Two of the top CPT certifications on the market are the NASM and ACE personal training certifications. Now let’s talk about ‘NASM vs ACE’ Personal Training Certification. If you are trying to decide which would be the best option for furthering your education, keep reading as we compare the study materials and everything else you need to know about NASM vs ACE.
NASM vs ACE – What is the focus of each course?
NASM is primarily a corrective exercise certification, which focuses on muscle imbalances that many of us have due to our sedentary lifestyles. NASM works to address these issues and then progress through a strength-building routine with your clients. It starts by focusing on stabilization and encourages you to help your clients to build good habits with their exercise routines. It’s a good program for training individuals who aren’t very active currently or who are recovering from an injury.
On the other hand, ACE offers a general category certification that helps you to build workout routines for almost anyone. Their material generally focuses on individuals who may be looking to lose weight but currently have a sedentary lifestyle. You’ll find that the majority of your clients fall under this category, so both of these training programs are ideal for appealing to a wide audience.
NASM vs ACE Personal Training Certification – Industry Recognition
When choosing a personal training certification, one of the top considerations should always be finding an option that will be well-recognized by potential employers. NASM is very well-known and is one of the most popular certifications in the industry. Gym franchises across the country often look for this certification, and it’s well respected and reviewed online. The NASM certification is NCCA accredited, which is one of the country’s top accreditation agencies.
ACE is also another well-respected certification in the industry, and it will be accepted by any private or commercial gym. It’s also NCCA accredited, so from this point of view, both of the certifications offer a very similar qualification for you to use as a personal trainer.
NASM vs ACE – Study Materials and Packages
ACE also offers three packages on their site, starting with the ACE Pro essential package. The textbook comes in an e-book format, and you’ll also have access to the ACE Academy elite. The ACE Pro plus package adds in the hard copy of the training manual and a couple of the other texts, which is a good option for anyone who prefers working with a physical book. Finally, the ACE Pro advantage package adds the fitness math online course.
The price will be dependent on the package you choose, with NASM starting at $699 and ACE priced from $599. Of course, you’ll pay more for the upgrades, with the all-inclusive package from NASM being the costliest option at $1649. There are sometimes online discount codes available for these courses, so keep an eye out on the current prices and offers before deciding on the best option for you.
When comparing the NASM vs ACE personal training certification options, you’ll find that both have very similar features but just vary slightly in the packages and the content of the course. Depending on your goals for your career, you’ll want to make sure you choose the one which is most aligned with the future clients you are aiming to coach to set you up for success.
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Jono is the co-founder and director at Fitness Education Online.
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