1. Professional Certification

2. Certification l Professional organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) have increased public awareness about all aspects of exercise and fitness, including the importance of dealing with highly trained and qualified exercise professionals.

3. Certification l Professional certification and licensure are two ways to ensure the competency of professionals in the field of exercise science.

4. Certification l Although many professional organizations offer certification programs for exercise professionals, Louisiana was the first state in the US to pass a law requiring licensure of all clinical exercise physiologists.

5. Certification l This requirement places clinical exercise physiologists on par with other health professionals (e.g., nurses, nutritionists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists) who are required to have licenses to practice in many states.

6. Certification l In the future, it is possible that other states will pass legislation requiring licensure of exercise professionals.

7. Certification l A number of professional organizations (e.g., ACSM, NSCA, ACE and YMCA) offer certification workshops and examinations for health/fitness instructors, exercise leaders, personal trainers, and health/fitness directors working with healthy populations.

8. Certification l Clinical-track workshops and certifications are also available for exercise specialists, exercise technologists, and program directors who are working with higher-risk individuals enrolled in exercise rehabilitation programs.

9. Certification Requirements l Some require a degree in exercise science, or a closely allied field, as well as experience working in health/fitness or clinical settings.

10. Certification l Career goals dictate which type of professional certification is best.

11. Certification l Advantages to obtaining licensure or professional certification: –Better chance of finding a job –Credibility –Standardized knowledge

12. Certification l Certification by reputable, professional organizations upgrades the quality of the typical person working in the field and ensures employers and their clientele that employees have mastered the knowledge and skills necessary to be competent exercise science professionals

13. Certification l Hence, the likelihood of lawsuits resulting from negligence or incompetence may be lessened.

14. Certification l Certification and licensure help to validate exercise specialists as health professionals who are equally deserving of the respect afforded to professionals in other allied health professions.

15. Certification l ACSM –http://www.acsm.org/certificationhttp://www.acsm.org/certification

16. Certification l NSCA l http://www.nsca.com/certification/ http://www.nsca.com/certification/

17. Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa) l http://www.cscca.org/certification http://www.cscca.org/certification l Strength & Conditioning Coach Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach Certified l The most comprehensive certification of its kind and the most specific to the field of strength and conditioning coaching, the SCCC (Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified) certification identifies individuals who possess the knowledge, skills, techniques, and expertise necessary to be an effective strength and conditioning coach on the collegiate and professional level.

18. Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa) l Master Strength & Conditioning Coach Master Strength & Conditioning Coach l The highest honor that can be achieved as a strength and conditioning coach-- representing professionalism, knowledge, experience, expertise, as well as longevity in the field.

19. Certification l National Academy of Sports Medicine l http://www.nasm.org/fitness- specializations/performance-enhancement- specialist-(pes) http://www.nasm.org/fitness- specializations/performance-enhancement- specialist-(pes) –Performance Enhancement Certification –Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES)

20. American Council on Exercise (ACE) l Personal Trainer Certification The American Council on Exercise's acclaimed Personal Trainer Certification is designed for fitness trainers providing any form of one-on-one or small-group fitness instruction. Personal Trainer Certification

21. American Council on Exercise (ACE) l Advanced Health + Fitness Specialist Certification This certification prepares the advanced professional to provide in-depth preventative and post-rehabilitative fitness programming that addresses common diseases and disorders seen on a daily basis Advanced Health + Fitness Specialist Certification – (e.g., cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes and musculoskeletal ailments).

22. American Council on Exercise (ACE) l Group Fitness Instructor Certification The ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification is designed for fitness professionals teaching any form of exercise in a group setting. Passing the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Exam demonstrates to your class participants that you possess a foundation of knowledge and skills necessary to teach a safe and effective group fitness class, no matter what type of modality. Group Fitness Instructor Certification

23. American Council on Exercise (ACE) l Lifestyle + Weight Management Consultant Certification Your clients want to lose weight. They come to you for help. The Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant Certification demonstrates to your clients that you have the knowledge to develop sound, balanced weight management programs that bring together the three critical components of long-term weight management success: nutrition, exercise and lifestyle change Lifestyle + Weight Management Consultant Certification

24. Web sites l Professional Organizations: –http://www.shapeamerica.org/http://www.shapeamerica.org/ –http://www.acsm.orghttp://www.acsm.org –http://www.nsca-lift.orghttp://www.nsca-lift.org –http://www.acefitness.org/getcertified/default.a spxhttp://www.acefitness.org/getcertified/default.a spx

25. Web sites l Fitness and Exercise Sites: –http://www.fitnessworld.com –http://www.sportsci.org –http://www.quackwatch.com/