Introduction
The Level 3 Personal Trainer Practical Assessment is an essential part of the process for personal trainers seeking to advance their qualifications. This particular assessment allows those individuals to demonstrate competency in not only areas such as physical training and programming, but also in guidance, evaluation, communication and more. It is a key step that highlights the abilities of a potential trainer when it comes to working with clients and ensuring effective workout results.
This assessment evaluates candidates on their ability to develop bespoke exercises and programmes that are tailored according to the individual’s needs by assessing client stability, range of motion, intensity and postures. In addition to this, personal trainers must be able to motivate clients in order to achieve desired results; the assessment tests these leadership skills by collecting evidence of how they carry out the different parts of any given program.
Furthermore, a successful completion of this practical assessment requires adequate knowledge related to anatomy, nutrition principles and exercise physiology needed for providing specialized advice or programs taking into account age, fitness level or medical conditions. The outcome of this assessment can also be used as evidence when obtaining insurance cover in aspects such as public liability or professional indemnity policies. Therefore participation in this type of evaluation is incredibly important for the success and professional development of any personal trainer seeking recognition or further career prospects in this field.
Overview
In order to take the Level 3 Personal Trainer Practical Assessment, candidates must have the following qualifications: Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructor Principles, Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training, and Level 3 Nutrition Certificate. Candidates must also have experience of working with clients as a personal trainer for at least 6 months prior to taking the assessment. Upon successful completion of the assessment, candidates will be recognized by REP’s (Register of Exercise Professionals) as a fitness professional, who is able to create and deliver safe and effective exercise programmes to each individual client.
Preparation
Books:
1. The Anatomy of Fitness – Delavier, Frédéric
2. Creating the Perfect Fitness Application – Franklin, Pete
3. The Personal Training Business Bible – Reifsteck, Tristaca
4. Practical Programming for Strength Training – Rippetoe, Mark and Baker, Andy
5. Strength Training Anatomy – DeLorme, Frederic and Watkins, Wayne
6. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning – Baechle and Earle
7. The Trainers Guide to Functional Anatomy – Finestone, Jamie H
Online Courses:
1. Introduction to Physical Health & Wellness – edX
2. Introduction to Personal Training Theory & Techniques – Udemy
3. NASM Certified Personal Trainer Program– National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
4. ACE Study Program for Group Exercise Instructors – ACE Fitness
5. ACE Certified Professional Trainer– American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Webinars:
1. Strength Training for Rehabilitation & Performance- UCO Performance Webinars
2. Start Up; Running a Successful Personal Training Business – Precision Nutrition Webinars
3. Agility Drills: Improving Speed & Explosive Power – Perform Better Webinars 4. Resistance Band Workouts – Corrective Exercise Specialist Summit (CESS) Webinars 5. Advanced Program Design Strategies – Academies of Professional Education (APE) Webinars
Test Structure
The structure of a Level 3 Personal Trainer practical assessment will vary depending on which assessing body is conducting the assessment. Generally, the assessment will include an exam covering theoretical aspects and basic methodology for personal training. In addition, it will also have an on-the-job exercise assessment that evaluates a person’s ability to perform basic personal training exercises with sound technique and knowledge. The assessor may also evaluate other areas such as client/trainer interaction and communication skills.
In some cases, the assessing body may also include a detailed record or portfolio demonstrating evidenced practice in various tasks relating to personal training or group workout instruction. Depending on the body, the candidate could be required to create short videos discussing pre-planned workouts or other educational projects.
In conclusion, each assessing body will likely have their own specific requirements when it comes to passing a Level 3 Personal Trainer Practical Assessment. Therefore, it is important to investigate what will be required of you by the individual assessment provider so that you can adequately prepare yourself for success!
Assessment Day Tips
It is always helpful to learn from the experiences of others who have gone through the same Level 3 Personal Trainer Practical Assessment. Those who have been successful can provide insight into the types of questions that are asked and how to best approach them. Additionally, they can provide guidance on how to showcase your knowledge confidently, while demonstrating a confident, enthusiastic presence throughout the assessment. Similarly, those who were unsuccessful can provide valuable feedback on areas they may not have done as well, so you can go in better prepared. Above all else though, it’s important to practice and be well-prepared for the day of your practical assessment.
Scoring and Results
Potential pitfalls during the Level 3 Personal Trainer Practical Assessment that may reduce the likelihood of success include:
-Failing to complete all tasks assigned in the allotted time, since examiners are looking for those who can perform under pressure and complete tasks within certain parameters.
-Neglecting to demonstrate strong communication skills, such as speaking loudly and clearly, using appropriate language, maintaining eye contact with participants, and accurately describing movements and exercises.
-Not providing a safe environment and demonstrating poor risk management throughout the assessment – this includes setting challenges that are too advanced for the participant’s capabilities or failing to adequately explain any potential risks associated with certain exercises.
-Not properly identifying any signs of discomfort or pain among participants, which could be an indicator of injury and require swift intervention.
-Misunderstanding physical abilities of the participant by emphasizing exercises that may be too difficult or overloading them with wrong type of equipment. Also important is making sure to tailor each exercise session according to individual fitness levels
-Incorrectly demonstrating exercises/drills/sets/and principles of programming – this includes demonstrating incorrect technique for an exercise or teaching incongruous principles of repetition, intensity, progression etc.
Final Considerations
Once you have completed your Level 3 Personal Trainer Practical Assessment, it is important to continue your professional development. Consider attending continuing education workshops and seminars offered by professional organizations in the fitness industry. It is also a good idea to stay up to date on the methods and technologies used in personal training so that you can offer innovative and effective services to your clients. Additionally, participating in an internship program or working closely with an experienced mentor can help give you the insight and expertise needed to be successful in your profession. Don’t forget to keep up-to-date records of your continuing education as it will be necessary when applying for most jobs or renewing certifications!
Passionate about providing useful information to anyone with an interest in the field of Personal Training, I strive to pass on to our readers quality information and to answer any questions about Personal Trainers, the work they do and how to become one.
