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Posted by on March 3, 2024 — Updated on July 24, 2024
Read this ACE Sports Performance Specialist Certification Review to decide if the ACE Sports Performance Certification is worth it and what the best personal training certification is for you.
The ACE Sports Performance Specialist certification program offered by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) equips individuals with the skills to help competitive athletes enhance their performance, avoid injuries, and achieve peak performance levels.
The ACE sports performance certification covers a wide range of sports performance topics, including nutrition, strength and conditioning, programming, assessments, and more. The curriculum provides a science-based approach to athletic training, focusing on assessments, functional program applications, power and agility exercise progressions, and sport-specific strength and nutrition strategies. To become an ACE Sports Performance Specialist, candidates must complete the program modules and associated quizzes. While anyone can complete the program, recognition as an ACE Specialist requires holding a current NCCA-accredited certification or equivalent professional credential.
When comparing the ACE Sports Performance Specialist certification with similar certifications like the NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist and FMS Functional Movement Systems, each certification has its pros and cons. The ACE certification focuses on sports-specific training techniques but requires a specific credential for recognition. In contrast, the NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist emphasizes rehabilitation but may be more expensive. FMS specializes in functional movement systems with hands-on experience but may require specific schedules for completion.
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The ACE Sports Performance Specialist Certification is designed for fitness professionals who aim to elevate the athletic performance of their clients, ranging from amateurs to professional athletes. This certification provides a comprehensive understanding of sports-specific training methodologies, injury prevention, and peak performance strategies.
The curriculum, led by renowned experts like Laura J. Kruskall, Peter Twist, and Jacque Crockford, covers a wide array of topics essential for sports performance:
Upon completion, you’ll be adept at:
With the rise in competitive sports participation among all age groups, certified sports performance specialists can tap into various sectors, including youth sports coaching, professional athlete training, and sports rehabilitation.
The program is recognized and approved for continuing education credits by several prestigious organizations, including ACSM, AFAA, NASM, NCSF, NETA, and NSCA, ensuring its relevance and credibility within the fitness industry.
The certification is open to all, but holding a current NCCA-accredited certification or equivalent is necessary for official recognition as an ACE Specialist. The program offers flexible payment options and includes valuable resources like recorded videos, online quizzes, and expert-led discussions to enrich the learning experience.
| Certification | Organization | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACE Sports Performance Specialist | ACE | – Focuses on enhancing athletic performance and injury prevention | – Requires specific credential for recognition by ACE |
| NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist | NASM | – Covers exercise science principles, performance nutrition, and mental conditioning | – Could focus more on results-driven coaching practices |
| NCSF Certified Strength Coach | NCSF | – Provides a comprehensive approach to human performance and athletic training | – Requires industry experience and a rigorous exam process |
| CSCCa Strength and Conditioning Coach | CSCCa | – Offers a highly respected certification for strength and conditioning specialists | – Requires completion of a 640-hour internship, making it more time-intensive |
When comparing the ACE Sports Performance Specialist certification with similar certifications like the NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist, NCSF Certified Strength Coach, and CSCCa Strength and Conditioning Coach, each certification has its pros and cons. The ACE certification focuses on enhancing athletic performance but requires a specific credential for recognition. The NASM certification covers various aspects like exercise science principles and mental conditioning but could improve on coaching practices. The NCSF certification provides a comprehensive approach to human performance but requires industry experience and a rigorous exam process. The CSCCa certification is highly respected but demands completion of a lengthy internship, making it more time-intensive.
The ACE Sports Performance Specialist Certification is designed to equip fitness professionals with the skills needed to help competitive athletes enhance their performance, avoid injuries, and reach their peak potential. It offers a comprehensive understanding of sports-specific training requirements, including strength, agility, nutrition, and conditioning. This certification is ideal for those looking to specialize in training athletes across various sports and competitive levels.
Absolutely, the ACE Sports Performance Specialist Certification is highly beneficial for those looking to expand their expertise in sports performance training. It not only broadens your skill set but also opens up new opportunities to work with a diverse range of athletes, from amateurs to professionals, helping them achieve their competitive goals and improve their overall athletic performance.
This certification is ideal for a broad spectrum of professionals, including:
ACE (The American Council on Exercise) is a globally recognized and respected organization in the health and fitness industry. Known for its high educational standards and evidence-based certification programs, ACE ensures that professionals are equipped with the latest scientific research and practical skills needed in their respective fields. The Sports Performance Specialist Certification is backed by ACE’s commitment to quality education and professional excellence.
With this certification, you can:
The ACE Sports Performance Specialist Certification program is priced at $449. This includes all the necessary learning materials and access to the online platform. There are also flexible payment options available, making it accessible for those eager to advance their expertise without financial strain.
The ACE Sports Performance Specialist Certification stands out for its comprehensive, science-based approach to athletic training, led by experts in the field. Unlike other certifications, it covers a wide range of topics, including nutrition, assessments, program design, and sport-specific strength strategies, ensuring a well-rounded education. Moreover, it emphasizes practical, real-world applications, preparing professionals to meet the specific needs of competitive athletes.
While there are no strict prerequisites, it is recommended that participants have a current professional certification in health, fitness, wellness, or a related field accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or hold a current license as a healthcare professional. This foundational knowledge will enhance the learning experience and application of sports performance principles.
The program is self-paced, allowing participants to complete it according to their own schedules. Typically, it can be completed within 2-3 months, depending on the individual’s commitment and time availability. This flexibility makes it suitable for busy professionals looking to enhance their skills without disrupting their work.
Exercise.com’s comprehensive fitness business management software is the perfect tool to apply the skills gained from the ACE Sports Performance Specialist Certification. The platform offers customized training program creation, client engagement tools, and performance tracking, enabling professionals to effectively train athletes, monitor their progress, and adjust programs as needed for optimal sports performance.
