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ACSM VS NASM

I am looking to obtain my first CPT. I am comparing what is considered the two best certifications, but I notice a huge cost difference on the programs. If ACSM is the source of the information used for other cert programs including NASM, then why is the cost for ACSM 35% less than the cost of NASM? Over $200 difference! Are the career opportunities among gyms better for NASM certs opposed to ACSM certs? Of the two, what cert would you recommend and why??

Thanks,
Lori TX

Comments for ACSM VS NASM

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I would like to know also
by: DJ

I am studing to take the PT Certifaction exam, which do you recommened for the first certification ACE or NASM and why, My goal is to work baby boomers, so proper form and effective but no injury exercise would be the goal.
I have the goal of taking the PT cert by June 2010, when I finsh my Physiololgy of sports and exersice college class.

Thank you
DJ

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NASM
by: J Eisenhower

I received my NASM cert in December. In a couple of interviews I was told that these clubs were only looking to hire ACSM and NASM certified trainers. Your clients won't know much if anything about trainer certs so it's more important for the fitness managers that would hire you. I recommend finding out what certs trainers have at the gyms you want to work and get one to match.

AS far as the cert itself. NASM wasn't an easy exam, but I studied a lot and completed the exam in about a month from when I enrolled.

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ACSM vs NASM
by: BA

I am also sitting between the two and trying to decide which way to go. I am interested in a career in health & fitness and want to use this certification as a stepping stone in physical therapy. I plan to use my CPT to work part time while I study. Would either of these programs be more advantageous?

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ACSM vs NASM
by: Tim Jones

I am also looking into becoming a personal trainer and i keep hearing these are the two certs to get, but i'm not sure on which one?

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NASM is the way to go.
by: Anonymous

I recently received my first certification from NASM, and I have to say, I was incredibly pleased by the material covered, as well as how much the representatives and the NASM team strives to help and answer any needed questions after you've taken it. Before I enrolled in any of them, I called up various gyms in my city to see what certifications they took, as well as various ones in different parts of the US, as I wanted my certification to translate to whatever state I decided to move to, in order to continue college. A great majority of them all said that NASM was the gold standard, and as a biology/kinesiology major, I think that's a rather true statement. It's hard if you don't understand a lot of the basics of biology, but it's worth it. Within two weeks of getting my certification, I had received job offers. Just make sure to PUT IN YOUR HOURS and SHADOW PEOPLE! You can read all you want, but in the end, you HAVE GOT TO HAVE THE HANDS ON EXPERIENCE. Don't expect to be paid for following people around and learning from them. Good luck, and just remember, experience is key, and call around and see what certifications gyms in your area (especially ones you want to work at) consider to be the best!

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ACSM vs NASM
by: Tienlungg

If you are dealing with medical or university fitness centers ACSM is the primary choice and is still considered the gold standard. If you are dealing with athletes or with people who are already somewhat fit and want to take it to the next level then NASM is needed. If you are dealing with the average person ACE is recommended. Just a little heads up though, there are only two organizations that are accredited for all their certifications and they are NASM and ACE.

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ACSM
by: Anonymous

First of all ACSM was the first founded Sports Medicine program so every other PT goes by ACSM and refers back to it. If you actually Study EXERCISE SCIENCE you will know the difference. ACSM is way better. sorry people get your stuff straight.

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NASM
by: The one and only

I have a masters degree in exercise science and NASM out performs ACSM any day of the week. NASM is the best hands down anyone who knows what they are doing would agree. NASM test is harder, but study and apply it to your own workouts and you will understand.

But honestly read about each certification and see what fits your style of training and go from there. And DO NOT work at a gym, you are wasting your time. You can make way more money running your own business.

The client is starting to understand gyms are way over rated. You can get in shape with out the gym and you will look better too. The people who train at the gym are the close minded people who don't truly understand business. Good luck

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ACSM
by: Anonymous

I am both ACSM HFS and NSCA CSCS certified and a current DPT student. I don't know why anyone with much knowledge on the subject would recommend NASM over ACSM. Although it doesnt matter much, the ACSM certifications will definitely stand out more on a job application than the NASM will.

