What Does It Mean to Be an NSCA Personal Trainer?
Learn about this popular personal training certification
If you’re in the process of looking for a new personal trainer, one of the most important qualifications you should ask about is their certification. While there are many certification programs, one of the better-known options is offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
As a personal training client, you might be curious about what it means to be an NSCA personal trainer. Here’s everything you need to know.
The process of becoming NSCA personal trainer
Established in 1978, the NSCA runs several types of sports science certification programs for fitness professionals, including a well-respected personal training certification program. To be considered an NSCA personal trainer, students have to pass the organization’s exam, which tests their knowledge on subjects such as:
- Evaluating a client’s fitness and health history
- Assessing compatibility between a potential client and trainer
- Helping clients with goal setting
- Designing a customized training program for individual clients
- Demonstrating safe exercise techniques
- Following legal and ethical fitness training practices
- Performing basic first aid and CPR
NSCA certifications are accredited by the fitness industry’s major accrediting body, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
In addition to passing the exam, trainers must meet a few other criteria, including:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma (or equivalent)
- Hold a current CPR/AED certification
An NCSA personal trainer certification is valid for three years. Trainers can renew their certification by completing continuing education courses or by re-taking the exam.
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Why should clients care about certification?
When you hire an NSCA personal trainer, you’re putting faith in that person to help you reach your fitness goals – whether that’s getting back into shape, getting ready for a particular athletic event, or losing weight. No matter what you’re trying to achieve, you want to know that you have a knowledgeable trainer to help you get there.
Certifications are much more than just a piece of paper acknowledging that a trainer passed a test. Instead, they show that the trainer’s expertise has been validated by a third-party organization and that they’re fully qualified to teach, coach, motivate, and empower you to be your best physical self.
Sign up with a certified personal trainer at CA
With three cutting-edge gyms located across Columbia, Columbia Association (CA) is a fantastic place to jumpstart your fitness journey. We have several personal training programs to match your schedule and budget, including one-on-one training, virtual training, express training, and group fitness training.
We’re home to a wonderful team of certified fitness professionals who genuinely care about your goals and want to help you achieve them. As a personal training client at CA, you will receive hands-on exercise instruction, expert fitness and nutrition tips, and plenty of motivation and encouragement.
No matter your current fitness level or gym experience, CA trainers will work with you to develop a tailored fitness plan that helps you see results. Give us a call or reach out through our online form to learn more.
