Best way to bring the knowledge back? - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[UnchainedOne]

Hi all,

I am new here and I was hoping that I could get some advice on my situation. My situation is this. Back in 1991-1995 I went to UNH to pursue an Exercise Science/Kinesiology degree. For reasons that I will not get into here I was unable to finish the internship part of my coursework and I never went back to finish it. I worked in the summers during my time at UNH as a landscaper and I made that my full time job back in 1995. Unfortunately, I had to quit my landscaping job because of some lower back problems. It has been tough finding a decent paying job where I can transfer my skills as a landscaper and still be able to do the job physically.

I currently work at a golf course as a groundskeeper and I really enjoy the work and the people there but it just does not pay enough. I have been thinking for a while now of getting into Personal Training. I cannot go back and finish my degree at this point but the knowledge is there. I just have to bring it back.

For those of you that might have any advice for me my questions would be these:

If I studied and passed the ACSM CPT test would that be enough to land a job somewhere given the fact that I did take Exercise Science courses for 4 years back in the 90's?

What is the best way to study for the ACSM CPT test? How will I know if I have covered all that I should and that I am ready to take the test?

Should I try and get any other certifications or should I just concentrate on getting the ACSM and then go from there?

What is the best way to get some experience doing personal training?


Thanks for reading. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[kelli m]

Hi!

I think it is VERY likely that you could pass the ACSM with your academic background. I say that while assuming that you passed the classes, mastered most of the material, and have some amount of information retention after 4 years.

Also many undergraduate Ex. Sc programs follow the ACSM protocol, preferring their grads to take the ACSM Health and Fitness between finishing their bachelor's and before their master's. The CPT is a less technical cert ( than the HFI) so I think you will be fine.

Just review the material or sign up for a prep class. You already have a head start than many that take the test.

Good luck.