Top 10 Exercise Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for an exercise specialist in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and knowledge in their field. Employers want to ensure that they are hiring someone who is qualified and knowledgeable to do the job. Certifications provide them with evidence that someone has gone through required training and has been tested on their knowledge, so they can be confident in the qualifications of their new hire. Additionally, certifications may make an exercise specialist more attractive to potential employers because they have taken the time to invest in their education and professional development.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Exercise Specialists and explains how they can enhance an exercise specialist's career.

What are Exercise Specialist Certifications?

Exercise specialist certification is a professional credential that certifies an individual’s expertise in the fields of exercise science, physical education, and fitness. This certification is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement safe and effective exercise programs for clients of all ages and fitness levels. The certification also includes topics such as nutrition, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, injury prevention, exercise testing and prescription.

Having a certified exercise specialist on staff gives an organization or gym the assurance that their clients are receiving the highest quality of instruction from a knowledgeable health professional. An exercise specialist can work with clients one-on-one or in small groups to assess their current level of fitness and develop customized plans tailored to their individual needs. They can also provide advice on proper form and technique to ensure that clients perform exercises safely and effectively. Exercise specialists are often responsible for creating new exercise routines or modifying existing ones to fit their client’s goals or needs. This can be particularly helpful for those who are looking for more specialized forms of training such as sports-specific drills or rehabilitation programs after an injury.

In addition to providing personalized instruction, certified exercise specialists can also offer guidance on nutrition, lifestyle changes, and other aspects related to overall health and wellness. This allows them to help create a comprehensive plan that helps clients reach their goals in a safe and effective manner while minimizing risk of injury or illness due to improper training practices.

Pro Tip: When pursuing an exercise specialist certification, make sure to research the accreditation of the institution offering the program. Accreditation is important to ensure that you are receiving quality instruction and credentials that will be respected by employers.

Related: What does an Exercise Specialist do?

Top 10 Exercise Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Exercise Specialists today.

1. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Exercise Specialist

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Exercise Specialist is a credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities to design, implement and monitor exercise programs for apparently healthy individuals and those with medical clearance to exercise. This certification is designed for fitness professionals who work in health clubs, corporate wellness centers, community recreation departments, or other fitness settings.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the ACSM Certified Exercise Specialist program. The program consists of an online course which covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, exercise assessment and prescription, nutrition, weight management, and behavior change. After completing the online coursework, applicants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

To become certified as an ACSM Certified Exercise Specialist you must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a high school diploma or equivalent; being 18 years of age or older; holding current CPR/AED certification; completing the online coursework; passing the exam; and submitting proof of professional liability insurance.

The cost of becoming an ACSM Certified Exercise Specialist varies depending on your location and whether or not you are a member of ACSM. Generally speaking it can cost anywhere from $250-$500 USD depending on these factors.

2. National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification is a nationally recognized credential that signifies an individual has met the highest standards of knowledge, experience, and competence in strength and conditioning. The CSCS certification is designed for professionals who design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs for athletes.

It takes approximately 4-6 months to complete the CSCS exam preparation process. To get certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or a related field, at least two years of full-time experience as a strength coach or personal trainer, completion of an approved practical skills program, and passing the CSCS exam.

The cost to become certified is $395 for NSCA members ($495 for nonmembers). This fee includes the application fee, exam fee, study materials, and access to online practice exams.

3. American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Trainer

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Trainer is a nationally recognized certification that demonstrates a personal trainer’s knowledge and ability to provide safe and effective exercise instruction. This certification is designed for those who want to help people reach their fitness goals and improve their quality of life through physical activity.

It typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete the ACE Certified Personal Trainer program, depending on how quickly you are able to study and prepare for the exam. To get certified, you must first complete an approved course or program in personal training, which includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience. After completing the coursework, you must then pass the ACE Certification Exam with a score of at least 70%.

The cost of becoming an ACE Certified Personal Trainer varies depending on where you take your course or program, but it can range from $500-$1,000. This cost includes both the course/program fee as well as the exam fee.

4. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer

The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) is a professional certification that demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement safe and effective personal training programs. The CPT credential is recognized as the gold standard in the fitness industry, and it is held by many of the top personal trainers in the world.

To become a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, you must first complete an accredited program through NASM or one of their approved education providers. The program typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on your learning style, but you can finish at your own pace. After completing the program, you will need to pass an exam administered by NASM to earn your CPT credential.

The cost of becoming a NASM Certified Personal Trainer can vary depending on which education provider you choose and which study materials you purchase. Generally speaking, expect to pay anywhere from $500-$1,000 for the program itself, plus additional costs for study materials such as textbooks or online courses.

5. American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA) Certified Personal Trainer

American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA) Certified Personal Trainer is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful personal trainer. The certification program covers topics such as anatomy, exercise physiology, nutrition, program design, and client assessment. It also includes practical training sessions that focus on proper form and technique for various exercises.

The AFPA Certified Personal Trainer Certification requires completion of an online course and an in-person practical exam. The online course consists of 10 modules and takes approximately 40 hours to complete. The in-person exam is held at a local testing center and lasts for two hours.

To get certified, individuals must first register for the online course through the AFPA website. After completing the online course, they must then register for the in-person practical exam at a local testing center. Upon passing both components of the certification process, individuals will receive their AFPA Certified Personal Trainer Certification card in the mail.

The cost of becoming AFPA Certified Personal Trainer varies depending on which package you choose when registering for the online course. The standard package costs $399 USD, while premium packages range from $499-$799 USD depending on what additional materials are included in each package.

6. International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Certified Personal Trainer

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Certified Personal Trainer is a certification program that is designed to help personal trainers learn the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, effective, and professional fitness instruction. It is one of the most widely recognized certifications in the industry.

To get certified as an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, you must first complete a comprehensive course that covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, exercise programming, and more. The course typically takes 8-12 weeks to complete and can be done online or in person. After completing the coursework, you must pass an exam with a score of at least 70%.

Once you have completed the coursework and passed the exam, you will need to pay a fee for your certification. The cost of certification varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $299 USD and includes access to all study materials, practice tests, and your certification upon successful completion of the exam.

Overall, becoming an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field of personal training. With this certification under your belt, you will be able to gain more clients and increase your earning potential.

7. Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Group Exercise Instructor Certification

The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Group Exercise Instructor Certification is a comprehensive certification program designed to teach individuals the skills necessary to become a certified group exercise instructor. It covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, and exercise science. The certification also includes practical instruction on how to lead safe and effective group exercise classes.

It typically takes around six months to complete the AFAA Group Exercise Instructor Certification program. To get certified, you must first complete an online application and submit it along with the required fees. Once your application is accepted, you will be sent an AFAA study guide that outlines all of the material you need to learn in order to pass the certification exam. After completing the study guide and passing the exam, you will receive your certificate from AFAA.

The cost of the AFAA Group Exercise Instructor Certification program varies depending on whether or not you are already an AFAA member. For non-members, it costs $399 USD for the certification exam and study guide; for members, it costs $299 USD for both items.

8. National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) Group Exercise Instructor Certification

The National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) Group Exercise Instructor Certification is a professional certification program designed to help fitness professionals develop the skills and knowledge needed to teach safe and effective group exercise classes. The certification includes an in-depth study of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, exercise science, group exercise instruction, and safety. It also covers topics such as class design and management, music selection and cueing techniques.

The NETA Group Exercise Instructor Certification is a self-paced program that can be completed in as little as 8 weeks or up to 12 months. To get certified, individuals must first complete the online coursework which consists of 10 modules. After completing the coursework, individuals must pass a written exam and practical performance evaluation with a NETA-approved mentor.

The cost of the NETA Group Exercise Instructor Certification varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking. The basic certification costs $299 USD plus applicable taxes. Additional certifications may require additional fees for materials or exams.

