Dear Bradley

You are absolutely right. There are hundreds of certification out there. The factor that sets certification companies apart is to have a third body accreditation. One of the highest in the industry is NCCA/NOCA. I do not know the exact number but its somewhere around 5 certification companies that have that particular accrediation. To be honest, to narrow it down further becomes more difficult. Some are good certifications companies. Years back when I first got into the industry I shopped around just like you are. I narrowed it down to three. ACSM , but they required a masters degree in exercise physiology and they focused on cardiac rehabilitation. The second NSCA but they required a degree and they were more for professional sports conditioning coaches. And finally IFPA, I found that they really focused on what a personal trainer really goes through on a daily basis. There study materials and test are extremely practical for what a trainer really needs to know. I also looked at another well known cert NASM, but it really changed after Dr. Goldman sold it to a group of phyical therapists, they turned it into a pt cert. and after 24hr fitness bought them, they got even worse.

The IFPA also has some great people working for them. The customer service is the best in the industry and there faculty instuctors are the best in the world. No matter how many times I have called asking questions, I have always gotten great help. The advice I have gotten from them in the past is worth many times what I paid for in my cert.

The bottom line however, is that you will be wasting your money if you get any cert that is not NCCA/NOCA accreddited because gyms wont accept it. The knowledge you get from the IFPA will also help you build a successful career. Your cert should be more than just a peice of paper. It should prepare you for a profession.

I hope this info helps you. Good Luck,

Marc