If you want a long-lasting career in the adaptive fitness industry, being certified is the first step. It ensures that you can execute and design adaptive exercise programs that are suitable for your clients. Consider that your target population has special needs than an average individual; obtaining a certification is crucial.
When choosing the best adaptive fitness certification, there are factors to consider. Perhaps you are contemplating between NSCA Special Populations and Adaptive Exercise Certification? Both are renowned programs that can get you certified. However, you still need to choose the one that suits you the best.
National Strength and Conditioning Association
Let’s get started with the NSCA Special Populations. It is one of the most-sought programs when it comes to adaptive fitness training. Upon completing the course, you will be one of the Certified Special Population Specialists (CSPS). These fitness professionals are certified to create an individualized approach, train, and motivate the target population. They are trained to collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure the safety and health of their clients. Moreover, these adaptive fitness professionals are trained to respond in an emergency situation.
Once you become a CSPS, you can offer more services to your clients and benefit from referrals. Besides that, you are authorized to refer your clients to a healthcare professional whenever necessary.
Examination
Once you complete the course, you have to review for the exam. Registration is usually done online. Upon registering, you’ll receive an authorization email with instructions on how to take your exam. For your optimal convenience, you can choose the date, time, and location of your exam. Make sure to check the exam availability first after registration so you can plan ahead of time. For more information, you can go to the nearest Pearson VUE testing center. Make sure that you can take your exam 120 days upon registration. You can check your eligibility dates in the authorization email that has been sent to you.
The registration fee for the exam varies. If you are a member, you’ll have to pay for $340. Non-members are required to pay $475 for the exam. NCSA members are able to save money when it comes to taking the exams and other benefits. You can apply for membership and become a part of the NCSA to enjoy all the benefits.
Requirements
Here are the following requirements before you can start the course and take the exam:
- A graduate of any bachelor’s degree
- A license in current occupation
- CPR/AED certified
Exam Overview
Basically, there are four areas that you need to pass for the exam:
- Basic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status
- Condition, Disorder, or Disease
- Client Consultation
- Program Planning and Safety, Emergency Procedures and Legal Issues
Learning Materials
The NSCA recognizes applicants’ different learning styles and has prepared a variety of study materials that the candidates can access to prepare for the examination. Here are the following materials that are available in NSCA:
- CSPS Exam Content Description Booklet
- Essentials of Training Special Populations, 1st Edition Textbook
- CSPS Essential Study Package
- CSPS Online Practice Questions
NSCA aims to create a community of professionals who are dedicated to helping the special population. The program is highly-recognized and affiliated with other organizations; this program is known as the NCSA special population. When you graduate from NSCA, rest assured that you’ll be able to thrive in the adaptive fitness industry.
Strong Education Adaptive Exercise Certification
Strong Education is a highly-recognized brand in the adaptive fitness industry. The program offers inclusive, full-scope training for the special population. Besides disability, it also targets other conditions, including cerebral palsy, autism, and down syndrome.
The program can help you thrive in your career while generating stable income working with something you are passionate about. The program is heavy on research-based techniques for working one-on-one and different learning group methods for disabled individuals. Being certified by the Special Strong program means you can benefit from other job opportunities and work with a wider range of clients, thanks to your specialization.
Benefits of Strong Education Certification
Here are the following benefits that you can enjoy once you get certified by the Strong Education certification.
- Nationally affiliated with over ten highly-recognized organizations
- Course previews are accessible
- Suitable for applicants on a budget
- No-interest financing
- 90% passing test rate
- Inclusive and wide-scope training
- Training videos featuring real disabled clients
- 24/7 support
Examination
Once you decide to purchase the course, you’ll be prompted by email in just a few minutes. From here, you can create your profile and access the online database of local service providers. This is an online course. Once registered, you’ll be able to access videos, documents, and other learning materials that will help you fully understand the course’s extent. Rest assured that even if you have prior training experience, you’ll be able to understand the context of the entire course.
Upon completing the course, you’ll get access to the tools you need to help you create an adapted exercise program.
Financing and Discounts
If you are already working as a personal trainer, you can request your employer to pay for your certification. Many employers invest in the continuing education of their trainers, especially if they see the potential. Special Strong will help you draft an email to your employer to consider financing your education and certification with the program.
Different discounts for veterans, military, educators, applicants from nonprofits, and team discounts are available.
Requirements
Strong Education welcomes its door to anyone who is passionate about fitness and wants to make a difference by working with disabled individuals. Do not worry if you do not have prior training experience. You can still take the course with little to on requirements and get your certification. From then on, you can enjoy lots of job opportunities that will help you grow your career as an adaptive fitness trainer.
