NHE certification, ACSM, NASM?

rachelstime · 09-03-2009, 08:13 PM

I've been looking into obtaining another personal trainer certification and was wondering about NHE certification, NASM and ACSM? I have an ACE certification but too many so-so trainers seem to also possess this same certification. Any opinions?

titan38 · 09-03-2009, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rachelstime

I've been looking into obtaining another personal trainer certification and was wondering about NHE certification, NASM and ACSM? I have an ACE certification but too many so-so trainers seem to also possess this same certification. Any opinions?

ACSM is the best. NHE Certification is a close second and NASM is third. ACE is o.k. but very widely obtained, which hurts its credibility. NHE Certification has the hardest exams and so they are very well respected and ACSM has the most prestigious certification.

Another credential you might want to consider as a second credential is Cooper.

rachelstime · 09-03-2009, 08:23 PM

I agree 100%. I'm leaning more toward ACSM or NHE Certification because their programs are more collegiate and less generalized for the average person. The ones I will avoid are AFAA and ISSA. I'll check out Cooper. Thanks for the insight!

corvetteluver · 09-14-2009, 12:12 PM

I work as a nhe instructor in the Oregon area. It’s pretty new up here and some gyms are unfamiliar with their programs. I teach exercise program development classes and really enjoy the work and working closely with personal trainers. I’ve taken many different types of educational formats, programs and classes and I think the nhe program is one of the best I’ve been associated with. I would not say they are the best like many people blogging seem to think, but they are one of the top five on my list of known credentials.

titan38 · 09-21-2009, 05:53 PM

The nhe certification exams are the most challenging because they use both the Angoff and Nedeisky methods of score evaluation, which is what many IV league universities use. This also makes them more respectable than most because you can't just sign up and pass the exam, you have to know your stuff. ACSM is the most broad and thorough and so I'd probably go with them, but my second choice would be NHE. NASM is probably the most well known and there are a lot of respectable professionals who carry that certification. A lot of professional sports people and well knowns.