With more people growing more conscious of their health, the fitness industry has begun to boom. If you want to get into the fitness industry but aren’t sure where to start, this article will break down the major certifications available, as well as the careers that can result from them.
The CSCS is a certification offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). This certification is primarily targeted toward people aiming to work with athletes at all levels, from amateur to professional sports. CSCS professionals usually apply scientific knowledge to design and implement strength and conditioning programs for athletes, conduct sport-specific tests to determine weaknesses that can be improved upon, and provide nutritional and injury prevention guidance.
In order to become certified, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree or be a senior in college, have a current CPR/AED certification, and pass the certification exam. The exam consists of two parts: Scientific Foundations, which tests the science you’ll be using in your career, and the Practical/Applied section, which tests the application of the scientific principles from the first part. The certification is valid for three years and must be renewed either through retaking the exam or through continuing education units.
The Certified Personal Trainer certification is offered by various organizations, including the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). This certification is mainly for people who want to work with non-athletes in settings such as a gym or private one-on-one practice. An ISSA-certified personal trainer can create customized training plans for groups or individuals based on their fitness goals. They provide motivation, accountability, and guidance throughout the process to the people training under them.
In order to certify, you’ll need to take and pass a course offered by a certifying agency, such as the ISSA or NASM, as well as pass a certification exam. You’ll also need a current Adult CPR/AED certificate. Generally, certification holders must recertify every two years by completing at least two units of continuing education.
The PES is a certification offered by the NASM as continuing education credit for recertification purposes. This certification is primarily for those who work with high level athletes. People with this certification apply strategies to enhance injury resistance, as well as helping athletes achieve peak performance by enhancing diet and psychological factors contributing to performance.
In order to certify, you’ll need to pass the PES course offered by the NASM and its certification exam. You’ll also already need to have a valid CSCS or CPT certification, as the course is meant for people who are already certified and looking to further their education or specialize in a particular field of fitness science.
The TSAC-F is a military and first responder-specific strength and conditioning certification created by the NCSA in partnership with the US Army. It is for those who want to work with military personnel and first responders to maintain their fitness. Individuals with this certification work with military and first responders to maintain mission-ready fitness levels and utilize scientific principles to optimize their performance.
In order to certify, you’ll need to have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent, as well as a current CPR/AED certification. You also need to be at least 18 years old. If you meet these requirements, then you’ll need to take the certification exam. The certification is valid for three years, and it must be renewed by taking continuing education units.
While the fitness industry is vast, hopefully, this article has given you a few ideas on where to start. No matter what certification you pursue, you will be helping people improve their lives. Good luck!
