Fitness Specialist Certification, Certificate of Proficiency
Certificates of Proficiency are designed for the student who needs to be prepared to enter an entry-level job. A department-issued certificate may be awarded upon successful completion of a prescribed course of study. This certificate will not appear on a student’s transcript. The Exercise Science and Wellness Department offers a program in Fitness Specialist Certification which is designed to prepare students to take nationally recognized certification examinations offered throughout the fitness industry. For more details, contact the ES department chair at (619) 644-7402.
The Exercise Science and Wellness Department offers a Fitness Specialist Certificate. Designed as a 1-year program with sequenced courses, this certificate prepares students to successfully pass national fitness certification exams as well as work in the fitness industry. The courses for the Fitness Specialist Certification are different than those required for transfer to 4-year institutions in Exercise Science or Kinesiology; courses are intended as vocational preparation rather than a step for a baccalaureate degree. For more details, contact the ES department chair at (619) 644-7400.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:- Analyze client health and performance data and apply principles of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to design and implement safe, effective, and evidence-based fitness programs that meet the needs of diverse and special populations.
- Demonstrate professional communication, instructional, and assessment skills; adapt exercise programs for clients with varying abilities and health conditions; and apply ethical standards and inclusive practices that support client safety, engagement, and long-term wellness.
Certificate Requirements
Note: All courses must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or higher or “Pass.”
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ES-255 | Care and Prevention of Athletic and Recreational Injuries | 3 |
| ES-291 | Anatomy and Kinesiology for Fitness Specialists | 2 |
| ES-292 | Exercise Physiology for Fitness Specialists | 2 |
| ES-293 | Strength Trainer/Fitness Assessments for Fitness Specialists | 2 |
| ES-294 | Exercise Application & Program Design | 2 |
| ES-296 | Internship Seminar for Fitness Specialists | 1 |
| ES-297 | Internship for Fitness Specialists | 1 |
| NUTR-158 | Nutrition for Fitness and Sports | 3 |
| Total Units | 16 | |