Exercise Instructor Certification
The NCES receives numerous inquiries from exercise instructors seeking to become
certified. These individuals want to either become certified through the NCES, or
for us to recommend a certification program through another certifying agency.
Although we believe certification is an extremely important step in verifying an
individual's competence as an exercise instructor, the NCES does NOT offer a
certification program. We have studied the current certification options
available and made the following conclusions:
One, we have reviewed the numerous certification programs offered by various
organizations, institutes, and agencies and we are extremely disappointed in the poor
quality of both the exam content and/or the manner in which the exams are
administered. Nearly all of the certifications currently available fail to
adequately test a subject's exercise knowledge and most importantly the ability to
"teach" or "instruct" exercise to another individual (i.e.,
client). The most meaningful certification programs presently available are those
offered by the International Association of Resistance Trainers (IART), and the
SuperSlow® Exercise Guild (SSEG) (See note below).
(Update 11/11/01 -- Over the past
several years, the NCES has received numerous reports of
deteriorating standards and quality of the SSEG certification program.
Based on the reports we have received, it appears as though the SSEG has become
nothing more than a "diploma mill" -- that is, nothing more than an
agency whose sole purpose is to get as many "bodies" as possible out
in the field promoting SuperSlow exercise, regardless of the individual's competency.
As
a result, we can no longer recommend the
SSEG certification. We will periodically review the situation and keep you
apprised of any changes.
On a positive note,
The NCES has been in contact with Brian Johnston, Founder and President of the
IART. Over the past year Brian has made significant changes to the IART
certification program and raised the organization's standards and
requirements. The NCES is currently in possession of the updated IART
certification program and instructor standards. When we complete our
review, we will give a full report. We commend Brian and the IART for
their efforts.)
Two, realizing the problems and inadequacies of currently available certifications,
the NCES understands the need for something better. We desire to see an extremely meaningful, rigorous, well rounded certification program
developed that avoids the
problems found in all certification programs and legitimately confirms an instructor's
knowledge and instructional competence. We are working towards this goal by
educating the various certification agencies.
Three, the NCES has reaffirmed it's position that we will NOT offer our own
exercise instructor certification program. The NCES desires to remain
unbiased and free from commercial interests. We feel that offering our own
certification would taint our critiques and evaluations of other organizations
and their certification programs. We see it as our responsibility to help
raise the standards in the industry by pointing out flaws in current practices
and offering solutions for improvement. We will honestly inform exercise
professionals as to their best options and alternatives regarding education and
certification.
Lastly, for most individuals, certification is a moot point because they do not
presently possess the knowledge or experience to pass a meaningful certification
exam. Keep in mind that the certification exam merely "confirms" that one
has a certain minimum skill or knowledge. The certification does not in and of
itself provide an individual with knowledge and experience. Only time, observation,
and diligent study can provide this. Certainly an individual can learn from the
preparation for a certification exam, but this alone is insufficient.
If you desire to become a certified exercise instructor, answer the following
question: Why do you want to become certified?
If your answer is "so I have the credentials necessary to get a job at a health club
or fitness center", then the NCES recommends you simply take an exam offered by one
of the more well known and accepted certifying agencies (ACE, ACSM, NSCA). Successful completion will
give you your credentials. You may get your job, but due to the fact that
these certifications are severely lacking, possession of a certification does NOT
necessarily mean you are a competent, high quality exercise instructor.
If your answer to the above question involves your desire to become knowledgeable on
proper exercise and learn and develop exercise instructional skills, and to ultimately
become a high quality exercise instructor, than we recommend you forego certification for
now, and instead read and study the following books and materials and complete an
apprenticeship with a well educated, experienced, and proven exercise
instructor such as one of those listed on our Facilities and Instructors page.
Recommended books:
The Nautilus Book and The Nautilus Body Building Book, By Ellington Darden, Ph.D. Visit amazon.com
Nautilus Bulletins 1 and 2, By Arthur Jones Available for download at cyberpump.com or medxonline.com
SuperSlow -- The Ultimate Exercise Protocol, By Ken Hutchins Available through Media Support (407) 862-2552
Heavy Duty 2 -- Mind and Body, By Mike Mentzer Available at mikementzer.com
Prescribed Exercise, By Brian Johnston Available at www.i-a-r-t.com
Strength Fitness, By Wayne Westcott, Ph.D. Available through amazon.com
The Exercise Myth, By Henry Solomon, MD Available through amazon.com
Heart Myths, Bruce Charash, MD Available through amazon.com
Health Fact - Health Fiction, By Robert L. Taylor, MD Available through amazon.com
Heart Failure, By Thomas Moore Available through amazon.com
Protein
Power,
By Michael Eades, M.D. and Mary Dan Eades, M.D.
Available in bookstores everywhere