How can I get certified in just 2 days?
This is not possible with an IFPA Certification. The
IFPA 2 day certification workshop is an additional benefit to all our students.
However, the workshop is only a review. In order to pass the IFPA Certification
test (multiple choice), you must read, study
and learn the IFPA study guide and the IFPA manual(s) {depending on the course
more than 1 manual maybe applicable} before coming to the review workshop. If
you do not study – you will not pass! We have had PhD’s in Exercise
Physiology fail the test because they felt “they knew it all” and didn’t
bother to study. We have also had world-class athletes, bodybuilders,
powerlifters and experienced (non-certified)
fitness professionals fail the test because “they knew it all” and didn’t
bother to study.
To pass an IFPA Certification is
going to require you to understand necessary scientific principles as well as
the essential practical application of those principles to the real
world-training scenario. This is the only way to protect the public from
incompetence and the only way to ensure your success.
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Why should I bother to take an
IFPA Certification, my friends tell me there are much easier certification companies
around that won’t require me to study so hard?
Please
review the above answer first before continuing to READ HERE! Now that
you’ve read the answer to question 1, the first rule you must learn as an
IFPA Certified Instructor is:
DO
NO HARM!
We
are familiar with the certifications that have tests so easy a first grader
can pass them, but what does that, get you? Your certification won’t be
worth the paper it’s printed on. Many club owners and managers won’t
accept any other certification other than IFPA because they know that an IFPA
Certified Fitness Professional has a much higher chance of success than any
other certification.
Club owners and managers
also know that if you violate IFPA rule #1, the liability of the harm you
cause always falls on them, their insurance, their business, their reputation
and their income. You should also consider you, your insurance, your business,
your reputation and your income before you take the easy way out.
Remember this…”that,
that does not kill us, makes us stronger”
–Friedrich Nietzsche
“We at the IFPA are
dedicated to helping you become the strongest fitness professional and the
strongest person you can be.”
-James
Bell, President
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I have a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology;
do I really need a certification?
Congratulations on completing a very demanding
course of study! But yes, you do need a certification. Even with a Masters
Degree most gym owners won’t hire you and most insurances companies won’t
insure you. Despite 2 (or more) years of dedicated academic study, most gyms
know that you have little or no practical application in fitness. Certifications
satisfy this demand.
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I have won dozens of titles in bodybuilding
including Mr. Universe, why do I need a certification?
Congratulations on your achievements and dedication to
excellence! But club owners won’t hire you and insurance companies won’t
insure you. Despite a wealth of practical experience you will need a
certification to prove you understand the science behind training to ensure you
will DO NO HARM to the public you will be charged with training.
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What
is the difference between the IFPA and
ACE?
Ace is a
fine certification and is one of the oldest (ACE and ACSM are the oldest
certifications). ACE and the IFPA have significantly different philosophies on
what a certification should do. ACE
is largely an academic exercise, their program is heavily weighted toward the
academicians science with little or no regard to the application of academic
theory in the real world. Since ACE’s program is designed by some of the
world’s foremost academic scholars, someone taking the ACE program will
receive a very in-depth “crash” course into the exercise sciences. Many of the
comments we receive from fitness professionals who have both ACE and IFPA
Certifications are (1) ACE testing is very difficult, (2) Many of the
questions on the ACE test have nothing to do with the ACE manual they
purchased to study the test, (3) With ACE there was very little they learned
or tested on that had anything to do with what they have to go thru as a
fitness professional.
These
same ACE and IFPA Certified Instructors had an exactly opposite story to tell
on the IFPA. The IFPA has received numerous accolades for the IFPA program,
typical comments are: (1) While IFPA testing is very demanding – it is very
fair, (2) every single question on the IFPA tests comes from IFPA study
materials (study guide, manuals and/or videos). The IFPA can and will quote
you precisely where each and every question and answer comes from: page number
and verse, (3) everything the IFPA teaches and tests on is deemed absolutely
essential in order for IFPA certified instructors to operate safely and
effectively. The IFPA Certification is designed specifically by industry
experts to teach, train, educate and certify IFPA fitness professionals to
achieve success, (4) most everyone who fails the IFPA testing process does so
do to their lack of preparation. It is rewarding indeed to see IFPA members
taking self-responsibility for their failures. In this day of always
attempting to blame someone else for our own failings it is gratifying to see
that future IFPA Certified Professionals conducting themselves as
professionals and taking responsibility. Professionalism begins with
responsibility.
