How long do I have to complete my Personal Trainer Course?
All courses must be completed within 6 months of the official purchase date (or enrollment by virtue of paying full/part payment).
How long does it take for FSSA Council to process my examination result(s) and Personal Training Certificate?
FSSA Councils personal training certificates are processed and mailed within three weeks after all certification requirements have been completed.There are some cases where the certificates have been issued approximately after 12 months of student enrolment. The reasons could be many such as payment delays from the learners side, failing of theory and/or practical assessments, not completing the paperwork [pre and post] on time, not taking the scheduled assessments, not complete one aspect of / complete training as per our original schedule. It has also been noticed that a lot if learners prefer to come through influencers and/or small academies to FSSA Council and sometime the only issue(s) are delay or lack of effective communication from the learners/influencers side. There are also some third party certificates involved in these qualifications and some times the delays could be in this regard also. This is an adult education program and it is 100% the learners responsibility to know what program he has enrolled for and what it contains to effectively and successfully clear the qualification.
What exactly should I find in my CPT course package?
Your package should include the following:
- Fitness Essentials Book
- The PT handbook
- Weight Training Guide
- Study Guide
- Anatomy & Physiology assessment workbook
- Client intake forms
- Course quizzes
What is the best way to go about reviewing the course material to prepare for the final examination?
The best way to complete your revision is by revising the class notes given by our tutors, and practicing course quizzes which are included in your CPT Package. You can also, always, speak to one of our advisors in case you need any further assistance.
My package includes study guide and workbooks. Is it mandatory to complete those?
The Workbook and Study Guide provides assistance in the retention of the course material. You are not required to submit the workbook in for grading. However, experience has shown that individuals who faithfully use the Workbook and Study Guide achieve greater understanding of the course materials than those who do not. We recommend that you actively use the Workbook and Study Guide to prepare for the final examination.(It is not mandatory)
What is required to get my Personal Training Certificate?
You must meet the following:
- The payment should have been received in full
- Your CPR AED certification should have been completed (Included in your package, unless otherwise stated in your confirmation email)
- Your SKILL INDIA Fitness Trainer Certification should have been completed (included in your package unless otherwise stated in your confirmation email)
- You should have successfully submitted and received a PASS grade on your practical assessment
- You should have taken your final theory examination and received a PASS grade
What do I have to do before I can take my final exam?
You must meet the following:
- Completed your CPR AED Certification
- Completed your SKILL INDIA Certification
- Paid in full
- Received a PASS on your practical assessment
What happens if I fail my examination?
- If you fail the FSSA CPT theory examination, You can simply retake the exam again by paying a charge of INR 3800.00
- If you fail the SKILL INDIA examination, You can simply retake the exam again by paying a charge of INR 3800.00
- If you do not meet the practical assessment guidelines, there will be a deadline given but no charges (second attempt). Post that there will be a charge of INR 4800.00
What happens if I am unable to complete my course within 6 months of my enrollment?
If you fail to complete the program requirements within 6 months, you may request a 2-month extension, free of charge, by writing to us at support@fssacouncil.org.
If you fail to complete the requirements during your first extension period, you may request a final 2-month extension for a non-refundable fee of INR 7500.00.
Completion of the program beyond the final extension period requires re-enrollment by paying full fee towards the program.
What type of CPR AED Certification is required for this certification?
All FSSA Professionals are required to maintain a current adult CPR/AED certification. If your CPR/AED expires before your renewal, you are responsible for updating your CPR/AED status. Your CPR/AED certificate must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the date of submission.
A CPR AED certification is already included in this package (unless otherwise stated in your confirmation email) by an approved provider.
What if I don’t have the CPR AED Certification?
You don’t have to worry. A CPR AED certification is already included in this package (unless otherwise stated in your confirmation email) by an approved provider.
What is your policy on certification course transfer?
Learners can transfer a course to another learner within one month of the original enrollment date.
A Course Transfer request by email, a copy of the current student's photo ID, and INR 4800.00 transfer fee must be submitted us within one month.
Courses may only be transferred once.
Can I exchange for CPT course for another course/speciality/training?
This option is not possible. You may however, transfer the course to another learner (Policy mentioned above). You will be responsible for finding the learner , whom you wish to transfer the course to.
How do I renew and maintain my CPT Certification?
FSSA CPT certificate is valid for a period of 2 years. Trainers are required to renew their certification every 2 years. This process consists of a renewal fee, updated CPR/AED certification, and documentation stating the completion of 20 Continuing Professional Development points (CPD).
(Please note, fulfilment of this specification is required of trainers only after they have received certification through FSSA. CPDs are not a prerequisite to receiving certification.)
All FSSA Professional Trainers maintain their professional status by:
- Submission of documentation/Certificates of acceptable CPD points completed during the previous 2-year certification cycle.
- Proof of a valid Basic Adult CPR/AED certification.
- Payment of renewal fees of INR 9500.00
What is the renewal fee?
Member Renewal: INR 9500.00
The fee must be paid at the time of renewal.
What is the CPR AED Requirement?
