• The best fitness training programs have the NCCA stamp of approval.adult exercise image by John Sfondilias from Fotolia.com
  
  There are a large number of organizations that offer courses and certifications in fitness training. The top programs are fairly easy to identify. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies offers its stamp of approval to groups that meet its exacting standards. The NCCA establishes an accreditation standard, evaluates compliance with those standards and recognizes programs that are in compliance. When choosing a fitness organization offering certifications, pick one with NCCA approval. The organizations listed here are NCCA-qualified.
  
  

The National Exercise Trainers Association

• NETA offfers a group exercise certification.ball exercise on beach image by Accent from Fotolia.com
  
  The National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) offers a group exercise certification. NETA has been in business for over 32 years and has certified over 125,000 fitness professionals. Its focus is on safe and effective teaching methods. NETA's exam contains sections on anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and nutrition. NETA requires a CPR certification to sit for the exam. The organization offers two methods to become certified, offered at various locations throughout the country. You can take a one-day course covering the exam materials and then take the test or you can just take the test.
  
  NETA
  5955 Golden Valley Rd., Suite 240
  Minneapolis, MN 55422
  800-237-6242
  ndeita.com
  
  

The American Council on Exercise

• ACE has certified over 50,000 fitness professionals.yoga training image by Daria Miroshnikova from Fotolia.com
  
  The American Council on Exercise (ACE) offers a group fitness instructor certification. To sit for the ACE exam, you must be at least 18 years old and be certified in CPR and defibrillator use (AED). You can buy study materials from ACE, which has testing centers around the United States. Test topics include anatomy, kinesiology, physiology and injury prevention.
  
  ACE
  4851 Paramount Drive
  San Diego, CA 92123
  858-279-8227
  acefitness.org
  
  

The National Strength and Conditioning Association

• The CSCS certification is for fitness professionals who wish to work with athletes.hurdles for athletics image by Ivonne Wierink from Fotolia.com
  
  The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) offers the certified strength and conditioning specialist certification. It is among the top fitness certifications in the fitness industry. To sit for the exam, you must hold a bachelor's degree and be CPR/AED qualified. You can purchase study materials through NSCA. The strength and conditioning specialist certification specifically targets those who want to work with athletes. Besides the self-study option NSCA offers, it holds one-day clinics around the country. Topics covered include anatomy, physiology, exercise prescription, program design and kinesiology.
  
  NSCA Certification
  1885 Bob Johnson Dr.
  Colorado Springs, CO
  800-815-6826
  nsca-cc.org