Which one is better? A full comparison of NASM vs ACE 2023

Aspiring personal trainers looking to take their careers to the next level often find themselves choosing between two of the most popular personal training certifications: NASM and ACE. Both of these certifications have their unique strengths, and choosing between them can be a challenging decision. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the differences between NASM and ACE and help you make an informed decision on which certification is best for you.

What is ACE?

The American Council on Exercise, or ACE, is a non-profit organization that has been providing health and fitness education and certification for over 35 years. It is one of the largest and most respected fitness certification organizations in the world, with over 90,000 certified professionals in more than 143 countries.

What is NASM?

The National Academy of Sports Medicine, or NASM, is another highly respected certification organization that was founded in 1987. They offer a range of certifications and courses that focus on the latest scientific research and evidence-based training methods to help trainers build safe and effective programs for their clients.

Why do we compare ACE vs NASM?

Many aspiring personal trainers are often torn between choosing NASM or ACE when it comes to selecting a certification. To make the decision easier for you, we will compare the two certifications side by side based on the following seven points:

1. Credibility: Both NASM and ACE are widely recognized and respected in the fitness industry. However, NASM is considered to be the more prestigious and elite certification.
2. Curriculum: NASM's curriculum focuses on the Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model, which is an evidence-based approach that involves a progressive training program. ACE's curriculum is based on the Integrated Fitness Training (IFT) model, which is a more practical approach that combines strength, cardio, and flexibility training.
3. Exam Format: NASM and ACE both offer multiple-choice exams, but NASM's exam is longer, with 120 questions compared to ACE's 150. NASM also has a practical exam, while ACE does not.
4. Cost: NASM's certifications are typically more expensive than ACE's, but the cost includes a range of study materials, including textbooks, online courses, and practice tests.
5. Continuing Education: NASM and ACE both require continuing education credits to maintain their certifications, but NASM requires more credits. NASM also offers more specialized continuing education courses.
6. Certification Levels: NASM offers five different certification levels, while ACE offers three. This means that NASM provides more advanced and specialized training options for trainers who want to specialize in a particular area.
7. Specializations: NASM offers specializations in Corrective Exercise, Performance Enhancement, Fitness Nutrition, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. ACE offers specializations in Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Health Coach.

Conclusion

In summary, both NASM and ACE are highly respected certification organizations that provide a wealth of knowledge and resources for aspiring personal trainers. Choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal goals, preferences, and budget. NASM is considered more prestigious and elite, while ACE is known for its practical approach and affordable cost. Regardless of which certification you choose, remember that continuing education and staying up-to-date on the latest research and trends in the industry is essential to your success as a personal trainer.

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Are you new to personal training? Read these articles to get started on growing your business:

• How to price your online training
• How To Attract Clients as a Personal Trainer
• What insurance should I get as a personal trainer?

About the Author:

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Cory McKane

Cory is a huge fan of fitness - and an even bigger fan of helping you with your fitness. He's started on his journey with WeStrive back in 2015 and has been building it ever since.