A: Your 8th edition CFT package should include the following:

• Fitness: The Complete Guide (the largest book in the package; 727 pages)
• CFT Workbook and Study Guide (soft-bound book)
• Fiscal Fitness (soft-bound book)
• Interactive Workout CD-Rom
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Home Study Examination Preparation packet
• Online Examination Preparation packet
• Seminar Examination Preparation packet
• Practice Examination
• Independent Study Official Examination
• Dr. Arria's welcome letter
• Selected reminders and promotional material

A: The Examination Preparation Packet contains step-by-step review and preparation information for each of the three available testing options: Home Study Examination, Online Examination and Seminar Examination. Review the packet for study options and testing procedures.

A: The Practice Examination is not required, but it is highly recommended.

A: The Workbook and Study Guide provides assistance in the retention of the course material. You are not required to submit the workbook in for grading. However, experience has shown that individuals who faithfully use the Workbook and Study Guide achieve greater understanding of the course materials than those who do not use a workbook. ISSA recommends that you actively use the Workbook and Study Guide to prepare for the fitness course examination.

A: ISSA Students must have a passing score of 75% or better on either a seminar, home study or online examination, as well as submit a copy of an Adult CPR Certification and AED card. All ISSA enrollment fees must be paid in full.

A: You have three testing options and are at liberty to select whichever version best suits your learning and testing style. The examinations are not without difficulty. Remember, if becoming a professional in any field were without challenge, the profession’s credibility would be questioned. Also, communication skills are essential to being a successful CFT. We have seen countless trainers who were quite experienced but lacked the communication skills necessary to succeed financially and professionally. Being able to express yourself verbally and in writing is imperative to your success.

A: All personal training courses must be completed within 2 years of the official purchase date. If a new edition of a personal training course becomes available during your enrollment period, you will be given the opportunity to upgrade to the latest edition of the course. A voluntary upgrade will extend your fitness course enrollment period to 2 years from the upgrade date.

A: If you have not earned your personal training certification at the conclusion of your initial 2-year enrollment period, you are required to re-enroll:

(a) If the course in which you are enrolled is in a different version of the same edition (e.g., if Edition 8 has been updated to 8.1.5 or 8.6.6 etc.), you will be required to pay for the current cost of a version upgrade plus shipping and handling.

(b) If the course in which you are enrolled is in a new edition (e.g., if Edition 8 has been updated to Edition 9), then you will be required to re-enroll in the course at the current cost of course enrollment plus shipping and handling.

A: ISSA is always interested in providing the most up-to-date information to its students. Each ISSA personal trainer course is reviewed every 2 years for updates and revisions.

A: ISSA Students must have a passing score of 75% or better on either a seminar, home study or online examination, as well as submit a copy of an Adult CPR Certification and AED card. All ISSA enrollment fees must be paid in full.

A: ISSA personal training certificates are processed and mailed within three weeks after all certification requirements have been completed.

A: Completed exams should be stapled or bound in a manner that keeps the coursework and examination organized. All final examinations should be typed, not handwritten. Students must be sure to include their name on every page of their exam. We do not allow plastic page dividers, sheet protectors or binders of any kind.

A: Students who submit their exam online will receive their results via email, using the email address provided at the time of testing. Home Study examination results will be sent by US mail. The communication via email or US Mail will be from the ISSA Technical Support Department. Students may contact the ISSA Technical Support Department for any questions regarding results.

A: Home Study/Online Examinations: If you fail any portion of your Home Study/Online Examination, you will be offered the opportunity to resubmit that portion of the examination, free of charge. Each retest beyond the second attempt (e.g., third attempt, fourth attempt, etc.) will incur a $50 administrative fee.

Seminar Examinations: If you fail your Seminar Examination, you may submit the Home Study or Online examination one time free of charge. If you wish to retest at a seminar, you may reenroll in another seminar for $149.

Each retest beyond the second attempt (e.g., third attempt, fourth attempt, etc.) will incur a $50 administrative fee. This administrative fee is in addition to seminar fees, if applicable (i.e., if testing for the third, fourth, fifth time, etc. at another seminar, you will be subject to both the $50 administrative fee and the $149 seminar fee).

