Certifications???

[Flee]

So I have been doing research on Certifications. It is my desire to become a trainer and I have some questions.

It seems the most recognizable cert. is the CSCS. NASM has an attractive system and is Nationally recognized as well. And others including ACE and the Cooper Clinic right here in my own back yard.

Questions:
Any cert. better than another? If so why?
Any advice on materials needed for the certs?
Is all recommended material necessary?
Are the materials available used?
Is there a resource where these materials can be found other than the Cert. orgs?
Would that be considered un-ethical?
How vast is the body of knowledge?
How much time should I expect to study before taking the cert. exam?
Does anyone have opinions on self-taught certs. vs. courses (like the Cooper Clinic offers)

Any advice, direction, information is very much appreciated.

It really isn't an issue of money, so much as it is an issue of "knowing" the path, before I walk it.

Thanks,

Ryan

[Craig]

Hi Ryan,

>Any cert. better than another? If so why?

***Depends. If your future place of employment requires a specific one, then that "one" will be better.

No certification will guarantee that someone is a great trainer.


>Any advice on materials needed for the certs?

***Depends on your background knowledge...but every certification has its own way of doing things, so yuo should at least review the recommended main text.


> Is all recommended material necessary?

***Depends on the individual.


> Is there a resource where these materials can be found other than the Cert. orgs?

***I guess E-bay or Amazon would have used copies.


> Would that be considered un-ethical?

***Not in my world.


> How vast is the body of knowledge?

***Depends. Relatively advanced for NSCA-CSCS. A University Degree in Kinesiology (or the like) is very helpful.


> How much time should I expect to study before taking the cert. exam?

***Estimating you'll be able to study a couple of hours per week, I'd say 3-4 months...if you are a Kin grad studying for the CSCS.


Craig