getting the ACE cert a bad idea?

Anton Emery · 01-03-2008, 11:12 AM

I have a question for the more experienced trainers/coaches out there. Do you all think getting the ACE cert is bad idea? I am about 3/4 through the book and study guide, and find alot of it very boring. The basic anatomy and physiology is good, as well as the kinesiology, but alot of exercise programming seems to be garbage. I picked it because i don't know where my path towards being a trainer will take me, and i figured having some sort of nationally accredited cert would be needed, plus its easier to get insurance. I am also going to be attending the P Menu O-lifting seminar in Portland and plan to get to a Crossfit cert when i can.

Do you more experienced folks look down on people that have the ACE cert? It seems like most of the coaches and trainers that i admire have the NSCA, and sometimes the CSCS.

I am looking at the ACE cert more as a piece of paper that says i am "certified" and a means of insurance, than anything else. Since i am almost done i should probably just finish it.

Anton

Greg Everett · 01-03-2008, 12:01 PM

ALL of the certs, including CSCS, are lame. In my opinion, at least. But for no other reason than getting good training insurance, you should get one. Which doesn't really matter - I've never in my life had a client ask - so do what's convenient.

Mike ODonnell · 01-03-2008, 01:44 PM

Certs are a scam (as they want you to spend money year after year) but something has to be done to give trainers credibility. I got my cert a while back and will never recertify on the same test just so they can get another $300. Please. NSCA-CPT or ACE is good, ISSA or AFAA could work as well....just depends if you are planning on working for yourself then it may not even matter as Greg said, if you try to work for someone else then they may want a certain cert. CSCS is pretty mandatory if you plan on working with athletes or at a school. Liability is also needed...but ironically you do not even need to be certified to get liability insurance. However worst case scenario if you ever go to court and are not certified, you are most likely screwed.

Barney Ring · 01-31-2008, 02:41 PM

I have my ACE cert. My employer paid for it (fire department), that is the best part about it. It helped with insurance for a Crossfit affiliate.

The worst part is I have to keep up with continuing ed hours. I will not be pursuing any other mainstream certs.

Mike ODonnell · 01-31-2008, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barney Ring

The worst part is I have to keep up with continuing ed hours. I will not be pursuing any other mainstream certs.

I stopped doing that a long time ago....as you can have insurance without the cert.

Matt Lawson · 02-04-2008, 05:02 AM

this is a disheartening thread for someone who has been cramming for the CSCS. what makes it lame? im pretty much doing it for the insurance as well so i cant really gripe about it that much. I plan on getting my CF lvl 1 cert some time soon too.

Garrett Smith · 02-04-2008, 05:16 AM

Matt,
Do it for the insurance, sure. Just don't expect being a CSCS to mean that you've learned a whole lot about S&C, if you know what I mean.

One way I might put it is that the CSCS is the "least lame" trainer cert out there.

All certs are lame--note that both Greg and I both still carry it though. It does have its value.

Mike ODonnell · 02-04-2008, 07:44 AM

CSCS is probably the best and more versatile credential to get. All depends on who you want to work for, if you are self employed it wont matter much as the general public really has no idea about the difference between any of them. If you want to work for a school or other place, the CSCS is the one to get.

Matt Lawson · 02-04-2008, 10:21 AM

for the most part i assume that most of what i learn that proves to be useful will be soaked up from the brilliant practitioners out there and the great trainers/coaches. i'm planning something of an educational road trip towards the beggining of the summer. I want to visit cali and get my CF cert and do some O lift training at Mike's Gym but that is still in the "how the hell am i going to afford this" stage. Travel is an expensive mofo. If anyone has any thoughts on this i would be much appreciative.

Garrett Smith · 02-04-2008, 11:59 AM

Use this board and the CF board to find people who are willing to put you up during your (short) visits.

Bring your food, non-perishable, with you or buy it there. Eat out as little as possible.

I can't help with the gas issue, nor with the cert expenses.