A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (J. Strength Cond. Res. 2002 Feb;16(1): 19-24) evaluated a random sample of 115 personal trainers using the Fitness Instructors Knowledge Assessment (FIKA) which measures knowledge in nutrition, health screening, testing protocols, exercise prescription and special populations. The data showed the following results:
- 70% of those surveyed did not have a degree in any field related to exercise science.
- Those who did not have a bachelor’s degree in an exercise science-related field scored 31% less on average than those with a bachelor’s degree or higher in the field.
- Those holding one of two specific certifications (the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) scored 83% of the questions correctly on average. Those holding any certifications other than ACSM or NSCA answered only 38% of the questions correctly.
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