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ABOUT US
CERTIFICATION
ABOUT THE EXAM
CONTINUING EDUCATION
CONTACT
FAQ
LOGIN/REGISTER
Job Analysis Survey
Thank you for participating in the survey
The information provided will be used to develop a qualification exam for personal trainers!
For participating in the survey you are given 20% discount on any remote learning program
Your name
Your e-mail
1. Demographic Information
Please answer the following questions about your background. This information is confidential and will be used only to describe the respondents as a group and to analyze the data across different groups of respondents. All information collected will be kept in strict confidence and all identifying information will be kept separate from all the other information collected. All data collected as part of this study are for research use only and will not be used to evaluate individuals. Only group-level summaries will be reported.
Fitness Instructor
Group Fitness Instructor
Personal Trainer
Strength
Conditioning Coach
Other
2. How long have you been in this profession?
Less than 1 year
1 to 2 years
3 to 5 years
6 to 10 years
10 to 20 years
More than 20 years
3. What is the type of the fitness establishment you work for?
Gym
Studio/Sports hall
Outdoors
Client’s home
Other (please specify)
4. Are you a certified and/or licensed personal fitness trainer?
Yes
No
5. What is the highest level of education you have completed?
High school diploma or GED
1 or more years of college
Associates degree
Bachelor’s degree
Some graduate courses
Master’s degree or higher
Other
6. What is your age?
18 to 25
26 to 35
36 to 45
46 to 55
56 or older
7. What is your gender?
Male
Female
8. How do you personally identify yourself?
American Indian/Alaskan Native
Black
White
Asian
Hispanic or Latino
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander
Other
9. Please, specify your primary location.
Alaska ore Hawaii
USA
Other
10. Importance of Knowledge Items
The next several pages request ratings for a variety of KSAs.
The purpose of these ratings is to provide a more comprehensive view of what exactly is required of the PT.
Please rate the following knowledge areas according to their frequency and importance for your job as a personal training professional using the 5-point scales provided below.
Please provide an answer for each item.
Topic 1: Anatomy
Anatomy of exercise
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Changes in the skeletal and myofascial system under the influence of physical activity. Local and global changes that may occur due to insufficient stabilizing of ligaments and muscles
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Topic 2: Exercises Physiology
Structure and function of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Short- and long-term effects of exercise on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Structure and function of the endocrine system. Hormonal regulation of carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Structure and function of the musculoskeletal system. Changes in the musculoskeletal system under the influence of physical activity
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Structure and function of the nervous system. The role of the CNS in receiving input from the sense organs and receptors and providing feedback via the motor neurons of the PNS. Changes in the nervous system under the influence of systematic physical activities
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Body’s physiological responses to physical activity in different environmental conditions (e.g., cold, heat, humidity, air pollution, altitude)
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Developmental physiology and unique physiologic considerations of children, older adults, persons with diabetes (type 2), pregnant women, and persons who are overweight and/or obese
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Topic 3: Fundamentals of Kinesiology
Biomechanical analysis of exercises (assessment of biomechanical efficiency for the range of motion, definition of positive and negative work, work calculation, assessment of joint, axial and plane movement)
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Topic 4: Theory and methods of sports and health fitness training
Basic physical qualities (strength, speed capacity, endurance, flexibility, coordination), methods of their development and factors affecting the level of their development
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type (FITT) and the principles of training
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Aerobic and anaerobic energy systems in muscular activity. Power zones. Influence of exercise duration on energy metabolism
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Overtraining and recovery for various levels of exercise intensity. Signs and symptoms of overtraining. Overtraining prevention and stress management techniques
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Topic 5: Safety, Injury Prevention, and Emergency Procedures
Basic resuscitation procedures (cardiopulmonary resuscitation and cardiac compressions)
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Categories of clients who should receive medical clearance before administration of an exercise test or participation in an exercise program
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Recommendations for testing and medical conditions that would necessitate presence of a doctor during administration of an exercise test
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Basic first-aid procedures for exercise-related injuries, bruises, strains/sprains, dizziness, heat stroke
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Causes of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Rehabilitation techniques for typical injuries, soft tissue injuries including
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Conduct assessments of the exercise space, equipment, and environment in order identify potential hazards and undertake necessary modifications to provide a safe environment for clients
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Topic 6: Fitness Assessments
Selecting information collection techniques and performing procedures (questionnaires, interviews, tests) to assess the client’s fitness level, health risk factors and the need for referral to an appropriate health professional
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Main health risk factors caused by sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, bad habits, stress, etc. Desirable levels of total cholesterol, HDLs and LDLs in the body, their ratio
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Advantages and disadvantages of various data collection techniques, ways to improve their reliability
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Body composition assessments (selecting, performing, documenting and interpreting results of body composition assessments (such as Body Mass Index, skinfold, circumference measurements)). Advantages and disadvantages of various body composition assessment techniques