9. American Kinesiology Association (AKA) Health and Fitness Specialist Certification

The American Kinesiology Association (AKA) Health and Fitness Specialist Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of health and fitness. This certification is intended for those who are interested in pursuing a career in health and fitness, as well as those who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in this area.

The AKA Health and Fitness Specialist Certification is composed of three components: an online course, an in-person workshop, and a final exam. The online course provides an overview of the fundamentals of health and fitness, including nutrition, exercise physiology, anatomy, biomechanics, kinesiology, injury prevention, and more. The in-person workshop focuses on practical application of the material covered in the online course. Finally, the final exam tests your understanding of the material covered throughout the program.

The AKA Health and Fitness Specialist Certification typically takes approximately six months to complete. To get certified, you must first register for the program by completing an application form on the AKA website. Once accepted into the program, you will be required to pay a fee that covers all materials related to the certification process (including textbooks). After completing all components of the certification process (online coursework + workshop + exam), you will receive your certificate from AKA upon successful completion.

The cost for obtaining this certification varies depending on where you live; however it typically ranges from $500 - $1000 USD.

10. National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) Personal Training Certification

The National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) Personal Training Certification is a nationally recognized certification that demonstrates that the individual has met the highest standards for personal training. The NFPT certification is designed to give trainers the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective personal training services.

It typically takes between 6-12 weeks to complete the certification process, depending on how quickly you can complete the required coursework, exams, and practical application. To get certified, you must first complete an approved NFPT Personal Trainer Course or equivalent. Once you have completed this course, you will be eligible to take the NFPT Personal Trainer Exam. Upon passing this exam, you will receive your official NFPT Personal Trainer Certification.

The cost of obtaining an NFPT Personal Training Certification varies depending on where you take your courses and which package you choose. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$1000 or more.

Do You Really Need a Exercise Specialist Certificate?

Exercise specialists help people to develop and maintain healthy lifestyles. They provide guidance on physical activity, nutrition and overall health. An exercise specialist certificate can demonstrate a level of expertise in the field, but it is not necessarily required for employment.

If you are considering a career as an exercise specialist, a certificate may be beneficial for several reasons. A certificate can show employers that you have completed the necessary coursework and training to become an expert in the field. It also provides recognition that you have met certain standards of knowledge and skill in exercise science, kinesiology or related areas. Additionally, having a certificate may make you more competitive when applying for jobs since other applicants may not have one.

However, there are certain situations where a certificate may not be necessary. Depending on your experience and knowledge in the field, you may be able to find work without having one. Many employers will accept applicants with experience or education in related fields such as physical therapy or exercise physiology instead of requiring certification. In addition, many states do not require certification for personal trainers or group fitness instructors unless they are working with special populations such as pregnant women or those with chronic illnesses.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an exercise specialist certificate depends on your individual situation and goals. If you decide to pursue certification, it is important to research the requirements of various programs and make sure they align with what employers are looking for in candidates before investing time and money into obtaining one.

Related: Exercise Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Exercise Specialist Certifications

Q1. What certifications are available for exercise specialists?

A1. There are a variety of certifications available for exercise specialists, including the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Exercise Specialist (CES), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT).

Q2. How long does it take to become certified as an exercise specialist?

A2. The amount of time it takes to become certified as an exercise specialist depends on the type of certification you obtain and the amount of study and preparation you put into the process. Generally, it can take anywhere from 3-6 months or more to complete all requirements necessary to receive certification.

Q3. What is the cost associated with becoming certified as an exercise specialist?

A3. The cost associated with becoming certified as an exercise specialist varies depending on the type of certification you pursue. Generally, certification fees range from $200-$400 USD, plus any additional costs associated with preparatory courses or materials needed for the exam.

Q4. Are there continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification as an exercise specialist?

A4. Yes, most certifying organizations require that their certified professionals maintain their credentials by completing continuing education credits every year or two in order to remain in good standing with their credentialing body.

Q5. Is there a special license required to practice as an exercise specialist?

A5. No, there is no special license required to practice as an exercise specialist in most states; however, some states may have additional qualifications or requirements that must be met prior to practicing professionally in that state’s jurisdiction.