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Best exercise physiologist certifications
The best certifications for an exercise physiologist are Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Exercise Physiologists (EP-C), and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
Exercise physiologist certifications demonstrate your competency as an exercise physiologist to employers. However, not all exercise physiologist certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best exercise physiologist certifications. Obtaining an exercise physiologist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
12 best certifications for exercise physiologists
12 best exercise physiologist certifications
1. Certified Personal Trainer
The purpose of The Cooper Institute Personal Trainer (CI-PTr) Certification Examination is to provide assurance of mastery and application of knowledge and skills directly related to the performance of the job entitled `Personal Trainer' through a defensible, reliable, valid and rigorous process. The successful completion of the CI-PTr Certification Examination results in credentialing to ensure certificants' professional knowledge, skills and tools to provide sound fitness and health programming to their clients, provide assurance to clients and employers, protect the public, and advance the profession.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
2. Certified Exercise Physiologists (EP-C)
Becoming ACSM Certified as an Exercise Specialistsays a lot about you. It says you have chosen to become certified by the organization that's leading the way in health fitness and clinical certifications.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
3. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. Learn more about becoming a strength and conditioning coach with the NSCA certification! Visit NSCA.com for more information on strength and conditioning jobs, strength and conditioning internships, continuing education and CEUs.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
4. Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
The ACSM Certified Health Fitness Specialist (HFS) is a degreed health and fitness professional qualified to pursue a career in university, corporate, commercial, hospital, and community settings.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
5. Clinical Exercise Specialist Certification (CES)
The ACE Clinical Exercise Specialist is an advanced personal trainer certification that demonstrates your ability to work with special populations.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologists work individually, or as part of an interdisciplinary team in clinical, communication and public health settings, and their practice is guided by published professional guidelines, standards and applicable state and federal regulations.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
7. First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor
Knowing how to respond to a first aid or CPR emergency is one of the most important skills a person can possess. The Standard First Aid, CPR and AED course meets the OSHA requirements and is your tool for training employees or the general public on the latest skills, techniques and expertise in life-saving procedures. The practice and feedback of using related skills in a realistic situation is integrated into the actual teaching experience.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
8. Physician Assistant - Certified (PA-C)
A PA is a nationally certified and state-licensed medical professional. PAs practice medicine on healthcare teams with physicians and other providers. They practice and prescribe medication in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the majority of the U.S. territories and the uniformed services.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 6 year(s)
9. Corrective Exercise Specialty Certification
Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common and debilitating issues affecting Americans today. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately one in two American adults suffers from musculoskeletal conditions-meaning that more than 120 million Americans are living in pain. Whether it's low-back pain, sciatica, neck pain, non-arthritis joint pain, arthritic conditions or other musculoskeletal pain disorders, you can help.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
10. Health Coach Certification
Your clients want to lose weight. They come to you for help. The Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant certification assures clients that you have the knowledge to develop sound, balanced weight management programs that bring together the three critical components of nutrition, exercise and lifestyle change.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
11. Athletic Trainer Certification (ATC)
BOC provides a certification program for the entry level Athletic Trainer and establishes requirements for maintaining status as a Certified Athletic Trainer.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
12. Certified EKG Technician (CET)
A Certified EKG Technician (CET) produces recording or electromotive variations in a patient's heart muscle, using electrocardiograph machine, to provide data for the diagnosis of heart ailments.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for an exercise physiologist?
The best exercise physiologist certification is Certified Personal Trainer. The Certified Personal Trainer is awarded by the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this exercise physiologist certification:
- To become a certified Certified Personal Trainer, you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 3 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for exercise physiologists?
The most in-demand exercise physiologist certification is Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist based on all active job postings. Having this exercise physiologist certification will give you access to more exercise physiologist jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact an exercise physiologist career and salary?
The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification will help you to secure an personal trainer position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An personal trainer's average salary is $38,768 whereas exercise physiologists make an average salary of $49,399.
The most common combination of exercise physiologist certifications include: Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Exercise Physiologists (EP-C), and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
Online courses for exercise physiologists to earn certifications
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