If you have any comments or additions to this primer, please e-mail them to Tim Lightfoot at University of North Carolina-Charlotte : jtlightf@unccvm.uncc.edu . All suggestions and comments are welcomed (and I'll even give you credit!).
It is a normal scene in a fitness facility: you're working out and someone comes up and gives you advice on how you are working out or on some other aspect of your fitness routine. Perhaps you are even paying this individual for their "expertise". How do you know that this person knows what they are talking about? There are no licensure requirements for Exercise Therapists or Personal Trainers, so fitness facility directors can hire who they want, regardless of their background. So how do you know?
One way of determining the qualifications of Exercise Therapists is to consider their educational qualifications and their certifications. The purpose of this primer is to give you information about those criterion, especially certifications, so you can make informed, smart decisions about who you interact with and whom you trust in a fitness facility.
This primer is arranged in two sections: the first deals with educational qualifications and the second deals with certifications. Each section gives you the facts about each of the topics, plus in clearly marked areas, I've interjected Editorial Opinion, which in many cases reflects the opinions of not only myself, but many others in the industry. The Opinions should be used as "extra information" in making your decision, but should not be counted on solely for decision formation.
With the emphasis on lifelong fitness, more and more Universities are offering degrees in Exercise Science with an emphasis in wellness. While some Exercise Therapists may not have degrees, it is always advantageous to work with an individual who has a degree in Exercise Science or a related field such as Physical Education or Exercise Physiology. These individuals, in addition to their two years of basic college courses, will have at least two years of focused study in various aspects of Exercise Science. The areas that are usually covered in undergraduate degree programs are Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Nutrition, and Exercise Physiology, to name just a few. Many programs also require their students to take focused classes in the proper methods of resistance training, aerobic training, aquatics, and other fitness activities as well as completing practicum and internship experiences. Each of these subjects are covered in 12-15 week semesters, resulting in an Exercise Science Professional that has a wide breadth and in-depth knowledge about the application of exercise.
Graduate degrees are also available in Exercise Science, with the most common being the Masters degree and the Doctor of Philosophy. Most of the individuals managing fitness facilities and rehabilitation centers have Masters Degrees in Exercise Science that reflect their additional study in areas such as Facility Management and Health Promotion. Individuals with the Doctorate degree in Exercise Science, often teach at the University level and/or run large corporate or rehabilitation programs in various settings.
As the drive to increase the accountability of the Exercise professional gets more attention, educational qualifications are being emphasized. The recent Facility Standards and Guidelines published by the American College of Sports Medicine recommends that all Exercise Personnel that interact with the public have formal academic training or certification.
Some fitness individuals will argue that they don't need a degree in Exercise Science to service the public. That may be true: there are probably many individuals who have the dedication to read textbooks on their own and learn the material. However, exposure to in-depth study and new material not yet in texts, plus the critical thinking required to complete a degree, guarantee a professional that has a better understanding of exercise. You would never go to a physician who did not go to medical school, nor would you go to an accountant who did not have a degree in Accounting. Why trust your body and your well-being to someone who does not have the most up-to-date and scientifically correct knowledge base?
A. Who certifies the certifications? Before we discuss the various certifications that are available to fitness professionals, we should first discuss the groups that oversee the organizations that give certifications. There are currently two organizations that "certify" certifying organizations: The National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). NCCA and NOCA operate out of the same offices in Washington DC. NOCA and NCCA differ in the stringency of their criteria for membership. NCCA criteria is the most stringent, with a primary criterion being the separation of the certification process from the professional organization. Additionally, NCCA criteria is based on the certifying agency maintaining a national registry of all certified individuals. NOCA has approximately 100 members and NCCA has approximately 30 members.
B. National certifications The certifications and certifying agencies listed below are national in nature and are offered at a variety of sites across the country. The major benefit of choosing an individual with a national certification is that you know this individual has been held to the same standards that other individuals have across the country.
1. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) - Established in 1954 as a society of Exercise Scientists, the ACSM established their certification program in 1975. ACSM is affiliated with NOCA and maintains a registry of all ACSM certified fitness professionals. Since 1975, ACSM has certified over 17,000 fitness professionals, with approximately 1,200 certifications being awarded each year.
ACSM has two certification tracks with three certifications in each track. All of the ACSM certifications consist of a written exam and a "hands-on" practical exam. ACSM publishes extensive standards and objectives for each certification in various publications such as the Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (now in the 5th Edition). Testing sites are located around the country and are usually affiliated with Universities or Hospital settings. This year, over 70 sites will be used for the various certifications, many having affiliated workshops.
To maintain an ACSM certification, an individual has to take continuing education courses. The amount of continuing education required depends upon the certification level and ranges from 40-120 continuing education credits every 4 years. ACSM has one publication specifically directed at helping certified individuals maintain certification (Certified News).