A: Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training are necessary skills for fitness professionals. All ISSA students are required to submit a CPR/AED certificate card including, but not limited to, Basic Adult CPR and AED training. Due to ISSA’s high standards, online CPR/AED certifications are only accepted from students who have already completed a hands-on practical application CPR/AED class. Documentation acknowledging previous hands-on CPR/AED certification is required for online CPR/AED acceptance. Friends and Family CPR is not an acceptable form of CPR and will not be allowed by ISSA for certification purposes. NOTE: Please check with your personal liability insurance carrier before obtaining online CPR/AED certification. Many insurance liability companies require hands-on CPR/AED to continue coverage and will not recognize an online course as valid.

A: The American Heart Association and Red Cross are two of the most popular providers in the United States. CPR/AED Classes can also be found through local gyms, fitness facilities, fire departments, hospitals and YMCA's.

A: ISSA allows students to submit CPR/AED certification within 1 year after the successful completion of an ISSA examination. Students who do not submit their CPR/AED within the 1-year time period will be required to retest. Once CPR/AED documentation is submitted, the student’s certificate will be processed and the certification will be valid for 2 years from examination completion date. For example, if a student submitted and passed the examination on July 15, 2007, but submitted CPR/AED documentation on January 20, 2008, the ISSA personal trainer certification would only be valid until July 15, 2009.

A: ISSA requires a photocopy of the front and back of the CPR/AED card. Copies can be submitted via fax (805.745.8119) or mail (1015 Mark Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013). Please contact Student Services with any questions you might have regarding CPR/AED submission at 800.892.4772.

A: ISSA student identification numbers are printed at the bottom of each certified student's certificate. If a personal training certificate does not indicate the student identification number, the student should contact the Student Services Department between 7am and 5pm, Monday through Friday at 800-892-4772.

A: Tuition refunds will be based on the date you cancel and the amount of program assignments completed, calculated as follows: Students who cancel within 5 days of course enrollment will receive a refund of all money paid to the institution. Students who cancel after 5 days but before the calculated 50% completion deadline will receive a refund based on the following Tuition Reimbursement Schedule. Course completion time is calculated based on completing two units (chapters) of study per week. The non-refundable registration fee of $95 and shipping costs will be subtracted before the refund percentage is calculated. When you submit your final examination via mail, online, or seminar, your assignments will be considered 100% complete and you will no longer be eligible for a tuition refund. You can request cancellation in any manner, but we recommend you make your request in writing. We’ve provided a Cancellation and Course Material Return Form in your materials for fast, complete processing. Remit your cancellation request along with your course materials to: ISSA • Attn: Course Returns • 1015 Mark Avenue • Carpinteria, CA 93013.

A: Students can transfer a course to another student within six months of the original enrollment date. A completed Course Transfer Form, a copy of the current student’s photo ID, and a $50 transfer fee must be submitted to the Student Services Department prior to the six-month limit. ISSA courses may only be transferred once. Authorization from a Student Services representative is required for all course transfers. (Contact Student Services at 800.892.4772.)

A: ISSA aims to provide its students with valuable resources such as technical support. Students may contact the ISSA Technical Support line as often as necessary to facilitate learning, even post-certification. ISSA is here to help students succeed! The ISSA Technical Support Department is available between 7am and 5pm PST, Monday through Friday at 800.892.4772. Students may also post questions inside the Members’ Section to receive feedback from our Technical Support Department as well as other ISSA trainers who frequent the message board.

A: ISSA trainers are required to renew their certification every 2 years. This process consists of a renewal fee, updated CPR/AED certification, and documentation stating the completion of 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). (Please note, fulfillment of this specification is required of trainers only after they have received certification through ISSA. CEUs are not a prerequisite to receiving certification.)

A: ISSA requires a minimum of 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to be earned every 2 years to maintain certification. CEUs can be obtained through ISSA or any approved CEU provider. 1 CEU is equal to 1 contact hour of instruction. Certifications will not be renewed unless the aforementioned CEU requirement has been met. To view ISSA CEU options and approved providers, please visit ISSAonline.com/ceus.

A: One CEU credit is equal to 1 contact hour of instruction. All 20 units or contact hours must be taken through ISSA, an ISSA Continuing Education Provider or other ISSA-approved continuing education activity. To be sure that a specific personal training course is approved, please contact the Continuing Education department at 800-892-4772 (Monday through Friday; 7am to 5pm PST), or visit ISSAonline.com/ceus.

A: No. CEUs are not issued for CPR, AED, or First Aid training. CPR/AED training is a separate requirement for fitness certification and therefore will not double as credit toward your CEU requirement.

