Lots of Improvement to Become Credible

by Aron Rightious
(Thousand Oaks, CA)

*** Editor's Note: This thread is about the original exam which has been replaced. ACTION earned full NCCA Accreditation in January 2014. We are leaving this thread here because it still provides some valid criticism of the program even if the comments about the exam no longer apply ***


I just took the exam...and passed.

I am responding in regard to the credibility of this cert and the likely hood of NCCA accredited.

First, the test was very basic. Very, very basic. The manual seemed to be well put together, but I didn't spend more than 5 minutes looking at it.

I admittedly did not study the manual. Which by the way is part of the NCCA rules. You cannot require any previous education. In other words, you cant require that a person has to buy your textbook to pass the test, so I didn't study.

Second, its FAR TOO EASY to cheat. You can have the manual open, and reference the answers. You can search for answers online, have a buddy there to help you...OR...have someone else take the test for you!

This is probably enough to guarantee they will never get accredited.

I say this from first hand experience working with another cert organization.

That being said there were some things I liked:

-The online classes are a good idea. Cant vouch for the quality of the education.

-The supplemental study materials seem like a good idea too. I used the free account so I couldn't access them to give an honest review.

-Unlimited practice exams is cool. Would-be trainers are usually very nervous about testing and this could be a good tool.

Some things I didn't like:

-Things like giving an insurance quote is silly fluff to me. You can get PT insurance quickly and painlessly, you don't need ACT to be the middlemen.

-Im sure the business plan, DBA, LLC, forms etc. is all generic stuff. I can't say I would form an LLC with forms I got as part of a $65 deal.

-Reference Letter - This is bogus. It's a generic letter that says things that aren't true, such as "We have been fortunate enough to interact with Aron extensively during our course including lectures and one-on-one time with our instructors."

I signed up yesterday and tested today...not extensive interaction at all...plus I didn't do any one-on-one interaction with instructors.

Also, what if I passed with a 70%, or 99%...do I get the same letter?

- Unsubstantiated claims - how can you claim to be "international internationally recognized"? Does that mean 2 people in other countries have your cert? What does that mean? Tell me one gym in the US that accepts this cert. Tell me who recognizes you internationally.

Im not condemning ACT. They may have good intentions and may work out the short comings and prove to be a reasonable option in the future...But as it stands, they are no different than other unknown certification mills.

If I was a fitness manager I could only see myself accepting this as an "intro" to personal training. You could shadow a trainer with his cert, then go get another cert from an established organization.

Katie, you know that I have forwarded information to you about other cert companies...Nowhere in this review have I tried to promote them. I have written articles for this site, and really think its a great site and a great resource. I respect this industry, and strive to have integrity.