Personal Trainer Certification

[Guest guest]

Jeanne,

As you now know, I am NOT currently a certified trainer, but I have done

a little investigating into this for myself and am happy to share what I

have collected.

I have briefly viewed info on ACE, WITS, ExpertRating, The Personal

Fitness Institute, Texas University, and California University of PA.

All provide national availability of their programs and the costs range

from $50 for the self study certifications from ExpertRating to ~$23,500

per year for a Master of Science in Exercise Science (non-residence) at

Texas University.

What I have found is that, unlike independent governing bodies that

oversee the accounting (CPA), computer (CCP), legal (ESQ), & medical (DR

/ RN) certifications, the various educational bodies that provide the

training are able to provide their own certifications as a professional

trainer. I think it's like the wild, wild west, right now and we are

still treading in unsettled territory.

On a side note...

This is one area where, after a lot of thought, I think I would love to

work for our US Government, creating a new position, to manage the

creation and management of this type of health and fitness education &

certification standards board. I generally maintain a more typical

republican view in that government should be involved as little as

possible in the personal and business affairs of the public, but, I also

feel there is an appropriate time for the government to step in and

provide independent leadership and guidance in unsettled territory.

Back to my response...

I do happen to have a few college degrees, ranging from AS to MBA, so I

didn't do a lot of research on the AS or BS programs, though they likely

similarly cover the basics for a little less cost than the MS programs.

BTW, the state colleges offer the same MS program for about 50% of the

non-resident tuitions, which is why I would consider California U of PA,

as I enjoy PA residence.

I understand there is already some type of standards committee that has

developed an approved diploma program, but, to my knowledge, there is

only one organization that is currently authorized to provide that

diploma, The Personal Fitness Institute, and I believe the tuition on

their diploma program is ~5,700 for the 500 hour study program.

My net, net advice...

All that being said, I've decided that the level of training or the type

of certifications we all seek would need to be comensurate with our

personal goals and desires. If we want a college degree, maybe the

Exercise Science or Kinesiology is up your ally. If you wanted an

approved extended educational program that provides a recognized

graduation, maybe the diploma is what you want. If, however, your

desire is to improve your own personal knowledge and have another person

or persons suggest you are qualified to help others with the knowledge

you have, then maybe one of the various certification programs are

appropriate.

As for me...

At the current time, I fall into that last category. The prices for the

certifications and the associated self study programs are generally less

than $1,000 and the topics covered seem to be similar to the more costly

alternatives. I'm quite sure the depth of coverage for each topic will

not be the same, but, it leaves me more time to find our own answers via

independent research.

Look out world...

Maybe after I capture some of the certifications, I'll consider

returning for additional studies. Maybe even a PhD or other Doctoral

designation. Dr. ! Yeah, that's the ticket! Like Dr. Phil on TV

& /or radio!

I suppose that's enough pontificating for one evening.

Good night, all!

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Remember...

Progress, not perfection!

--

Holowko, CPA, CCP

PO Box 444

Lafayette Hill, PA 19444-0444

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E-mailto:gholowko@...

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<http://sc.groups.msn.com/img/R9c/c.gif> bfljeanne

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I've been considering this for about five years and have finally decided

to move on it. I am wondering if anyone here is certified and, if so,

which organization you chose. I am leaning toward A.C.E. Anyone have any

opinions on A.C.E.? Also, I am wondering what type of actual work you

have been able to find in the fitness field with only a personal trainer

certification and not a college degree. (I have a two-year degree in

business, only-- nothing at all science-related.) How do you build a

client base? Is it pretty necessary to " hook up " with gyms to get your

name/card out? Do the gyms charge a fee for that? I'd love to just do

this on my own by word of mouth, perhaps traveling to people's homes,

but not sure if a substantial client base could be built that way. A

Even if you're not a trainer yourself but know one, maybe you could give

me some feedback. Or even personal opinion is valued. Love to hear any

advice.

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