A: The ISSA seeks to uphold its standards of providing top-notch personal training education and information to its fitness trainers. Similarly, ISSA encourages its students to continue their learning with the most cutting-edge information available to health and fitness professionals. For this reason, CEUs earned in excess of the required amount cannot carry over because new information is always emerging in the field of exercise and health. 20 CEUs is the minimum requirement for every 2-year renewal cycle.

A: Upon completion of any ISSA course or approved provider courses, students will receive a certificate of completion/attendance. This documentation confirms completion of the CEU program. For college or university courses, students will need to obtain a copy of their transcripts or grade report to receive ISSA CEU credits.

A: No. Students should keep their CEU documentation in a safe place until it is time for them to renew. Students may submit all required documents and fees in 1 renewal packet.

A: Yes, students can enroll in an ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer seminar to attain 20 CEUs. In order to attend an ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer seminar, students must call the Continuing Education Department at 800-892-4772 to reserve a seat.

A: Yes, everyone attending an ISSA personal training certificate seminar must pass an examination to receive CEU credit.

A: The best way to prepare for the seminar is to review the course materials. Technical Support can further guide students in adequately preparing for the personal trainer certification exam.

A: Students who do not pass the seminar examination do not receive credits for the seminar. The student will be notified by mail and will have the option to retest via independent study. A $25 fee will be imposed if reexamination is required for CEU purposes.

A: ISSA Students may only attend a fitness certification seminar once for fulfillment of CEUs for renewal purposes. Due to the plethora of other continuing education opportunities, additional seminar attendances will not count for continuing education credits.

A: ISSA students may submit a petition for an unapproved provider's course. The course must be directly related to the member's fitness profession and educational growth in professional fitness industry. A petition for each CEU program approval must be submitted and must be accompanied by all appropriate documentation and fees for review. Each petition is reviewed at the discretion of the ISSA advisory board.

A: Renewal packets may be submitted up to one year after the original expiration date. Late fees will be assessed to all applications that are received after their expiration date. For ISSA fitness certifications that expire over one year, the applicant will be required to pay the appropriate fees and retest, prior to reinstatement of the personal trainer certification.

A: All completed applications received within the one-year time frame will be renewed for two years past the original expiration date. For example, if a student's personal trainer certification expires on April 29, 2004 and he or she submits a renewal application on October 13, 2004, his or her updated personal training certificate will expire April 29, 2006. This means the student will lose six months on his or her active certification period.

A: Once the completed renewal packet is received, it will take three to four weeks for processing and mailing of the updated personal trainer certification. Incomplete packets will be returned and issuance of the updated personal training certificate will be delayed. Students should make sure the renewal packet contains all the required material and fees prior to submission to prevent time delays. Below are some frequently asked questions about attending and/or testing at a local ISSA seminar. Please read this over carefully before calling Student Services.

A: The ISSA Fitness Certification Seminar enrollment fee is $149. For CEU seminar fees, students must contact the Continuing Education Department. Below are some frequently asked questions about attending and/or testing at a local ISSA seminar. Please read this over carefully before calling Student Services.

A: A schedule of upcoming personal training certification seminars can be found on the ISSA website at, http://www.issaonline.com/seminars/. For those students who do not have internet access, please call the Student Services Department to find out about upcoming ISSA personal training certification Seminars.

A: Students must enroll in the fitness certification seminar of choice at least one month prior to the Seminar date. Many of our seminars reach enrollment capacity before the deadline. To ensure a seat is reserved, please register as soon as possible. Please refer to our seminar schedule online at http://www.issaonline.com/seminars/seminar_schedule.cfm for official enrollment deadlines.

A: Yes. ISSA students must enroll by the registration deadline which is at least one month prior to the certified fitness trainer seminar. Students may enroll in a seminar by calling the Student Services Department at 800-892-4772.

A: Currently students may request a seminar enrollment inside the Members' Section at www.issatrainer.com. Please note: Online seminar enrollment requests are NOT a verification of enrollment. Seminar enrollment requests are processed by the Student Services Department. ISSA students will be notified within five business days if their enrollment has been accepted.

A: Once registered for a seminar, a seminar pass and confirmation letter with details on the seminar location, times and dates will be sent via US mail prior to the seminar attendance. If you do not receive a confirmation letter and seminar pass within two weeks of the initial seminar reservation, please contact the Student Services Department at 800-892-4772.