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Fitness level assessments (selecting, documenting and interpreting assessment results: postural assessment, power assessment, muscular and cardiorespiratory endurance). Advantages and limitations of fitness level assessment techniques, ways to improve their reliability
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Assessment of resting and exercise hemodynamics. ECG assessment and heart attack symptoms detection
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Interpreting questionnaire and test results and developing recommendations for reaching the individual’s training goals
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Ability to properly present assessment results, considering the unique physical and psychological qualities of the client
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Types of documents required for assessment, questioning and testing (informed consent, client’s records, PAR-Q forms, etc.). Recording and storing client-related data in accordance with the personal data protection law
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Topic 7: Program Design
Training program prescription and programming, considering goals, age, fitness level, unique physical and psychological qualities, including planning exercise for children, older adults, disabled clients, ante and post natal women
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Training program prescription and programming for cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength (hypertrophy, endurance), flexibility, body composition, posture and core stability
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Training program components adaptation to unique physical and psychological qualities of the client
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Selecting appropriate training methods according to the age and functional capacity of the individual
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Determining exercise intensity depending on the fitness level and unique qualities of the client
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Selecting training methods and exercise sequence depending on the fitness level and unique qualities of the client
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Determining the training session scope depending on the fitness level and unique qualities of the client
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Topic 8: Nutrition and weight management
Substrates (protein, fat, carbohydrate) contribution to daily energy expenditure depending on the physical activity type
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Safe and effective body weight management techniques (loss, maintenance, gain). Nutrition guidelines for body weight management (loss, maintenance, gain)
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Diet analysis, popular diets, their disadvantages. Risks associated with using special diets and inappropriate weight loss, gain or maintenance methods
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Protein intake norms depending on the physical activity type and level
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Carbohydrates intake norms depending on the physical activity type and level. Glycemic index of food, depending on its processing
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Fat intake norms depending on the physical activity type and level. Importance of essential fatty acids (Omega 3 and 6) intake and their effects on health
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Norms of fluid intake before, during, and after exercise, depending on the training session intensity and duration
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Topic 9: Program Implementation
Methods of teaching movement actions. Exercise progression and adaptation depending on the unique qualities of the client
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Principles of body weight, strength machine, cardio equipment and free weight workouts
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Analysis of movement actions (parameters and purpose) to ensure effectiveness and safety
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Adapting a planned training session to the client’s current physical condition
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Understanding the client’s subjective and objective feedback. Ability to detect symptoms of fatigue, overtraining, latent illnesses, injuries
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Integrated evaluation of the training session (trainer’s actions) effectiveness. Training session review and modification depending on the client’s progress
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Topic 10: Effective Communication and Teaching Techniques; Basics of Behavior Change and Motivation
Effective communication with clients in order to develop rapport and involve them into regular training process (ability to build individual rapport with different types of clients, ability to listen to and understand the client, ability to express own ideas clearly and to manage emotional state)
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Taking into account psychological factors that affect physical performance (psychological causes and their consequences related to injuries, illnesses, stress, poor diet)
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Typical clients’ goals. Establishing, re-assessing and coordinating with the client short- and long-term goals and reasonable timelines for reaching them, taking into account age, fitness level, and unique physical and psychological qualities of the client
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Motivation strategies for encouraging regular training and achievement of program goals
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Strategies for changing unhealthy behavior (ability to identify obstacles and barriers for the client’s regular exercise, and ability to facilitate effective lifestyle change)
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
Skills of effective customer care. Ability to properly present the training program to the client, taking into account his/her unique physical and psychological qualities
- Importance Very Low Low ImportanceAverage Importance High Importance Very High
- Frequency Very Low Frequency Low FrequencyAverage FrequencyHigh Frequency Very High Frequency
11. If the Certified in PT examination was based on the task you rated, what percentage of the examination would you allocate to each of the following areas? (Your responses should add to 100)
Topic 1: Anatomy
Topic 2: Exercises Physiology
Topic 3: Fundamentals of Kinesiology
Topic 4: Theory and methods of sports and health fitness training
Topic 5: Safety, Injury Prevention, and Emergency Procedures
Topic 6: Fitness Assessments
Topic 7: Program Design
Topic 8: Nutrition and weight management
Topic 9: Program Implementation
Topic 10: Effective Communication and Teaching Techniques; Basics of Behavior Change and Motivation
It remains to distribute:
How well did this survey cover the tasks of the PT professional?
Completely
Adequately
Inadequately
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