Clinical Track certifications - Certifications in this track recognize specific levels of competence in clinical exercise programs for individuals with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic disease.
b) The ACSM Exercise Specialist is the second level in the Clinical Track and recognizes a cardiac rehabilitation professional's ability to cover a wide range of clinical situations and patient issues. This individual, before being certified must have a minimum of 4 months or 600 hrs of practical experience in a rehab program, must have a degree in an allied health field, be CPR certified, and possess the skills and knowledge necessary for the Exercise Test Technologist certification.
c) The ACSM Exercise Test Technologist has the ability and knowledge necessary to deliver safe and valid exercise-related test. As with the other Clinical Track certifications, the candidate must be CPR certified, pass a written exam, and an extensive practical, but does not need a degree to sit for the exam.
b) The ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor certification requires a knowledge of health appraisal techniques, risk factor identification, and submaximal exercise testing, CPR certification, as well as a degree in an allied health field. With certification, these individuals can successfully lead exercise and health-enhancement programs.
c) The ACSM Exercise Leader is the entry level certification for those individuals involved in "on-the-floor" exercise leadership. These individuals are qualified to implement exercise prescriptions developed by others and to teach and demonstrate safe and effective methods of exercise. To sit for this certification, an individual has to have a knowledge of proper exercise leadership techniques, be CPR certified, and have a basic knowledge of exercise science.
Editorial opinion: Many fitness professionals consider ACSM certification the gold standard because of the varied levels and the rigorous quality control. The ACSM practicals are the most rigorous in the industry and have been extensively evaluated to try to make them as objective as possible. The adoption of the OSCE scoring system (an objective scoring system) was implemented to try and eliminate the appearance of any conflict of interest with the examiners. Furthermore, other organizations are accepting ACSM certifications as the standard with the IDEA Foundation now allowing ACSM to give the Exercise Leader certification exam at their meetings.
However, some professionals have criticized the ACSM certifications because of a perceived lack of focus on resistance training and muscle evaluation. This is probably why the National Strength and Conditioning Association certification has gained popularity. Additionally, the ACSM certifications will probably never be NCCA certified because ACSM probably will not separate the certification process from the professional society, as NCCA requires. The sentiment within ACSM is that the close linkage between the certifications and the professional society enhances the quality of the certifications and insure that only the most knowledgeable and qualified professionals are certified.
For more information or to inquire about ACSM certified individuals in your area: Call the American College of Sports Medicine at (317) 637-9200.
2. National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) - The NSCA is an educational organization of coaches, athletic trainers, physical therapists, educators, researchers, and physicians that provide resources and opportunities in the strength and conditioning profession. The NSCA established their certification program in 1985 with the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) program. Additionally, NSCA is developing a Personal Trainer certification to offer in the future. NSCA recently became NCCA associated by splitting their certification program off into a separate CSCS agency. NSCA holds the CSCS certification exam in a total of 17 sites on 5 dates during the year (scheduled for 1994). NSCA has made provisions for alternative testing sites that can be arranged through the NSCA.
To sit for the CSCS certification, an individual must have a college degree from an accredited institution (in any field) or be currently enrolled as a college senior. Additionally, the individual must hold a current CPR certification. Preparation for the CSCS certification is made easy because NSCA sells extensive certification preparation material including workbooks, audiotapes, videotapes, and NSCA articles. The CSCS certification is split into a Scientific Foundations section and a Practical/Applied section. The Scientific Foundations section is a written exam while the Practical/Applied section involve answering written questions while viewing a videotape. Maintenance of CSCS certification is accomplished by only taking 6 continuing credit hours over a 3 year period.
Editorial Opinion - This certification is getting a lot of recognition because it has filled the resistance training gap left by the ACSM certifications. Therefore, many fitness facilities are asking their personnel that work in "weight-room" areas to be CSCS certified. NSCA, by gaining NCCA association, has shown a commitment to keeping their certifications current. However, it is interesting to note that anyone can sit for the test, as long as they have a college degree. There is no experience requirement or specific degree requirement. This, along with the extensive exam preparation material sold by the NSCA, enable almost anyone to become CSCS certified. Furthermore, the lack of a true practical test undermines the importance of testing an individual's ability to show a client how to use equipment or perform exercise appropriately. Among all of the certifications, the CSCS certification has the lowest continuing education requirement.
For more information and to inquire about NSCA certified individuals in your area: Call the NSCA at (402) 472-3000.
3. American Council on Exercise (ACE) - ACE originally started as the certification arm of the IDEA Foundation, but has since severed ties with IDEA. ACE's goal is to promote safe and effective exercise. ACE claims to be the most often used aerobics certification in clubs, so there is a good chance that your aerobic instructor is ACE certified. ACE is associated with NOCA and is currently trying to become NCCA affiliated.
ACE offers two certifications: the ACE Aerobics Certification and the Personal Trainer Certification. Both certifications are written exams with no practical exam. The Aerobics Certification is designed for individuals teaching group exercise and the Personal Trainer Certification designed for those individuals working with clients on a one-to-one basis. ACE states very clearly that while these certifications are intended to certify individual's knowledge to teach safe and effective exercise to apparently healthy adults, the certifications do not imply a knowledge base for highly trained athletes, pre/postnatal women, older individuals, the physically handicapped, the morbidly obese, or people with known coronary heart disease or physical imitations.