A: If for any reason, students are unable to attend the ISSA seminar, they will need to cancel at least five business days before the seminar. Those who do not show up or do not cancel on or before the deadline will be assessed a $50 rescheduling fee. Rescheduling fees are due when a student requests to attend another seminar. Seminar cancellations may only be processed through the Student Services Department. For those attending a seminar for CEUs, enrollment and cancellation must be processed through the Continuing Education Department.

A: Refund requests must be made at least 5 business days prior to the scheduled seminar. Full refunds will be allowed if requests fall within this time period. Partial refunds of $50 will be allowed for all seminar refund requests made after that time period. The time limit for partial refunds is within 30 days after the scheduled seminar. Refund requests will not be allowed for attended seminars. All refunds will be processed within 30 days from date of request.

A: Students who are planning to test at the seminar will need to bring writing materials, a calculator, seminar pass, practice exam workbook and verification of CPR completion. Students who do not have a CPR card can still test but ISSA must have a copy of the card on file before a completion certificate is issued. Fax both front and back of the card or certificate to 805-745-8119. ISSA Students have one year from the final examination passing date to submit CPR for certification. If this date lapses retesting must be completed for certification. The seminars are casual, so students may dress comfortably.

A: If you fail your Seminar Examination, you may submit the Home Study or Online examination one time free of charge. If you wish to retest at a seminar, you may reenroll in another seminar for $149.

Each retest beyond the second attempt (e.g., third attempt, fourth attempt, etc.) will incur a $50 administrative fee. This administrative fee is in addition to seminar fees, if applicable (i.e., if testing for the third, fourth, fifth time, etc. at another seminar, you will be subject to both the $50 administrative fee and the $149 seminar fee).

A: Yes. Due to the importance of the information presented at the seminar, ISSA requires its student to engage in each portion of the seminar in order to maximize the learning experience.

A: No, testing is not required at the seminar.

A: Personal Training deals with the art and science of physical conditioning combined with healthful behavior modification techniques that are preventive in nature, but not corrective, therapeutic, or rehabilitative. There is focus on the use of passive, active, and resistive exercise to maintain and improve human function.

In addition, personal trainers can work with technologies that include:

• Health and fitness assessments and testing procedures;

• Injury recognition, appraisal, preliminary treatment, and instruction; and

• Counseling on wellness and public health issues, including:
  
  
• Weight management
  
  
• Smoking cessation
  
  
• Nutritional counseling
  
  
• Stress management; and
  
  
• Disease prevention.
  

At the date this was revised, there is no licensing for personal fitness professionals in the United States. A personal training certificate does not constitute a license to practice medicine. Unless you are already a licensed health care practitioner, it is important not to present yourself as a physician in any manner. Industry recognition, memberships, and liability insurance are available to ISSA graduates. Students should investigate the laws within the state in which they reside.

When a client comes to a personal trainer for health support for a particular problem, they will have received a diagnosis from a primary health care physician. If not, they should do so. The trainer can educate the client on health and fitness which can complement any treatment prescribed by the primary health care physician. The focus of a trainer is not on disease or illness, but on fitness and health allowing the body to heal itself. Many primary health care physicians are willing to work with certified personal trainers to achieve the best overall plan for the client.

As a personal trainer, it is important to remember that your suggestions are complimentary to a primary health care physician. A personal trainer cannot diagnose a client as having a particular illness, or purport to treat or cure any disease. This constitutes practicing medicine without a license. However, there is a large scope for a certified personal trainer to educate the client without stepping over that line.

Note that if you are a health care practitioner, you may be able to adjunct your new training to your existing practice. Many RNs, MDs, Physical Therapists and Pharmacists take the courses for this purpose.

A: Certification is a process by which ISSA, as a nongovernmental agency or association, recognizes the competency of individuals who have met certain qualifications as determined by the ISSA. To achieve your personal training certification from ISSA individuals must meet the eligibility requirements for certification and pass our personal training certification examination.

Certification provides both personal validation and validation for employers and consumers of the certificate holder's professional competence in the fitness field.

Specifically, certification:

• Demonstrates to colleagues and superiors a dedication to quality healthcare and to the highest standards for conduct of fitness professionals.

• Presents solid evidence to employers that an employee has trained and has been tested to implement best practices and apply current technology solutions, abilities that in turn advance the organization.

• Sets a person apart from uncredentialed job candidates.

• Assures current knowledge through continued education and verification of base level competency.

• Holds value to employers because it supports a worker's ability to uphold fitness industry standards and regulations, thereby potentially saving organizations from potential liabilities.

• Catalyzes career development by augmenting resumés and adding recognition to candidates' capabilities. Since credentials appear after a person's name, they announce expertise with every signature.

