-Which certifications are the most reputable?
-What study materials should be purchased?
-How much should one expect to pay for the study materials and for the test?
-What does the continuing education involve?
-How often are the certification tests offered throughout the year?
-How much time should one commit to studying the material?
If you are thinking of working at gym, you want to check to see what certs they require. If you want to go out on your own, it is more of a question of what fits for you. Many customers don’t mind what cert you have as long as you are good. Likely the most reputable, and well known are ACE, ACSM, NASM.
Most require a certain amount of continuing ed every year or every two years. Much continuing ed can be found online or at local fitness events. Some other classes or group certs cross over too. For example, getting trained in the TRX can count for CEC credits.
You can check the cert websites for how often you can find testing in your area. The most well known typically offer testing quite frequently.
As for studying, it’s likely up to your own habits and what you can fit into your schedule. I studied for about 3 months, some take up to 6. I hear that NCSM and ACSM are pretty challenging. You can take practice exams to get a feel for how ready you are too.
Study materials are typically purchased through the sites of the cert agencies. Good luck!
Filed in: Aerobic Exercise » How does one go about getting certified for to be a personal fitness trainer?