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What is the difference between the
IFPA and ACSM?
ACSM
is a fine certification and is the oldest in the industry. ACSM
certification was specifically designed by medical doctors and exercise
physiologists for exercise physiologists who planned on careers in the health
and medical community. ACSM certification is generally required for any
exercise physiologist working in hospital or medical clinics with
cardio-rehabilitation patients. ACSM certification requires a college degree
in exercise physiology or related areas. The ACSM is the one and only
organization to offer a certification of this type. The IFPA does not have or
plan to have any certification to compete with the ACSM. The ACSM’s medical
expertise is better suited to dealing with this special population than any
other certification including the IFPA. The ACSM has attempted to develop
personal trainer type certifications, but this is far a field from their
medical expertise (how many doctors do you know that have any interest or
knowledge in fitness or nutrition). The ACSM fitness certifications lack the
practical understanding of the fitness industry. Unfortunately, as is reported
to us from fitness professionals all across the country the medical community
has no understanding, little interest and only a modicum of respect for the
fitness industry.
We
at the IFPA feel very strongly that the vast majority of the medical and
health care concerns, expenses and problems of today can only be resolved by
an army of dedicated fitness professionals. Estimates run as high as 80% of
all medical and healthcare costs are a direct result of lifestyle choices. The
only logical conclusion to draw is that: the fitness and nutrition experts of
today – will become the doctors of tomorrow. The IFPA is asking you to join
the fight. The fight is to motivate, train and educate the public away from
the destructive “anti-lifestyle” that is so prevalent in our community.
The “anti-lifestyle” is (1) physical inactivity (2) smoking, (3) poor
nutrition, (4) substance abuse and (5) stress.
The
medical community (including ACSM) has lost this fight. It is now up to us,
the IFPA and the fitness community to win this fight. It is up to you to win
this fight.
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What is the difference between the
IFPA and NSCA?
The
NSCA’s CSCS (Certified Sports Conditioning Specialist) is a fine
certification. The CSCS is designed for college and professional strength
coaches. The CSCS is designed for the most popular sports. The IFPA has taken a
different approach to sports conditioning. The IFPA has a basic sports
conditioning and ten sports specific certifications. The basic course covers all
aspects of sports conditioning of all components of fitness. The sport specific
courses (baseball, basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, tennis, hockey,
running, golf and martial arts) allow the IFPA to go into much greater detail in
the sport or sports of your choices. The NSCA has more recently developed a
personal training certification, but similar to the ACSM the NSCA’s expertise
is not in the fitness industry. The job description of a strength coach dealing
with highly trained, highly motivated elite athletes is significantly different
from that of a personal trainer dealing with doctors, lawyers, accountants,
business owners, housewives and other non-athletic, overweight and out of shape
individuals in a fitness center environment. The IFPA recently purchased a
Tennis and Fitness Academy in Tampa, Florida. There is no doubt that the
training of elite athletes is significantly different than training the average
gym member. The academy athletes train 6 hours/day, sometimes 6 – 7 days/week.
The average gym member has trouble getting 6 hours of training in a month!
Therefore several aspects of NSCA’s Certification, while very well meaning,
simply will not work in the practical real-world scenarios faced by personal
trainers in fitness centers.
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How does the
IFPA compare to other
certifications?
The
real claim to fame for the IFPA: PRACTICAL. The IFPA did not build our
programs to win acclaim from academicians in the “Ivory Towers of Academia”; we don’t care about their opinion. The IFPA did not build our
programs to win acclaim from doctors in the medical community – we don’t
care about their opinion. The IFPA did not build our programs to win envy from
the other certifications available today – we don’t care about their
opinion. Most academicians have never trained anyone, have never built their
own business or ever had a real job. Most doctors have never trained anyone,
have ever been in a gym or ever learned anything about fitness or nutrition.
