is there anyone who holds ACSM-HFI here?? - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[hovey]

As I know, To take an exam for ACSM-HFI we need an associated degree.
But how can we prove we have an associated degree??
Do I have to send them my transcript befor taking an exam or Do I have to bring a transcript to a testing site???
I've already overlooked a handbook for candidates but there were no comments about that.

And I also want to know about ACSM-ES.
They require candidate to have a bechealor's degree and 600hours in practical working area.
How can I prove it????
Please heply with my questions, I am dying to know.....

[C Lenart]

Hovey:

I presently hold an ACSM HFI Certification. You do not need to send in a transcript before taking the HFI exam nor do you need to bring in a transcript to a testing site. The rep from the Pearson VUE testing center that I went to just asked me for the name of the institution that I attended and then he entered that info into his computer. I attended UCLA for my fitness certification. The UCLA program is a two year program which I believe is equal to any associates degree. In any case, I also have a bachelors degree in Economics from Berkeley if that isn't good enough.

Bottom line is that ACSM has the right to audit your transcript IF they choose to once you pass the HFI exam. In my case, I passed the HFI exam and ACSM decided not to audit my transcript. I passed the exam with a 650 score, 550 is passing and ACSM just mailed me my HFI certificate.

I can't speak to the specifics of the ACSM exercise specialist exam because I didn't take it but the testing review materials are out of the same book as the HFI exam. The exercise specialist exam just incorporates more info on reading an EKG then does the HFI exam and adds a bit more info on treating patients in a clinical versus a fitness setting. In any case, the HFI and clinical exercise specialist exam are more lengthy and more in depth then the standard Certified personal training exam.

I would also assume that one should be prepared to demonstrate to ACSM that one has the required 600 hours of supervised time if you pass the exercise specialist exam along with a transcript from a four year institution. You may or may not have to show your transcripts and supervised hours before you take the exercise specialist exam but you should always expect to be audited for transcripts following the successful completion of the exam.

Just my advice.

Curt
ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor

[hovey]

Lenart!! Thank you very much!!
Now I got it thanks to you.
By the way which one do you think more reputable ACSM-ES or NSCA-CSCS in fitness business??
Just I am curious...
Any way thank you!!
Your comment were really useful to me!!

[C Lenart]

hovey:

The ACSM Clinical Exercise Specialist and the NSCA-CSCS are both "advanced" and very reputable credentials. The difference between the two is that they take you in two different directions.

An ACSM Exercise Specialist is a health care professional with a Bachelor’s Degree who typically work in cardiovascular/pulmonary rehabilitation programs, physicians’ offices or medical fitness centers. As an ACSM Exercise Specialist you will be working with patients with known cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic diseases. The empahasis here is on medicine and rehab and you should expect to know how various meds and medical conditions influence the exercise response.

The CSCS is an "advanced" credential for strength training specialists. You should be very well versed on anatomy, kinesiology, and physiology, and have a four year degree.

Curt
ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor

[hovey]

I see.
Thank you!!
I have a last question!!
Which one do you think more difficult to pass??
ACSM ES or NSCA CSCS??
What do other people say??

[Christina]

Hi hovey,

What are your goals? Where do you plan to work?

Individuals with the CSCS credential usually work with athletes. Individuals with the ACSM-ES credential usually work with patients with known cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic diseases. These 2 certifications are very different, therefore you need to know who you are going to be working with before deciding which certification.

Hope this helps.

Christina