To sit for either certification exam, a candidate must be at least 18 yrs old and have a current CPR certification. There is no prerequisite for degree or experience. The certifications are given 4 times per year, twice in conjunction with the IDEA International and Education Meetings and twice at 24-25 sites around the USA and at 4-6 international sites. The exams are administered by Columbia Assessment Services, Inc. to promote objectivity. ACE sells numerous books and materials to help a candidate prepare for the exam. Maintenance of the certification is accomplished through earning 15 continuing education credits every two years.
Editorial Opinion: ACE has done a tremendous job of uniting many of the smaller certifications in the Aerobics world into one standardized exam. Furthermore, getting information from ACE was extremely easy and they have extensive information about the exams. However, the certifications are limited to aerobic dance and personal training and do not certify knowledge in other critical areas of exercise such as exercise therapy and dealing with special populations. The lack of a practical exam is bothersome because in an exercise environment such as aerobic instruction, it would seem critical to know if the candidate has the leadership skills necessary to lead individuals. Also, the lack of prerequisite experience and/or educational requirements indicates that anyone can get the certification.
Additionally, in many ways, AFAA (see below) and ACE certifications appear to be similar. For more information: Contact ACE at (619) 452-1223.
4. Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) - AFAA's goal is to promote safe exercise in group settings through the setting of standards by which to recognize instructional competency. AFAA is not currently NOCA or NCCA associated. AFAA has two certifications: the Aerobics Certification and the Personal Training Certification. To sit for either of these exams, an individual must be 18 years old and hold a current CPR certification. The certification exam consist of a written exam and a brief practical portion.
Maintenance of the AFAA certifications is through a required 15 hrs of continuing education courses over a two year period. Additionally, AFAA requires that part of the continuing education be participation in an AFAA workshop.
Editorial Opinion: This organization is incredibly hard to get information from. After calling for three weeks and getting nothing but answering machines and no return phone calls, I finally gave up. The information that is presented here was gathered from individuals that have the certifications. In many ways, AFAA and ACE certifications appear to be similar. One large exception is the fact that AFAA does have a practical associated with their certification. However, the practical is a "mass practical" where all of the individuals are tested at once, with one examiner watching approximately 5 people at a time.
For more information: Call AFAA at (818)905-0040 (good luck).
5. Aquatic Exercise Association, Inc. (AEA) - AEA is an organization dedicated to providing services and products relating to the aquatic fitness and therapy industries. With increase in water-based exercise programs, AEA saw the need for a standardizing program. AEA offers one of the newest certifications, that being the AEA Instructor Certification. This certification enables the individual to lead aquatics exercise in a safe and knowledgeable manner.
The certification exam is given in a variety of locations and consists of a one-day review, a written exam, and a practical exam. To sit (or tread) for the exam, an individual only needs a current CPR certification. Upon registration, the candidate receives study materials that will help prepare them for the exam.
Editorial Opinion: This is a certification for a field that is rapidly growing and that was in need of standardization. This certification benefits from a good practical exam. However, as with some of the other certifications, the lack of an experience or education requirement allows anyone to take the exam.
For more information: Call AEA at (414) 284-3416.
6. Regional and Local Certification - In many cities, there are a variety of small organizations and institutes that give some type of certification. You should be leery of any fitness leader that only has these types of certifications. National certifications are developed using accepted industry standards and are recognized throughout the country (and in many cases, in other countries).
Given all of this information, how do you choose a fitness professional to work with you? You should know what you need. For example, if you are apparently healthy and will be participating in an aerobics class, your instructor should have ACE, AFAA, or the ACSM Exercise Leader certification. This indicates that while the instructor may not have done extensive study in the area, they have knowledge concerning most situations that will arise in class and can conduct the class safely and effectively. If you have other exercise needs, use this primer to find someone that has the appropriate knowledge to help you.
It is important to understand that neither state or our federal government regulated personnel in the health and fitness industry. Anyone can call themselves an "Exercise Physiologist" or "Personal Trainer". Therefore, you have to take responsibility and be a smart consumer to find the best and most competent exercise professional(s). Use this guide to find the professional best suited to give you good advice and instruction. Asking about educational qualifications and certifications up-front will save you time, money, effort, and may actually reduce your health risk from a poor instructor. More and more fitness professionals have degrees and certifications, so looking for a fitness professional with an appropriate degree and certification will not limit your choices. In most cases, individuals with proper education and certification, will give you the best results.
I would like to thank the following individuals for their help in gathering this information, proofreading, and their advice: Anita D'Angelo, Tracy Henry-Stofflet, Brian Findley, Ann Partlow, Dr. Carl Foster, and Allan Stevens.
To prevent interpretive misquotes, the information in this primer on each of the certifications was taken directly from the information brochures that each organization provided.