What You Need to Know Before Starting Your NASM Personal Training Journey
Are you considering a career in personal training and want to know what to expect from the NASM program? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you an overview of what you need to know before starting your NASM personal training journey.
What is NASM?
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is a leading certification organization for personal trainers, sports performance specialists, and other fitness professionals. The program is designed to equip fitness professionals with the knowledge and skills to assess, motivate, and educate clients to reach their health and fitness goals.
NASM Certification Levels
NASM offers several certification levels, including Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES), Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES), and Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC). The CPT is the entry-level certification, and most trainers start with this level. The CES and PES certifications build on the CPT and specialize in corrective exercise and sports performance, respectively. The CNC certification focuses on nutrition coaching.
Preparing for NASM Certification
Before you can take the NASM certification exam, you must complete a NASM-approved education program or hold an equivalent degree in the field of exercise science. For example, a degree in kinesiology or exercise physiology would qualify you to take the exam. The NASM program itself offers study materials and courses to help prepare for the certification exam.
The NASM Exam
The NASM certification exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and is administered at a Pearson VUE testing center. The exam covers five domains, including basic and applied sciences, assessment, program design, exercise technique and training instruction, and client relations and behavior change. You must score at least 70% to pass the exam.
Becoming a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer
After passing the exam, you can become a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer (CPT). The certification is valid for two years, after which you must renew by completing continuing education credits. With the CPT certification, you can work in various settings, such as gyms, health clubs, and even start your own personal training business.
Conclusion
Starting your NASM personal training journey can be a rewarding career path, but it requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to ongoing learning. By understanding what to expect from the program and how to prepare for the certification exam, you can set yourself up for success as a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer.