Most of the other certifications have never trained anyone, have never
consulted with fitness professionals or ever experienced training as those in
the trenches have done.
The other certifications
available today are reminiscent of the old legend of the 3 blind men who are
brought to an elephant to experience by touch what an elephant is. The first
blind man is brought to the elephant’s trunk and after feeling all around
the elephant’s trunk exclaims: “Ah! The elephant is like a snake!”. The
second blind man is brought to the elephant’s side and after feeling all
around the elephant’s abdomen exclaims: “Ah! The elephant is like a
wall!”. The third blind man is brought to the elephant’s leg and after
feeling all around the elephant’s leg exclaims: “Ah! The elephant is like
a tree!”
Each
blind man felt sure he knew what an elephant was, but obviously, to a man with
sight the blind men only got a small piece of the overall big picture. The
same is said of the other certifications, they each have their own specialty
in medicine (ACSM), in athletics (NSCA), in power lifting (ISSA), in academia
(ACE), in nursing (AFFA) and thru their own self-imposed blinders – filter
what they believe personal training and other aspects of the fitness
profession are all about, without having been in the trenches, doing the job
themselves, they fail to understand the whole “BIG” picture of the fitness
profession. The IFPA looks at the whole elephant. The IFPA certification and
continuing education courses are put together by professionals who have been
in the trenches, have done the job and have succeeded. They also have
extensive science backgrounds as exercise physiologists, kineseologists,
sports nutritionists, chiropractors, doctor’s physical therapists, sports
psychologists and other related expertise.
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Does my
IFPA Certification expire?
Yes!
IFPA certifications are active for 2 years. After 2 years you have several
options to renew.
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How do I renew my
IFPA Certification?
You
need 12 C.E.C. (Continuing Education Credits) to renew. You have several options
in order to get CECs: (1) CECs are awarded for any IFPA Certification course you
take during the renewal period (begins 1 yr prior to expiration and goes to your
expiration date). The IFPA has over 2 dozen certification courses available,
with many more currently in development. (2) CECs are awarded for any IFPA CEC
course you take during you renewal period. The IFPA has a host of CEC courses
available, with many more currently in development in a wide array of different
specialties. (3) CECs are awarded for first aid and CPR (One time only). (4)
CECs are awarded for college courses you take, that you receive a grade of A or
B. The course must be related to fitness, health or nutrition. (5) CECs are
awarded for courses taken from other certification companies such as ACSM and
NSCA. (6) CECs may be awarded for courses taken from other certification
companies on a case by case basis, depending on the credibility of the company
and the viability of the course, (7) CECs may be awarded for research articles
written or courses developed for use by the IFPA. (8) CECs may be awarded for
special projects completed on behalf of the IFPA.
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Does the
IFPA help find jobs for IFPA
certified instructors?
Yes,
we do! We have a “find a trainer” locator on the IFPA web site, which is
free for all currently certified instructors. The IFPA also has a job board
for fitness centers looking to hire IFPA certified instructors.
The
IFPA is, most importantly, continuously supporting you in your career
development. We accomplish this thru the quarterly FitNews and weekly FitBits.
These are free electronic subscriptions designed to keep you abreast of the
newest and latest happenings in your profession.
The
IFPA has also developed dozens of certification courses and hosts of CEC
courses designed to aid your professional development.
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Does
the IFPA guarantee my success as a fitness professional?
Absolutely
NOT! Many students sabotage their career right from the very start by not
preparing for the certification exam. Preparation learning and study are
essential to pass the IFPA certification exam. Just as the very same
preparation, learning and study are essential to success in the fitness
profession. Quite simply: If you aren’t prepared to pass the IFPA test, you
are not prepared for success as a fitness professional.
Passing
the test is the first achievement. But that still doesn’t guarantee success.
There are PhD’s in exercise physiologists that are not successful as
personal trainers because they lack the personal skills to win and keep
clients. Analyze your personality critically. Do you truly like people? Do you
like working with people? Do you like helping people? If you can honestly
answer yes to all three of these questions, then your are on your way to a
successful career. If you scoff at these three questions, you are fooling
yourself – there is a reason it’s called PERSONAL training (figure it
out).
