HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL ON YOUR CANFITPRO THEORY AND PRACTICAL EXAMS As a PRO TRAINER with canfitpro I have been providing both theory and practical exams since 1994. I have seen great exam successes and great exam failures. Both those who are successful and those who are not successful have great passion, great devotion to their new career and great focus on success. What then, makes one a success and one a failure on the exam? In my experience, the answer is simple… Not everyone learns the same way. Albert Einstein said, ‘Everyone is a genius. If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its entire life believing it is stupid’ The key to being successful on your exam is to learn the material in a fashion that makes sense to you. There are 3 main ways we learn: 1. Some of us are ‘verbal learners’. We listen intently, understand completely and often take really good notes, so we can read it back later and ‘hear’ our voice in our head ‘speaking’ the words again. 2. Some of us are ‘visual learners’. We watch and retain the picture in our mind for reference later. It all makes sense when we ‘see’ it. 3. Some of us are ‘kinesthetic learners’. Meaning, we must ‘experience’ the lesson by doing it. In addition to these 3 different learning styles, there are also 4 basic personality types to deal with. 1. First there are those who don’t want long explanations and details, they simply want THE POINT. And get to it quickly. They are not interested in chatting, as their time is valuable. 2. Then we have those who are very relationship oriented. They will only get to the point, when a RELATIONSHIP has been established. They want to know who you are, do you have family, what kind of work do you do etc. They will seek commonalities between you and want to be liked. 3. Then we have those who are very detail oriented. They want to take the time to research all possible outcomes, and have difficulty making fast decisions. They want to think about things before making a decision. 4. Then we have those who just want to have fun! They make fast decisions and make them based on intuition and what they think will be fun! They have little attention to detail and time management is a struggle for them. For more information on understanding personalities, visit http://www.aktinstitute.com/disc-­‐
personality-­‐assessments/ Now, let’s consider 3 different ways of learning combined with 4 different personality types. Do you really think they will all learn and retain information when it is taught in ONE WAY??? Of course not, so please stop living in this unrealistic expectation. Not everyone learns from reading a book, not everyone learns from sitting in a classroom, and not everyone learns from watching videos etc. We ALL learn differently. So, my suggestion is simple; identify the way in which you learn best and prepare for your exam that way. For example, if you know that reading a book is NOT how you retain information, then don’t study from your book. You will spend all your time getting frustrated, and feeling stupid. Many struggle with this as we have been taught all through school to read books, and then be examined on the material. This simply doesn’t work best for everyone. With all due respect, not many can learn anatomy from a text book…. Suggestions to help you: •
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If you know you are a hands on learner, then put your book down, and go hire a qualified personal trainer and during your training sessions experience the information required to help you pass your exam. If you know you need to see the information then download videos from reputable sources (visit www.canfitprointeractive.com, www.ptothenet.com) or work with a qualified personal trainer who can show you what you need to help you pass your exam. Use flash cards to help you remember important information. If you need to hear the information, then I’ll suggest a one on one, or group study session where talking is involved instead of reading. Use audio books to help you learn important information. Record your voice reading the material and listen to it while you are driving. If you are one who needs learning to be fun, then sitting alone in your living room reading a book may not be the best scenario for you. Connect with others and create a fun study group, or join in a fun class to learn the material. •
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If you need to research information, then intensive, fast paced learning may only leave you frustrated. You may do better with studying on your own where you can take the time to find the answers you are seeking so you can make confident decisions. If you simply need the point, and no stories leading up to it, you may do best with a one on one setting with a tutor who will guide you quickly to the point. There are many options to help you on your way to passing your exams and successful entering the personal training field with confidence. Choose the option that is best for YOU!! The Exam Process Now that you have prepared for your exam by understanding important information, let’s talk about the exam itself. First, accept that IT’S JUST AN EXAM!! Nothing more. Keep it in perspective. It is a few hours of your 100 year long life. Ask yourself, is it worth this much emotion?? I’ve experienced those who arrived and wanted to cry, or felt nauseous, or were shaking, or experienced breathing problems due to anxiety. In reality, the WORST thing that could happen is your exam is unsuccessful. That’s it. Then you have the option to learn your strengths and weaknesses, and complete the exam again. Nothing bad happens here. Nothing. It’s just a few more hours from your 100 year long life. There are 3 simple steps to becoming a Certified Personal Trainer Specialist with canfitpro. 