Passed The ISSA Cert Exam

[rule62]

I know there are a lot of posts on this site about different certifications. I just finished and passed the test for the ISSA cert. I decided to try a certification primarily for my own education. A secondary reason was I work in IT, so I figure the next time I get laid off or after my job gets shipped to India I might actually try life as a personal trainer. I am looking now at getting the NASM or NSCA cert. I know they carry a little more punch in the market.

I will say I am very impressed with ISSA. I learned a lot, and it is a very professional organization. I would feel very comfortable taking on clients at this point, which is what it is all about.

 

[greekblondechic]

Congratulations

 

[cappo5150]

Hey man congrats. How hard was it? Were you able to do it with all the materials they provided or did you have to get other books also? I'm in IT also and would like to get out of this field one day, and this looks like the next step for me.

 

[Var]

Congratulations! I'll be taking it June 20th. I'm also in IT and need a new career.

 

[Arnold]

I will say I am very impressed with ISSA. I learned a lot, and it is a very professional organization. I would feel very comfortable taking on clients at this point, which is what it is all about.

did you go to one of the live seminars?

if so, who was the instructor?

 

[naturaltan]

Var - cappo5150 ... I'm another in IT and feel the need to escape.

 

[rule62]

Yeah, you know I used to like IT. I still like the actual work and have been reasonably successful at it in terms of career - but the last three years I feel like the grim reaper is constantly standing by my desk. I have seen so many great people laid off the last three years it is hard to take. I have decided it is not the way I want to live my life. I???ll hang until the bell tolls for me and then move on.



My seminar leader was John Schaeffer, and he was really fantastic. Numerous world power lifting records, kick boxing champion, PhD, etc. Incredibly qualified in terms of real life experience and formal education. He also has an A-List of current clients he works with ??? Olympians, pro sports, etc. And man is he freaking huge. Pretty funny to, he started by saying ???I know, you all wanted Dr Hatfield ??? Dr Squat ??? too bad???. Hatfield is one of the founders of ISSA.



The work isn???t hard, but there is a lot of it. They prep you for the test, letting you know what to expect. So if you do the course work and attend the seminar, no big problem. You also spend time in a gym going through various exercises, proper biomechanics, etc. I learned I am doing an incline press completely wrong. Now I know why my right shoulder is killing me. It seems like a straight forward exercise, how can you screw it up? I did. Now I know.



You have two options, you can take the test at the seminar or there is a take home version which requires essays, etc. One lesson learned ??? definitely take the test at the seminar. It is easier and by the end you know your stuff.



I have a couple of degrees, including a Masters (all business related). I will say the whole experience exceeded my expectations.

 

[rule62]

cappo - you can pass it with the course material they provide. One thing I learned - and they stress this at the seminar - this is only the beginning. You have to constantly be learning. I have a lot of books, currently reading Mike Mentzers book on high intensity training. Pretty interesting approach.

 

[Arnold]

btw, why go for additional CFT certifications thru different organizations?

why not pursue additional certifications thru the ISSA, like the SPN? that is what I am currently working on.

 

[Arnold]

they are having a $100 off special right now too.

 

[Vieope]

A secondary reason was I work in IT

I'm in IT also and would like to get out of this field one day

I'm also in IT and need a new career.

Var - cappo5150 ... I'm another in IT and feel the need to escape.

You people are a disgrace for geeks everywhere.

 

[Var]

 

[Arnold]

let me add to that list, I have been working in IT for 8 years...you can draw your own conclusions.

 

[Sosunni]

Var - cappo5150 ... I'm another in IT and feel the need to escape.

I'm gettin' my CPR training done next week... same reason. BUT, I'm not in IT... I work in Software as a contracts negotiator. You know those 'license agreements' you have to down load when you download any software off the net... that's what I negotiate!!

Yea... THAT's exciting!!

 

[rule62]

Sosunni, I did the CPR requirement this weekend through American Heart Association at INOVA here in DC. The instructor was a riot, a medic in the area. Part of the training was scenarios on resuscitation Annie and her family. The instructor would set up the scenario by weaving and making up an 8 minute story about their life (problems at home, secret love affair was straining his heart, etc) and how they came to be unconscious on your driveway. Then you had to start working on the dummys. It was a riot, made the class a lot of fun.

Robert DeMaggio - I may actually start taking some of the other ISSA courses. They look excellent. I haven't decided yet. BTW, where are you in Colorado? I had a client gig all last year in Denver. I envy you out there, in the winter I was at a different ski resort every weekend. Great city. I did my workouts at a 24 Hour Fitness, which was an experience. We don't have them on the East Coast and it was right by my apartment. Actually I liked the guys working there, they were all right.

 

[greekblondechic]

This must be the IT thread.. where's IT??