Page| Certification in the Fitness Industry: A Case of Caveat Emptor? By Shana McGough, Web Content Editor A certification should be worth more than the paper on which it is printed. But with the ever-increasing types of certifications and number of certifying bodies — which vary greatly in the prerequisites they require and the training they offer — some certifications may not do their students, or the facility for which they plan to work, justice. Plenty of organizations are happy to take a person's money in exchange for a one-day session that purports to teach the person all they'll need to know to train clients or lead a group exercise class. Yet, think about the time it has taken you and your staff to reach a level where you are confident of your knowledge and ability to safely guide your members through their exercise programs. It's bound to have taken you more than one day. A friend of mine, let's call her Carrie, has a story about her recent certification experience. Carrie wanted to teach group exercise classes to earn some extra income. She found a certification organization that looked reputable, found a one-day workshop near her and paid her fee. On the day of the workshop, she spent the first part of the day in a classroom, learning the academic side of group exercise instruction, then went on to the practical side of the training. The participants were broken into small groups, were given music and were told to come up with a short routine. Having a background in dance, Carrie quickly realized that the other members in her group were a little, well, clueless. The main challenge seemed to be getting the concept of choreographing to an 8-count beat. When Carrie tried to point out to her group that they were not getting the count right, she was brushed off. When she approached the instructors leading the training to ask for some assistance, she was told not to worry, that it didn't really matter. For an introductory session on group exercise instruction, maybe it was OK to let this slip by, but for a training that would release participants with a certification to teach their own classes, it wasn't. I bring this up because it reflects on the professionalism of our industry. How can we ask the public to put their trust and money into our clubs when our certified professionals may not have the knowledge and experience necessary to safely guide them through effective exercise programs? It's not that one-day certification programs don't have a place in our industry. Some of them are very good, but they are best tailored to those with prior fitness instruction education and experience who need additional training — not the individual who has decided to make a fitness career out of a one-day course. So, when evaluating the certifications of prospective trainers or instructors, look for those that require adequate preparation to learn the skills needed to add to the credibility of your facility. In an effort to illuminate which certification programs offer more than one-day certifications, we've combed the web to see what information is available. All of the following information was pulled from the organizations' websites. This is not a complete list of every certifying agency, and you certainly need to do your own research before deciding which certifications are the best choice for you and your staff. And don't be afraid to ask questions — the more, the better. American Council on Exercise (ACE) 800 825-3636; <http://www.acefitness.org>www.acefitness.org Certifications. • Personal Trainer • Group Fitness Instructor • Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant • Clinical Exercise Specialist Prerequisites. 1. You must be at least 18 years of age. 2. You must have current adult CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification. Exam preparation. ACE recommends allocating three to six months to study for the exam, depending on your background. While ACE-approved study materials and exam preparation programs are recommended, they are not required. You may prepare yourself in any manner you deem appropriate, and are responsible for your own exam preparedness. The practical training portion of the exam provides personal trainers with the skills necessary to train one-on-one with a client. If you have a strong academic or knowledge base, but need more hands-on skills and experience, the ACE Practical Training Program may assist you as you prepare for the ACE Personal Trainer exam. This 15-hour course covers five topic areas: fitness assessment, program design, upper-body and lower-body strength training, and flexibility training. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) 800 486-5643; <http://lww.com/acsmcrc>lww.com/acsmcrc Certifications. • Group Exercise Leader Prerequisites. You must have a fitness certification from a nationally recognized organization; OR have completed or be currently enrolled in group-exercise-related college courses at a regionally accredited college/university; OR have 300 hours of group exercise instruction experience. Participants must also possess a current CPR certification. At some sites, a workshop may be conducted before the ACSM Group Exercise Leader certification. The Group Exercise Leader workshop is optional and is not a prerequisite for certification. The workshop is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge base and practical skills of the exercise leader. There are no absolute prerequisites for the workshop; however, participants without knowledge and background in the health and fitness profession should understand that the workshop is not intended to provide the full experience and knowledge necessary for ACSM certification, as described in the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) in the Appendix of the current edition of ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. • Health/Fitness Instructor Prerequisites. A two-year, four-year or master's degree in a health-related field from a regionally accredited college/university (verification by transcript or copy of the degree); OR current enrollment, as a junior or higher, in a degree-granting health-related field from a regionally accredited college/university; OR a minimum of 900 hours of practical experience in a fitness setting. Must possess current CPR certification. A multi-day workshop may be conducted in conjunction with the ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor certification examination. The purpose of the workshop is to provide a forum for acquiring new knowledge and updating techniques and skills. Workshops are neither a prerequisite for certification nor are they intended to provide the full experience and knowledge necessary for the successful completion of the examination. Participants should have prior experience and competence in monitoring heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP), both at rest and during exercise. Experience in leading an exercise class, basic counseling skills, knowledge of functional anatomy and knowledge of exercise physiology are also expected before attendance. • Health/Fitness Director Prerequisites. 1. A two-year, four-year or master's degree in a health-related field from a regionally accredited college or university (verification by transcript or copy of the degree) AND 2. A minimum of two years (full-time) or 4,000 hours of experience as a fitness manager or director AND 3. Current ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor certification AND 4. Current CPR certification • Exercise Specialist Prerequisites. Bachelor's degree in an allied health field or the equivalent (e.g., two-year degree plus a minimum of two year's experience in cardiac rehabilitation/clinical exercise testing environment). Minimum of 600 hours of practical experience in a clinical exercise program (e.g., cardiac/pulmonary), including exercise testing. Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS). The optional ACSM workshops offered for the Exercise Specialist certification require a certain degree of job knowledge and training in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, exercise testing, exercise prescription and program development. The program content of the Exercise Specialist workshop is based on a basic knowledge of exercise physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, electrocardiography, exercise program leadership and counseling. These workshops serve to review and supplement the background experience of the well-prepared participant, and are not intended to independently prepare a candidate for the ACSM Exercise Specialist certification. • Program Director Prerequisites. 1. Post-bachelor's degree (or equivalent) training in exercise science, medicine or an allied health field, plus two years of clinical experience AND 2. Minimum one year recent experience administering/managing a clinical exercise program. This one year can be included in the two-year requirement above AND 3. Current BLS certification AND 4. Current ACSM Exercise Specialist certification OR successful completion of the ACSM Exercise Specialist practical examination AND 5. Complete a Program Director candidate's checklist Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) 800 446-2322; <http://www.afaa.com>www.afaa.com Certifications. A variety of AFAA certification workshops are available for group exercise instructors and personal trainers. Each one includes a hands-on workshop, followed by written and practical exams. The certification exams are administered through the National Fitness Testing Council. • Primary Certification. Includes: study guide, one-day review and AFAA certification exams (written and practical). Prerequisites. Early registration, self-study before program and group exercise teaching experience. The Exercise Science Fundamentals Home Study and/or Practical Teaching Skills workshops are useful as precursors. Proof of current CPR required before certificate is issued. • KickBoxing Certification. Includes: study guide, one- or two-day workshop, written and practical exams. Prerequisites. AFAA Primary Certification or experience as a group exercise instructor. Current CPR required before certificate is issued. • Step Certification. Includes: study guide, one-day workshop, written and practical exams. Prerequisites. AFAA Primary Certification and Step Training Home Study are useful precursors. Current CPR required before certificate is issued. • Personal Trainer/Fitness Counselor Certification. Includes: study guide, three-day course including lectures and practical demonstrations, written