ISSA Certification

[EMAN]

I just received some info I requested from ISSA about becoming a personal trainer. For anyone who has ISSA certification, I have questions.
1. Is it a test you take at home or do you go somewhere to take it?
2. Once you're certified, how do you go about getting a job using it? I have no other fitness backround other than I've been exercising for about 5 years.
3. Is this a scam or do you think it's really worth it?
Thanks

 

[bodyfx]

ISSA is a very reputable organization.The certification program is comprehensive and well rounded(and not easy).The test is taken at home and is in essay form mostly.After completion simply look in the help wanted to find a job.Make up a resume and make copies of your certificate.Bring these to potential employers.Or,you can start your own business.However, you should get some experience training CLIENTS under your belt first.Good luck.

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wspwst

 

[powerhouse21]

i had to go some were and take it
and learned alot
just pay attention during the study part
ph21

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be careful of the toes you step on today,because they might be attached to the foot thats kicking your ass tomorrow

 

[pete mitchell]

I took their correspondence course to get their certification. It's no big deal really. It comes out to be an open book test that you can do at home. Unless they've changed it you have 8 lessons to do and at the end of each lesson you take an essay test. I figured that all I needed was a good certification and after that I'd just train on my beliefs and knowledge, not necessarily that of Dr. Hatfield. Good luck

 

[velvett]

I took both "Specialist in Performance Nutrition, (SPN)" and "Specialist in Sports Conditioning (SSC)". The Nutrition I did totally via coresspondence and the Conditioning was both home study and a seminar with Tom Platz.

I learned a lot and have a resource I can look back upon for information or a refresher. I would have to argue that taking these courses are certainly no guarantee of creating a good trainer and to add I also think that certifications are given out too easily. I don't remember there being any type of job placement program but many people worked in local gyms and then started there own clients on the side until they could work independently.

Hope that helps.

Side Note:
Mmm Tom Platz, I've always had a weakness for him. [I'm dating myself arent I?]