Whats the best personal trainer certification to get and what are the differences between them?

Question by Kernanv: Whats the best personal trainer certification to get and what are the differences between them?

How long does it take? It seems as if some of them you just have to pass a test and then you area certified. Can you take classes at a college to become certified? Which certification will allow you to work at most gyms? Thanks.




Best answer:

Answer by jessfitnessbunny
There are many certification companies to choose from. Over 75% of them are a joke and will not be accepted by gyms. Any certification that does not require you to take a closed book proctored exam or get CPR certified will not be accepted. The Legit personal training certification companies are accredited by a third party. In the fitness industry the best accredidation to have is arguably NCCA/NOCA. There are only a handful of that have it. Many certifications claim to be a "member" of NOCA. Dont buy it. Anyone can be a member - they have to be accredited. How the certification process works is the certification company will send you study materials and then normally 6 months you have take a closed book exam - if you pass, you are a PT. Some certifications companies include workshops to attend in your package . Others will charge you extra for it.

Out of all the certifications out there, I personally think IFPA is the best. The International Fitness Professionals Association. The are accepted worldwide. I am certified by them and they are always do everything they can for their members. I used to work at bally total fitness and I had no problem getting a job. Then I had to relocate and since there were no bally's in the area, I now work at lifestyles family fitness and had no problem getting accepted here either.

Hope this helps you out.
Good Luck

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