Personal Trainer Certification & Fitness Facility Accreditation

Personal Trainer Certification, Personal Trainer, and Fitness Facility Accreditation FAQs

What is the FSC?
Established in 2003, as a result of an ongoing project since 1999, the Fitness Standards Council (FSC) is a non-profit international organization that does not provide services in the areas of fitness training, gym memberships, or personal trainer certification. Rather, the FSC was established to act as an unbiased mediation committee or resource, to uphold and regulate quality standards within the fitness industry and to provide consumer protection of those standards.

The fitness industry has grown significantly since the early 1970s, and until now there has been no attempt to merge or integrate the standards of practitioners, facilities and their education providers, together with a consumer protection policy system.

What is the philosophy or mission statement of the FSC?
The FSC's prime directive is to establish quality assurance controls within the fitness industry and to protect consumer interests, health, safety, and financial investments. Competency of one's ethics and standards is assessed through the support of the consumer, who becomes educated about the standards and quality assurance of the service provider.

We do not discriminate on the basis of culture, race, religion, age, sex, or educational experiences, but how one's abilities are expressed and demonstrated in the workplace. Our governing commitment upholds that we are to act impartial, fair and just toward all parties, to support those service providers who want quality of standards while safeguarding the consumer against those who are deficient in ethical conduct or professional competence. Furthermore, our objective is to educate our members and consumers of the standards and ethics of the fitness industry that all service providers should strive to achieve.

For education providers, what is the difference between the FSC and NOCA's NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies)?
There is a major philosophical difference between the FSC and NCCA. We believe that accreditation should be based on both education and certification. NCCA standards, on the other hand, state that an organization that certifies cannot provide education services, and those who educate cannot certify. Some fitness certification companies will want accreditation through the NCCA because those fitness certifications do not educate. Rather, they provide books or audio tapes of information to memorize, followed by a quick weekend exam of multiple-choice questions. However, we have found that memorizing information is far different than understanding information through teaching and testing of one's abilities, and apparently some fitness certifying bodies would agree since that is how they operate and wish to operate, and have sided with the FSC as a result. Also, we accredit the quality of the learning and education experience, whereas NCCA accredits the business and testing practices of the personal trainer certification company. The latter does not do much for the consumer, to ensure a high level of standards of the product/service. Lastly, we work on a volunteer basis and charge a nominal fee to help support this organization, whereas accreditation through the NCCA can cost tens-of-thousands of dollars for personal trainer certification companies, and with zero service for facilities or personal trainers.

How are you different from the National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE)?
The direction of the NBFE is to standardize personal trainer testing, so that after certification fitness professionals then write a final test that places all participants on the same 'level,' similar to how some groups write and achieve a license to work in their chosen careers. Hence, this step takes place after certification. With the FSC, we are promoting standards that affect the certification process itself... the quality of the education experience and how that is conducted. In this regard, it should not be viewed as an either/or situation... the FSC or the NBFE, since our roles and directions in the fitness industry are different. Moreover, both the FSC and NBFE are working to make fitness professionals accountable to the end consumer (the client). The NBFE is attempting this through standardization of finalized testing, whereas we are doing this through the upholding of certain minimal standards when working in the field.

What do you mean by the term "standard"?
Do note that there is another term, referred to as a "guideline," and the difference between a "standard" and a "guideline" has different legal ramifications. A standard is that which reflects a legal duty or obligation for the standard of care of consumers. They are duties that must be present in the daily operations of a fitness service provider. A guideline is a recommendation to enhance the quality of services and professionalism of the service provider. They are duties that should be in place to increase professionalism to support the standards further. In this regard there is an overlap and, as a result, a series of guidelines are presented on this site to educate, inform and assist both the service providers and their consumers in upholding quality standards.

Is there any flexibility in how a standard is applied or what it represents?
The difficulty in determining or defining a standard can be complex. For example, "standard of care" is dependent upon the consumer in question. To explain, the standard of care (of what is required for such to exist) with a special group, such as the mentally challenged, is different from the standard of care with an intelligent and physically resilient athlete. Regardless, certain measures must be taken in all cases and litigation will determine whether there was a reasonable standard of care. On this basis, certain standards and guidelines are in place, such as establishing a risk management plan for a fitness facility, completion of a risk assessment evaluation for a fitness practitioner's client, or education providers actually evaluating students on tasks to be performed in the work place to achieve certification. However, the details behind all this can vary and will be the onus of the service provider. The important thing is that a minimum level of standards is in place to some degree.