One
other important note: smoking, excessive drinking, substances abuse, illegal
bodybuilding drugs and poor nutrition habits are “anti-lifestyle” and are
hypocritical when fitness professionals are participating in these activities.
Get a clue; a non-smoker can smell the stench of cigarette smoke at 50 paces.
IF you want to look like a complete fool, try bringing in a bag from
MacDonald’s for lunch in the gym – your clients will notice. Likewise
eating a snickers bar in the gym (argueabley a very practical meal – post
intense workout as a source of quick glucose replacement) just doesn’t help
your image – remember: you are probably not going to get the chance to
lecture them on Sports Nutrition, they are going to go by the image you
present.
Speaking
of image, you must keep yourself fit. You don’t have to look like a
competitive bodybuilder or fitness model but your credibility is shot when you
are trying to help your client lose 5 pounds and you both know you need to
lose 50.
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What to bring to your certification site
Unless otherwise noted, On-site Certifications are conducted from 9AM to 6PM both
Saturday and Sunday. Plan to arrive to the certification site 15 minutes early. Be sure to
bring your manual, course syllabus, study guide, notebook and pen and/or pencil. All
students must provide proof of payment in the form of their receipt to gain admittance to
the certification preparatory workshop and examination.
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What to wear
to your certification site
We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing and bring a sweater or jacket as many
of the sites are fitness facilities and are air conditioned to a temperature conducive for
working out.
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How many members does the IFPA have?
The IFPA has certified over 35,000 people.
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When was the IFPA founded and what is
its background?
With roots back to 1991, the IFPA was incorporated in 1994 by James T. Bell, M.S. Mr.
Bell has over 10 years experience certifying personal trainers and has trained over 5,000
individuals. Mr. Bell founded the IFPA to establish fitness certifications that are based
upon the practical, scientifically based information.
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Does certification include
membership?
Once you become certified by the IFPA you are a member of the IFPA for two years. If
you maintain the proper number of Continuing Education Units you will remain a member of
the IFPA in good standing.
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What materials are provided when I
sign up for an IFPA certification?
Registrations for an IFPA Certifications are processed within 48 hours. Study materials
are shipped UPS-signature required and should arrive within 3 days (express delivery is
available at an additional charge). Price includes manual, study outline, preparatory
workshop at specified location, certification testing, certificate, wallet card, and IFPA
membership. A practice examination may also be ordered and included (check for current
price).
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What is the IFPA examination format?
Certification examinations include 100
questions in a multiple choice format that test the comprehension of material
covered in IFPA programs. Advanced certifications include a practical
demonstration component. Distance Learning Certifications are similar in format
consisting of 200 questions, including a 50 question written practical
component.
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What do I need for a passing grade
and does the IFPA charge to retest?
Passing for the IFPA examinations is 80%. Registered participants who do not pass the
first time around are given the opportunity to retake the Certification exam for a modest
retake fee.
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What is the
Complimentary Review Workshop
format?
IFPA Complimentary Review Workshops are intensive two day programs. The first day is
the
optional preparatory workshop. This is followed by a second day of review and testing. The
goal of the IFPA Certifications is to not only teach the essentials of the certification
topic, but to also teach the student how to disseminate knowledge in fitness, health, and
nutrition. In this manner, IFPA students are able to increase their skills and knowledge
in fitness, health, and nutrition more effectively after they have taken an IFPA
Certification.
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As a personal trainer, how do I get
liability insurance?
The IFPA has secured special opportunities for its certified trainers to get liability
insurance through the Fitness Insurance Corporation (FIC). IFPA Certified
Instructors can get this insurance at cost by using their certification number(s) on the
application form for FIC. We will be happy to send you an application listing current
prices.
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Where do I go to take an
IFPA
Certification?
IFPA Certifications are offered at major universities, fitness facilities and
conference centers throughout the United States and internationally. The IFPA also offers
Distance Learning versions of its most popular certifications.
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