Specialty Certification Information
Specialty certifications are a great way to broaden the populations you can work with. This can result in greater opportunity and increased income potential. When deciding on a specialty certification ask yourself the following:
- What populations am I interested in training?
- Will studying and taking the exam prepare me for the population I want to train?
- What certifications do employers in my area recognize?
- What are the reputations of the different certifying agencies?
Look through the following Specialty Certifications. The information has been taken from the organization's website to ensure accuracy. However, for programs that you are interested in, check out their website for more details. Contact them if you have questions not answered by their site.
ACSM - Exercise Specialist
The ACSM Exercise Specialist® candidate demonstrates competence in graded exercise testing, exercise prescription, exercise leadership, emergency procedures, patient counselling, and health education for individuals with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or metabolic diseases as well as apparently healthy individuals.
Minimum Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree in an allied health field or the equivalent (e.g. 2-yr degree plus a minimum of 2 yrs 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)
Recommended Competencies:
- Demonstrate competence in the KSAs required of the ACSM Exercise Specialist®, Health/Fitness Instructor and Group Exercise Leader as listed in the current edition of the ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription
- Ability to demonstrate extensive knowledge of functional anatomy, exercise physiology, pathophysiology, electrocardiography, human behaviour/psychology, gerontology, graded exercise testing for healthy and diseased populations, exercise prescription for healthy and diseased populations, exercise supervision/leadership, patient counselling, and emergency procedures related to exercise testing and training situations.
There are other certifications available. You will have to contact ACSM (1-800-486-5643) for information, as none was available at the time of this writing. These certifications are:
- Advanced Personal Trainer Certificate of Enhanced Qualification
- Exercise and the Older Adult
- Nutrition and Exercise: From Health to Physical Performance
- Scientific and Applied Aspects of Resistance Training.
ACE - Clinical Exercise Specialist
The ACE Clinical Exercise Specialist is
an advanced personal trainer certification that demonstrates your ability
to work with special populations. Millions of Americans suffer from a
chronic disease, and even more have experienced some form of injury. Most
of these people have something in common - they can enhance their quality
of life with a well-designed program of physical activity. This requires
someone with in-depth knowledge of the appropriate type of activity that
will most benefit them, taking their limitations into consideration.
Clinical Exercise Specialists train clients for:
- Strengthening
- Physical Conditioning
- Proprioceptive training
- Improving range of motion
- Neuromuscular re-education
- Balancing extremity strength
- Increasing muscular endurance
- Increasing cardiovascular function
The prerequisites to write for the exam are a degree in exercise science or equivalent or personal trainer certification or equivalent, 300 hours of experience & CPR certification.
You have 4 hours to complete a 175 multiple choice question exam.
ACE - Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant
The Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant certification assures clients that you have the knowledge to develop sound, balanced weight management programs that bring together the three critical components of nutrition, exercise and lifestyle change. Research tells us that fit and healthy people are only 15% of the total market. The rest have many barriers to overcome. As a Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant you'll be able to identify those barriers and design plans to work through them. You will learn to appreciate your clients' psychology, body composition and unique needs. You will recognize what motivates them, determine the best way to help and understand how to effectively communicate your advice.
The prerequisites to write the exam are CPR certification and 18 years of age. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions with 3.5 hours to complete it.
CSEP-PFLC - Professional Fitness and Lifestyle Consultant
The objective of this certification is to recognize the qualifications of individuals who have had advanced training in exercise science, lifestyle counselling and exercise prescription. Such an individual is regarded as a competent and autonomous appraiser, qualified to work without supervision, utilizing recognized sub-maximal and/or maximal testing protocols. Test results can be interpreted and used as the basis for developing a personalized fitness program.
Individuals who want to be certified as PFLC's must have successfully completed the following:
- A university degree in exercise science.
- A PFLC workshop/apprenticeship of at least 120 contact hours.
- Pass comprehensive practical and written exams.
- Hold current CPR certificate.
- Pay an annual registration fee and hold insurance coverage.
What a PFLC may do:
- Administer appropriate appraisal protocols for the evaluation of lifestyle, physical fitness and physical activity.
- Interpret the results of an individual' s appraisal to determine lifestyle, fitness, and physical activity levels.
- Develop a specific program of exercise for the individual and act as a Personal Trainer.
- Suggest healthy dietary practices in concert with exercise to normalize body fatness.
- Use a heart rhythm tracing to observe heart response during an appraisal.
- Supervise PFLC apprenticeships upon approval by the provincial FACA Board
- Apply for accreditation of their Centre.
- In Saskatchewan: Design, implement and supervise exercise therapy for special populations.
What a PFLC may not do:
- Administer an appraisal to a subject with a history of cardiovascular disease unless cleared for unrestricted physical activity by a physician, or if the appraisal falls within a physician's written restrictions.
