Personal Training Certification

Carmen829

Carmen829

Cathlete
I've been thinking about a complete career change. I've worked for local government forever it seems! I'm looking into the personal fitness trainer course at the community college. Has anyone ever heard of the WITS National Certification? I thought some of you here on the forums have ACE Certification.

I'm doing some research now on the different certifications. Which one do you have? I'm looking to change careers to something I truly enjoy. I love working out and I feel I've learned alot over the last five years from Cathe, these forums, as well as reading other materials.

This is such a new and completely different career I'm hoping it will carry me through the next 10 years or so I will be working.

Would love to hear your experience in this field. Thanks

Carmen.
 
Hi Carmen,

I have a friend that went through the WITS program about a year ago. She really enjoyed the class and was grateful for the experience, but she ultimately went on to get certified by another company. The problem is that currently WITS is not accredited (that I know of). There are 7 accredited PT programs and most employers are looking for one of them. Some of the 7 are ACE, ASCM, NASM, NETA and NSCA. Each one has their own merits. One good thing is to talk to people where you are thinking of working and ask them which certification they prefer.

Good luck,

Shayne
 
I was actually considering taking the WITS course and getting the certification. I know it's not well known at the moment, but I was hoping that by taking the course I could get certified and than take the exam for maybe the ACE. From what I heard the course is pretty thorough and you will learn a lot (although it depends a lot on the instructor).

I hope some more people chime in and give their thoughts...I'd like to know before I sign up.
 
I'm ACE certified and am working on/off (mostly off :eek: right now) on my ACSM certification. I was going to say basically what Shayne said. I've never heard of the WITS program. Do your homework--basically places you'd like to work and see what certifications they require/prefer for their employees and go with a very well known program. This will start you off in the right direction. Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions!
 
I did both (not WITS though). I got ACE certified, and then PFIA certified (which is not accredited), back to back. I took the class at a local community college. I took it for the experience of having hands on training! And this certification requires an internship to shadow a personal trainer (which of course ACE doesn't), which is awesome! So why not go for both?? It's one more certification, and one more resource you'll have to get started! HTH

Iris
 
So, did the class at the community college help prepare for the ACE certification? I know with the WITS cert. you need to have 30 hours internship. Would I need the materials for ACE, or can I use what I learned for the WITS cert to pass ACE? I hear WITS is pretty thorough.
 
Wow....thirty hours...that's kinda cool! Mine is only 10. The layout and the way the information was presented in my two textbooks were completely different. I recommend both. And then on top of it, as soon as I passed the A.C.E exam, the 4th edition came out.....and I got that so I didn't feel "behind the times" ...lol Good luck!

Iris
 
Nowadays Individuals can earn the opportunity to work in health clubs, fitness and in other healthcare facilities by attending Personal Training Fitness Certification Programs. Students who successfully complete all coursework gain personal training fitness certification and then can become a personal trainer thus can help people to reach their fitness goals.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top