Don't Get Burned: Know How To Select A Personal Trainer
Personal training is an unregulated industry. What that means is anyone can get some business cards printed up and call themselves a personal trainer. It is therefore important for the consumer to do their research to be assured that the person they select is a qualified professional. To confuse the matter further, there are a number of certifications out there which are presented as "credentials." However, many of these certifications do not require the individual to have an exercise science degree or any degree for that matter. Indeed, some of these certifications only require taking several weekend courses and/or studying for, and writing a single multiple choice exam. Does this level of education provide you with a great deal of confidence in which you are prepared to pay $70.00 or more per conditioning session?
So What Are The More Common Personal Trainer Credentials & How Do They Differ?
The most common certifications held by personal trainers in British Columbia are the BCRPA, ACE, Can Fit Pro, ACSM, CSEP and NSCA certifications. The British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) personal trainer registration requires three courses (fitness theory, weight training, and personal training) each taken over one or two weekends, followed by a written exam for each, practical experience in program design, two practical evaluations, and emergency first aid and CPR. No degree or university courses are required. It is not widely recognized outside of British Columbia.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) personal trainer certification, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) personal trainer certification, and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) personal trainer certification are recognized throughout North America. However, there is no practical evaluation for these certifications. Trainers purchase study materials, study for, and write a written exam. CPR is also required, but no degree or university courses are required.
The Can-Fit-Pro personal trainer certification is recognized across Canada and requires a 25-hour theory course followed by both a written exam and a practical evaluation. CPR is also required, but no degree or university courses are required.
The CSEP personal trainer certification is recognized across Canada and is the only certification to require college or university course work. A minimum of two years college or university course work in exercise science is required with specific prerequisites. Documented practical experience, a written and practical exam along CPR and first aid is also required.
So What Should I Be Looking For?
The very minimum you should be looking for is,
- An exercise science degree
- A registered kinesiologist or one of the following personal trainer certifications: BCRPA, ACE, NSCA, ACSM, CSEP, or Can-Fit-Pro
- A minimum of $2,000,000.00 in professional liability insurance
Beyond this minimum criteria, look for higher level credentials, specialty credentials, more professional liability insurance e.g. $5,000,000.00, general liability insurance, and references from their previous clients.
Higher Level Credentials
In addition to the NSCA's personal trainer certification, this organization also offers a strength and conditioning specialist certification (CSCS). In order to write the CSCS exam trainers must possess an exercise science degree or be in their 4th year of working toward an exercise science degree or other related degree.
The British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK) registers kinesiologists within British Columbia. In order to become a registered kinesiologist with the BCAK, kinesiologists must possess an exercise science degree with a specified amount of science credits including exercise physiology, anatomy, biomechanics, etc.
The Canadian Society of Exercise Physiologists (CSEP) offers a certified exercise physiologist credential which requires an undergraduate degree in exercise science as well as practical experience and both a written and practical exams. See Specialty Credentials for more information.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) offers a clinical exercise specialist and clinical exercise physiologist credential, which require Bachelor and Master degrees, respectively. See Specialty Credentials for more information.
Specialty Credentials
Some organizations offer credentials that specialize in exercise prescription for special populations for those trainers who wish to enhance their competency with populations such as seniors and those who have specific health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, etc. The BCRPA offers both third age (seniors) and adapted fitness credentials. Both the ACSM and ACE offer clinical exercise specialist certifications (special populations). The ACSM credential requires a related Bachelor degree and 600 hours of specific practical experience in addition to CPR.
The ACSM also offers a registered clinical exercise physiologist credential, which requires an exercise science Masters degree and 600 hours of specific practical experience in addition to CPR. The clinical exercise physiologist performs exercise screening, exercise testing, exercise prescription, exercise and physical activity counseling, exercise supervision, exercise and health education/promotion, and evaluation of exercise and physical activity outcome measures.
The CSEP certified exercise physiologist credential, which requires an exercise science degree, is the most advanced health and fitness practitioner certification in Canada allowing members to work with high performance athletes, the general population (across the lifespan), and varied clinical populations.
Congratulations on taking the time to become an informed consumer of personal fitness training services. You now have the knowledge to be discriminating i.e. the next time a trainer tells you he or she is ACE or BCRPA certified, you will know exactly how they measure up. A well qualified professional will ensure that your effort and training outcomes are optimized and your dollars are well spent.
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