- Diagnose pathology based on the appraisal.
AAHFRP - Post-Rehabilitation Conditioning Specialist
This is an entry-level certification for fitness professionals. This certification allows you to begin offering post rehab services to a wide variety of clients. These clients include:
- Total Knee Replacement
- Lumbar Disc Herniation/Strain
- Total Hip Replacement
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Osteoarthritis
- ACL Rupture/Reconstruction
- Shoulder Impingement
- Fibromyalgia
- Cerebrovascular Accident
- Diabetes
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Patello-Femoral Syndrome
- Knee Meniscus Tears
- Hypertension
- Rotator Cuff Tears
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Cervical Strain
This course may be completed by videotape. The exam consists of 100 written questions and five case studies. Pre-requisites for this certification are a nationally recognized certification as a personal trainer and a basic understanding of anatomy.
AAHFRP - Medical Exercise Specialist
The Medical Exercise Specialist is the oldest and most recognized certification for fitness professionals wishing to work with medical clients. The certification was established in 1992 and today there are some 10000 Medical Exercise Specialists throughout the world. Certification requires you hold a certification from a nationally recognized organization and successfully completing the MES exam. The exam is 200 written questions and 10 case studies. The areas of competence tested include:
- Functional Anatomy
- Fitness Programming for Special Populations
- Vital Signs
- Medical Communications
- Scope of Practice and Role of the Fitness Professional
- Regional Exercise Principles and Protocols
- Post Rehab Exercise Technique
- Post Rehab Assessment
The MES course is offered by videotape and occasionally through an on-site course. On-site courses are offered in Vancouver, BC, New York, NY and San Francisco, CA. Each MES participant must complete 10 hours of observation in a sportsmed/PT clinic, chiropractic office or physician's office under the supervision of a licensed medical practitioner within 1 year of certification. This certification requires annual renewal by completing 10 hours of post rehab related courses or observation hours.
NSCA - Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
The CSCS certification is a specialized program, which identifies individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the areas of proper strength and conditioning practices. It has been designed to specifically assess competencies of those who strength train and condition athletes. It is the only strength and conditioning certification accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The examination consists of a 2-hour theory and a 2-hour practical test. The candidate must have a university degree or be in their senior year to write the examination.
ISSA - Fitness Therapy
Topics covered include:
- Post-Rehab Orthopaedic Exercise
- Therapeutic Flexibility
- Stress Management
- Industrial Fitness/Workers Compensation
- Avoiding Injury Recurrence
- Drug Interaction with Exercise
- Sports Medicine and Health Care
- Achieving Maximum Insurance Reimbursement In A Managed Care Environment
Develop exercise programs for individuals suffering from:
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Stroke
- Cardiac Problems
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Cancer Wellness
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Post Menopause
Help clients suffering from orthopaedic problems and conditions of the:
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Upper Back
- Low Back
- Hips
- Knees
- Ankles
- Elbows and Hands
Prerequisites for the exam are ISSA or a nationally recognized personal trainer certification or medical background.
Visit the ISSA website to find out more information on their other specialized certifications.
The Resistance Training University
The RTS 2 & 3 levels are a continuation from the RTS 1 program that was profiled in our Base Level Certification Information. The goal of the program is increased education on resistance training application.
The prerequisite is RTS level 1. The exam for level 2 consists of a practical hands-on test. The prerequisite for level 3 is RTS level 1 & 2 completion. The course consists of four 3-day modules followed by an essay and oral exam as well as a student teaching assignment.
NESTA - Certified Sport Yoga Instructor™
The NESTA Sport Yoga program is a comprehensive home-study certification that prepares the graduate for a job in a fitness facility or working from home. Study material includes a manual, audio CDs and videos. NESTA has been established since 1992 and has graduates who now work around the world.
Sport Yoga is primarily based on Hatha yoga. It also covers traditional sports stretching, Pilates® mat exercises, and martial arts warm-ups. It differs from traditional yoga because it's easier for beginners to perform, and faster for instructors to learn our teaching methods. Sport Yoga is better that regular sports stretching because it has much more structure and balance. The movements are more detailed than most martial arts schools will teach to their students.
NESTA's home-study certification and training program allows you to become uniquely qualified as a Certified Sport Yoga Instructor™. Best of all, it's convenient, affordable, and backed by NESTA.
NESTA - Certified Holistic Fitness Practitioner
Holistic Fitness Practitioner Certification - A total of FIVE Certifications will be earned after completion!
NESTA offers the lowest prices on certification in the fitness industry. NESTA has been established since 1992 and has graduates who now work around the world.
This unique professional designation is for the individual who has now made the decision to earn NESTA's highest level of certification and recognition.
The Certified Holistic Fitness Practitioner Program is comprised of five segments. Four of the five segments are satisfied by completing the following courses: Certified Personal Trainer, Mind/Body Fitness Specialist, Mental Skills Training Specialist, and Certified Sport Yoga Instructor.
