Personal trainers must understand and implement exercise science to design the most effective programs; use an understanding of kinesiology and biomechanics to help the client follow doctor or physical therapist recommendations and avoid injury; and be sympathetic to the client's emotional or mental struggles as she works to change a lifetime of unhealthy habits. In order to stay on top of your game and retain your training certification, reputable organizations require you to earn a set number of continuing education credits during each certification period.
Quizzes
Answering quizzes is one of the simplest ways for personal trainers to earn continuing education credits. Quizzes are usually based on print, DVD or online material. Answer the questions correctly, pay the fee, and you receive the continuing education credits. Some programs are specific to the certifying agency -- for example, the American Council on Exercise offers newsletter-based quizzes for CECs -- but other organizations, such as IDEA, offer CECs that are valid with a number of certifying bodies.
Workshops
Most certifying organizations and a number of industry-wide organizations offer continuing-education workshops. You can get hands-on experience, brush up on familiar concepts or learn new techniques for working with clients. Most branded certifications, such as Zumba and YogaFit, require you to take a workshop before you can use the branded name in your classes or advertisements -- but they offer continuing education credits, valid with a number of certifying organizations, in return.
New Certification
Many certifying fitness organizations offer multiple certifications. For example: group fitness, sports trainer and population-specific certifications, such as working with pregnant women or cancer patients. Some organizations, such as the American College of Sports Medicine, offer continuing education credits toward your current certification if you obtain another certification through the same organization.
Webinars
Live or streaming web-based seminars, or "webinars," are one of the most convenient ways to earn continuing education credits for your personal training certification. You don't get the benefit of hands-on experience, but live webinars do let you interact in real-time with other professionals. Recorded webinars give you the option of learning at your own pace, on your own time.
Petitions
Some fitness organizations allow you to petition their governing body to receive CECs for courses that might not already be qualified for credit. Examples might include studying sport psychology, a trademarked fitness methodology, or the psychology of motivation.
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