After struggling with my weight for many years, I've learned to maintain a healthy weight and be well.
I'm certified by the world-renowned Mayo Clinic as a Wellness Coach. I enjoy helping people become their best selves and maintain lasting change over time. I'm also a Certified Personal Trainer and I love staying active by lifting weights, walking, kayaking and kickboxing.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Passed the test!
For a long time, I've wanted to get certified as a personal trainer. I've been studying diligently and I am happy to announce that I passed my exam this morning! I'm officially a Certified Personal Trainer!
I'm still working on it, but finding it hard to find the time to just sit and study with no kids hanging off of me. But I'll keep plugging along. Any tips? And I also wondered, did you take the online test, or did you go to a testing center?
Hi, Emily – Here is how I studied: I read the book first. I tried to do at least one chapter per week. But, I just read the book and took the practice exams as I went. After that, I scheduled the test about two weeks out. During the two weeks prior to the test, I spent a couple of hours/day reviewing (cramming!) practice tests from the book & ACTION site, the ACTION message boards and used practice flashcards on Quizlet.com. Then I was ready! I took the test in a testing center because I wanted the accredited test. My best advice about the test is to take your time and read carefully. Some of the questions can be a bit tricky, because they try to get you confused with a couple of answers that seem to be correct at first glance. A lot of the questions are common sense, you just have to read carefully on what they are actually asking you and provide the best answer. They don’t give you a calculator at the testing center, so to be honest, I just guessed at a few of the math questions. I knew the formulas, but I didn’t want to waste time doing long division on scratch paper. I still passed with plenty of room for error. Keep at it and good luck!
Congratulations on becoming a personal trainer. I stumbled upon your website by chance. Where did you study to get your certification? I have been looking online to see what the options are but now I'm asking people around. Your answer is very valuable to me. Thank you!
Hi, Melanie! I actually found a great certification program called ACTION. To be honest, I was skeptical at first because I literally paid $30 for their Pro Plan which includes a significant amount of study materials. This was over a year ago and I believe they have raised the price a bit since then, but it’s still a great deal. I can’t say enough good things about this certification. I learned a lot and the exam is designed to NCCA accreditation standards. ACTION itself is not NCCA accredited (yet), but they have submitted their application and plan to have this completed in early 2013. For me, it was the best choice because of the price, the option to self-study (versus classes) and the material was relevant and comparable to NASM certification. Check it out: www.actioncertification.org
I actually found your blog on the ACTION site. I am currently studying for the test myself. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteHi, Emily! How is the studying going?
DeleteI'm still working on it, but finding it hard to find the time to just sit and study with no kids hanging off of me. But I'll keep plugging along. Any tips? And I also wondered, did you take the online test, or did you go to a testing center?
DeleteHi, Emily – Here is how I studied: I read the book first. I tried to do at least one chapter per week. But, I just read the book and took the practice exams as I went. After that, I scheduled the test about two weeks out. During the two weeks prior to the test, I spent a couple of hours/day reviewing (cramming!) practice tests from the book & ACTION site, the ACTION message boards and used practice flashcards on Quizlet.com. Then I was ready! I took the test in a testing center because I wanted the accredited test. My best advice about the test is to take your time and read carefully. Some of the questions can be a bit tricky, because they try to get you confused with a couple of answers that seem to be correct at first glance. A lot of the questions are common sense, you just have to read carefully on what they are actually asking you and provide the best answer. They don’t give you a calculator at the testing center, so to be honest, I just guessed at a few of the math questions. I knew the formulas, but I didn’t want to waste time doing long division on scratch paper. I still passed with plenty of room for error. Keep at it and good luck!
DeleteHi Heather,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on becoming a personal trainer.
I stumbled upon your website by chance.
Where did you study to get your certification?
I have been looking online to see what the options are but now I'm asking people around.
Your answer is very valuable to me.
Thank you!
Hi, Melanie! I actually found a great certification program called ACTION. To be honest, I was skeptical at first because I literally paid $30 for their Pro Plan which includes a significant amount of study materials. This was over a year ago and I believe they have raised the price a bit since then, but it’s still a great deal. I can’t say enough good things about this certification. I learned a lot and the exam is designed to NCCA accreditation standards. ACTION itself is not NCCA accredited (yet), but they have submitted their application and plan to have this completed in early 2013. For me, it was the best choice because of the price, the option to self-study (versus classes) and the material was relevant and comparable to NASM certification. Check it out: www.actioncertification.org
Delete