Special Strong, despite being new to the industry, is a program that is worth the investment. It is easier to access and more affordable. The program will help you jump-start your career as an adaptive fitness trainer and give you an opportunity for a fulfilling job.
NSCA Special Populations vs. Adaptive Exercise Certification: Which is Better?
Now that you have an overview of each of the certification programs that you can choose from, it’s time to narrow down the most suitable program for you. Both NSCA Special Populations and Adaptive Exercise Certification are excellent in their own way.
If you want a certification program that could open more job opportunities and help you become a thriving adaptive special needs trainer, the NSCA Special Populations is a great option. It offers an exclusive and intensive training program. It is also accredited in many organizations, making it easier to get a high-paying job or continue working with a mentor. However, applying for the program and passing the exam can be challenging.
There are requirements that you need to comply with before you are eligible for the course. If you do not have prior training experience or if you are a self-taught fitness trainer with no educational background, you may not have the chance to get certified by this program.
On the other hand, the Strong Education Adaptive Exercise Certification is more inclusive and accessible. The program aims to create as many professional adaptive special needs trainers as it can. It is easy to understand, making it an appealing choice for individuals passionate about adaptive training but do not have the experience. Not only that, but the program is also affordable.
There are different financing options, interest-free payments, and even discounts you can enjoy when applying for this program. It is easier to apply here, but it doesn’t mean the training would be less challenging than the former. Special Strong will help you maximize your skills and knowledge so that you will be able to design an adaptive exercise program that is valuable to your future special clients. You can incorporate everything you have learned in your current practice and reach more clients with the new services you can offer.
Why Should You Get Certified?
Why bother spending both your time and money to get certified when the industry is unregulated? Anyone can be hired as an adaptive fitness trainer, whether they are certified or not. However, getting certified is more than just a piece of documentation. Here are the following reasons why you should get certified before becoming an adaptive fitness trainer:
It establishes credibility.
As mentioned earlier, no laws are regulating the adaptive fitness industry. An unregulated system doesn’t mean you should take advantage of it. When you get certified, clients are more likely to trust you. They know they will be safe in your hands. As an essential part of the fitness industry, you must be certified to prove that you can execute the tasks efficiently. It also secures a long-lasting career in the industry thus, it means you are serious about your job by obtaining an accredited certification.
It offers continuing education.
As an adaptive fitness instructor, you’re aware that the techniques and knowledge about adaptive exercise continue to change. Hence, you must be up-to-date with the latest technologies and methodologies involved in adaptive training. Earning certifications also means you have more services to offer to your clients. It becomes the key to a stable profit in the long run. Coaching disabled people can be challenging; hence these certifications are essential.
It ensures safety while working out.
Gym equipment for disabled people can be different from the standard equipment. Sure, there are instructions, and most of them can be used easily. However, to properly execute and perform to get maximum benefits is something a certified adaptive fitness trainer can do. For instance, using the deadlifts without executing the proper form can cause joint pains. An adaptive fitness trainer will tell you less about how to work out and properly work out without compromising your health.
It offers a healthier career.
Unfortunately, even the most high-paying jobs in the world are promoting a sedentary lifestyle. Sitting in front of your computer all day long is unhealthy and can cause various health problems in the long run. Being a certified adaptive fitness trainer allows you to enjoy a healthier career. When you are always working out and making a difference, being healthy and keeping in shape wouldn’t be a problem. A career in the adaptive fitness industry is healthier than any other office job, no matter how extravagant the pay is.
It offers great flexibility.
Work at your own pace, in your own time. Becoming a certified adaptive fitness instructor means you won’t be struggling to look for jobs. Special clients will flock to you, knowing that you are certified. You can make this a part-time job besides your current employment to stay fit while making a difference. You can also make it your regular salary. The fee for personal training is a separate charge. Additionally, you can also earn some extra by doing your own fitness instruction and offering it to your clients.
It allows you to travel while working.
Being a certified adaptive fitness trainer means you’re always on the go. You can work anywhere you want. There would always be special clients who need your help. The recent data reveals that the trainer jobs are increasing at 13 percent, which means there’s an endless job opportunity wherever you go. The adaptive fitness industry is booming, and there is no better time to start your career than now. Since there is little competition between trainers, getting certified will help you to stand above the crowd and find clients anywhere you go.
Final Thoughts
Certification for an adaptive fitness trainer is crucial. This education could be a big break in your career that you are waiting for. Hence, take your time choosing between NSCA Special Populations and Adaptive Exercise Certification. Weigh the pros and cons and choose the most suitable for you. Getting certified secures your success in the industry. Start today.