Does this course prepare you for a certification?
Yes, you will be prepared to sit for the Weight Loss Specialist (WLS), the NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC), and the NCCA accredited NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exams offered online through NASM. The CPT exam can be taken online or at a local (PSI) testing center.
When can I start this course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
How long does it take to complete this course?
After you register, you will receive 9 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.
What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
What kind of support will I receive?
Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.
Am I guaranteed a job?
ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.
Can I get financial assistance?
ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.
How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."
What is the best personal trainer certification?
The best personal trainer certification is the NASM Certified Personal Trainer credential, especially if you want to work with people of all fitness levels and varying physical abilities. This certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine is the easiest way to ensure that you have all the fundamentals you need to be a knowledgeable trainer, because it has very few prerequisites. NASM is a rewarding option whether you're coaching elite athletes or clients who lead moderately active lifestyles. NASM also focuses on injury prevention and rehabilitation with an ear to current discoveries and studies in the field. You'll be able to instruct your clients in safety techniques as well as keep them from aggravating existing injuries or musculoskeletal issues.
NASM-certified personal trainers are among the most desirable fitness professionals. This credential is one of the top certifications available in the United States, because it's such a versatile springboard for careers in fitness and athletic training, clinical fitness training, and sports medicine. Depending on your career focus, you may want to supplement this training with other certifications. With this as your foundation, you can mix and match other credentials from NASM and other reputable training organizations, like ACSM and NCSF. The Senior Personal Trainer Certification or the NCSF Certified Strength Coach (CSC) program may be good specializations to pursue in addition to the NASM certification.
What are the different personal trainer certifications?
There are several different personal trainer certifications, and their specialization opportunities and requirements depend on their accrediting organization. The five best personal trainer certifications are awarded by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Each of these organizations offers personal trainer certifications, as well as specialized endorsements to help you bring focus to your career.
Personal trainer certifications are often combined with specialized training qualifications, including corrective exercise, performance enhancement, strength coaching, advanced personal fitness training, personal training and group exercise training for older adults, and much more. Many personal trainers start out with a fundamental certification, like the NASM Certified Personal Trainer credential, and they further their education and their career over time. However, some preparation courses and tests combine the CPT exam with a supplemental endorsement in one of the specialized tracks, which is a great choice if you have a particular focus in mind.
What are the top personal training certifications?
The top five personal training certifications are also the most popular among today's trainers and employers. These are awarded by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Before completing any of these top personal training certifications, you'll need to start by earning your CPR and AED certificate. That's all that's required before you pursue Certified Personal Trainer credentials from NASM or ACE, but the others—ACSM, ISSA, and NSCA—do require you to have a high school diploma or GED. If you have all the prerequisites, and you still can't decide, consider the particular approaches to training that each organization takes.
ACE is a great choice for prospective trainers who want to work with a variety of clients and ability levels. ACSM is a good choice if you plan to work in medical centers and with seniors. ISSA is an academic institution, and its curriculum is implemented by the U.S. Department of Education. NASM is very well-rounded with some extra attention to injury prevention and rehab. Lastly, NSCA is another well-rounded certification and focuses on training for more active lifestyles.