and practical exams. Prerequisites. Early registration and self-study before program. Exercise Science Fundamentals home study is also recommended. Current CPR required before certificate is issued. • Weight Training Certification. Includes: study guide, two-day workshop including lectures and practical demonstrations, written and practical exams. Prerequisites. AFAA Personal Trainer Certification and/or a degree in an exercise science. Current CPR required before certificate is issued. • Emergency Response Certification. Includes: study guide, one-day review and AFAA certification exams (written and practical). Prerequisites. Proof of current CPR required before certificate is issued. C.H.E.K. Institute 800 552-8789; <http://www.chekinstitute.com>www.chekinstitute.com Certification. The Corrective High-Performance Exercise Kinesiologist (C.H.E.K) certification program is completed in four blocks ranging from five to nine days of intensive internships, taught in a focused small-group setting, followed by three to four days of examinations at the completion of the coursework. The C.H.E.K Certification Program is a two- to four-year program with approximately six months between internships. Students are expected to practice and become familiar with all techniques taught at each level of internship before applying for the next level. Prior to being certified as a Corrective High-Performance Exercise Kinesiologist, each student must pass extensive written and practical examinations, complete a written thesis and submit a video presentation. Prerequisites. To be accepted for a Level I Module program, the applicant must have completed the following seminars by either correspondence or live seminar/workshop: Scientific Core Conditioning Scientific Back Training Program Design OR have a certification or degree in a related field: physical therapist, massage therapist, personal trainer, certified strength and conditioning specialist, or any healthcare-related professional degree. Prospective students are also required to write an essay (1,500 to 3,000 words). Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research 800 635-7050; <http://www.cooperinst.org>www.cooperinst.org Certifications. Certification workshops vary in length, but most run for three to five days. • Physical Fitness Specialist • Physical Fitness Specialist — Law Enforcement • Master Fitness Specialist • Health Promotion Director • Group Exercise Leadership • Counseling Healthy Behaviors • Team Building • Biomechanics of Resistance Training • Providing Dietary Guidance • Fitness Specialist for Older Adults • Special Populations • Indoor Cycling • Martial Arts • Fitness Kickboxing Instructor Prerequisites. To earn a Cooper Institute (CI) certificate, you must be at least 18 years of age, in most cases be certified in adult CPR and demonstrate competence by passing all testing requirements, written and practical, as set forth by CI. International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA) 800 785-1924; <http://www.ifpa-fitness.com>www.ifpa-fitness.com Certifications. IFPA onsite certifications are intensive two-day programs. The first day is an optional preparatory workshop. This is followed by a second day of review and testing. All exams include a 30-question written practical component. Advanced certifications also include a practical demonstration component. • Personal Fitness Trainer. Includes textbook, study outline, review workshop, certification exam. Prerequisites. Study preparation prior to exam (minimum of three weeks recommended). • Advanced Personal Fitness Trainer. Includes textbook, study outline, review workshop, certification exam. Prerequisites. IFPA Personal Fitness Trainer Certification, study preparation prior to exam (minimum of three weeks recommended). • Master Personal Fitness Trainer. Includes: textbooks, study outline and preparation guidelines, review workshop, certification exam. Prerequisites. IFPA Personal Fitness Trainer Certification, IFPA Sports Nutrition Certification, IFPA Advanced Personal Fitness Trainer Certification, CPR, First Aid, 400 documented hours personal training experience, study preparation prior to exam. • Sports Nutrition. Includes: textbook, study outline, review workshop, certification exam. Prerequisites. IFPA Personal Trainer Certification strongly recommended, study preparation prior to exam (minimum of three weeks recommended). • Group Fitness Instructor. Includes: textbook, study outline, review workshop, certification exam. Prerequisites. Study preparation prior to exam (minimum of three weeks recommended). • Youth Fitness Instructor. Includes: textbooks, study outline, review workshop, certification exam. Prerequisites. IFPA Personal Fitness Trainer Certification, study preparation prior to exam (minimum of three weeks recommended). International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) 800 892-4772; <http://www.fitnesseducation.com>www.fitnesseducation.com Certifications. • Fitness Therapist • Specialist in Performance Nutrition • Specialist in Sports Conditioning • Specialist in Martial Arts Conditioning • Youth Fitness Trainer • Endurance Fitness Trainer • Specialist in Adaptive Fitness • Water Fitness Trainer • Golf Fitness Trainer • Specialist in Fitness for