Guide to Certified Personal TrainingA certified fitness professional should have demonstrated on an examination the skills and knowledge required to provide those services. A certified trainer is also required to take approved continuing education in order to maintain and improve their knowledge and skills. Unfortunately, many people called "trainers" don't have these competencies or requirements. Some fitness certifications are solid credentials, but many others are not. Some are nothing more than completion certificates for continuing education or specialty training—which are fine in themselves, but not certifications. Others are just brief, in-house staff training in health clubs or other locations. Leaders in the fitness industry are trying to correct this problem by introducing accredited fitness certifications. Accreditation means a national, independent organization has approved a certification credential based on objective criteria. NCCA accreditation is the standard for a large majority of certified allied health professions and other certified professions such as nursing, dietary management, athletic training and financial planning. Effective January 1, 2006, the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association recommends club owners only hire personal trainers holding at least one certification accredited by the NCCA or its equivalent. When you interview a prospective personal fitness trainer or instructor, ask if they are currently certified, by what organization and whether their certification is accredited by the NSCA or equivalent national organization. A solid certification is certainly not the only factor in choosing a trainer. Education/training, experience, talent, reputation and compatibility count, too. But an accredited certification removes a lot of guesswork about basic qualifications, making it a good place to start. Are you interested in becoming a peronal trainer!
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