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Best martial arts instructor certifications
Martial arts instructor certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an martial arts instructor to employers. However, not all martial arts instructor certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a martial arts instructor are Certified Personal Trainer, Specialist in Martial Arts Conditioning (SMAC), and First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor.
Below is a list of the best martial arts instructor certifications. Obtaining an martial arts instructor certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
5 best certifications for martial arts instructors
| Rank | Martial arts instructor certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Personal Trainer | CIAR |
| 2 | Specialist in Martial Arts Conditioning (SMAC) | ISSA |
| 3 | First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor | NSC |
| 4 | Advanced Personal Training Certification (APT) | AFPA |
| 5 | Instructor Certification (EPIC) | ACCA |
5 best martial arts instructor 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. Specialist in Martial Arts Conditioning (SMAC)
ISSA has designed a unique solution in its fitness certification program for martial arts instructors. This program is the world's first to address the specific training needs of martial arts professionals. Fitness instructors who have mastered not only their art, but also the principles and methods of scientific sport training, will get the best results from their students.
- 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 2 year(s)
3. 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
4. Advanced Personal Training Certification (APT)
AFPA's Advanced Personal Trainer Certification Program has been nationally and internationally recognized since 1994. AFPA provides the most comprehensive and authoritative resources for you as an Advanced Personal Trainer, whether you are working in a health/fitness club currently as a Personal Trainer or if you are working with athletes at the high school or collegiate level.
- 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)
5. Instructor Certification (EPIC)
Are you an experienced vocational instructor or HVAC professional who is looking to take your career to the next level? If so, EPIC may be an option for you. EPIC is an extremely intensive four-day class.
- 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 5 year(s)
What is the best certification for a martial arts instructor?
The best martial arts instructor 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 martial arts instructor 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 martial arts instructors?
The most in-demand martial arts instructor certification is Certified Personal Trainer based on all active job postings. Having this martial arts instructor certification will give you access to more martial arts instructor jobs with higher salaries.
The most common combination of martial arts instructor certifications include: Certified Personal Trainer, Specialist in Martial Arts Conditioning (SMAC), and First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor.
Online courses for martial arts instructors to earn certifications
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Developed by David Owens at Vanderbilt University and customized for the cultural sector with National Arts Strategies, this course is designed to help arts and culture leaders create an environment where new ideas are constantly created, shared, evaluated and the best ones are successfully put to work. One of the toughest challenges for any leader is getting traction for new ideas. Winning support can be a struggle. As a result, powerful new ideas often get stuck. This is especially true in...
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