Has anyone found that the AH&FS (Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist) Certification to be very helpful in gaining employment?
Hi Robin. As I’m sure you have probably found out by now, the usefulness or utility of any certification in getting a job is really dependent on the particular employer involved. It never ceases to amaze me at just how many certifications are out there, how many specialty and sub-specialty certifications exists, and which ones a particular employer recognizes or not. I think that it’s great that we have these specialty certs, but as you correctly recognize here, with so many to choose from, and with limited amounts of money and time to spend of them, we as trainers have some difficult decisions to make.
In my opinion, obtaining solid credentials, tons of experience in your chosen field, doing a lot of reading and research in your area, and becoming the best trainer that you can be will ultimately trump someone who may have the “best” certification, but very little to offer in the way of skill, knowledge and ability. Getting a certification – no matter what certification – is only the beginning of our journey as trainers!
Good luck with your decision and career choices!
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
[email protected]