All FSSA Professionals are required to keep a current basic adult CPR/AED certification. If your CPR/AED expires before your renewal, you are responsible for updating your CPR/AED status. Your CPR/AED must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the date of submission.
What qualifies as CPD?
One CPD point is equal to 1 contact hour of instruction. All 20 units or contact hours must be taken through FSSA Council directly, an FSSA Continuing Education Provider (GOFLO, NCSF, IAPC) or other FSSA-approved continuing education activity, Events and/or courses / workshops.
Can I receive CPD points for CPR AED Certification?
No, CPD points are not issued for CPR/AED training. CPR/AED training is a separate requirement for any professional qualification/ certification and, therefore, will not double as credit toward your CPD points requirement.
If I earn more than 20 CPD points, will the extra units carry over to my next renewal period?
FSSA Council seeks to uphold its standards of providing top-notch personal training education and information to its learners. Similarly, we encourage our learners to continue their learning with the most cutting-edge information available to health and fitness professionals. For this reason, the CPD points earned in excess of the required amount cannot carry over because new information is always emerging in the field of exercise and health. 20 CPD points is the minimum requirement for every 2-year renewal cycle.
Where can I check which course/courses/event provides FSSA CPD points?
You can simply write to us at support@fssacouncil.org or speak to one of our advisors
Should I send in my CPD documentation, each time I complete a course?
No, students should keep their CEU documentation in a safe place until it is time for them to renew. Students may submit all required documents and fees in 1 single, consolidated email when they wish to renew.
My personal Trainer Package has already expired. Can I still renew?
Renewal requests may be submitted up to one year after the original expiration date. Late fees will be assessed to all applications that are received after their expiration date. Charges shall apply as follow:
1 – 3 months late: INR 0.00
3 – 6 months late: INR 4800.00
6 – 12 months late: INR 6000.00
(Apart from late fees they would still need to pay renewal fees and show evidence of 20 CPD points)
For FSSA PT certifications that have been expired for over one year, the applicant will be required to pay the appropriate fees (Late and renewal), show evidence of 20 CPD points and also have to take an online re-examination (Charges included in renewal fees) prior to reinstatement of the personal trainer certification.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes. Please speak to one of our advisors and they will guide you
Can I pay it of early?
Yes. You can pay off your balance early.
Will there an extra cost to pay it off early?
No. There are no penalties for paying it off early.
Are there any additional charges for paying in instalments?
No. We not charge any additional fees.
Is there any interest?
No. We do not charge interest.
Do I have to go through a credit check?
No. Everyone is 100% approved with no credit checks.
Can I adjust my payment date ?
Yes. Please contact one of our advisors as this is a case by case decision or write to us at support@fssacouncil.org
What are your payment plans?
Please have a word with one of our advisors to understand this as per your convenience.
What happens if I miss a payment?
If you miss a payment, and you pay within 48 hours, there won't be any charge. More than 48 hours, you will be given 1 day to pay along with an additional fee of INR 6000.00. If the payment is not received within one week of the due payment date, The account may be suspended and you will have to pay complete payment due to resume your course/training with us. Please be in touch with one of our advisors to avoid such a situation.
What is a Certified Personal Trainer, legally able to do?
A personal trainer’s role includes designing, implementing and evaluating exercise/physical activity programmes for a range of individual clients by collecting and analysing client information to ensure the effectiveness of personal exercise programmes. A personal trainer should also actively encourage potential clients/members to participate in and adhere to regular exercise/physical activity programmes, employing appropriate motivational strategies to achieve this and to assist them with behavioural change as a result.
Essential skills:
Demonstrate a professional attitude
Demonstrate responsibility and professional duty of care to clients which will include communication skills and a focus of customer care orientation
Select and maintain a safe exercise environment
Select the correct training environment and assess risks to ensure it provides a safe, clean and friendly fitness environment and that it will be the best use of the environment in which clients are exercising
Motivate clients
Capability to develop rapport in order to motivate individuals to begin, adhere and /or return to exercise
Collect information
Identify client information which is to be collected and advise clients of correct procedures, protocols and risks prior to commencing physical assessment and exercising
Assess and analyse information
Carry out fitness assessments to establish fitness and skill level and analyse information relating to individual clients
Use current technology
Use appropriate technological developments to help clients increase general activity levels and be motivated to adhere to exercise programmes
Plan and prepare for an exercise session
Prepare equipment and facilities for the session ensuring compliance with industry and national guidelines for normal operating procedures and plan timings and sequences for the session
Identify customer motives and goals
Identify individual motives and resulting short, medium and long term fitness goals
Provide exercise prescription
Provide a range of exercise programmes in accordance with the needs of the clients by applying principles of exercise programming
Integrate the principles of training
Apply the knowledge of principles of training and components of health related fitness to the design of an individual programme to meet client’s abilities, needs, and lifestyle and exercise preferences
Adapt exercise
Suggest relevant exercise adaptations or options to allow for individual client differences or needs and provide participants with advice on intensity and how to progress their individual performance and results
Offer motivation
Positively interact and motivate clients/members using appropriate strategies in order to promote adherence to exercise.
