Personal Fitness Professional - March 2009 - (Page 17) Is it better to do all the CEUs to maintain your certification or just pick up a new one? Earn CEUs: 62% Recertify: 7% Both/undecided: 31% Most of you agreed that obtaining CEUs and maintaining a strong, respected certification was the way to go. Some decided that continuing education and earning a new certification both had their merits, and it depends on the individual. “I think that CEUs are absolutely necessary because it is a good way to make sure that trainers are up to date on the latest research, and they can expose themselves to different areas of the fitness field, where they may not otherwise have done that.” “CEUs are almost as much of a joke as most of the certification programs, but any type of continuing education is better than no education at all.” “It is better to obtain CEUs because that is where a trainer will keep up their skills and obtain new skills. Most certifications test mainly book knowledge and serve as just a foundation.” “In general, maintaining current [certifications] keeps a fitness pro more abreast of the science than picking up a new one that rehashes stuff the person already knows. More economical in the long run, too.” “I think there is merit in both. Staying with a given certification will generally promote a higher level of knowledge and competency in that area. On the other hand, going to a new certification allows you to learn new things and grow in that regard.” “You definitely need to maintain all of the CEUs to maintain your certification, but you should also take the time to attend workshops or other seminars to stay abreast of changes in the field of personal training.” “I feel a recertification every three to four years is better than CEUs. People are always figuring out a way to skate through and get their CEUs and not really learn anything.” “If it’s some cheesy cert that one acquired online in 30 minutes, then definitely get a new certification. If the certification is from a reputable organization, then the CEUs are the best bet.” “Yes, it shows that a quality professional fitness trainer is willing to explore and challenge their training styles by adding to their knowledge base — not just copying moves from other trainers.” “If you’ve completed an accredited or state-recognized course, done well, studied hard, completed an internship or mentorship and are comfortable training, it doesn’t matter how many letters you have behind your name. I’d be more interested in knowing how many hours you’ve practiced or how many clients you’ve had.” What are your thoughts on trainers with ‘a million letters’ behind their names? The responses to this question ran across the board. Some are behind obtaining several certifications, some are aligned directly against it, some are indifferent and some of you were undecided, noting that it depends on what these “letters” really mean. “There is credibility that comes along with those letters, but the proof is in the pudding.” “I think it’s good to be educated in your field and know your stuff, but it also shows that the field… needs to be standardized.” “It may make them feel proud and confident, but that doesn’t necessarily impress anyone, including clients. You could have all the knowledge in the world but have no skill at actually applying the knowledge and connecting with a client, not to mention a lack of business sense.” “Clients will be impressed with actions, not alphabets.” “A few letters show the ability to study, research and learn to show a certain level of competence…. Too many letters seem to show a person who can’t move on to real-world training and who may be consumed with [certifications] and letters.” “Good for them. They’ve earned their distinctions and they should be allowed to proudly display them. Doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best — that’s for the [client] to decide.” “It still doesn’t mean you have the passion, caring and desire to help everyone that comes to you to make lifetime changes and start moving. You have to be a real motivator, teacher and leader.” Does having more certifications make someone a better trainer? No: 72% Yes: 13% Indifferent/undecided: 15% The majority of you answered “no,” strongly emphasizing that practical knowledge and client satisfaction are far more important than the quantity of letters behind a trainer’s name. “In general, I’d say yes because that trainer is more knowledgeable and did spend the time and resources to evolve in their field. However, being a good trainer requires many more skills, people, personal and business skills that cannot usually be enhanced by more certifications.” “Not necessarily. An individual that has many certifications but is fundamentally an untalented and unskilled trainer sometimes has multiple certs. But an individual that is well-read, researches constantly and stays on top of breaking trends can have one certification and be more talented at this profession.” “What do you call a doctor who graduated last in his class? ‘Doctor.’ No amount of education can promise that this person will be great at their jobs. There are awesome trainers out there with no recognized certification, [and] there are certified trainers who have no idea what they are doing and are therefore causing potential harm.” “A trainer with multiple certifications puts up a red flag to me that they’re using those to make themselves appear knowledgeable instead of letting their clients, the clients’ results and their professionalism speak for [themselves].” Thank you to all who took our survey! We learned a lot about how you feel about the certification process, and I hope you do as well! ● March2009 · www.fit-pro.coM 17 http://www.fit-pro.coM
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