1. Prepare for the exams by attending the Course, or by preparing on your own. Visit www.canfitpro.com for more information or to register. 2. Complete both the Theory and Practical Exams with a minimum 80% grade on both. Visit www.canfitpro.com to register. 3. Provide proof of CPR training taken within the last year. Must be valid level A or C, and issued by a recognized provider. Ie. canfitpro, Red Cross, St. John’s. Please note, once you register for the theory exam date/location of your choice, this exam fee INCLUDES the fee for your Practical Exam. In order to complete your Practical Exam, you must contact the PRO TRAINER of your choice, and schedule a date/location with him or her. Practical Exam dates and locations are not listed online. Should you have any questions regarding the exam process, please contact your PRO TRAINER or canfitpro at www.canfitpro.com or 1-­‐800-­‐667-­‐5622. The Theory Exam The canfitpro Personal Training Specialist Theory Exam is: •
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3 hours in length Has 2 parts: o 100 Multiple Choice Questions o a Case Study In order to register for the theory exam, please visit www.canfitpro.com and choose your exam date/time/location. You can register online, or contact head office directly at 1-­‐800-­‐667-­‐5622. PRO TRAINERS do not complete registrations for exams. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation from canfitpro. All exam information can be found at www.canfitpro.com as well. You will also receive a welcome email from your PRO TRAINER including all exam details and contact information for your PRO TRAINER. •
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Please arrive to your exam location approximately 15-­‐30 minutes prior to the scheduled time. Remember to allow time for parking, using the restroom, and settling in. You will NOT be permitted to use your cell phone as a calculator. All cell phones must be turned off prior to the start of the exam. Your exam marks will be returned to you by email within 5 business days. Along with your mark from your Theory Exam, you will receive all information needed for you to prepare for your Practical Exam. (You have 6 months from the day of your successful Theory Exam to complete your Practical Exam.) You do not have to complete your Exams with the same PRO TRAINER. As the exams are standardized, you can choose any PRO TRAINER. Simply visit www.canfitpro.com for a complete list of all PRO TRAINERS and their contact information. The Theory Exam Case Study You will be provided with 2 profiles and you are to choose one. You will be asked to complete an entire program including: •
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goal setting using the SMART principle overcoming obstacles basic nutrition advice calculating BMI •
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(PFITT) Purpose, Frequency, Intensity, Time and Type for: o Warm Up o Cardiovascular o Resistance Training o Stretching You must be familiar with muscle names, and exercises and stretches for each (appendix A and B) You must know the names of the stretches as they appear in the back of the manual or be confident in using anatomical terms or drawing stick men (stick men make us laugh; we like stick men) You must be familiar with guidelines provided by canfitpro for all fitness levels (page 46 and 82) All guidelines are found in the Personal Training Manual and are taught completely during the Course. A suggestion I’ll make while you’re writing your exam that has helped many is to simply accept you either know the answer to the question being asked, or you don’t. If you don’t, guess and move on to the next one. Sitting there, thinking about how you should know the answer, you just read it, or you remember seeing it, will not help you here. You either know the answer, or you don’t. Keep it simple. Come to your exam prepared. Bring: •
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2 pens (in case one runs out) 2 pencils (in case on breaks) a calculator (no you cannot use your cell phone as a calculator during your exam) water or something to drink to stay hydrated and snacks to avoid hunger and brain fog Dress comfortably, and dress in layers. (Nothing worse than being really cold and trying concentrate.) Leave your books at home, you won’t need them during the exam. Bring scrap paper to complete calculations or work through problem questions. The Practical Exam You will be provided with all information to prepare for your Practical Exam once you have completed your Theory Exam. You will be provided (by email) all instructions, a client profile, a program card to complete for the client profile and the exam itself and how it is marked. BRING A COPY OF EACH OF THESE TO THE EXAM WITH YOU AND CARRY EACH WITH YOU DURING THE EXAM. o
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Print it all (guidelines, client profile and program care, the exam itself) Review it all – point by point Prepare for your exam based on the exam profile and outline you’ve been provided Bring it ALL with you to your practical exam
