CSCS Exam/Courses?

[pixie9]

I'm getting ready to sign up for some review courses to take this exam. I was wondering if anyone here has taken these classes before. They seem to be quite extensive (9 modules) and perhaps time consuming. I'm a little afraid of the exam (DH took it a few years ago and found it to be challenging and he's a physical therapist) so any advice would be appreciated.

TIA chickies!
Carolyn

 

[MadnNatsmom]

Are you planning to become a personal trainer or a physical therapist? Will you be working for a large chain gym or a private gym?

I just want to tell you that I've worked for 2 gyms (chains) and a YMCA and they really don't care where your credential comes from, just so you have one. The thing clients and managers are looking for is personality, dedication, reliability, confidence, etc. That's been my experience, anyway. And not one client has asked me yet where I got my educational background is.

I am going to take a 2-year course with UCLA Extension to further my knowledge and expertise, but honestly, one of the trainers I worked with had a lot of education and she failed as a trainer because her personality was just not there.

If this is your first certificate, I'd suggest something that is easier like AFAA or ACE, so you can get a feel for the tests.

ETA: I just did a search for CSCS to confirm my suspicion that it was a specialized degree:

"Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCSs) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. They conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention. Recognizing that their area of expertise is separate and distinct, CSCSs consult with and refer athletes to other professionals when appropriate."

I believe this is the same certificate my friend held and she said it was specified for athletes - it is rare to find an athlete looking for a trainer in a gym-setting.

 

[pixie9]

Thanks for your response Clare. I'm actually certified with ACE as a personal trainer and a group instructor. I also have a Master's in Exercise Science. I see the CSCS as a specialized cert that gives me more credibility with my clients. I also realize the extensive knowledge it takes to pass such an exam and guess I want my clients to know that I 'know what I'm talking about' if that makes any sense. I'm always seeking new ways to better myself within my profession and so for me, getting higher certs is the way I want to go. I know that some gyms require only basic certs (or none at all) but from what I've read, I believe the personal training profession is headed towards a degree requirement with a certification.

Carolyn

 

[MadnNatsmom]

>>>>I believe the personal training profession is headed towards a degree requirement with a certification.

I really hope so - they've been talking about this for at least 4 years now, but I don't know if anything has come to fruition. It is encouraging that some colleges are offering certification courses.

Can you tell me what is required for a Master's in Exercise Science? I'm toying with the idea, but I don't know if I can handle the workload.

And, I absolutely know what you mean by "knowing what I'm talking about."

Are you currently training?

Oh, and my name is Sung, not Clare.

 

[pixie9]

Hi Sung (sorry about the name mix up),

Throughout my degree program we kept reading about gyms that were requiring higher level certs for their personal trainers. Some have even switched to requiring degrees of some sort (keep in mind that these were higher-end gyms in places like CA and such). I think much of it started with the big law suit in one of the major gyms in which a client actually died from following a trainer's nutritional instructions which included some questionable supplements. But, in my opinion, it's a step in the right direction. I agree that it's a great thing that colleges are offering certification courses (in fact I've taken more than a few certification classes through colleges myself).

To get a Master's in ES, the requirements depend on the school. I went to CUP (California University of Penn - a small, very old school in Pennsylvania that offered some degrees online). I chose to go the online route because I'm currently living in Germany and we don't have many options here for that sort of degree. You may find that some schools require a Bachelor's in a science of some sort. CUP let me in because I was a certified trainer and had taken some college classes related to the field - even though my undergrad degree was in music of all things. If you're interested in pursuing an Exercise Science degree, you may want to do a search and then a comparison. Make sure the school is regionally accredited.

I'm not currently training (I guess I'm too busy getting degrees and certifications *LOL*) but I hope to get back to it soon. At my last job I was beginning to branch out and train on my own (away from my gym) but I really can't do that here. How about you - are you training?

Thanks for the reply and sorry again about the name mix up. Your user name reminds me of Clare's a little.

Carolyn

 

[NRGWoman]

Sung, if I can bud in here...I have a BS in accounting and HATED being an accountant. Several years ago I went back to school and decided to get a bachelors in Exercise Physiology instead of a Masters in the exact same program at the University of Minnesota. Since I was in my 30's and married I needed to stay close to home. I did this because most of the classes I needed to get into the Masters program were the classes I needed to get the bachelors degree. I don't regret my decision at all and have looked into the Master's degree that the other poster was talking about, someday when I feel rich maybe. But the thing for me was, yes it was some work, but man was it fun. I didn't mind the work or studying because I was so interested in the subject matter that it was fascinating. If you can structure your life so you can manage it I think you would like it.

Good luck,
Shayne

 

[MadnNatsmom]

Carolyn and Shayne -

Thank you both for your replies. I really appreciate it.

I trained 4 years ago at a private gym, but my DD was only 4 at the time, so I couldn't work a lot of hours.

I tried selling insurance for 2 years - yuck - and went back this January to training at 24 Hour Fitness. I am having SUCH a great time. My goal is to get more education and experience and move on to a more exclusive gym or a private one.

Shayne - I absolutely understand what you are saying about interest. I read everything I can regarding exercise physiology and kinesiology, so maybe it won't be too bad getting another undergrad degree.

Fitness really is my passion and want to stay in the field or related as long as I am able.

My undergrad degree is in psychology - I'd originally intended to become a marriage therapist . . .