thinking of getting certified, need input

M

malkore

2
so, for those of you who are ACTUALLY certified trainers, I'd like to exchange a few emails or PM's with you on the subject...mainly the process, expense, which certifications are "worth getting" and that kind of stuff.

I already know a lot, and would like to 'prove it' to myself, and because it could be a good part time gig, that could become a full time gig, especially if my tech support job ever washes out.

so yeah, shoot me a PM and we'll exchange emails where the spammer's can't see em. I promise I won't bug you (too much), but I just want some real world experiences, positive or negative.

my background: BA in English, minor in Philosophy from UNL..so zero acredited education, so what I'm really after is for self trained people needing to get certified, rather than someone who majored in sports therapy or phys. ed.

thanks in advance.
 
Take a look at this:



This is a "blog" that I started on menshealth.com about preparing to take the CSCS exam...there is a LOT of information in it, so I think that you should find it very helpful :) Like you, I didn't originally have an education in the field (I went back to school after the fact), so I was in the exact same position that you're in now!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask
 
Good post, Jonathan.

Malkalore, I'm in the same situation you are. I'm finishing up my bachelors in English education. I have my subject area certifications in English and phys ed/safety. I have also gone through and taken the various courses needed for coaching-Management/treatment of athletic injuries, various coaching theory classes, and etc

In speaking with my kinesiology professors, they have always recommended teh NSCA or ACSM certifications. They are particularly recommending the CSCS if you're looking to have a performance twist to market.

I can tell you that the CSCS text and the audio tapes have been invaluable as I'm preparing to take the exam at either the end of this year or beginning of next year when I receive my BA.

I'm not certified at the moment but thought I'd throw you some feedback since we're in similar situations.
 
Evo, what do you mean by performance twist to market? Like a specific area of expertise??

This has been in the back of my mind for the future as well, thanks for the info so far guys...and I'm pretty close to minoring in English...weird
 
AJP said:
Evo, what do you mean by performance twist to market? Like a specific area of expertise??
Click to expand...

Performance-CSCS (certified strength and conditioning specialist). This is if you want to work with athletes rather than a general population. The CSCS is looked upon very highly in this regard.
 
thanks for the info so far. i'll be looking through the blog and the forum you PM'd me cynic.

what about cost? I've gotten information from one certification organization in the past, and as I recall, it was about as expensive as taking a semester long 3-credit class at the university I graduated from.

And since I have no formal background, if any of you have gone through more than one certification...which was 'easier' to get through (easier being subjection...cheaper, less time taken to accomplish goal, etc....)
 
malkore said:
what about cost? I've gotten information from one certification organization in the past, and as I recall, it was about as expensive as taking a semester long 3-credit class at the university I graduated from.
Click to expand...

You can't look at the immediate cost. You have to look at the goal, the end result.
 
Cynic said:
You can't look at the immediate cost. You have to look at the goal, the end result.
Click to expand...

Oh I know, I just wanted an idea of what to expect, but I'm seeing plenty of info on the NSCA site.

Emailed the link to the Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, Second Edition textbook to my mother in law as a birthday idea (just a few weeks away) so I can get started.
 
Bip is a history major, but went exercise physiology for his MA and PhD, so I guess it's any four year degree.
 
Cynic said:
Bip is a history major, but went exercise physiology for his MA and PhD, so I guess it's any four year degree.
Click to expand...
Well, sorta:

For the CSCS, any college degree (or a student in his/her last year of college) is good.

If you were interested in a master's degree, then you would have to have a background in exercise science, physiology, biology, etc...as it is, my current education is in physical therapy, not ex phys (although I've been toying with that idea after pt school, too...I think that any more schooling might make me want to puke, so that's not definite yet...). For the DPT (not PhD, mind you), I did have to return to school to take required science courses.
 
thanks for the clarification. since i'm more interested in working with 'amatures' it sounds like my BA in English is all I need to qualify for CSCS.

if i ever get more serious like you bip, I'll get the necessary schooling.
 
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