Answers (5)
1
Hi Yves. I understand exactly how you feel.
I have many years of experience, a masters degree sixteen verifiable certifications and many that are not verifiable on this portal.
When I moved to Italy, all that didn't matter. I had to acquire a very basic credential in order to become employed and to get insurance.
Sometimes it is inconvenience to play by the rules, however, from the description you give of yourself you sound like you know your stuff.
Regarding the "expiry-limited" description of personal trainer credentials. I know with all of my credentials the limited certification period allows the fitness professional to attend workshops and conferences where one can expand upon the knowledge that they have acquired and earn continuing education credits towards the credential they've earned. From my perspective, that is the beauty of the credential. Having said that, this depends upon the credential that you've earned.
Here is what I would suggest--being that you have earned your degree in PE and have experience as an athletic trainer, I would highly suggest that you earn NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist credential. I believe that is right up your alley. Even more so, it is not "basic, worthless, money-grabbing or full of BS. Having taken and passed the exam I can assure you that this exam will test your knowledge of anatomy, physiology and exercise science as it relates to sports conditioning.
The National Strength and Conditioning Association is the authority on anything related to sports conditioning. They are the heartbeat all things related to strength and sports conditioning.
What is even more you can become a member and receive their research-based periodicals. The submissions come from individuals who hare pursuing their graduate or terminal degrees in strength and sports conditioning. They send their journal out internationally.
Too, once you earn their credential, you can purchase insurance directly through them. No need to even search. The moment your certificate arrives all the information relating to purchasing insurance will be included.
NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists can recertify with distinction and be recognized as professionals who value education and professional growth.
I sure hope this has been of help to you and wish you the best in whatever you decide.
I have many years of experience, a masters degree sixteen verifiable certifications and many that are not verifiable on this portal.
When I moved to Italy, all that didn't matter. I had to acquire a very basic credential in order to become employed and to get insurance.
Sometimes it is inconvenience to play by the rules, however, from the description you give of yourself you sound like you know your stuff.
Regarding the "expiry-limited" description of personal trainer credentials. I know with all of my credentials the limited certification period allows the fitness professional to attend workshops and conferences where one can expand upon the knowledge that they have acquired and earn continuing education credits towards the credential they've earned. From my perspective, that is the beauty of the credential. Having said that, this depends upon the credential that you've earned.
Here is what I would suggest--being that you have earned your degree in PE and have experience as an athletic trainer, I would highly suggest that you earn NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist credential. I believe that is right up your alley. Even more so, it is not "basic, worthless, money-grabbing or full of BS. Having taken and passed the exam I can assure you that this exam will test your knowledge of anatomy, physiology and exercise science as it relates to sports conditioning.
The National Strength and Conditioning Association is the authority on anything related to sports conditioning. They are the heartbeat all things related to strength and sports conditioning.
What is even more you can become a member and receive their research-based periodicals. The submissions come from individuals who hare pursuing their graduate or terminal degrees in strength and sports conditioning. They send their journal out internationally.
Too, once you earn their credential, you can purchase insurance directly through them. No need to even search. The moment your certificate arrives all the information relating to purchasing insurance will be included.
NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists can recertify with distinction and be recognized as professionals who value education and professional growth.
I sure hope this has been of help to you and wish you the best in whatever you decide.
0
I don't see the issue. It seems you have the knowledge just take a test and be done with it. Many people in the industry have a Masters of Science and have to maintain their certifications. Your education will set you apart so instead of looking at it as a negative use it to your benefit and stand apart from the crowd.
0
Its not wether or not its enough; its wether or not the insurance providers will accept it. Give 'em what they want and they will do the same for you.
0
I agree with what Joanne has said (I hold my CSCS and think that the credential is well worth it), as well as agree with Stephen (I have over 10-years education College and beyond), and Shawn (some organizations will allow for testing for their certification without having to take "courses," I sat for the CSCS exam from NSCA without taking any additional course work). Our industry is in such a state that with so many certifying organizations out there, so many different degrees that lend themselves to knowledge in our areas of exercise and fitness, and with so many facilities where we can gain varied degrees of hands-on experience, that most insurers will require us to have a recognizable certification before agreeing to insure us. Unfortunately, it's the current state of our profession, and a degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology or whatever, by itself does not allow us to claim "certification," only a certifying agency can do that.
Good luck! With your background and experience, you should not have a problem.
I hope that this helps.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
Good luck! With your background and experience, you should not have a problem.
I hope that this helps.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
0
Certifications are essential for this industry. Even if you have a Ph.D. you usually need a certification to get insurance and train at most facilities. Take advantage of them and the CECs they require: it is rare that you don't come across something new, solidify knowledge, or spark creative ideas.
