, and it was a hard test. I've lived in the medical community all my life, my mother was a nurse for 25 years, and I worked as a Biomedical Engineer for 2 1/2 years. I have a wealth of knowledge of anatomy and physiology as it was a hobby due to all my mother's nursing books lying around, plus my obvious involvement in weight lifting/training. I developed an interest in bodybuilding and proper training in the marine corps in the late 80's. I have trained many people, helped many people get good results, and decided to get a certification and do it professionally. So, I tell you all that to say this:

The NCSA CPT is a difficult test, but it is within reach, don't let anyone tell you any different. You'll spend several hundred dollars for study materials if you expect to pass this exam.

The NSCA CSCS- you have to have at least a BS in a related field to even sit for this exam. Need I say more?

Haven't researched the ACSM, but I've heard that it's a good certification, and it'll probably be very difficult as well.

But, any certification worth having isn't easy to get. Hope this helps.

 

[calimuscle]

I sat for the ACSM CPT on Feb 29 and scored 712 out of 800. It is very attainable if you study hard.

I found the three day seminar very helpful in identifying the key ideas to study for on the exam.

 

[calimuscle]

I'm currently studying for the NSCA CSCS and its not exactly correct that a BS degree in a related field is required. Just a BS/BA or BX (meaning any other type of bachelors' degree) is required.

I just took and passed my NSCA-CPT a while back, and it was a hard test. I've lived in the medical community all my life, my mother was a nurse for 25 years, and I worked as a Biomedical Engineer for 2 1/2 years. I have a wealth of knowledge of anatomy and physiology as it was a hobby due to all my mother's nursing books lying around, plus my obvious involvement in weight lifting/training. I developed an interest in bodybuilding and proper training in the marine corps in the late 80's. I have trained many people, helped many people get good results, and decided to get a certification and do it professionally. So, I tell you all that to say this:

The NCSA CPT is a difficult test, but it is within reach, don't let anyone tell you any different. You'll spend several hundred dollars for study materials if you expect to pass this exam.

The NSCA CSCS- you have to have at least a BS in a related field to even sit for this exam. Need I say more?

Haven't researched the ACSM, but I've heard that it's a good certification, and it'll probably be very difficult as well.

But, any certification worth having isn't easy to get. Hope this helps.

 

[bsdgeek]

I'm currently studying for the NSCA CSCS and its not exactly correct that a BS degree in a related field is required. Just a BS/BA or BX (meaning any other type of bachelors' degree) is required.

correct you are sir, but unless you have an very, and i mean very in depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology, you'll fail. this test is a very hard test, and most people i know who usually graduate with undergrad and grad degrees in anatomy and physiology, who usually maintain at least a 3.75 throughout, still study for about 6 - 8 months before sitting for this exam. most do very well, and pass the first time. it's just not a test that you'll want to take lightly.