Becoming Recertified
Each organization has its own requirements to maintain certification. Typically, a recertification period is between two and three years. During that time, members must obtain anywhere from sixteen to sixty hours of continuing education. The major differences between certifying agencies are the number of units they require and what they allow to count toward those requirements. The chosen means of obtaining the continuing education must be preapproved by the organization to ensure the credits are applicable to the profession and meet a certain standard of quality.
The Recertification Process
Across the board, a requirement of recertification is the maintenance of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification through the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or other approved organization. This is essential in case a client experiences a cardiac emergency during a session. More advanced emergency certifications are not required, but may count toward CEUs, and will also make you better equipped to handle emergency situations.
Upon completion of any type of continuing education, you will be given some form of certificate to verify your participation and act as a record of attendance. Keep all records together in a file in case you are audited and need proof that you did what you reported. At the end of the two or three year period, you will be required to pay a recertification fee and submit a form to your certifying agency specifying how you fulfilled your requirements. They will then send you your new certificate along with the requirements for the next reporting period.
Alert
Regardless of your education or how long you have been a trainer, there is always room for growth and learning. Failure to maintain your certification is irresponsible and demonstrates a careless, unprofessional attitude. It will also result in your being more vulnerable to lawsuits, as you will not be able to maintain your liability insurance.
Obtaining Additional or Advanced Certifications
If you are truly interested in bettering yourself through education, you might consider obtaining additional certifications or earning an advanced certification. In addition to demonstrating professionalism and responsibility, it may also increase your job opportunities, improve your marketability, and allow you to justify charging more for your services. If you have a basic personal-training certificate, you may decide you want to specialize in a certain area such as nutrition. ACE offers a home-study course called Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant Certification that teaches certified trainers to develop and implement weight-management programs. If you have a degree in a health-related field, you could seek an advanced certification. The ACSM offers a Health/Fitness Instructor certification for “leaders of preventive health programs in corporate, commercial, and community settings aimed at low- to moderate-risk individuals or persons with controlled diseases, such as hypertension, obesity or asthma.” These are only two examples. If you would like to investigate your options more thoroughly, log on to the Web sites listed in Chapter 1 or Appendix C. Whatever additional certifications you choose to earn will not only help you earn CEUs, they will increase your knowledge base and improve your qualifications.
ssential
In order to minimize lost revenue, try to attend seminars during times when you know you will not be as busy. Business is usually slower around the holidays and school vacations. Another option is to attend on a weekend. If the seminar you wish to go to requires extensive travel, consider making the beginning or end of your trip a vacation.
