Anyone a Certified Personal Trainer??

[Mookie]

I am thinking of taking a course at the YMCA which will prepare me to take the exam. Anyone here already take?
If so, what type of preparation did you do before taking the exam?
How much did your training costs?

Thanks!

[dreamrawalwz]

I havn't, but I'd like to. Thing is the tests are about $200-500 here and if you fail, well then too bad! You just have to pay it all over again. Good luck if you end up taking it!

[rawfigure]

I am thinking of taking a course at the YMCA which will prepare me to take the exam. Anyone here already take?
If so, what type of preparation did you do before taking the exam?
How much did your training costs?

Thanks!

I was certified through ISSA and after 4 years decided to drop (I got it for the education). The continuing ED was not worth it for me.

I think I paid 300 ish for my certification in full amd 150 ish to renew every two years.

I did self study, no classes.

[dread head vegan]

i am through ISSA.i had to pay $600. for the books and the test.

[solar powered]

i was certified through ACSM and it cost about $500. (they're seen as the gold standard by the industry). There were nurses who took the exams and didnt pass. I was actually studying exercise science at the time.
But out in the real world the gym i worked at certified through AFAA, I think. And no one really had a problem with it. In fact, i sort of wished i did it because it seemed way more fun than than the technical stuff ACSM tests you on. AND then there's the Continuing education credits that you have to keep up with... If i could do it all over again I would just get certified to teach certain aerobics classes. They're so much more fun.

[Rawma]

I did all of the classes and studying for ACSM (600+) and took the exam
(another $250 I think) and I failed by 2 points! They wanted $135 more to retake the test and I refused to do it because I could fail by one point. I opted to get cetified by ISSA and do home study. I thought it was worth every penny. I learned so much through the case studies I had to do and the essays I had to write. The material with ACSM was all very technical and not at all related to the work I am doing now. Most of the questions were related to Anatomy and the Cardiovascular system. All very useful if you are going to do surgery on one of your clients but not very useful if you are going to give them a weight-lifting perscription!
Anyway, I sent in my exam to ISSA and I got a 98 out of 100! I got an email and a letter from the Gentleman that scored my test and he said that he was very impressed with my work and thought I would have a great career in PT and that they were honored to have me represent them! I was impressed with the personal contact and with the whole of ISSA.
Good luck with whatever you choose!
Lisa
Living on Live Food Teacher and Certified Peraonal Trainer :)

[Blu]

I got it through ISSA also, in '98. I don't remember what it cost, but I took 3 of their courses (at home) to co-incide with the bodywork therapy for sports injuries & chronic pain I was doing... I def. recommend them.

[mbf]

I am certified by both AFAA www.afaa.com and NASM. The 2 most respected organizations in the industry, ACSM is good too. I took the AFAA 3 day which is around $500. these days and NASM was around the same. I did the NASM home study and then took the classroom course, tough exam.

Good luck!

Mara

[Conscious Midwife]

Hubby and I are considering AFTA Personal Training Certification (http://www.aftacertification.com/index.html)

Prices seem reasonable. I was referred to them by my Gym , GOLD"S, and you ca do everythin online or hoemstudy.
guess I'll have to research their Rep in the fitness community.