Hey guys and gals, I recently completed the NASM certified personal trainer course and am planning on taking the CES and the AFPA nutrition consultant certification. I have not started training in a gym setting and in one month I will be moving over seas to Finland for six months.
I thought I could complete the CES and AFPA certs while I'm there but is there any thing else that you all might suggest that I do to become more prepared for when we return to the US?
its a little hard for me to get experience in a non-english speaking country that I can't legally work in. Does this sound like the right track I should be taking?
also, I am a little confused about he CEU concept. Is there a requirement for the number of CEU's that i need to get to maintain my Certification or are they just more certifications to add to my resume? I'm totally willing to do them and I love to learn more but I'm just concerned about time limits and what not.
its a little hard for me to get experience in a non-english speaking country that I can't legally work in. Does this sound like the right track I should be taking?
Somehow I think you know the answer to that question already. If you're serious about being a trainer and you're not going to be training people for the next six months...
I understand how that appears like i'm not serious about becoming a trainer but I don't really have any other solutions and I was hoping to find some insight here.
I told you all my ideas (more certifications, training friends and family) about what I could do to continue learning and better myself and I don't want to live across the world from my husband while he is working in Europe... I was just kinda hoping for a little help since I really use this forum a lot.
I would train friends and family in Finland. For free, if that's all you can legally do. It's a time to gain experience.
I don't know the overall costs of the CEUs, but always study anyway and keep up to date, learn new things, etc. Get experience in new areas, even if it's not for the CEUs.
There are increasingly more and more online CEUs available, via webinars, etc. Like these: http://strengthandconditioningwebinars.com/ That may be convenient at some point. I think with this particular site, it will be limited to one CEU applicable course, per month. I'm not 100% on what CEUs apply to what organization's Cert, so checking with NASM will be key.
I second LD's suggestion to train some people for free. Work on yourself as well--be your first client, and use the time to read and really get fluent in the lingo. There's a great thread on reading suggestions for new trainers to get your started.
Also, you could research the gyms in the area where you're going--who knows, there could be some sort of base or something with english speakers. And lots of Fins speak English. That's just off the top of my head.
If you can find a training partner who's also a trainer (a good one, though), that can help. When I train with Galya or Chris (Kuri), I learn a lot about proper form and coaching cues.
also, I am a little confused about he CEU concept. Is there a requirement for the number of CEU's that i need to get to maintain my Certification or are they just more certifications to add to my resume? I'm totally willing to do them and I love to learn more but I'm just concerned about time limits and what not.
How many Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are required to be completed in what period of time in order for a certification to remain current varies from certification to certification (that is, ACE vs. NASM vs. NSCA might all be different). What events or courses qualify for CEU will also vary by group. You'd really have to check with the certifying group for their rules.
From the NASM site on CEUs & Recertification (red bolding is mine)
Quote:
CPT Recertification
What is the purpose of recertification?
The purpose of the recertification program is to ensure that qualified professionals maintain entry level guidelines by participating in approved continuing education programs. Continuing education programs are intended to promote continued competence, development of knowledge and skills, and enhancement of professional skills and judgment beyond the levels required for entry-level practice. Continuing education activities must focus on increasing knowledge, skills and abilities as defined in the Job Analysis Study, 1st edition (2004).
How often do I need to recertify?
To support NASM’s commitment to protect health and safety, the NASM-CPT credential must be recertified every two (2) years. This ensures that NASM-CPT professionals are current with the best-practice guidelines and the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities described in the most recent Job Analysis Study. How do I recertify?
Include documentation of continuing education courses (e.g., copies of CEU certificates of completion). A total of 2.0 NASM-approved CEU’s are required for the CPT and CGT.
Include a copy of the front and back of your adult CPR and AED certification (online CPR and AED certifications are not accepted).
Include the recertification fee of $99 plus a $30 late fee if the application is up to three months late.
Mail all items prior to your certification expiration date to:
question about new CPT and CEU's??
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