Top 10 Physical Education Teacher Certifications

Certifications for physical education teachers are important in the job market, as they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that is valued by employers. Having a certification can help set you apart from other candidates and show that you have taken the extra steps to gain a deeper understanding of physical education and its related skills. Certification can also provide additional credentials to back up your teaching experience, giving you an edge over other applicants who lack certification. In addition, certifications may be required by employers or state boards in order to teach physical education in some states.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Physical Education Teachers and explain how they can help advance a physical education teacher's career.

What are Physical Education Teacher Certifications?

Physical education teacher certification is a professional qualification that allows individuals to teach physical education in public, private, and charter schools. This certification is typically obtained through college coursework and/or a state-approved examination.

Physical education teacher certification is important because it ensures that physical educators possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide students with a safe, effective learning experience. It also gives employers assurance that certified teachers are knowledgeable about the latest standards for physical education and can apply them appropriately in their classrooms.

In addition to providing students with an excellent educational experience, certified physical education teachers are able to help students understand the importance of leading an active lifestyle and making healthy lifestyle choices. They can develop programs that meet the needs of individual students while promoting team building and encouraging good sportsmanship among all participants. By helping students understand how regular exercise can improve overall health and well being, they can empower them to make positive decisions regarding their own health throughout their lives.

Finally, physical education teacher certification can help qualified individuals advance in their careers by demonstrating a commitment to excellence in the field of physical education instruction. Having this credential may make you more competitive when applying for positions or promotions within your school district or other organizations related to physical education instruction.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the specific requirements for physical education teacher certification in your state. Each state has different requirements, so it is important to make sure you are up to date on the latest regulations and guidelines.

Related: What does a Physical Education Teacher do?

Top 10 Physical Education Teacher Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Physical Education Teachers today.

1. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is a nonprofit organization that works to advance the quality of teaching and learning by setting high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. NBPTS certification is a voluntary process that recognizes teachers who have met these high standards.

In order to become certified, teachers must complete an extensive application process that includes submitting evidence of their teaching practice, completing a series of assessments, and participating in an interview with trained assessors. The entire process typically takes between one and three years to complete.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the state in which it is sought. Generally, there are fees associated with each step in the process, including registration fees, assessment fees, and travel costs for the interviews. In addition, some states may offer financial incentives for those who successfully complete the certification process.

To get started on the path towards NBPTS certification, interested teachers should contact their state department of education or local school district to find out more about eligibility requirements and available resources.

2. American Council on Exercise (ACE) Physical Education Teacher Certification

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) Physical Education Teacher Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide physical education teachers with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to teach physical education effectively. The certification is valid for five years and requires renewal every five years.

To become certified, applicants must first complete an ACE-approved physical education teacher preparation program or equivalent coursework from a regionally accredited college or university. They must also pass the ACE Physical Education Teacher Certification Exam with a score of 75% or higher. In addition, applicants must have two years of teaching experience in physical education and/or health-related fields.

The cost of the ACE Physical Education Teacher Certification exam is $299 USD. There are also additional fees associated with the application process and renewal fees after five years.

3. National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Physical Education Teacher

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Physical Education Teacher (CPET) certification is a professional credential for physical education teachers. It is designed to recognize physical educators who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to teach physical education effectively.

The CPET certification requires applicants to successfully complete an exam that tests their knowledge of physical education best practices, safety protocols, and teaching strategies. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, motor development, exercise science, nutrition, health promotion, injury prevention/management, sport psychology, and pedagogical methods.

In order to be eligible for the CPET certification exam, applicants must possess a bachelor's degree in physical education or a related field from an accredited institution. Applicants must also have completed at least two years of full-time teaching experience in physical education or a related field within the past five years.

It typically takes about three months to complete the application process and take the CPET exam. After submitting an application online and providing supporting documentation such as transcripts and proof of teaching experience, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. The cost of the exam is $225 USD for NSCA members ($275 USD for non-members).

4. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Physical Education Teacher

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Physical Education Teacher (CPET) is a professional certification program for physical education teachers. This certification is designed to recognize physical educators who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality instruction in physical education. The CPET certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by completing continuing education activities.

To become an ACSM Certified Physical Education Teacher, individuals must meet certain requirements, including:

• Possessing a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in physical education, exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field.
• Having at least two years of full-time teaching experience in physical education within the last five years.
• Passing the ACSM Certified Physical Education Teacher Exam with a score of 70% or higher.
• Completing the ACSM Certified Physical Education Teacher Application and paying all associated fees.