Integrate Exercise Science to the design of the programme
Apply the knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, biomechanical concepts as they relate to movement and exercise, the knowledge of related physiological concepts, the knowledge of the cardio-respiratory system and energy systems, to programme design
Inform clients of benefits of a healthy lifestyle
Provide participants with accurate information on principles of nutrition and weight management
Promote a healthy lifestyle
Provide information about the role of physical activity, modes of exercise and related services and the importance of healthy activities for daily living to clients
Demonstrate professional conduct
Work within the parameters given, recognising the standards and professional limitations that this provides, and ensuring essential personal skills and knowledge to be a personal trainer are maintained and updated and to be a positive role model at all times and keep up to date with industry developments
Apply business and marketing skills
Apply business, marketing, and selling strategies and best practices to achieve success as an employee, independent contractor or entrepreneur.
Demonstrate professional responsibility
To ensure that other workers and clients are treated with respect and that appropriate civil liability insurance is in place at all times of instructing
The above mentioned job role and essential skills are taken from EuropeActive Standards - Personal Trainer
Scope of Practice:
Personal trainers are not endorsed to:
- Provide rehabilitation programs (i.e. to say that a Personal Trainer is not a physiotherapist)
- Provide exercise testing and prescription for at risk populations (i.e. to say that a Personal Trainer is not an exercise physiologist/ clinical Exercise Physiologist)
- Prescribe any kind of medication or supplements (i.e.to say that a Personal Trainer is not a General Practitioner)
- Prescribe Nutrition programs (i.e. to say a Personal Trainer is not a dietician /nutritionist however upon completion of detailed nutrition courses, offered by FSSA Council, may call themselves a Nutrition Advisor. However, giving specific , individualised dietary recommendations for health problems and giving specific nutrient intake are outside their scope of practice)
- Provide psychological counselling (i.e. to say that a Personal Trainer is not a Psychologist)
- Diagnose diseases, disabilities and/or other clinical conditions (i.e. to say that a Personal Trainer is not a General Practitioner/Doctor)
The above mentioned scope of practice is taken from EuropeActive Standards - Personal Trainer
What is the value of FSSA PT Certification?
Certification is a process by which FSSA Council, as a not for profit organisation, recognizes the competency of individuals who have met certain qualifications as determined by the FSSA Council. To achieve your personal training certification from FSSA Council, individuals must meet the eligibility requirements for certification and pass our personal training certification examination.
Certification provides both personal validation and validation for employers and consumers of the certificate holder's professional competence in the fitness field.
Specifically, certification by FSSA Council:
- Demonstrates to colleagues and superiors/management a dedication to quality healthcare and to the highest standards for conduct of fitness professionals.
- Presents solid evidence to employers that an employee has trained and has been tested to implement best practices and apply current technology solutions, in addition to any abilities that in turn advance the organization.
- Sets a person apart from uncredentialed (non certified & dodgy) job candidates.
- Assures current knowledge through continued education and verification of base level competency.
- Holds value to employers because it supports a worker's ability to uphold fitness industry standards and regulations, thereby potentially saving organizations from potential liabilities.
How does FSSA Council fit into the evolving fitness industry?
As FSSA fitness professionals it is imperative that we keep up with the ever-changing and evolving recommendations for health and physical fitness that have a direct application for fitness programs and exercise recommendations.
FSSA Council was the industry leading first fitness organization in the country to be accredited by the EHFA (European Health and Fitness Association) since 2017.As a result of this, our graduates can list themselves on the prestigious EREPS (European register of exercise professionals) website.
The FSSA Council is also an SPEFL – SC (The sports sector skills council) Affiliate.
FSSA Council management is also leading the panel in one of the sub sectional committee for BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) towards development of Gym Management and other standards in the Indian Fitness/Sports industry
What does professional accreditation mean?
Professional accreditation is a process that gives public recognition to educational institutions that meet standards of quality.
Professional accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental means of assessing and certifying institutional quality.
In other words, accredited institutions:
· Have clearly defined and well-stated learning objectives.
· Offer educationally sound and up-to-date courses.
· Provide outstanding educational services to students.
· Have demonstrated learner success and satisfaction.
· Have a competent staff.
· Promotes its courses truthfully.
· Have an effective research and self-improvement program.
Professional accreditation promises learners that the institution they elected to study with is a reputable one that will provide quality education.
Professional accreditation is not, however, a guarantee that your course work will be accepted by other educational institutions or government agencies, although this frequently can happen.
Is EREPS accepted in India or by the Indian Govt.?
Yes. EuropeActive and the European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS) have signed an agreement with the Council for Sports, Education, Physics, Fitness and Leisure-Skills (SPEFL-SC) in India for the creation of a national registry of India, whose supervision falls on the SPEFL - SC. The Indian fitness professionals who join this program, will be part of an expanding worldwide community of instructors.
What is EREPS?
EREPS is an abbreviation of 'European Register of Exercise Professionals', a fully independent register of trainers, instructors and teachers working in the European/Global fitness sector.