Chapter 30,31 Exercise Science & Fitness Certifications

Objectives 1. To define certification and explain the purpose and rationale for pursuing certification 2. To name the types of certifications and describe the processes involved in earning the major national certifications 3. To explain the value of certification to professional activity 4. To identify the allied health professions most closely affiliated with exercise science

Certification Certification -  Defined as a process by which an individual, is evaluated and recognized as meeting certain predetermined standards through successful completion of a valid and reliable examination  Steps in the Certification Process  Typically recognized coast to coast

What is the Rationale for Getting Certified? Professionally - To ensure within a profession that:  The standards are being maintained to guarantee safe and ethical practice.

What is the Rationale for Getting Certified? Public - It indicates that:  The person has mastered the expertise, advanced knowledge, skills, and / or proficiency necessary to practice in a particular area of specialty identified by an administering organization.  To ensure that the individual is minimally competent to do their job.

Rationale for Pursuing Certification Enhance confidence among consumers and clients / patients Help individuals in Exercise Science to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the health, fitness, and clinical areas Assist the employer in identifying the levels of expertise among candidates for employment Provide a rationale for advancement

Licensure Licensure –  The granting of permission by a competent authority (usually government agency) to an individual (or organization) to engage in a practice that would otherwise be illegal  Usually issued state by state

Licenses Issued to hospitals, nursing homes, medical professionals, allied health professional  Athletic trainers, physical therapists, etc. Usually based on education and an examination criteria  Board Exams

Differences People who are licensed can legally practice in a regulated profession. People who are certified may not have legal authority to practice unless the state recognizes their certification as the licensure requirement.

Registration The recording of professional qualification information relevant to government licensing regulations (NSCA, ACSM…) Placed in the organization’s registry Registry provides information to employers and the public about the qualifications of those listed Similar to licensure

Exercise Science Certifications National Athletic Trainers’ Association American College of Sports Medicine National Strength and Conditioning Association Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics Association for the Advancement of Applied Sports Psychology

Top Organizations Professional Tracks  ACSM HFIESRCEP(cPT)  NSCA CSCS(CPT)  NATA ATC Non-Professional Tracks  AFAA  ACE  YMCA  Cooper Institute  IDEA  (ACSM – cPT only)

Professional Certifications

Common Requirements of Professional Certifications Current CPR certification Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Cost money to sit for the exams Have prerequisites to sit for the exam Some certifications will hold workshops Many exams have multiple parts:  Written  Practical  Simulation

National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) Recognized by the AMA as an allied health professional Recognized by the AMA as an allied health professional Prerequisites include  Baccalaureate degree from a college with a CAAHEP approved program

ACSM Certifications Health/Fitness Speialist – BS or AS in health related field  For those working with low-to moderate risk clients in settings such as health clubs. Exercise Specialist – BS in allied health field, 600 hrs clinical  Those who are competent in graded exercise testing and exercise Rx, performing emergency procedures and providing counseling in a clinical setting. Registered Clinical Ex. Physiologist – MS,1200 hrs  Provides exercise management for patients with a broad spectrum of chronic diseases and conditions. Certified Personal Trainer * – HS Diploma  Involved in developing & implementing programs for the healthy population & / or those with medical clearance.

National Strength & Conditioning Association Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialists (CSCS)  Implements safe and effective conditioning and strength programs for commercial or community health and fitness facilities; also colleges & universities. Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) *  Designed for professionals who work one-on-one with their clients in a variety of environments * Does not require a college degree to sit for exam

Ergonomists Certifications Ergonomists Certifications Certified Professional Ergonomists (CPE)  Master’s Degree in ergonomics or equivalent life science or engineering science  4 years of full time professional practice as an ergonomists practitioner Certified Ergonomics Associate (CEA) Associate Ergonomics Professional (AEP)

Professional Ergonomist Studies the interaction between people and machines and investigate environmental factors that affect work  Design or redesign the workplace, social, or physical work environment  Assist engineers in designing systems and machines  Implement new programs  Rehabilitate and educate  Evaluate systems

Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology (AAASP) Certified Consultant Prerequisites include:  Doctoral degree  Supervised practicum in counseling at the graduate level (400 hours supervised)  AAASP specific course work  Experience and training in sports psychology and exercise science

Non-Professional Certifications

Top Organizations Professional Tracks  ACSM HFSESRCEP(cPT)  NSCA CSCS(CPT)  NATA ATC Non-Professional Tracks  AFAA  ACE  YMCA  Cooper Institute  IDEA  (ACSM – cPT only)

Common Requirements of Non -Professional Certifications A college degree is Not always required Current CPR Certification Most will require CEUs All will cost money to sit for the exams Some will have prerequisites to sit for the exam Some certifications will hold workshops Many exams have multiple parts:  Written  Practical

Non-Professional Fitness Certifications Aerobics & Fitness Assoc. of America (AFAA) American Council on Exercise (ACE) American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) YMCA Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research

Aerobics & Fitness Association of America Certification types  Primary Aerobic Instructor Certification  Personal Trainer/Fitness Counselor Certification  Step Certification  Weight Training Certification  Fitness Practitioner Certification (see next slide)* All Require  Either previous AFAA certification or degree in exercise science  CEU’s every 2 years

AFAA Requirements Fitness Practitioner also requires:  4 year college degree  Liability insurance  Record of workshop attendance  Home-study course  Pass 2 case studies

A merican Council on Exercise Certification types  Personal Trainer Certification  Group Fitness Instructor Certification  Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant Certification CEU’s every 2 years

ACSM Certified Personal Trainer New as of Jan 2005 Minimum of 18 years old HS diploma 45 CEU’s every 3 years

YMCA Certification Types  Certifications working with older adults  Lifeguard and Special Populations Instructor  Arthritis Foundation YMCA Aquatic Program Instructor  Health and Fitness Certifications Age and YMCA certification course requirements

Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research Offer a variety of certifications targeted to professionals in the healthcare and fitness industry:  Personal training and fitness  Dietary guidance  Aerobics fitness instruction  Health promotion  Public safety fitness

What is the Rationale for Getting Certified? Professionally - To ensure within a profession that standards are being maintained to guarantee safe and ethical practice. Public - It indicates that the person has mastered the expertise, advanced knowledge, skills, and proficiency necessary to practice in a particular area of specialty identified by an administering organization.  To insure that the individual is minimally competent to do their job.

Summary Certification - individual is evaluated and recognized as meeting certain standards through successful completion of a valid & reliable examination. Usually recognized Nationally. Licensure - the granting of permission by a competent authority to an individual to engage in a practice or activity that would otherwise be illegal. Usually only recognized at the State level. Registration - the recording of professional qualification information which is placed in the organization’s registry; available to the Public about the qualifications of those listed.