Question for those who have taken the exam: After reading Essentials for Strength Training and Conditioning, did you feel ready for the exam and also, did you do well? Im not taking the exam for quite a while and Im just trying to get some feedback as to what I should expect.
Also,what is everyone’s thoughts on the ISSA? Should I go for both certifications? My main goal is to become a S&C coach for either a college or high school. Besides learning as much as humanly possible, I would also like be pretty marketable when it comes time to find a job.
Thanks, and your opinions and thoughts are greatly appreciated.
I am certified by the ISSA and thought it was a good program (I’m doing a second certification with them in performance nutrition because I liked their program). However, it isn’t the most highly respected certification around when you are looking for a job.
I have the CSCS and all the ISSA certifications. The book isn’t the only thing I recommend for your test. Get the video if you haven’t already on proper lifting techniques. This is the exact video they use during the practical section of the test. I’d say for this part, focus on the different breakdowns of the pulls.
The ISSA certs certainly wont hurt you from getting a job. The head of their strength program is Doc Kreis who is the head Strength and Conditioning Coach for UCLA. Their Fitness Therapy program is also very well done and I use it for pre and post rehabilitation with athletes.
I thought the ISSA test was pretty simple for the most part. Nothing like watching Fred Hatfield get wild on a tape. Its good and has a number of benefits that can assist you.