The above is important to realize since a negligence case will determine and challenge a service provider's proof of standards and will introduce his, her or its ethics, standards and guidelines to help determine if the service provider was negligent. Again, this is a significant factor since outside the FSC practices in the fitness industry vary so significantly and are so erratic and non-uniform. Moreover, it is vital that service providers follow their standards and guidelines as best as possible since violation of such constitutes a breach of duty. This means that standards and guidelines that are adopted and applied can minimize potential liability claims of negligence and serve to protect those who comply accordingly and to work against those who do not comply. It also means providing the highest quality services possible to the consumer, an objective that is to remain unquestioned and uncompromised. In this regard, it is not the mere application of standards and guidelines, but the consistency of such that service providers must consider. Quality of service must be in place, not only as it pertains to safety, but the manner in which the services are provided, including technical instruction methods and how students of certification or education processes are assessed before becoming accredited, for example. Until the FSC, a regulatory body has not been established to address these concerns, for both provider and consumer.

How does the regulation of standards work?
The FSC is very similar to the Better Business Bureau. Registration by any fitness service provider is completely voluntary and then "policed" by the consumer. Each registrant will select to which category he, she or it belongs, including:

1. Personal Trainer (Personal Trainer Standards) 2. Fitness Facility (Fitness Facility Standards) 3. Education Provider (Personal Trainer Certification Standards)

The registration process is of benefit to the service provider for obvious reasons. One, the FSC seal can be presented proudly on web sites, letterheads, or business cards, thus telling the consumer that quality standards are being met and sustained. Two, as the consumer is being protected, the service provider can boast the prestige of being a member within the industry in good standing. Three, the service provider will separate him, her or itself from those providers who follow low quality standards and ethics, particularly those who refuse to register with the FSC because of an inability or lack of desire to conduct one's business professionally and with quality assurance.

How the process works is that the CONSUMER becomes the watchdog or police of the industry, with one's ethics and standards accessible by the consumer through the service provider's web site, via paper handouts, or posted on a facility wall, for example. Any evidence of misrepresentation, incompetence, non-accountability or fraud then can be reported to the FSC for disciplinary action. Consequently, clients can report fitness practitioners or facilities and fitness practitioners can report their education bodies (or the facilities in which they work). Fitness facilities also have the power to report practitioners or education providers.

What happens if a consumer makes a complaint?
The FSC will conduct a formal investigation and provide the service provider 30 days to respond to the allegation. In some instances the name of the complainant will remain confidential and whenever possible, such as a fitness practitioner reporting his or her facility or education institute. In some instances the consumer's name will have to be made known, such as faulty services that resulted in a fitness practitioner client becoming injured. From that point our board of advisors will make a judgment, which can result in a warning or revocation of membership affiliation for a period that will match the severity of the situation. Although we must give our members the benefit of the doubt, if a member is found guilty or at blame, a statement as to the nature of the complaint and membership revocation will be posted on our web site, to act as a "red flag" for future consumers. Consequently, it is in the member's best interests to conduct him, her or itself with the utmost of ethical standards. Click here for the Fitness Standards Complaint Form.

Can anyone register?
Any service provider within the fitness industry can register, but proof of certification, education, background or business certificate must be provided. We require a description of what the business is about, together with the services offered. The process is more stringent for educators, which is detailed in their application form. Full contact information must be provided as well, and updated whenever changed within 30 days of a change. This information will be filed with the FSC and presented on our site to enhance the service provider's prestige and potential for business with interested consumers. Click here for the Fitness Standards Application forms. Click here for the Fitness Standards member confirmation page.

Can a personal trainer, facility, or educator register at any time?
We accept registrations at any time, but make decisions in regard to memberships for accreditation four times per year, on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. For example, applications received during the first quarter of the year will be reviewed and either accepted or declined by April 1st. However, this is done within reason and with some exceptions, such as an educator who submits an application the last week of March. Because of the extensive review of course study materials, assessment methods implemented and documentation that supports educator standards, it could take the FSC upward of 60 days to determine or provide accreditation. With facilities and practitioners, the process is faster.

