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Exercise Science Certification Renewal Process

Key Takeaways

  • Renew exercise science certifications every 2-4 years through continuing education units (CEUs) and application submission.
  • Track CEUs and gather required documentation to prove ongoing education.
  • Pay renewal fees and submit applications before deadlines to maintain certification.
  • Utilize online platforms for flexible CEU opportunities, ensuring credentials stay current.

It’s important to maintain your certification in exercise science. Perhaps that goes without saying. By maintaining your certification, you’re keeping up with the latest information and practices in the field. Getting your certification is a part of this process for sure.

However, not a lot of people know that renewing your certification is just as important. With an updated exercise science certification, you’ll be able to meet industry standards. You’ll also be able to keep developing professionally.

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The Exercise Science Certification Renewal Process

The renewal process for exercise science certifications is pretty straightforward. Typically, you’ll need to renew your certification every two to four years. The organization that issued your certification(s) will determine this, though.

Deadlines are obviously really important, too. You should keep track of when your certification expires and start the renewal process early. Let’s take a closer look at the exercise science certification renewal process below:

Renewing Exercise Science Certificates

Are you looking to renew your exercise science certification? Here are some steps you can follow:

  1. Check the Expiration Date: This is very important. You need to know when your certification expires. That way, you’ll be able to plan ahead. You’ll also have more time to figure out which program would best suit your needs for renewing your certification.
  2. Complete Continuing Education Units (CEUs): Most certifications require you to earn a certain number of CEUs. Hopefully, you’ve been keeping track of how many units you’ve already completed. If you haven’t, though, there are ways to figure this out. Some programs will log the number of CEUs you’ve completed. You may also need to make sure that certain CEUs are transferrable between different programs.
  3. Gather Documentation: You will also need to collect proof of the CEUs you have completed. In most cases, your account will have a record of the courses you’ve completed. Some programs may expect you to keep track of your CEUs yourself.
  4. Submit Application: Complete the renewal application form. The industry body you’re seeking certification from will provide this form.
  5. Pay Renewal Fee: There is usually a fee to renew your certification. If you’re on a budget, make sure to save up money for this fee beforehand. That said, most renewal fees are pretty cheap. For example, the American College of Sports and Medicine (ACSM) charges between $40 and $70. It just depends on your level of certification.
  6. Submit Before the Deadline: Make sure to submit all of the required materials on time. Write down the deadline on your calendar so that you can keep track of it.

CEU Requirements for Exercise Science

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are a major part of the renewal process. CEUs are credits you earn by participating in activities that are related to your field. These activities can include:

Workshops and Seminars

You might attend events where you learn new skills or information about exercise science. Depending on the workshop or seminar, you may be able to earn CEUs.

Online Courses

You can also complete online courses that teach you about exercise science. This is one of the best ways to meet CEU requirements. For example, you can earn CEUs by participating in a group fitness instructor class. Make sure that this class is official, though. The group fitness instructor class by the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) is a great example.

Professional Conferences

Go to professional conferences when you can. This isn’t just a great way to earn CEUs. You’ll be gaining more knowledge in your field, too.

Webinars

Watch and participate in live or recorded online presentations. This is a great option for people who don’t have time to travel to in-person seminars. Actually, there are plenty of flexible ways to earn CEUs.

Make sure to keep proof of these activities, like certificates of completion. These certificates will show that you have earned the required CEUs.

Exercise Science Recertification Steps

Of course, recertification will likely involve more than just earning CEUs. Here are some steps you might need to follow:

  1. Complete CEUs: As mentioned before, make sure to complete enough CEUs.
  2. Take Exams: Some certifications might require you to pass an exam or two. These exams are pretty straightforward. Just make sure that the program you’re getting certified by is recognized by the industry.
  3. Submit Proof: Provide documentation of your CEUs and any other requirements. This is more important than you might think.
  4. Plan Ahead: Mark important dates on your calendar. This will prevent you from missing important deadlines.
  5. Prepare for Exams: If an exam is required, you should study the relevant material well in advance. Thankfully, most programs provide plenty of free resources that make studying for these exams easier.

Continuing Education for Exercise Science Certification Renewal

The exercise science field is constantly changing. That’s why it’s so important to continue educating yourself, even after you’ve received certification. By continuing your education, you’ll be able to learn about new research and techniques. Let’s take a look at some popular continuing education options below:

National Strength and Conditioning Association CEU Opportunities

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) provides plenty of opportunities for exercise science students to earn CEUs. For example, you can take their tactical strength and conditioning course. Other courses include “Building Resilience to Stress and Trauma Through Lifting Heavy Things” and “Defining the Sport Scientist.”

ACE Fitness Recertification

If you want to maintain your credibility in this field, you’ll need to get your certification renewed. ACE Fitness provides some great opportunities to do this. The ACE certification renewal process is pretty simple, so it’s a great, flexible option for busy people. Just remember to keep earning CEUs and get your certification renewed every two years.

Exercise Science Credential Maintenance

A lot of people in this field struggle to keep their credentials in good standing. This isn’t surprising since there is a lot to keep track of. Basically, keeping your credentials in good standing is going to require regular maintenance. Let’s take a look at what that means below:

Tracking Your CEUs

It’s recommended that you use a spreadsheet (or even an app) to keep track of the CEUs you earn. This will save you a lot of time and stress down the line. Be proactive and plan ahead!

Stay Organized

Keep all your documentation in one place. That way, you’ll be able to access it easily. There’s nothing worse than digging through your file cabinets or desk for paperwork at the last minute. This is avoidable, so do what you can to stay organized!

Set Reminders

It’s a good idea to set calendar alerts for deadlines. That way, you’ll be able to remind yourself of important renewal dates, too.

Stay Informed

You can also join professional organizations and subscribe to industry newsletters. These are fantastic ways to stay updated on certification renewal requirements.

Earning Online CEUs for Exercise Science

Are you looking for a flexible and convenient way to earn CEUs for exercise science? You’re in luck because earning CEUs online is super easy. Listed below are some online platforms where you can easily earn CEUs for exercise science:

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is a great resource for earning CEUs. Its website offers quite a few online courses, so don’t hesitate to check it out.

ACE Fitness

ACE Fitness also has plenty of online courses available. You can take these courses at your leisure and earn all of the CEUs you need.

International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is another great resource for earning CEUs. You may want to get your certification renewed through ISSA, since a lot of gyms prefer to hire ISSA-certified personal trainers.

Exercise Science Certification Update

Did you know that certification standards in exercise science get updated regularly? This means you need to stay informed about any changes since they could affect your certification. Updates might include:

  • New Requirements: Changes in the number or type of CEUs needed.
  • Updated Exams: New topics or formats for certification exams.
  • Industry Trends: You’ll need to keep up with new research and practices in exercise science.

How to Renew Your Exercise Science Certification

Now that you’ve learned about the importance of renewing your exercise science certification, you’re ready to go through the renewal process. Here’s a final checklist you can use to make this process easier.

  1. Know Your Deadlines: Be aware of when your certification expires.
  2. Earn CEUs Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your CEUs.
  3. Stay Organized: Keep all your documentation and proof of CEUs in one place.
  4. Don’t Miss Deadlines: Keep track of any important deadlines so that you don’t miss them.

Conclusion

Having to renew your exercise science certification every year may feel like a drag. However, you should try to think of it as an opportunity for growth. It’s not just about maintaining your professional standing. It’s about advancing your career. Make sure to start your renewal process early so that you can stay ahead of the game. This will be the best way to make sure that your exercise science certification remains valid.