Death of the Personal Training Certifications
Attention Personal Trainers, did you hear the biggest news the fitness industry has heard in the 21st century? The United Arab Emeritus is banning the personal training certifications: NASM, ACE, and ISSA. Here is what’s going down in the UAE according REPS UAE (Register of Exercise Professionals):
Attention Exercise Professionals in the UAE
In light of the increasing instances of fraudulent US certifications, we are implementing important changes to uphold the standards of the fitness industry in the UAE. Effective immediately, NASM, ISSA, and ACE certifications will NOT be accepted for registration.
Why the change? We believe it’s crucial for fitness professionals to have obtained their qualifications through rigorous face-to-face practical learning, practical exams, and invigilated theory exams.
However, there’s good news! NASM certificates will be accepted if the course was delivered by @mefitpro and accompanied by a Mefitpro certificate, accredited by Europe Active. Similarly, ISSA certificates will be accepted if the course was delivered by @liftdex and accompanied by a PD Approval certificate.
Let’s be clear: there are no shortcuts to excellence. Obtaining a qualification deceitfully not only undermines the integrity of the fitness industry but also puts the public at risk.
Together, let’s raise the bar. Let’s commit to continuous learning and upskilling our knowledge for the betterment of our industry and the clients we serve.
Want to hear more about this - Listen to our new podcast Death of Personal Training Certificates
What does this mean for certified personal trainers in the United States?
It’s time for you to become a qualified personal trainer by leveling up your certifications. If you have not been to a hands-on learning seminar to gain supervised experience, you’re going to want to attend a workshop ASAP. Some of the better options would be:
- Show Up Fitness Soft Tissue Manipulations to get your SUF-STM certification. Held monthly at Life Time Fitness as part of the partnership established in 2024. SUF-STM Seminars
- Pain-Free Performance Training. Dr. John Rusin and his team have created a great 2-day workshop with numerous course offerings throughout the world. GET PPSC
- Barbell Rehab. Dr. Michael Mash and team have a great options for personal trainers, athletic trainers, and medical professionals. Get Barbell Rehab today
- Functional Range Systems (FRC). Dr. Andreo Spina and team have one of the better mobility circuits around. Get FRC HERE
- Perform Better Seminars. This is a legendary circuit with some of the industry greats. From Eric Cressey, Grey Cook, Lee Burton, Alwyn Cosgrove, Robert DOS, Remedios, Sue Falsone, Martin Rooney and many many more. Perform Better
At Show Up Fitness, we are the fastest growing personal training certification which is online with hands-on learning options at the weekend seminars and 2-month internship in Santa Monica. If you want to Become a Successful Personal Trainer, read Vol. 2 of the book HERE.
I personally do not seeing this affect the overall market too much in the united states because NASM and ISSA are backed by Blackstone Investment and Tailspin. These billion dollar companies will be able to reflect these headlines by pushing these textbook certifications. Unfortunately, 90% of personal trainers quit within the first 12-months in the USA and 18-months in the UK. If you want to become a QUALFIIED Certified personal trainer, SUF-CPT is your best choice HERE.