Certification progam

[ark]

I am really interested in obtaining a certification for personal training. I definitely need some coursework in order to pass.... My major in college was Kinesiology, but I graduated 11 years ago and never used my degree....

I would really like a program that has a classroom setting, but I am having a difficult time finding one in Houston. I found an online program through Sam Houston State University and ACE. There are 5 classes at $199 a piece that you complete online. At the end I would take a certification test.. I believe through ACE.

Here is the link if anyone is intersted in giving me their opinion.

[Jean-Paul]

Since you have a degree you qualify to sit for the grand daddy of certs, the CSCS. Bipennate (Johnathan Fass) has posted a link to his "blog" on the topic in here recently if you do a search on his recent posts. It is worth the read as it chronicles his experience of preparing for the exam to actually taking it.

Other than that, there are dozens of "mail order" certs that you can sit for after a long weekend of reading. Don't waste your time on ACE. I am also pretty unimpressed with ACSM. NASM and ISSA are two good certs if you don't want to go the whole CSCS route.

[gtanak]

Ark,
I got the NASM CPT (nasm.org) with no prior experience in kinesiology or the like. NASM has cd roms and study materials to get you ready for taking the test.. Since you've studied kinesiology before, that stuff should come back quickly (I had a harder time with the anatomy and biomechanics, but with extra focus, got through it).
I agree with JP, ACE isn't one of the best out there, however, if you want to get your foot in the door, so to speak, I guess you can take a "weekend" cert course. Like many others have said on this site, it doesn't matter how many letters you have after your name, but it's what you do after you get those letters that will make a difference in your career (i.e. continuing education, reading 1 hour a day, looking at this site!, etc.).
Hope that helps.

Gary

[martann]

I have my NASM CPT. When I was asking around, like you are now, it got THE most positive response. The home course was great, weekend seminar very informative, testing is everywhere. I am in San Antonio.

I agree w/ previouse posters, don't waste your time w/ ACE. And keep up w/ your cont. education.

Since you have the education, I would go for CSCS...why not?

[ark]

Thank you all for your input!!! I'm glad I have people to go to for advice!

I will definitely look into the other programs.