NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and ACE (American Council on Exercise) are both well- respected organizations that offer certification programs for personal trainers. Both ACE and NASM exist in the market since a long time, and they have both established themselves as leaders in the fitness industry.
Difference Between NASM & ACE Courses
So, what’s the difference between NASM CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) and ACE CPT (Certified Personal Trainer)? Here are some key points to consider:
NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) is a professional organization that provides certification and continuing education for fitness professionals or those who want to pursue their career in fitness industry. NASM is basically a sports medicine-orientated organization as the name indicates valid in more than 150+ countries all across the globe.
It is famous for providing Corrective Exercise Techniques and its use of Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model in Certification in Personal Training Course (CPT) or program. Corrective exercise specialists work around improving a client’s physical function level by improving poor posture of a client, musculoskeletal recovery from any injury and any movement compensations caused due to previous history. They keep a close check on any balance issues a client has, if any.
That means trainers who qualify through NASM have the tools and know-how to enhance the quality of physical function while also catering to general needs such as maintaining healthy body composition, cardiorespiratory health, musculoskeletal strength, flexibility etc.
(American Council on Exercise) on the other hand is another professional organization that offers certification and continuing education for fitness professionals. It mainly focuses on practical, functional fitness and its use of the Integrated Fitness Training (IFT) model through behavioral change, health coaching and lifestyle optimization and valid in more than 90+ countries.
American Council on Exercise provides the right education and tools in its Certification in Personal Training Course (CPT) course so that an ACE professional can help the general population to move towards a healthier state while also earning a handsome salary. That means many of the principles and concepts outlined in its certification curriculum fall within the general category, thus imparting candidates with an all-rounder approach to fitness instruction. ACE leads this initiative with its Integrated Fitness training model or IFT. IFT is a fitness training methodology based on the core principles of fundamental human movement.
To qualify for either the NASM or American Council on Exercise certification programs, candidates must be minimum 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Both programs are highly respected in the industry and will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a personal trainer.
Another difference between the two programs is the level of support provided to candidates during the certification process. NASM offers a number of study resources and support options for candidates including complete online/offline course material, high end audio and videos, live classes, practical or exercise lab, practice exams and section quizzes, online student forum and online certification exam.
This organization provides unlimited educational support by its on-staff professors from the said authorized academies. American Council on Exercise also offers a range of study resources, including study guides and practice exams, as well as online or offline coaching and support from American Council on Exercise mentors.
NASM STUDY & EXAMINATION (CPT):
1) Program cost : Online (Self Study) INR 38,000 to INR 45,000 including Examination Cost
Online (Guided Study) INR 50,000 to INR 70,000 including Examination Cost
Offline (Guided Study) INR 50,000 to INR 70,000 including Examination Cost
2) The above cost of NASM CPT Certification Course is including 2 Reattempts if any.
3) Exam Passing Score- 70%
4) Exam Pass Rate- 85%
5) Average Completion Time- 3 to 6 Months
6) Recertification is every 2 years
7) Recertification CEUs is of 2.0
8) Recertification Cost is INR 16,540 all inclusive
Anyone across the globe can pursue NASM Courses from Fitness Cravers Academy, New Delhi, India
at these prices. Fitness Cravers Academy is authorized distributor of NASM Courses in India.
American Council on Exercise STUDY & EXAMINATION (CPT):
1) Program cost : Online (Self Study) INR 50,000 to INR 70,000 including Examination Cost
Online (Guided Study) INR 70,000 to INR 90,000 including Examination Cost
Offline (Guided Study) INR 70,000 to INR 90,000 including Examination Cost
2) 1 Exam attempt only
3) Exam Passing Score- 72%
4) Exam Pass Rate- 70%
5) Average Completion Time- 3 to 6 Months
6) Recertification is every 2 years
7) Recertification CEUs is of 2.0
8) Recertification Cost is INR 20,150 all inclusive
There are various authorized academies in India that prepare a fitness enthusiast in the relative field. Ultimately, the choice between the NASM CPT and American Council on Exercise CPT programs will come down to personal preference. Both programs are highly respected in the industry and will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a personal trainer.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
If you have a particular interest in corrective exercise or the OPT model, the NASM CPT program may be a better fit for you. On the other hand, if you are more interested in functional fitness or the IFT model, the American Council on Exercise CPT program may be a better fit. Once you finish your certification, you can get associated with different branded health clubs gyms, cruises, wellness centers, hotels, hospitals, schools, universities etc.
One can also work as an online Personal Trainer or apply as a Fitness Lecturer wherever applicable. Career opportunities are endless once you Become an Internationally Certified Personal Trainer from NASM, ACE or any other reputed organization.