ACE Group Fitness Instructor (Chapter 1)

Certificates

Education or training program on a specific topic for which participants receive a certificate after attendance and/or completion of the coursework.

Registration

Either the professional designation defined by a governmental entity in professional regulations, rules, or to a listing, or registry, of practitioners.

Certificate of completion of participation

Issued after an individual attends or participates in a particular learning event. (Not a credential)

Curriculum-based certificate

Issued after an individual completes a course or series of courses and passes an assessment instrument.

Licensure

Mandatory process by which a government agency grants a time-limited permission to an individual to engage in a given occupation after verifying that he or she has met standardized criteria and offers title protection for those who meet the criteria.

Knowledge-based certificate

Recognizes a relatively narrow scope of specialized knowledge used in performing duties or tasks as part of a certain profession or occupation.

Scope of Practice for GFI

1. Develop and lead exercise classes that are safe, effective, and appropriate for specific individuals 2. Conducting pre-class assessments of participants and conducting health screenings when appropriate 3. Construct group classes that are appropriate for intended audiences and goals for class format using research-proven & published protocols 4. Assisting participants in setting and achieving goals 5. Teaching correct exercise methods 6. Empowering individuals to begin and adhere to exercise programs 7. Assessing class environment 8. Protecting participant confidentiality 9. Educate about fitness 10. Always act with professionalism 11. Recognizing what is within scope of practice and refer to other healthcare professionals when appropriate 12. Be prepared for emergency situations

Professional Certification

A voluntary process by which a non-governmental body, such as ACE, grants a time-limited recognition and use of a credential to individuals who have demonstrated that they have met the criteria for required knowledge, skills, or competencies for safe and effective practice in a specific job role.

National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA)

An organization created to help ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public through the accreditation of a variety of certification programs/organizations that assess professional competence; part of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE)

Standard of Care

Appropriateness of an exercise professional's actions in light of current professional standards and based on the age, condition, and knowledge of the participant.

The Allied Healthcare Continuum

Composed of health professionals who are credentialed through certifications, registrations, and/or licensure & provide services to identify, prevent, and treat diseases and disorders. *Physician/Nurse practioner "Gatekeeper"* --> *Nutritional support* (dietician, etc.) --> *Rehabilitation Professionals* (athletic trainer, occupational therapist, etc.) --> *Mental Health* (psychiatrist, psychologist, etc.) --> *Trainers/coaches/personal trainer* (GFI)--> *Alternative Healthcare* (licensed) (Chiropractor, acupuncturist, etc.).

Scope of Practice

The range and limit of responsibilities normally associated with a specific job or profession.