So you received your kinesiology degree - congratulations. Now it’s time to go to work! This article describes how kinesiology certifications can enhance your career opportunities and career paths as a kinesiologist. This ultimate guide will outline the different types of certifications, requirements, and how to prepare for the exam.

Let’s start first with how to become an exercise kinesiologist in the United States.

How to become an Exercise Kinesiologist

Exercise kinesiology is the study of human movement and the mechanics of the body in relation to exercise and physical activity. As a kinesiology major and an exercise kinesiologist, you will use your knowledge of the body and movement to help individuals improve their physical performance, recover from injuries, and manage chronic conditions.

If you're interested in pursuing a career in exercise kinesiology, here's a step-by-step guide on how to become one:

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology or a related field

The first step to becoming an exercise kinesiologist is to enroll in a kinesiology program and earn a bachelor's degree in kinesiology or a related field such as exercise science, physical education, or sports medicine. During your undergraduate studies, you will take courses in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and exercise physiology. You will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internships or practical coursework.

Step 2: Complete a Master's Degree in Kinesiology or a related field

While a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement to become an exercise kinesiologist, earning a master's degree in kinesiology or a related field can provide additional training and knowledge that can improve your career prospects. A master's degree will give you the opportunity to specialize in an area of interest and gain more in-depth knowledge of the field.

Step 3: Gain work experience

After completing your education, it's important to gain work experience in the field. You can do this by volunteering or interning at a gym, rehabilitation center, or research lab. You can also gain experience by working as a personal trainer or fitness instructor.

Step 4: Get certified

Getting certified as an exercise kinesiologist demonstrates that you have met certain standards of education and experience and that you are qualified and competent in the field. There are several different types of certifications available, including the Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP) offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). You can also become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Read on for the full scoop on kinesiology certifications.

Step 5: Maintain your certification

After you have achieved your certification, it's important to maintain it in order to continue practicing as a certified professional. This typically involves meeting certain renewal requirements, engaging in continuing education, and potentially undergoing re-certification.

Introduction to Kinesiology Certifications

Obtaining a Kinesiology certification is a way for professionals in the field to demonstrate their knowledge, and to show that they have met certain standards of education.

By becoming certified, a kinesiology professional can demonstrate to clients, employers, and other professionals that they are qualified and competent in their field.

There are several different types of kinesiology certifications available, each with its own focus and requirements. Some certifications are specific to certain areas of kinesiology, such as rehabilitation or sports medicine, while others are more general in nature.

Regardless of the specific certification, all kinesiology certifications have one thing in common: they are a way for professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and dedication to the field of kinesiology.

Benefits of becoming certified as a kinesiologist

Becoming certified in kinesiology has several benefits for professionals in the field.

Professional standards - Firstly, certification demonstrates that a professional has met certain standards of education and experience, and has the knowledge and skills required to work as a kinesiology professional. This can help to increase credibility and trust with clients and employers.

Increase earning potential - Kinesiology certification can also help to increase job opportunities and earning potential. Employers often prefer to hire certified professionals, and certified professionals may be eligible for higher salaries or more advanced positions.

Keep professional skills current - Certification also requires continuing education and staying up to date with the latest developments in the field. This can help to enhance the professional's knowledge and skills, which can benefit the clients and employers. Finally, obtaining a certification can also help to increase professional satisfaction and pride.

Types of Kinesiology Certifications

There are a few different certifications that can be obtained if you want to practice kinesiology. Picking which certification to get will depend on your career goals and interests.

Certified Kinesiotherapist (CKT) - This certification is offered by the National Board of Certification for Kinesiotherapists (NBCKT) and is specifically for individuals who work with patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. CKT's use exercise, movement, and other therapies to help patients regain strength, flexibility, and function.