The fifth requirement is a research paper. It must be 3,000 words (approx. 6 pages) in length. It will cover the history of holistic health, a comparison between holistic and allopathic medicine, ten examples of holistic health and fitness, and a summary of your conclusions about holistic health following the completion of your studies. At least five references must be sited for this research paper. A bibliography (resource list) will be done at the conclusion of the paper. This fifth requirement is the final part of the program to hold the title of Certified Holistic Fitness Practitioner.
NESTA - Certified Holistic Stress Management Specialist
NESTA offers the lowest prices on certification in the fitness industry. NESTA has been established since 1992 and has graduates who now work around the world.
Certified Holistic Stress Management Specialist - This program is designed for the fitness and wellness professional that is now looking to expand his or her knowledge in this lucrative and expanding field. Your clients are always talking about "how stressed" they are feeling. Why not have the tools to help them achieve their goal of stress management? Now you can with this exciting and rewarding program!
Some fitness professionals charge a separate fee for stress management, while others integrate it into their regular training programs. This certification course is very complementary to our Holistic Fitness Practitioner Program and yet completely different.
Spencer Institute Life Coaching Certifications
Take the Next Step and Become a Certified Life Strategies Coach!
Personal Trainers, Massage Therapists, Business Professionals, and those with a helping heart all make excellent Life Strategies Coaches! Coaching is said to be the number two growth industry in coming years behind IT (information technology) jobs.
Where did the field of life coaching get started?
In the past, many people did some form of coaching, but did not call themselves
coaches. The field as we know it started in the early 1980s. Prior to
the term "coaching", people referred to themselves as mentors,
consultants, advisors, or just a helping hand. Today, coaching is a more
highly recognized and respected occupation. Since coaching is not sports
psychology or psychotherapy, there are no state or regional laws for "coaching"
someone on important issues in their life.
The Cooper Institute
The Cooper Institute offers many specialty certification courses. One such certification is the Special Population Certification. Special Populations Specialty Certification will prepare you to address the fitness programming needs of varying populations. Topics include:
- Medical Screening
- Medications and Exercise Prescription
- Safety for the Workout
- Strength Training and Exercise Programs
- Exercise Guidelines for Clients with:
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Low Back Syndrome
- Osteoporosis
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
Check out their website for the many other certifications they offer.
SFA - Senior Personal Trainer
American Senior Fitness Association's Senior Personal Trainer educational program creates exciting new career opportunities for you. SFA training opens doors into the homes and gyms of valued personal training clients.
You can provide the best specialized one-on-one training for older adults ranging from typical healthy individuals, to post-rehab stroke and cardiac clients, to active senior athletes.
You will profit from SFA's practical approach to fitness education. Below are descriptions of some of the vital topics you will study:
- The section entitled "Wellness-Oriented Custom Older Adult Training" provides complete step-by-step instructions for expanding a personal training business into a professional service that promotes total client wellness.
- "Focus on Senior Athletes" explores working with high-fit seniors, older competitive athletes, and sports-minded older adults who want to improve their golf and tennis games.
- "Points Training Systems" provides everything you need to quantify your client's training program, thereby ensuring balanced training and adequate energy expenditure.
- "Management Principles" addresses legal, business, and marketing considerations. It shows you how to perfect your teaching, communication, and motivational skills. And it discusses important gerontological factors that you need to fully understand in order to be an effective senior personal trainer.
The prerequisites to the exam are CPR and First Aid certification. The exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions. Other certifications they offer are Long-term Care Fitness Leader and Senior Fitness Association. Visit their site for further information.
Corrective High-Performance Exercise Kinesiologist
This certification program was developed by Paul Chek MSS,HHP,NMT and is founded upon 15 years of Paul's clinical experience in the fields of orthopaedic rehabilitation and strength coaching. It is designed to produce the finest and most highly trained exercise therapists and strength and conditioning specialists in the world. The C.H.E.K. program is completed in 4 blocks ranging from 5-9 days of intensive modules, taught in a focused small group setting, followed by 3-4 days of examinations at the completion of the program. Graduates will have proven proficiency by practical and written examination demonstrating:
- In-depth understanding of advanced level functional anatomy and kinesiology.
- Mastery of strength training theory and practical objective assessment
- Ability to proficiently design both rehabilitative and sports performance exercise programs
- Ability to critically analyze current research and theories.
- Effective communication skills with clients and other health care professionals, both orally and in writing.
This program is a two-to four-year program with 6 months between modules. Visit the website for a more in-depth look at this program and to look at the Golf Biomechanic Certification Program.
There are many more specialty certification programs out there beyond this article. Hopefully this article will get you started on figuring out a path to advancing your skills and knowledge. Have fun!