IFA Certification - JP Fitness Forums

Jeffderuyter21 · 09-08-2003, 04:04 PM

Is it worth to get it? I took the test, and recieved a 92%, but I am not sure it is worth the money for the proof.

Any advice?

Thanks.

Jeffderuyter21 · 09-15-2003, 11:48 AM

No input from anyone?

bryanc · 09-15-2003, 01:03 PM

Sorry, I've never heard of the International Fitness Association. I took the test (It's a 100 question True/False test), and some the questions are well...retarded (sorry, I know I'm not supposed to use that word, but they were), not to mention incorrect.

I guess my question to you would be, "What are you hoping to do with an IFA certification?"

And on top of it all, you can take the test as many times as you want. They give you the answers to your 'incorrect' ones right after you take the test.

Jeffderuyter21 · 09-15-2003, 03:29 PM

lol, I know... this is why I am asking.

The manual was pretty good. I was just asking because I know nothing about fitness certifications, and I did not know if they were all like this or not.

I guess not!!

vin · 09-15-2003, 03:40 PM

Well, a lot of people around here will recommend a NSCA certification. Personally, I'm studying for the CSCS (one of the NSCA ones) and I am learning a TON from their textbook. The review materials also include a video/DVD and seminar audio tapes.
If you have the time, energy, and patience - I say go for it (it requires an undergrad degree (in anything)).
Best of luck

Brian

Kaiser · 09-15-2003, 04:03 PM

Vin,

How useful do you find the other study materials from the NSCA? Is it just a rehash of the information presented in the textbook?

Thx.

vin · 09-15-2003, 04:07 PM

Honestly, I haven't even put the DVD in my player yet. The audio tapes are basically a rehash. However I find them useful only because sitting in front of a textbook can be a lonely thing, and hearing someone talk about this stuff is a nice relief (sad, eh?

but there are a few chapters that are DRY (the one on the heart comes to mind...))

Brian

Kaiser · 09-15-2003, 04:10 PM

Sorry if you've posted this information already, but are you looking for a career as a trainer, to enter the team training field, as an 'adjunct' to what you already do, or just for kicks (believe it or not, a few of us older guys were talking of studying and getting certified for the heck of it)?

vin · 09-15-2003, 04:21 PM

That's a more complicated question than you could imagine! Currently, I'm an accountant. And, yes, it's just as boring as you think it is.

So, I've got a gameplan for a career shift, but it's a long and somewhat arduous one.
I would like to, ultimately, get a PhD in nutrition, and in the process work in the fitness industry. I figure getting a CSCS would be a great start to my plan.
Unfortunately, I'm kind of isolated in this pursuit - in the sense that I have little to no contact with the fitness or nutrition industry. BryanC has helped me a lot in this respect, and in fact I printed out the replies he had to my original post in the fitness forum here.
Right now, I can see myself ultimately working for a college or high school sports team as a sports nutrition advisor. Does such a job even exist? I'm not sure, quite frankly. But, I figure if I can get a job at a college I could teach as well.
But, at this point I am getting way ahead of myself. I've really got to get all my ducks lined up before I break this news to my parents, as well

(I'm 28 - they might freak a little bit)

Brian

bryanc · 09-15-2003, 04:32 PM

Heh, I'm 29, and I haven't left school yet. Only 4 more years to go, and then I'll just be paid resident salary. Sigh.

fitone · 10-19-2003, 08:24 PM

I never heard IFA. It probably worth nothing. I am studying right now for the ACE exam. Oh please don't flame me. I am then going to get the NASM cert and then the NSCA-CPT, after that who knows I may even get the CSCS if I go back to college

I am 30 now is it too late to start learning in a classroom setting? [img]smile.gif[/img] I hope not. But, first things first got to pass the ACE exam in Dec. [img]smile.gif[/img] .

Kaiser · 10-19-2003, 09:10 PM

It's never too late to go back to school. When I taught evening business classes at the local university, a number of students in my classes were older than me. They worked full time and took evening classes towards their bachelor's degrees. They were often my best students.

fitone · 10-19-2003, 10:23 PM

Thanks Kaiser, for the encouragement now the reason I was saying this was that work baiscly force me to get a ACE Cert. and now I am studying for the exam and I kind of like studying now. And its not all that difficult especially if you have the support like I do at work I got a free tutor every friday I meet w/ him. I was never great in taking tests but this time it will be a diffrent story.

RRJ · 03-24-2004, 12:34 AM

Never heard of it. Im certified under the International Sports and Science Association (I.S.S.A). Im also currently studying for the C.S.C.S even though im not yet 21 or have a bachelors degree, i guess its just for some kicks until im really able to obtain the certification in the future. I get payed very well though for my age, around 600-700 weekly. And its part-time work so its all good. I make my real money playing No-Limit Texas Hold'em. I won a tourny in San Diego this past sunday, and came out with $11,445 in winnings...also won a qualifying seat for the next WPT tourny, but im just rambling now lol...my apologies.

Jean-Paul · 03-25-2004, 06:08 AM

In my opinion the CSCS is the best certification you can get. If I had a large enough pool of talent in LR I would require them before hiring trainers. You have to either have a degree (any degree), or be within a year of graduating (related field) just to sit for the exam.

BTW, what is "No-Limit Texas Hold'em?"

Kaiser · 03-25-2004, 08:50 AM

I'm pretty sure its poker, with specific rules to make it that version, JP. Or were you asking about the specifics of that version?

Pretty funny that I know this coming from a guy who doesn't gamble (education in statistics...what can I say? Ruins it because I run the odds through my head every time. [img]smile.gif[/img] )

Tin Man · 03-25-2004, 12:13 PM

Hey K - you're probably more aquainted with low or high Chicago...I don't gamble either but I've seen to many friends lose their mortgage payment at a table of friends during a stag. opps way off topic.

Jean-Paul · 03-25-2004, 12:19 PM

HA! I thought it was some form of wrestling! Shows how much I gamble.

hard_rox · 03-25-2004, 01:04 PM

don't worry JP, i thought the same thing.

RRJ · 03-25-2004, 10:46 PM

Lol, yea, its a form of high stakes poker.