Certified Kinesiology Professional (CKP) - This certification is offered by the International Kinesiology College of Zurich (IKCZ) and is more general in nature, covering a wide range of topics related to kinesiology and movement science. CKP's may work in a variety of settings, including fitness, sports, rehabilitation, and research.

Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP) - This certification is offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and is specifically for individuals who design and implement exercise programs for healthy individuals and those with medical conditions. CEP's may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and corporate wellness programs.

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) - This certification is offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and is specifically for individuals who design and implement strength and conditioning programs for athletes and active individuals. CSCS's may work in a variety of settings, including collegiate and professional sports teams, health clubs, and private training studios.

Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CCEP) - This certification is offered by the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) and is for exercise physiologist who focus on the prevention, treatment and management of chronic disease through exercise prescription and lifestyle modification. CCEP's may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and corporate wellness programs.

Taking the Kinesiology Certification Exam

To prepare for the Kinesiology Certification Exam, there are a few key steps you can take:

Review the Exam Content Outline: The exam content outline will provide you with a detailed overview of the topics covered on the exam. Use this as a guide to prioritize your study time.

Create a Study Plan: Once you have reviewed the exam content outline, create a study plan that incorporates all of the topics covered on the exam. Consider allocating more study time to areas where you feel less confident.

Take Practice Exams: Practice exams are an excellent way to prepare for the real exam. They will help you to familiarize yourself with the exam format and the types of questions you can expect to see on the exam.

Get Hands-On Experience: Kinesiology is a field that often involves practical applications. Hands-on experience can help you to better understand the concepts covered on the exam. Consider volunteering or interning at a local gym or physical therapy clinic.

Maintaining Kinesiology Certifications

Once you have achieved a kinesiology certification, it is important to maintain it in order to continue practicing as a certified professional. Maintaining a certification typically involves meeting certain renewal requirements, engaging in continuing education, and potentially undergoing re-certification.

Renewal Requirements:

This process typically involves paying a renewal fee and providing proof of continuing education. Failure to renew your certification can result in the loss of your certification and the ability to practice as a certified professional.

Continuing education is an essential part of maintaining a kinesiology certification. Most certifications require that you complete a certain number of continuing education units (CEUs) in order to renew your certification. These units can be earned through a variety of activities such as attending conferences, workshops, seminars or taking online courses. Continuing education ensures that certified professionals stay up to date with the latest developments and best practices in their field.

Takeaways

If you are interested in using your knowledge of the body and movement to help individuals improve their physical performance, recover from injuries, and manage chronic conditions then becoming an exercise kinesiologist is the career path for you.

There are a few different certifications that you can obtain to enhance your knowledge in exercise kinesiology. Certification is important to help demonstrate to your clients and potential employers that you have met certain standards of education and experience.

Maintaining kinesiology certifications is crucial to ensure that certified professionals stay updated with the latest knowledge and practices in the field. It is important to be aware of the specific requirements of your certification and to plan accordingly, in order to maintain your certification and continue practicing as a certified professional.

About the Author

Stacey Dunn-Emke, MS, RDN, is the Founder Owner of NutritionJobs and an established dietetic career expert. She helps steer dietetic and nutrition professionals to a successful job search process with the top-ranked dietetic job board platform, NutritionJobs.com. Stacey is the author of The Dietetic Resume Guide and numerous dietetic career action-ables. She gives the tools to create a modern standout dietetic resume to land that job interview, help with job interview prep, and with creating Compelling LinkedIn profiles. Stacey has interviewed and hired many dietitians. Since running NutritionJobs in 2000, she has reviewed thousands of dietetic resumes. She works closely with dietetic hiring managers and recruiters to know the standout elements on a resume that land a job interview. Stacey speaks on successful compensation negotiation at professional conferences and frequently consults with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at FNCE and co-created the webinar series, Dietetic Career Hack: The Complete Networking and Resume Guide and Dietetic Career Hack Part II: Interviewing Tips and Tricks. Her previous dietitian jobs have been in clinical, nutrition support, and research.