Older Adults To find out more about the ASEP Certification, go to this WEB site.http://www.css.edu/users/tboone2/asep/certify.htm>www.css.edu/users/tboone2/asep/certify.htm ISSA offers two-day certification seminars and onsite examinations. The first day of the seminar is primarily lecture, question-and-answer sessions, and group learning activities. The second day is spent taking a hands-on, individualized look at all aspects of training. All students should prepare for the seminar/exam by enrolling as early as possible. The course curriculum guide and required texts will be sent to you immediately so that you can adequately prepare. National Strength and Conditioning Association Certification Commission (NSCA) 888 746-2378; <http://www.nsca-cc.org>www.nsca-cc.org Certifications. The NSCA Certification Commission's Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) certifications. To earn one of these certifications, candidates must pass a rigorous examination administered by an independent examination service. • The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Prerequisites. To be eligible to take the exam, you must be certified in CPR, hold a B.A./B.S. degree, be enrolled as a college senior at an accredited college or university, or hold a degree in chiropractic medicine. To earn the CSCS credential, candidates must pass a exam comprised of two sections, each of which is two hours in length. • Certified Personal Trainer Prerequisites. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or the equivalent, and be CPR certified. Although no formal post-secondary course work is required, candidates are expected to have a good knowledge of biomechanical concepts, training adaptations, anatomy, exercise physiology, program design guidelines and current position papers pertaining to special populations. To achieve certification as an NSCA-CPT, candidates are required to pass a challenging, two-and-one-half-hour written examination that includes 120 questions. PhysicalMind Institute 800 505-1990; <http://www.themethodfitness.com>www.themethodfitness.com Certifications. • Initiation 101 is a 15-hour course offered in major cities worldwide. Prerequisites. Comprehension of the mat exercises from previously attended classes and the Institute video, Physicalmind Workout II; knowledge of Anatomy of Pilates book. • Concentration 101 is a 10-week course (approximately 275 hours) that certifies teachers in The Method Pilates. The course involves apprenticeship through practice and assistant teaching during and following the course. Written and practical final exam at the Institute in Santa Fe, N.M., in Los Angeles, Calif., or New York City, N.Y. (between nine months to a year after course completion) required for certification. Prerequisites. Successful completion of Initiation 101, 10 private sessions on apparatus, comprehension of the required study materials. • Concentration 201 is an eight-day course for teachers of the Method Pilates to certify at an advanced level. The Pilates Center 303 494-3400; <http://www.thepilatescenter.com>www.thepilatescenter.com Certification. Created with the guidance and inspiration of Romana Kryzanowska, this program includes a formal lecture series and an apprenticeship. A certificate is awarded to those who complete a minimum of 96 hours of formal lectures, 750 hours of apprenticeship and pass written, performance and practical exams. The formal lecture series is offered four times each year. Two of these series consist of 60 hours of lectures, and two are 10-day intensive workshops. The lectures divide the Pilates Method into five levels of technical difficulty. Every level has a practice teaching session in which trainees develop the imagery and verbal directions associated with each exercise as they learn to partner a client. The full certification program requires completion of all five levels. Trainees apprentice for 750 hours of observation, practice teaching, personal workouts and lessons, in addition to the formal lecture series. Prerequisites. To enroll, you must be able to pass a performance exam covering all of the Pilates exercises through Level IV. Acceptance in the program does not guarantee certification. The Pilates Center offers a pre-certification program to help you meet this requirement. Stott Pilates 800 910-0001; <http://www.stottpilates.com>www.stottpilates.com Certifications. Each program is comprised of a series of relevant courses or course modules. At the conclusion of each course, participants receive a "letter of completion" and relevant continuing education credits. Stott certification is awarded upon successful completion of each course, and a written and practical exam. • Intensive Certifications: Intensive Mat-Plus Repertoire. Course duration: 40 hours of instruction and supervised teaching, plus a minimum of 10 hours of observation, 30 hours of physical review and 15 hours of practice teaching, conducted over two weeks or three weekends. Prerequisites. Working knowledge of functional anatomy, some Pilates training and three-plus years teaching movement or fitness. Intensive Reformer Repertoire. Course duration: 50 hours of instruction and supervised teaching, plus a minimum of 10 hours of observation, 40 hours of physical review and 25 hours of practice