Are there any other "membership requirements" of which I should be aware?
There are a few common-sense points that need to be understood. They include the following:

The standards and ideals of the FSC imply that the responsibilities of each fitness service provider extend not only to the consumer, but also to society with the purpose of improving both the health and wellbeing of consumers and the community in which the provider exists, whether locally or across a larger geographic area. In regard to maintenance of good standing, service providers are required to continue membership with the FSC by submitting the appropriate yearly dues together with proof of sustaining the relative level of standards by remaining "report free." These factors constitute and prove continued involvement and support of the FSC, as well as the desire to maintain standards within this industry as a whole. In support of the above point, all applicants must provide a report that describes how each standard will be upheld. This is to be submitted each year with the annual dues. (We believe that detailing of such a report also will increase the applicant's awareness of his, her or its services/products offered and to help direct the applicant toward increasing quality standards in general.) If nothing has changed from the previous year, then the 'report submission' merely needs to make reference to that fact. In regard to public disclosure and affiliation, any registered fitness service provider may disclose his or her affiliation with the FSC in any context, oral or documented, provided membership currently is active and the representation is accurate. In doing so, no service provider may imply FSC endorsement of whatever is associated in context with the disclosure, unless expressly authorized by the FSC. Disclosure of affiliation in connection with a commercial venture may be made provided the disclosure is in a professionally dignified manner, is not false, misleading or deceptive. We can support our members by claiming a "report-free" status relative to a designated level of standards, but we do not support or endorse any particular teaching or instructional philosophy. Disclosure or affiliation and/or use of the FSC are not to be made as part of any business name. Disclosure in violation of these policies will be grounds for disciplinary or legal action. Any FSC member may be disciplined by having his, her or its credentials revoked for failure to maintain status or dues, or for conduct that, in the opinion of the FSC, is derogatory to the dignity of or inconsistent with the purposes of the FSC. This revocation of accreditation may be ordered only after such service provider has been informed of the charges and has been given an opportunity to refute such charges or make amends before the FSC.

What happens if the FSC determines that one or more standards are not being met by the applicant?
Our focus is to work with all applicants and to increase the standards of the fitness industry as a whole. If we believe a standard is not being met, we will report this to the applicant, together with our recommendations. A timeframe also will be provided as to when the applicant must demonstrate compliance with any standard so that accreditation can take effect. Lack of compliance within the timeframe will result in non-accreditation with a 50% administration fee. If at a later time the applicant feels that the standards can be met, full costs and supporting materials are to be submitted for accreditation consideration.

What happens if the FSC makes changes to the standards and an applicant is in non-compliance?
The applicant will remain accredited, but compliance will need to be demonstrated by the next accreditation renewal date. If re-accreditation is close to the date of a change in the standards, the applicant will be provided the next fiscal quarter to comply to the change.

The yearly fees are very reasonable to be part of such a prestigious organization. What is done with the money?
There are many expenses involved with the FSC's operations, including the cost of administration, mailings, telephon service, web site development/updates/maintenance, and promotion and advertising. Thus far all of the membership work has been voluntary.

Do I get more for my money than merely being a member?
As stated, being a member can have its privileges beyond simple membership, such as being viewed with greater respect and the potential for employment or financial success ­ particularly when compared to service providers who avoid the FSC and who refuse to disclose what their level of standards are. Also, we encourage our members to become involved; to make recommendations in how the FSC can improve, and that includes adding to the list of standards or guidelines in any category. Further, a "private" web page will be provided to each registrant that includes valuable resource information, such as supporting guidelines, risk management documentation, sample legal documents, and more.

Who are the people behind the FSC?
Certainly the most important people are those within the industry specifically, including practitioners, facilities and educators. As stated, we rely on and encourage the above individuals and companies to participate in the FSC by making recommendations to increase the detail and quality of our standards, and this can be done without being a registered member. If you think we need to address a particular concept or idea, then let us know, and definitely provide any recommendations in that regard. All recommendations then are provided to our advisory board panel for review and potential implementation. A refusal of a proposed standard or change is provided to the party who made the recommendation, just so he or she knows what was done or is being done with the recommendation. Our advisory panel includes several experienced and highly knowledgeable and respected individuals in the fitness and wellness community, including Matt Brzcyki (Princeton University), Ellington Darden, Ph.D., Amy Philpott (Health & Fitness Professionals Association), Jacqueline Carter (California State University), Dr. Robert Kudlak, M.D., Dave Smith, Ph.D. (Chester College of Higher Education), Kevin Fontaine, Ph.D. (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine), Mark J. Occhipinti (AFPA), Brian D. Johnston (IART), and Joe Andreula (gym entrepreneur). We also are having those personal trainer certification companies who register with us be part of our volunteer committee, although they will be unable to accredit other educators for reasons of conflict of interest or learning 'inside secrets' of operation.

