Which Personal Training Certification Should I Get?

Which personal training certification is right for you?

Trying to figure out which personal training certification is right for you? Here’s a quick guide to compare four top options and help you choose the best fit.

Infofit will prepare you for BCRPA registration, allowing you to work in British Columbia. You’ll also be eligible to take the NSCA, ACSM, or ACE exams for international certification. Infofit instructors are here to help you choose the right exam based on your career goals. Now, let’s break down the pros and cons of each certification.

BCRPA Certification: Practice Personal Training in British Columbia

As mentioned earlier, BCRPA registration allows you to work as a personal trainer in British Columbia. Many community centers still require this certification. To earn it, you’ll need to complete Infofit’s courses (Fitness Theory, Personal Training Basics, and Personal Training Comprehensive).

BCRPA certification is quite comprehensive, involving multi-level testing. You’ll need to pass two written exams (Fitness Theory and Personal Training) and two practical exams (Instructor Competency Exams). Certification is available at various levels, including Group Fitness, Aquatic Fitness, Weight Training, Personal Training, Pilates, and Yoga. To maintain your certification, you can easily earn the required six continuing education credits through Infofit when it’s time to re-register.

Infofit is an Official ACE Education and Exam Partner

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) certification allows you to work as a personal trainer in the USA, Canada, and internationally. Most fitness facilities in British Columbia accept ACE certification, though some community centers may not. ACE focuses on building strong client-trainer relationships. After completing Infofit’s courses (Fitness Theory, Personal Training Basics, and Personal Training Comprehensive), you’ll only need to pass one exam. As an official ACE Education and exam partner, Infofit students receive a discount on the exam, and you can take your ACE exam directly at Infofit or at home.

The exam mainly covers client motivation, goal setting, program progression, and professional conduct. Once certified, ACE offers the option to specialize in various areas. You’ll need 2.0 continuing education credits to maintain your certification, which you can easily earn through Infofit.

ACSM is known for its focus on clinical exercise

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certification lets you work in the USA, Canada, and internationally. Most fitness facilities in British Columbia accept ACSM certifications, although some community centers do not. ACSM specializes in clinical exercise, and after completing Infofit’s courses (Fitness Theory, Personal Training Basics, and Personal Training Comprehensive), you’ll take just one exam.

The exam focuses on client health and medical history, recognizing disease signs and symptoms, risk stratification, medical clearance, S.M.A.R.T goal setting, program progression, anatomy, advanced weight training, and risk management. The exam must be booked online and is held at various locations in the lower mainland.

ACSM also offer advanced certifications, though a university degree (BKin for e.g. ) is required to pursue them. To maintain your certification, you’ll need 45.0 continuing education credits, which can easily be earned through Infofit when it’s time to re-register.

NSCA specializes in strength and conditioning

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) certification allows you to work in the USA, Canada, and its affiliate countries (NSCA Affiliates provide a full range of services, including membership, education, and certification). Many fitness facilities in British Columbia accept NSCA certifications, particularly if you hold more than one, though some community centers may not.

NSCA focuses on strength and conditioning, applying these principles to enhance athletic performance and fitness. After completing Infofit’s courses (Fitness Theory, Personal Training Basics, and Personal Training Comprehensive), you’ll take one exam. The exam covers exercise technique, program design, organization, administration, testing, and evaluation. You’ll need to book the exam online, with test locations primarily in the USA.

Once certified, you can specialize in various areas, and you’ll need to complete 6.0 continuing education credits to maintain your certification, which can easily be earned through Infofit.

Have questions about which certification is right for your career goals?

Still unsure which certification aligns with your career goals? Reach out to Infofit’s administration office, and our friendly staff will guide you through the certification process. All of these certifications are highly respected in the fitness industry, with the key difference being where you want to focus your career.

Infofit Provides Top-Quality Education

Infofit is a member of National Association of Career Colleges and the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) 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.