Beware of imitation organisations…

If you are looking for ACSM Certified professionals for your business, contact HFI.

‘Advancing health through science, education and medicine’

Much more than a slogan, the American College of Sports Medicine puts into practice its strategic efforts to advancing the health of all.  As the largest sports medicine and exercise science organisation in the world, ACSM has more than 20,000 International, National and Regional Chapter members.

ACSM was founded in 1954. Since that time, our members have applied their knowledge, training and dedication in sports medicine and exercise science to promote healthier lifestyles for people around the globe. In 1984, the National Centre relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana, and our strong heritage, combined with our visionary approach to the future, means ACSM continues to grow and prosper both nationally and internationally.  

Working in a wide range of medical specialties, allied health professions, and scientific disciplines, our members are committed to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports-related injuries and the advancement of the science of exercise.

Our members’ diversity and expertise makes ACSM the largest, most respected sports medicine and exercise science organisation in the world. From astronauts and athletes to people with chronic diseases or physical challenges, ACSM continues to look for and find better methods to allow individuals to live longer and more productive lives. Healthy people make a healthier society.

ACSM’s Mission Statement reflects this goal: The American College of Sports Medicine promotes and integrates scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health and quality of life.

The American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) qualifications are the International Gold Standard in health fitness / personal trainer and clinical exercise qualifications.

Beware of initiations! There are some training companies from the USA and the UK who have set up relatively recently with similar names (eg NASM) to impersonate ACSM and glean from ACSM’s reputation and longevity within the industry and academic worlds.

ACSM establishes the exercise guidelines that all other certifications throughout the world (including the UK) use for screening, exercise prescription and fitness testing … so you know you will be certified by the organization that is setting the standards in the health fitness industry.

 

ASCM Qualifications, UK Workshops and Certification Exams

 

Benefits of ACSM Credentialing

ACSM credentials are recognised as the Gold Standard throughout the United States and around the world. By obtaining an ACSM certification, your employer knows that you have passed the most rigorous and up-to-date health/fitness and clinical certification(s) that exist. There are many benefits to being ACSM certified/registered.

Employers prefer ACSM certified/registered employees because this ensures a higher standard of knowledge and better and safer service to clients.

An ACSM credentialed individual is capable of working with both apparently healthy clients and clients with chronic diseases and disabilities.

ACSM credentials offer a quality of care that today's society demands.

ACSM’s health and fitness qualifications are suitable for those who already have their ‘Level 3’ Advanced Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer. However ACSM qualifications can be taken by university graduates as a degree enhancing qualification. Graduates may take the ACSM instead of the practical/basic level 2/3 if they are not going directly in to work as a gym instructor or personal trainer. They may want to work in elite sports training and need a high level recognised industry-based qualification to supplement their degree.

Whatever qualification they are supplementing, the main reason people choose ACSM is that they know they will gain scientific knowledge in its most up-to-date form. This will suit the university graduate used to making evidence-based decisions. Practical Level 3 trainers will have learned the basics but may be ready for a more evidence-based approach to science and practice. There is a big difference between a trainer who is able to make independent decisions based on real scientific understanding and those who continue to base their knowledge on what the fitness industry has taught them. Rather than have to ‘keep up’ with what the fitness industry produces, the ACSM will empower trainers with the best knowledge and practice and to develop their own methods of training and motivating.

The ACSM's health and fitness industry qualifications are the called the ACSM Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM CPT) and ACSM Certified Health Fitness Specialist (ACSM HFS). The ACSM CPT covers more than a Level 3 certificate and candidates experience their first real exposure to real evidence-based science. The ACSM HFS is a level above the degree and is not suitable for everyone. From July 1st 2011 a pre-requisite of the ACSM HFS is an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science or other exercise-based degree.

The ACSM are also the leading light in the area of clinical exercise. True clinical exercise is not generally part of the fitness industry. The ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist and ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist certify graduate professionals who are already working in phase I and II cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. In the UK these professionals usually have physiotherapy or medical degrees. Some are graduates studying an MSc in Clinical Exercise while at the same time gaining relevant work experience. Please refer to the ACSM Clinical Exercise Specialist section for further information if appropriate to you. There are fitness industry level cardiac rehabilitation qualifications available but these are limited to dealing with much more stable populations (i.e. Phase IV cardiac rehabilitation) and have limited relevance in practice.

Assessments of ACSM qualifications are computer-based. In the UK, HFI provide ACSM exams and these are freely available on-demand on any day except Sundays, in most larger towns and in most cities.

Candidates can prepare for the assessments using a variety of methods.

Some participants will be non-university graduates but will have already gained the Level 3 qualification work experience. Others will be relevant degree graduates, possibly with the Level 3 as well, but they may not have the practical work experience. Therefore a combination of home-learning, guided learning, workshop-based learning, and work placement can be used.

HFI provide a 2-day ACSM Gold Standard (CPT/HFS) Workshop (worth 20 CPD) which is used to assist in preparation for these qualifications. ACSM Workshops currently take place regularly in London and Liverpool. HFI also offer in-company training for ACSM preparation. Please contact HFI for in-company information or read more about ACSM as your company standard. HFI have been offering this workshop for the past 20 years and so can give you the best preparation for success. The ACSM Gold Standard Workshop is an intensive course designed to fast-track candidates’ preparation for either the ACSM CPT or the ACSM HFS or both.

It is certainly possible for a Level 3 trainer (ACSM CPT) or a sport/exercise science graduate (ACSM HFS) to do the ACSM with home-study alone.

ACSM textbooks give candidates essential information required to succeed. These are used in conjunction with the workshop, home-study or both. These are available at recommended retail prices with free delivery from HFI.