Please review all information, especially how the exam is marked. The PRO TRAINER will be following this outline and providing marks as outlined. You are to now design the fitness program using the card provided, for the client profile you are given. Complete this program card as if your profile client was real, and this was a real program. (Do not write this program with the 6 exercises as outlined in how the exam is marked, as this would not provide a balanced and complete program) A reminder, canfitpro suggests you complete at least 20 hours of programming and one on one training before you attempt your Practical Exam. Please do not come see us for your exam if you haven’t already trained people. In order to pass, you must demonstrate confidence and experience in exercise design and one on one training skills. Experience cannot be read, nor can it be rushed. You have 6 months from the day of your theory exam to complete your practical exam. Take the time you need to get experience in training. Please note, once you register for the theory exam date/location of your choice, this exam fee INCLUDES the fee for your Practical Exam. In order to complete your Practical Exam, you must contact the PRO TRAINER of your choice, and schedule a date/location with him or her. Practical Exam dates and locations are not listed online. When you are ready, contact your chosen PRO TRAINER. A list of all PRO TRAINERS can be found at www.canfitpro.com. You are required to bring someone with you to role play the client profile given. Please ensure your guest is aware of the client profile and the role they are to play during your exam. If you receive an intermediate client profile, it is best for you to choose someone to bring with you who is at least an Intermediate level of fitness. It is not likely a beginner client can role play an Intermediate profile! If you receive a beginner client profile, feel free to bring anyone with you, as an intermediate can role play a beginner profile. Your exam will not exceed 64 minutes as outlined. Please review each section and be prepared to demonstrate all that is asked for: 1. Counselling – Greet your client and review session outline 2. Assessment-­‐ Your PRO TRAINER will ask you to perform two Assessments: Push Up and Sit and Reach. You are to complete the assessments with the person you brought with you as if they were the client in the profile provided. You are to interpret the results using the information for the client profile you were given. 3. Warm up – Although the program you write for your client profile may indicate more time, during your exam you will only demonstrate 4-­‐5 minutes of a warm up. 4. Cardiovascular – Although the program you write for your client profile may indicate more time, during your exam you will only demonstrate 4-­‐5 minutes of Cardiovascular Training. You will be required to demonstrate your skills in taking a manual heart rate check during exercise. 5. Resistance Training -­‐ Although the program you write for your client profile may indicate many exercises, during your exam your PRO TRAINER will ask you to perform 6 exercises. The exercises your PRO TRAINER can choose from are outlined on the exam marking form for you to see and prepare for. You must be familiar with the exercise asked for, along with variations for different fitness levels 6. Stretching – Although the program you write for your client profile may indicate many stretches, during your exam your PRO TRAINER will ask you to perform a stretch for the muscle groups used during the exercises chosen. You must be familiar with the stretches asked for, along with variations for different fitness levels. 7. Closing the session 8. Leadership – You will be marked on professionalism, enthusiasm, confidence to name a few. Remember, leadership means leading by example! Teach your client to wear indoor shoes in the gym, clean equipment after use and put all equipment away when done. Be sure to arrive to your exam on time, and finish on time. Your PRO TRAINER will begin and end all exams on time. You will receive your practical exam mark immediately along with feedback on your strengths and areas to improve. Ensure you have a copy of your valid (within 1 year) CPR to give to your PRO TRAINER. Once all information is complete, your PRO TRAINER will submit to canfitpro, and your Certificate will be issued within 2-­‐4 weeks to you in your canfitpro Interactive page. If you do not have current CPR training (within 1 year) at the time of your completed practical exam, your certification will not be issued until you send a copy of updated CPR to head office and request your file be updated, and your Certificate be issued. In order to complete your Practical Exam, you must contact the PRO TRAINER of your choice, and schedule a date/location with him or her. Practical Exam dates and locations are not listed online. Be sure you are familiar and experienced with exercise machines, body weight exercises, and various other pieces of equipment. Be sure you know how to make each exercise easier, and each exercise harder for different fitness levels. Review and be familiar with stretches for the entire body from a standing, sitting, and lying down positions. Have variations of each ready. Need some help? Let me help you during your canfitpro exam experience. For one on one exam preparation session, please visit http://andreathatcher.com/sessions-­‐with-­‐andrea/exam-­‐
preparation/ I’m here to help J Andrea Thatcher canfitpro PRO TRAINER