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Article by Infofit

Which Personal Training Certification Should I Get?

Wondering how to decide which of the many personal trainer certifications is right for you?

Which personal training certification is right for you?

Wondering how to decide which of the many personal training certifications is right for you? Here is a quick guide to compare four of the top personal training certifications and help you decide which one suits you best.

Infofit will prepare you to receive your BCRPA registration, which is for practice in British Columbia, and you will also be able to write for your NSCA, ACSM or ACE certification to be Internationally Certified. Your Infofit teachers can help you decide which exam process is the best for you and your career goals. That said, let’s give you a quick rundown on the positives and possible negatives of each certification.

BCRPA registration allows you to practice in British Columbia

As previously stated, the BCRPA registration allows you to practice in British Columbia. Many of the community centers still require that you have your BCRPA registration. You will be required to complete the Infofit courses (Fitness Theory, Personal Training Basics and Personal Training Comprehensive) in a specific time frame with supervised programs to be done between PTB (Weight Training Course) and PTC (Personal Training Course). The BCRPA registration is one of the most intensive to acquire due to its multi-level testing. During their registration process you will be required to write 2 theoretical exams (Fitness Theory and Personal Training) and perform 2 Practical Exams (Instructor Competency Exams). You will be required to register at each level. The BCRPA allows you to register in Group Fitness, Aquatic Fitness, Weight Training, Personal Training, Pilates and Yoga. Your required continuing education credits (16 or 20) can easily be obtained through Infofit when you need to re-register.

Infofit is an ACE Education and exam partner, which means that you get a $150 discount when you register as an Infofit student.

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) personal training certification allows you to practice in the USA, Canada, as well as internationally. The majority of facilities in British Columbia accept ACE certifications, with the exception of some community centers. ACE is considered to be focused around client/trainer relationships or care. There is only one exam to complete (once you have completed the Infofit courses -Fitness Theory, Personal Training Basics and Personal Training Comprehensive). Infofit is an ACE Education and exam partner, which means that you get a $150 discount when you register as an Infofit student. You can also write your ACE exam at Infofit. The majority of the exam surrounds client motivation and goal setting along with program progression and professional conduct. Once certified, ACE allows you to register as a specialist in several other areas. You’re required continuing education credits (2.0) can easily be obtained through Infofit when you need to re-register.

ACSM is considered to be focused around clinical exercise

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certification allows you to practice in the USA, Canada, as well as internationally. The majority of facilities in British Columbia accept ACSM certifications, with the exception of some community centers. ACSM is considered to be focused around clinical exercise. There is only one exam (once you have completed the Infofit courses – Fitness Theory, Personal Training Basics and Personal Training Comprehensive). The majority of the exam surrounds client health and medical history, disease signs and symptoms, risk stratification with medical clearance requirements, S.M.A.R.T goal setting along with program progression, anatomy, advanced weight training knowledge and risk management. The exam needs to be booked online; it is then written at several locations throughout the lower mainland. ACSM allows you to register as a group fitness instructor or a certified personal trainer. They do have other advanced certifications, however you require a university degree such as your BKin, in order to obtain them. Your required continuing education credits (45.0) can easily be obtained through Infofit when you need to re-register.

NSCA is focused around strength and conditioning

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) certification allows you to practice in the USA, Canada, as well their affiliate countries (An NSCA Affiliate is a full-service branch of the NSCA, offering the complete package, including membership, education and certification for the purpose of fulfilling the mission of the NSCA, within its country). Many facilities in British Columbia accept NSCA certifications (especially when you are holding more than one certification), with the exception of some community centers. NSCA is focused around strength and conditioning and its practical application to improve athletic performance and fitness. There is only one exam (once you have completed the Infofit courses – Fitness Theory, Personal Training Basics and Personal Training Comprehensive). The majority of the exam surrounds exercise technique, program design, organization, administration, testing and evaluation. The exam needs to be booked online with exam locations in the USA. ACE allows you to register as a specialist in several other areas once you have completed your personal training certification. You’re required continuing education credits (up to 6.0) can easily be obtained through Infofit when you need to re-register.

Do you still have questions about which certification would best suit your career goals?

Do you still have questions about which certification would best suit your career goals? Contact Infofit’s administration office and our helpful staff will guide you through the personal training certification process. All of these certifications are well respected in the fitness community. The biggest difference would be where you would like to focus your fitness career.

Infofit delivers the best possible education available

Infofit is a member of National Association of Career Colleges and the Private Career Training Institution Agency which means all of our courses meet the highest of regulatory standards, ensuring the best possible education available. You can be confident in your choice of Infofit for your personal training certification.

Happy Training!

Cathie Glennon – BCRPA\SFL, Rehabilitation Specialist, Pharm Tech (Level 3)