To be brutally honest, which is the only way I care to be,
though I have received numerous exercise and nutritional certifications
(several of which I have listed below),
certifications have always meant little, to nothing, to me. 
What means something to me is KNOWLEDGE
and the ability to communicate & transfer
that Knowledge to my clients.

I often tend towards the old, time tested apprenticing/discipleship method of acquiring Knowledge.  When the disciple is ready, the teacher manifests, and I have been very fortunate to have studied with some of the True Greats in each of my fields of interest.

But since the industry media has self-propagated the importance of pieces of paper, I have collected more than a few along the way.  Amongst these are:

Certified Personal Trainer
Master Personal Trainer
Masters in Holistic Nutrition
Certified Nutritionist
Certified Sports Nutrition Consultant
Certified Vegan Fusion Chef
Certificate in Raw Foods Preparation
Certified to teach True Himalayan Yoga from several Yogis in the Himalayas
Doctor of Divinity
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film/TV (NYU-Tisch)

So many certifications in the Health and Fitness Industry are simple multiple choice exams, without any type of practical element, and that allow for a passing grade of 65-70%.  I don't know about you, but a C to D grade is absolutely not acceptable to me!  And how much is so easily forgotten soon after the test?  I am interested instead in a true command of the subject matters I teach and the ability to articulate that information to others on a practical level.  Nothing less than an "A" works for me!

Even the continuing education credits for these "certifications", if there even are any, are pretty much a money making joke for the certification agencies.  The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), one of the most prestigious and elite certification agencies, is currently offering a VIP Trainer for Life contest, where the "Grand Prize winner receives lifetime access to all NASM credentials, certifications, re-certifications, memberships, and continuing education for the duration of your career!"  The winner doesn't have to keep up with his CE credits and payments.  So all of a sudden they aren't important?!

So please, BUYER BEWARE!!!