BECOMING AN RTS® — EXAMS & RENEWAL
Keep in mind...
Ultimately, it's not about the certification... it's about the EDUCATION!
Education vs. Certification
Most organizations are in the business of certification, promoting their exams and certification above their information (or misinformation as the case may be.) RTS is in the business of education the primary goal of which is to alter the practitioners perspective and understanding of exercise, human structure, and the properties of resistance in order to change the way exercise is perceived and delivered, ultimately, to the benefit of the client, member, or patient; to encourage the development of rationales and thought processes so that professional decisions may be made rather than supposition and the blind following of tradition, myths, magic, trends, and gurus.
Certification is simply a service that RTS provides... reluctantly. Reluctantly because when students focus on getting that piece of paper they often miss the real goal. When individuals receive a certificate they often don't apply the info or do not maintain the high standards of practice that were the entire point in the first place. At RTS, certification means not just meeting and maintaining the level required to initially pass, but continually improving in skill, thought processes, etc. to further one's self, as well as the industry.
Go wherever is convenient to get a piece of paper to hang on the wall.
Come to RTS to get the information, perspectives, and skills that will help your client and
your career by setting you apart as a true exercise professional.
Why does RTS provide certification at all? Because there are many individuals who work hard to improve themselves, their clients' experiences, the industry, and truly love exercise mechanics, and the methods through which RTS applies it. Those people truly embody RTS and have earned the right to not only benefit from the distinction of excellence that the designation "RTS" offers, but have also earned the right to represent it.
The goal of the exams is to determine ones understanding of RTS perspectives on exercise mechanics and related issues as well as their applications as presented in both class and the associated syllabi. Although this is the most basic level RTS offers, it is an extremely advanced specialty certification by current industry standards.
Becoming a certified Resistance Training Specialist... RTS
Course attendance alone does not qualify one to use the titles RTS®, Resistance Training Specialist®, RTSM, or Mastery Level Resistance Training Specialist.
Testing is not mandatory, but is available for those who wish to earn the right to use the appropriate RTS title behind their names ("RTS" or "RTSM") or call themselves "Resistance Training Specialist".
For an individual it shows the world that you have not only exceeded the industry standards of competency, but are a true specialist and have demonstrated professional standards and excellence beyond the capacities of the vast majority of those currently considered to be "exercise experts".
For a club it is a way of assessing trainer competency while creating a unified language and thought process as well as a unique position within the market place.
RTS123 Examinations and RTS Certification
- There are 40 exams required for RTS certification. Each exam represents a chapter of a syllabus and the associated course presentation.
- The exams are $10 each with the first exam (1.01 Intro to RTS) being free of charge for a total of $390.
- Questions are taken from the syllabi, the lecture, discussions, and practical presentations.
- More specifics on the exam process can be found at the RTS Exam Store under the heading "Read Me First: Introduction to the RTS Online Examination Process"
Why are there 40 exams instead of one big one?
The benefit of individual chapter exams:
- Shorter exam periods improve mental performance.
- Initial study time can be focused on only the specific section/s you desire to take at any given time.
- If you do not pass a specific section, you know exactly what area to review, and the retest price is limited to only that section. (Conversely, if you fail a $500 sixteen hour licensing exam in another industry, you typically have to take the entire thing again for the full price.)
- Allows for more extensive questioning over each section making it more representative of the details over which the RTS should have command.
Go to: RTS Exams Store
RTS Certification Renewal / Maintenance
Individuals may pass an exam and still not represent the ideals of the program that they supposedly understand and value... and which in turn lends them credibility. For this reason we have strict standards associated with remaining an RTS and we will not hesitate to revoke one's certification if he/she does not uphold the standards of practice set forth.
Because RTS and the related thought process are unique within the industry, RTS certification can only be maintained by completing at least one of the following every TWO years post certification:
- Successfully complete (re-take) the RTS online examinations
- $390 if passed on first attempt; plus updated syllabi if required $110 = $500
- Attend one module of the RTS123 course
- $600 or $550 online plus travel as required
- Attend one module of the RTS Mastery program
- $975 plus travel if required
- Attend one RTS or RTSM elective
- Prices vary; plus travel if required
Other programs, courses, or university classes may be submitted for approval, HOWEVER, it is recommended that such programs be submitted a minimum of 60 days PRIOR to attendance to insure acceptance as RTS or RTSM continuing education. You must submit a course synopsis and presenter bio/cv, and then undergo a phone interview over the topic/course and how it relates to RTS perspectives and how it furthered you understanding and application of RTS principles. If accepted, a $50 administration fee is charged for renewal with a non-RTS course.
Renewal after two years (expired certification):
- Successfully complete (re-take) the RTS online examinations
- Attend one module of the RTS Mastery program
RTSM Examinations and RTSM Certification
The Mastery Level RTS exam is a two day process that includes:
- A four hour one-on-one verbal examination covering RTSM Science.
- Presentation of randomly assigned portions of the RTSM courses including structural analysis, machine analysis, and exercise analysis to other examinees.
- Physical demonstration of Exercise Experience™ including exercise performance and cues
- Basic RTS (RTS123) competency
RTS Mastery Exam Fee $600
RTSM Certification Renewal / Maintenance
Because RTSM and the related thought process are unique within the industry, RTS Mastery Level certification can only be maintained by attending at least one of the following every two years post certification:
- One module of the RTS Mastery program
- One RTSM elective
Other programs, courses, or university classes may be submitted for approval, HOWEVER, it is recommended that such programs be submitted a minimum of 60 days PRIOR to attendance to insure acceptance as RTS or RTSM continuing education. A $50 administration fee is charged for renewal with a non-RTS course.
Replacement of Certificates and Letters of Attendance
- Letter of attendance replacement $20
- Certificate replacement $50 (plus shipping for international)
- RTSM plaque replacement $200 plus shipping