The cost of becoming an ACSM Certified Physical Education Teacher varies depending on the individual’s circumstances and may include application fees, exam fees, and continuing education fees. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $200 to $400 to become certified as a CPET.

5. National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) Certification

The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of physical education. It is designed to provide physical educators with the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the profession.

To obtain the NASPE certification, applicants must first complete an approved physical education program at an accredited college or university. This program must include courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, motor development, health education, and other related topics. Once the educational requirements are met, applicants must pass a comprehensive written exam administered by NASPE. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as pedagogy, curriculum design, assessment techniques, and professional standards.

The cost of obtaining NASPE certification varies depending on the type of program chosen. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 for each exam taken as part of the certification process. Additionally, some programs may require additional fees for materials or resources used during the coursework portion of the program.

In total, it usually takes between one and two years to complete all requirements necessary for NASPE certification. During this time period applicants should expect to spend several hours studying for exams and completing coursework assignments. After passing all exams and successfully completing all coursework requirements, applicants will receive their official NASPE certification card which can be used to demonstrate their credentials when applying for jobs or promotions within the field of physical education.

6. National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaching Certificate

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaching Certificate is a recognition of coaching excellence. It is awarded to coaches who have completed the NFHS Coaches Education Program, which is designed to provide coaches with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to be successful in their sport. The program consists of three courses: Coaching Fundamentals, Sport-Specific Theory and Practice, and Risk Management.

The program takes approximately 12 hours to complete and can be done online or through an approved NFHS Coach Education Program provider. The cost of the program varies depending on the provider chosen but typically ranges from $50-$150.

In order to receive the NFHS Coaching Certificate, coaches must successfully complete all three courses within two years of registration and pass an online exam at the end of each course with a minimum score of 70%. Upon successful completion, coaches will receive an official certificate from the NFHS along with a patch for their uniform.

7. USA Weightlifting Level 1 Sports Performance Coach Certification

USA Weightlifting Level 1 Sports Performance Coach Certification is a certification program designed to provide coaches with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively coach athletes in Olympic weightlifting. It is an entry-level certification that provides coaches with a basic understanding of the sport, its rules and regulations, coaching methods, and safety protocols.

The Level 1 Sports Performance Coach Certification consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person practical assessment. The online course covers topics such as anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, sports psychology, coaching methodology, and technical instruction for Olympic weightlifting movements. The in-person practical assessment requires coaches to demonstrate their ability to teach Olympic weightlifting movements by leading a group of athletes through a warmup session and teaching them how to perform the exercises correctly.

The Level 1 Sports Performance Coach Certification takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. To get certified, applicants must first register for the program on USA Weightlifting's website. Once registered, they will receive access to the online course materials which they must complete before attending the in-person practical assessment. Upon successful completion of both components of the program, coaches will receive their Level 1 Sports Performance Coach Certification.

The cost of USA Weightlifting's Level 1 Sports Performance Coach Certification varies depending on location but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD.

8. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer

The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer is a certification program designed to provide personal trainers with the knowledge and skills necessary to help their clients reach their health and fitness goals. The program is designed for individuals who want to become certified personal trainers, as well as those already working in the field who want to upgrade their qualifications.

To become a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, you must complete a comprehensive course of study that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience. This course typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on the individual’s learning style and availability. During this time, students will learn about exercise physiology, nutrition, anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics, injury prevention and management, program design, lifestyle coaching and more.

In order to get certified through NASM, applicants must first pass an online exam that tests their knowledge of the material covered in the coursework. After passing the exam, they must then submit an application packet which includes proof of current CPR/AED certification as well as any other required documentation. Once approved by NASM’s Board of Directors, applicants will be awarded the title of “Certified Personal Trainer” (CPT).

The cost for becoming a NASM Certified Personal Trainer varies depending on how you choose to pursue your certification. If you choose to take an online course or attend an in-person class at a local college or university, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500-$2,000 for tuition and related fees. Additionally, there are several self-paced study programs available for purchase online that range from $200-$600 depending on the provider. Finally, if you choose to take the exam directly through NASM without taking any courses first, it will cost around $599 plus any applicable taxes or fees.

9. American Red Cross First Aid, CPR & AED Certification

American Red Cross First Aid, CPR & AED Certification is a program designed to teach individuals how to respond in emergency situations and provide care for those who are injured or ill. It is a comprehensive course that covers topics such as basic first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) use, choking relief, and other related topics. The certification program is offered online and can be completed in as little as four hours.