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acsm
by: shabbir khan

i prefer ACSM

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ACSM
by: Anonymous

I have degree in Health and Exercise Science, am an ACSM HFS and work in a Medical Fitness Facility. We require all our staff to have ACSM certifications and all our testing, programming and training revolves around ACSM guidleines. I considered NASM, but after job hunting and working in the field for a few years, I can say ACSM is the preferred cert. at least for medical fitness facilities. This may also be because ACSM required a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science.

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ACSM
by: ACSM

acsm is the grand-daddy of them all but you are better off taking the test every 3 years than keeping up with you ceu's and renewing...buy the study guide and other study materials on Amazon for $55 and then take the test when you are ready.......every 3 years brings the total average cost to $111.33 per year and you have the best Cert in the Business for the best price

DO THE MATH

My advice after 25 years of getting certified by a number of different certifying bodies.

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Think about it!!!
by: Anonymous

I have been a trainer for many years. Here's an end to the argument. Almost all gyms have there trainers pictures on the wall with there credentials. So next time your at the gym look at it and you will see which certification most gyms prefer. NASM!!!! As far as the medical field, not sure, I thought we were talking about personal training certifications!!!!!

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ACSM
by: Anonymous

ACSM is better. ANY gym will accept ACSM, this includes the medical, university, and heatlh clubs. I have worked in all of the above, and ACSM is the only one that gets you into all.

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Nasm
by: Anonymous

I have a nasm cert the name is recognized by all you can't go wrong with nasm.

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ACSM vs NASM
by: Anonymous

I have taken both acsm and nasm courses, and every bit of information in the acsm curriculum is in the nasm. However there is quite a bit that is in nasm's that is not in acsm's. Nasm is the proven way to go, hands down.

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ACSM - Here is why!
by: Anonymous

The American College of Sports Medicine is where it started. It also depends on what you are wanting to do with your cert. It clearly states that the ACSM is more towards Clinical training (special populations - Such as those with heart diseases or severe obesity) while NASM is more towards technique and program designing, which the ACSM also touches base on.

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ACSM does not require a 4 year DEGREE
by: Anonymous

Someone stated that ACSM requires a college degree and that is not true a high school diploma or equivalent is all that is needed to get a CPT. Go to the website and read for yourself. Do your homework and than make a choice what is best for you. I have NASM but it fit the other certifications that I already have as a group fitness instructor.

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ascm vs nasm
by: Anonymous

So just for clarification there are multiple levels in the ACSM certifications:
Pt-just need a high school diploma
HFS(now call CEP)-need a BS in kinsiology or exercise science
Clinical Exer physiologist-masters and lots of clinical hours
So, if you want to go with a more medical/clinical setting such as working in a hospital then definitely get your BS in it and get your CEP. If you aren't then NASM works or CSCS

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ACSM by far the better choice
by: Anonymous

ACSM is based on a more clinical background and is referenced to in many of the other certification textbooks.
I got my Exercise Physiology and CPT through ACSM for work and was forced to get NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist for my graduate class. My experience by far gives prestige to the ACSM.

I felt like I was taking a cheap online test that anyone could take with NASM and still 3 days later I haven't received an email or anything about passing the test. Plus they give you 3 chances to pass it!!!

For the ACSM I studied my butt off for over 3 months and went to a testing facility to take the test and only got one shot (no open book) and passed. I received immediate notification of passing the test with email and got a certificate right on the spot for my employer. ACSM was by far and away much harder but much more organized and worth it.

If you have to choose, I have been in the field for over 10 years and would hire an ACSM certified trainer before any other after my experience with NASM and others because I know that to pass ACSM, you REALLY must know your stuff. NASM is an easy open book, online, get 3 chances type of test that anyone could pass.

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