Tell me more about the FSC's views in regard to legal responsibilities and professional conduct.
As with any profession, fitness service providers have legal responsibilities to offer appropriate supervision, instruction, safety, care and quality of those services in order to meet reasonable standards that also meet the expectations of the consumer relative to his or her understanding of what those standards are. These responsibilities include informing consumers of any potential risk or harm that exists and what they are to expect during educational processes, for example. Although legal actions are more pertinent in the event of injury in a fitness facility or under the care of a fitness practitioner, actions can and should occur if education providers suggest that certain experiences will be undertaken whereas the opposite is true.

In effect, there exists a liability matrix in that the various aspects that constitute liability are inter-related. For example, a fitness practitioner's knowledge of technical instruction and record keeping has an affiliation to other organizational matters, such as scheduling or maintaining a safe exercise environment. Noncompliance (idleness) in one area can affect another and compound the risk for injury among consumers. Hence, methods of operation mean more than running an exercise facility or supervising a client's exercise technique, but also the operations of the service provider as a whole. Hence, consistency and maintaining the highest standards that is possible for the service provider in all respects is vital. The following includes some legal terminology and associated examples in which you should be aware:

Assumption of Risk: The voluntary participation in physical activity holds a certain amount of risk to injury. Consumers must be informed thoroughly of these risks and to sign a statement (release form) to that effect. Liability: The condition of being liable or answerable by law or equity. Fitness practitioners have a duty to their clients to take reasonable steps to prevent injury, to act diligently when an injury occurs, and to design exercise programs so that a very safe environment precludes the possibility of an injury. In other words, practitioners must strive to discover the safest exercise methods to achieve a particular goal, and to avoid methods that pose a greater risk of injury and to avoid those that do not demonstrate greater benefit for the client. Due Care: Fitness providers should observe the industry's ethical standards as a whole, strive continually to improve competency and the quality of services, and discharge professional responsibility to the best of his, her or its ability. Ordinary Negligence: In this instance, the fitness provider should have seen a problem based on a minimal degree of knowledge, or will not see a problem that should have been detected because of lack of furthering education, such as keeping up with current research, health and safety issues, etc. Gross Negligence: In this instance, the service provider sees a problem but does nothing, thus ignoring the consequences. There is a willful disregard toward proof or evidence that serve to assist the provider with making the right decision, with reckless misconduct, although the "clues" should have aroused suspicions. Fraud: In this instance, there is an intentional deceit or misrepresentation. For example, a fitness practitioner who accepts clients who require a level of expertise that the service provider does not have, such as injury assessment and rehabilitation. Another area of fraud is when service providers make unqualified opinions to deceive in order to make money, to further careers and public exposure, etc. This is referred to as constructive fraud.

There also are some basic principles of conduct and liability that should be adhered to. They include:

Responsibilities: In carrying out responsibilities as professionals, fitness service providers should exercise sensitive professional and moral judgments in all actions. Treat people as you would like to be treated such as expecting the most from other health care professionals, e.g., doctors and physiotherapists, and to conduct one's self in like manner. For example, fitness practitioners must be more than workout 'supervisors;' they are responsible for establishing the most effective and optimal exercise or nutrition (health) program possible for each client, always striving to discover the best solutions in light of any problems encountered that reflect the client's individuality. However, all this is to be done within his or her abilities only. Referrals to more competent service providers must be made in instances of doubt. Integrity: To maintain and broaden client confidence, fitness service providers should perform professional responsibilities with the highest sense of integrity. Are you doing all you can in a safe and responsible manner? As a fitness practitioner, are you 'breezing' through a client's program with little mental effort, with the excuse that you are too busy to give each client due priority? Is the focus more on quantity (working with as many people as possible) as opposed to quality of services? Are you playing the 'numbers game,' trying to make as much money as possible while consumers' best interests are given secondary consideration? Objectivity and Independence: Fitness service providers should maintain objectivity and be free of conflicts of interest in discharging professional responsibilities. Furthermore, fitness service providers should be independent thinkers when services are provided and not be influenced or swayed by others if objective and better judgment dictates otherwise.

In sum, fitness service providers shall maintain objectivity and integrity, and be free of conflicts of interest and knowingly shall not misrepresent facts or subordinate his or her judgment to others. In these respects, the relationship of conduct and liability is presented below:

If you have any questions not answered, please send us an e-mail.