To get certified, individuals must complete the online course and pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an American Red Cross certificate valid for two years from the date of issue.

The cost of the American Red Cross First Aid, CPR & AED Certification varies depending on the type of certification chosen. Basic certification costs around $30 while more advanced certifications can cost up to $90. In addition, there may be additional fees for materials such as books or DVDs that are required for some courses.

10. International Youth Conditioning Association (IYCA) Youth Fitness Specialist

The International Youth Conditioning Association (IYCA) Youth Fitness Specialist is a certification program that provides fitness professionals with the knowledge, skills, and resources to help young athletes improve their physical performance. The IYCA Youth Fitness Specialist certification is designed to help fitness professionals develop safe and effective training programs for youth athletes.

The IYCA Youth Fitness Specialist certification consists of two courses: Foundations of Youth Fitness and Applied Youth Training. The Foundations of Youth Fitness course covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, motor development, injury prevention, and more. The Applied Youth Training course focuses on exercise selection, program design, coaching techniques, and other topics related to working with young athletes.

To become an IYCA Youth Fitness Specialist, you must complete both courses within 12 months. Each course takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete. After completing the courses, you must pass the certification exam in order to receive your IYCA Youth Fitness Specialist certification.

The cost of the IYCA Youth Fitness Specialist certification is $299 USD for both courses and the exam. This fee includes access to all course materials and a certificate upon successful completion of the program.

Do You Really Need a Physical Education Teacher Certificate?

Yes, physical education teachers need a physical education teacher certificate. A certificate is an important credential that demonstrates to prospective employers that the teacher has received the necessary training and qualifications to be able to teach physical education effectively. The certificate also serves as proof of the teacher’s commitment to their profession and helps them stand out from other applicants who may not have taken the time and effort to become certified.

Physical education is an important part of any child’s development. It is not only about improving physical fitness but also about teaching children life skills such as teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship, motivation, and discipline. In order for a teacher to be effective in this role, they must have the knowledge, experience and qualifications needed to ensure that students are receiving quality instruction.

A physical education teacher certificate proves that a teacher has undergone rigorous training in order to become certified. This includes courses on topics such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, exercise science, biomechanics, motor development and health science. In addition to taking these classes, teachers must also pass exams in order to prove their knowledge of these subjects. The certification process ensures that all teachers are sufficiently prepared to teach physical education in a safe and effective manner.

Having a physical education teacher certificate gives teachers the credibility needed for employment opportunities in schools or other organizations such as youth programs or recreation centers. Employers can rest assured knowing that they have hired someone who is qualified and knowledgeable enough to handle their job responsibilities properly. Physical education teachers with certification can also open up opportunities for professional growth by attending conferences or workshops related to their field of expertise or continuing their educational journey through advanced degrees in exercise science or kinesiology.

In summary, having a physical education teacher certificate is an important credential for any aspiring physical educator. It demonstrates commitment towards professional growth while also proving that the individual has acquired the necessary knowledge and skills required for successful teaching practices in this field.

Related: Physical Education Teacher Resume Examples

FAQs About Physical Education Teacher Certifications

1. What is a physical education teacher certification?

Answer: A physical education teacher certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual has met the qualifications necessary to teach physical education in their state. It typically involves completing an approved program of study, passing required exams, and meeting any other requirements set by the state.

2. How do I become certified as a physical education teacher?

Answer: To become certified as a physical education teacher, you must complete an approved program of study in physical education, pass required exams (such as the Praxis Physical Education Content Knowledge Exam), and meet any other requirements set by the state in which you wish to teach.

3. Are there different types of physical education teacher certifications?

Answer: Yes, there are different types of physical education teacher certifications depending on the grade level and subject they will be teaching. For example, some states offer elementary physical education certifications as well as secondary school specializations such as health and fitness or coaching.

4. Do I need to renew my physical education teacher certification?

Answer: Yes, most states require that physical education teachers renew their certification every few years in order to remain current with changes in educational standards and laws. The renewal process may involve taking additional classes or workshops, submitting paperwork for review, or paying fees associated with maintaining certification status.

5. What are some benefits of obtaining a physical education teacher certification?

Answer: Obtaining a physical education teacher certification can open up many opportunities for career advancement within the field of teaching and educational administration. Additionally, having this credential can increase your job security and make you more attractive to potential employers when applying for jobs within the field of teaching or related fields such as coaching or sports administration.