teaching, conducted over three weeks or four weekends. Prerequisites. Anatomy, Pilates training, and three-plus years teaching movement or fitness. Intensive Cadillac, Chair and Barrels Repertoire. Course duration: 50 hours of instruction and supervised teaching, plus a minimum of 10 hours of observation, 40 hours of physical review and 25 hours of practice teaching, conducted over three weeks or four weekends. Prerequisites. Specified Stott courses. • Comprehensive Certification. The entire Comprehensive program is conducted over nine months, requiring a commitment of approximately 15 hours per week, plus 100 hours of apprenticeship. Courses include the following: Comprehensive Matwork and Reformer Repertoire. Course duration: 30 hours of functional anatomy, 90 hours of instruction and supervised teaching, 20 hours of observation, 70 hours of physical review, 40 hours of practice teaching and 60 hours of apprenticeship (performed upon completion of course material), conducted over 15 weeks. Prerequisites. Some training in dance, fitness or movement, exposure to Pilates, limited training in functional anatomy and little to no prior teaching experience. Comprehensive Cadillac, Chair and Barrels Repertoire. Course duration: 50 hours of instruction and supervised teaching, 10 hours of observation, 40 hours of physical review, 25 hours of practice teaching and 40 hours of apprenticeship (performed upon completion of course material), conducted over eight weeks. Prerequisites. Comprehensive Matwork and Reformer Repertoire. • Graduate-Level Certification. For those who have successfully completed Stott Pilates Intensive or Comprehensive courses and want to expand their repertoire of skills to challenge the fittest of clients, they can work toward a Level-Two Stott Pilates Certification by completing the relevant Advanced Repertoire courses. • Rehabilitation Certification. Courses include: Lumbar and Shoulder Girdle Stabilization on Mat and Rehab Reformer. Course duration: 24 hours of instruction and supervised teaching conducted over four days. Prerequisites. Health professional degree or specified previous Stott courses. Peripheral Joint Rehabilitation on Mat and Rehab Reformer. Course duration: 24 hours of instruction and supervised teaching conducted over four days. Prerequisites. Specified previous Stott courses. Lumbar and Shoulder Girdle Stabilization on Cadillac, Chair and Barrels. Course duration: 24 hours of instruction and supervised teaching conducted over four days. Prerequisites. Specified previous Stott courses. Peripheral Joint Rehabilitation on Cadillac, Chair and Barrels. Course duration: 24 hours of instruction and supervised teaching conducted over four days. Prerequisites. Specified previous Stott courses. World Instructor Training Schools (WITS) 888 330-9487; <http://www.witseducation.com>www.witseducation.com Certifications. • Aerobics Instructor Training consists of the following: Four days, three hours each day, of core knowledge Four days, three hours each day, of practical skill development Certification testing: Written and practical competency Total time: 27 hours • Aqua Instructor Training consists of the following: Four days, three hours each day, of core knowledge Four days, three hours each day, of practical skill development Certification testing: Written and practical competency Total time: 27 hours • Personal Trainer Training consists of the following: Four days, three hours each day, of core knowledge Four days, three hours each day, of practical skill development Certification testing: Written and practical competency Total time: 27 hours • Senior Fitness Instructor Training consists of the following: Two days, three hours each day, of core knowledge Two days, three hours each day, of practical skill development Certification testing: Written and practical competency Total time: 15 hours Additional certifying organizations As you conduct your own research into the certification options, you may wish to investigate programs that offer briefer workshops or home-study options, as appropriate for the experience level of the person who is to be certified. Following are some such certification programs: American Fitness Professionals and Associates <http://www.afpafitness.com>www.afpafitness.com American Senior Fitness Association <http://www.seniorfitness.net>www.seniorfitness.net Desert Southwest Fitness <http://www.dswfitness.com>www.dswfitness.com The Exercise Science Alliance <http://www.esafit.com>www.esafit.com The Harmony Group (pilates certifications) <http://www.theharmonygroup.com>www.theharmonygroup.com Motherwell/SBI Corp. <http://www.motherwellfitness.com>www.motherwellfitness.com The National Association for Fitness Certification <http://www.body-basics.com>www.body-basics.com The National Dance-Exercise Instructor's Training Association <http://www.ndeita.com>www.ndeita.com The National Federation of Professional Trainers <http://www.nfpt.com>www.nfpt.com The National Gym Association <http://www.nationalgym.com>www.nationalgym.com The National Health Club Association <http://www.asfinternational.com/Prof_ftns_trnr.htm>www.asfinternational.com/Prof_ftns_trnr.htm Power Pilates <http://www.powerpilates.com>www.powerpilates.com |
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