Certifications

by E Smith
(South Jordan Utah)

I took IFPA through the mail and even took the little test in my kitchen back in 1999. If it is anything like it was 10 years ago it is a joke!

I currently have ASCM. Either NSCA or ACSM. Maybe ACE if you want to be an aerobics instructor. All others are a waste!

Recommend IFPA

by Mary
(Georgia)

I have been certified with IFPA for a couple years. I thought the personal trainer was a very in depth certification. I failed the exam the first time I took it - which was my own fault, I didn't spend a lot of time studying before I took the exam- I passed the exam the second time. I still will flip through my manual on occasion. The manual was not just a bunch of academic crap. It was very practical information. I have recertified with IFPA one time. I took their sports nutrition course. Their certifications last for two years before you have to recertify again. Overall, I think IFPA is a good certification and I recommend them.

Good Experience with IFPA

by Jimmy Hardeny
(Miami, FL)

I have been certified with IFPA for 4 years. I have taken the Personal Trainer, Sports Nutrition and more recently the Advanced Sports Nutrition Cert. My experience with IFPA has been positive. The materials gave me the necessary knowledge and tools to succeed in the industry. There are ups and downs to being a personal trainer just like anything else, but I enjoy what I do.

I would recommend becoming a personal trainer to anyone that is passionate about fitness and enjoys helping people. At first I was only interested in working with high level athletes because that was what I have always done. However, I have come to enjoy training people that actually need help. That's when I started to enjoy what I do. I gained more satisfaction as a trainer and started thinking as personal training as more of a career than a job. Some trainers complain they had a difficult time finding a job immediately but I didnt have that problem. I think the IFPA is a great organization with a lot of helpful people behind the scenes that want you to succeed. I recommend them.