A: As ISSA fitness professionals it is imperative that we keep up with the ever-changing and evolving recommendations for health and physical fitness that have a direct application for personal training programs and exercise recommendations. Our new program is a comprehensive and updated program with the latest research and information. It is written and updated by Dr. Sal Arria and Dr. Fred Hatfield in conjunction with faculty, staff, and leading experts in the field and under guidance from our prestigious Directors Advisory Board. We have committed extensive staff and faculty to continual research, upgrading, and development of the new CFT program materials. Our faculty consists of fitness professionals working in the industry, so you get relevant, instruction throughout your program.

The International Sports Sciences Association will continue to evolve with the industry by seeking accreditation by a US Department of Education recognized third party organization like the DETC or IACET and prepare our trainers to sit before the National Board of Fitness Examiners National Board Certification Examination en route to future state licensure.

A: The definition of licensing is to give authority or formal permission from the proper authorities to perform certain acts or to carry on a certain business, which without such permission would be illegal. Requirements differ from state to state.

A: Accreditation promises students that the personal training certification program they enroll in is a reputable one that will provide a quality education. Accreditation is the student's assurance of the highest quality in education. Be aware that a legitimate accrediting body must be approved by the US Department of Education. Accreditation through a third party recognized by the US Department of Education means students are now enrolled in a nationally recognized post-secondary program. Students will enjoy increased credibility and acceptance of coursework among transfer schools and employers. Students can feel confident when they say with pride that they received their certification from nationally recognized organization. The accreditation was based on state and federal agency reviews, financial audits, on-site inspections, student and alumni surveys, and a rigorous process of self-examination. Accreditation "assures students that the institution operates on a sound financial basis, has an approved program of study, qualified instructors, adequate facilities and equipment, approved recruitment and admissions policies, and advertises its programs truthfully." Accreditation means that an institution merits public confidence. Accredited institutions deliver on what they promise.

To protect the public, a thorough and careful evaluation system to ensure that institutions meet standards of academic and administrative excellence has been examined and has been found to:

• Have clearly defined and well stated learning objectives
• Offer educationally sound and up to date courses of instruction
• Provide satisfactory educational services to students
• Have demonstrated ample student success and satisfaction
• Have a competent and academically qualified faculty
• Carefully screen students for admission
• Promote its courses truthfully
• Be financially and administratively able to deliver quality educational opportunities
• Have an effective research and self improvement program

Earning your certificate or diploma from an accredited school helps insure that employers, professional associations, and other colleges and universities will more readily accept course credits, certificates, and degrees. Also, enrolling in an accredited institution is important if you want a public record of your learning that will be widely accepted by employers, professional associations, and other colleges and universities. Accreditation opens the door for students with tuition assistance opportunities from the military, employers and from other sources, to assist their enrollment.

A: The National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE) is a not-for-profit association dedicated to promoting excellence in the fitness profession through standardized and unbiased National Board examinations. NBFE exams will assess the competencies of fitness professionals currently working in the field and those who are newly graduated from a national certification program or college with approved curriculum. Assessments are designed, developed and deployed based on scopes and standards of practice as defined by the NBFE and its six advisory boards. The NBFE will serve the needs of state licensing authorities, fitness certification organizations, health clubs, colleges, the military, the medical profession, fitness trainers and the public.

A: The NBFE was formed because there are no regulations or national standards for "Certified" Personal Trainers. In recent years, the fitness industry has received harsh criticism by the media, Medicine, health clubs, and the public. Currently, an individual with no experience and minimal competency can "buy" a certification. Due to these contrasting standards and the lack of regulation in the industry, several states have legislation pending or in discovery to regulate the fitness industry without input from industry stakeholders. On March 20, 2004 members of the NBFE met with the heads of many national certification organizations and International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) executives to discuss plans to establish national standards, and the development and deployment of national board exams.

A: Members of the NBFE will determine scopes, standards and content for all NBFE assessments. The NBFE will draw members and input from six Advisory Committees representing all areas interests of the fitness industry. These committees are as follows:

• Certification Organizations Advisory Board
• Fitness Professionals Advisory Board
• Health Club Advisory Board
• Higher Education Advisory Board
• Medical Advisory Board
• Military / Armed Forces

A: Call the ISSA at 1-800-892-4772 during California business hours and ask for either Barclay, the Webmaster, or Fernando. We will be happy to activate your CFT Online Final exam ASAP.