Peer Fitness Trainer Program

Module A: Program Framework (Lecture Only)
This module will overview the objectives for the IAFF’s Wellness and Fitness Initiative (which includes the Peer Fitness Trainer Program) and highlight several guiding principles that will help to PFTs with the design and implementation of exercise programs. At the end of this module, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the objective of the WFI and PFT programs
• Describe the demands-capacity framework
• List several guiding principles that are fundamental to the PFT program
• List the seven key movement features

Link to Video Highlights

Module B: Movement Fundamentals (Hands-On Only)
This module will provide an opportunity to perform and observe several variations of a squat, lunge, hinge, push and pull pattern. An emphasis will be placed on noting how subtle variations to how an activity is performed could influence the observation and control of the seven key movement features. At the end of this module, attendees will be able to:

• Demonstrate an ability to observe the seven key features while clients are performing various squat, lunge, hinge, push and pull activities
• Cite reasons why a particular exercise variation might be chosen

Link to Video Highlights

Module C: Coaching and Feedback (Lecture and Hands-On)
This module will overview a three-step process to provide instructions and feedback to clients: 1) What do I want to see? 2) What do I see? 3) What can I do to reinforce or change what I see? Verbal, visual and tactile feedback strategies will also be introduced. At the end of this module, attendees will be able to:

• Provide relevant and effective verbal feedback when appropriate (e.g., simple, lay language, succinct).
• Provide relevant and effective visual feedback when appropriate (e.g., guide, model, replicate).
• Provide relevant and effective tactile feedback when appropriate (e.g., use of modalities to facilitate understanding).

Link to Video Highlights

Module D: F.I.I.T. Principle (Lecture and Hands-On)
This module will introduce the F.I.T.T. principle of training and highlight the possible interactions between each F.I.T.T. variable for endurance, strength and speed/power-oriented exercise sessions. At the end of this module, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the F.I.T.T. principle and comment on the possible interactions between the reps, sets, loads, tempos, and work and rest periods
• List several factors that will influence the effectiveness of an exercise session (design and implementation)
• Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate clients’ movement patterns during an exercise session

Link to Video Highlights

Module A: Program Design I (Design) – (Lecture and Hands-On)
This module will overview a four-step process to design endurance, strength and speed/power-oriented exercise sessions. Demonstrations and case studies will be used to reinforce the concepts discussed. At the end of this module, attendees will be able to:

• Demonstrate an ability to design and adapt speed/power-oriented exercise sessions (including selection of exercises and F.I.T.T.)
• Demonstrate an ability to design and adapt strength-oriented exercise sessions (including selection of exercises and F.I.T.T.)
• Demonstrate an ability to design and adapt endurance-oriented training sessions (including selection of exercises and F.I.T.T.) and comment on the possible interactions between the reps, sets, loads, tempos, and work and rest periods

Link to Video Highlights

Module B: Program Design I (Implementation) – (Hands-On Only)
This module will provide an opportunity for attendees to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in all previous modules to the design and implementation of an exercise session for a small group of peers. At the end of this module, attendees will be able to:

• Design short exercise sessions for small groups of fire fighters to improve their general health and fitness
• Implement (including coaching and feedback) short exercise sessions for small groups of fire fighters to improve their health and fitness
• Give and receive feedback regarding the design and implementation of an exercise session structured to improve general health and fitness

Module C: Describing Demands (Lecture and Hands-On)
This module will highlight the breath of demands (physical, psychological, social, etc.) that may influence fire fighters’ physical activity and lifestyle habits. Strategies such as motivational interviewing and goal setting will be discussed, and an opportunity will be provided to initiate a formal consultation with a client. At the end of this module, attendees will be able to:

• Describe opportunities to use motivational interviewing and goal setting strategies to engage with and learn from clients
• Comment on the potential influence of effective verbal communication skills (e.g., tone of voice, ability to ask relevant questions, use of affirmations)
• Comment on the potential influence of effective non-verbal communication skills (e.g., facial expressions, gestures, enthusiasm)
• Be able to convey a genuine interest in clients’ needs/interests (and be able to adapt based on client feedback – verbal or non-verbal)
• Be able to develop short- and long-term SMART goals using information gathered regarding clients’ demands and capacity

Link to Video Highlights

Module D: Evaluating Capacity (Lecture and Hands-On)
This module will highlight several factors that may influence fire fighters’ performance and, thus, the interpretation of a physical assessment. The structure and advantages and disadvantages of formal and informal assessment will also be discussed and experience via a hands-on activity. At the end of this module, attendees will be able to:

• Comment on the advantages and disadvantages of formal and informal assessments
• Design and administer a formal assessment (including the documentation of relevant information)
• Design and administer an informal assessment (including the documentation of relevant information)
• Demonstrate an ability to interpret and use the information collected during a formal and informal assessment to design an exercise session

Link to Video Highlights

Module A: Energy Systems (Lecture and Hands-On)
This module will compare and contrast the physical demands required to achieve several training-related adaptations using a common framework. Training intensity, work duration and rating of perceived effort (RPE) will be discussed in relation to the training objectives and energy systems being used. At the end of this module, attendees will be able to:

• Comment on the role that training intensity, training duration and the relative effort of the performer have on the training adaptation
• Describe the importance of choosing an appropriate work-to-rest ratio
• Discuss the potential value in collecting objective (e.g., reps) and subjective (e.g., RPE) information during an assessment or exercise session

Link to Video Highlights

Module B: Warm-Up and Recovery (Lecture and Hands-On)
This module will highlight the role and structure of an effective warm-up and discuss the potential benefits of stretching. Hands-on experiences will be used to reinforce the concepts presented in an exercise setting. At the end of this module, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the role and structure of an effective warm-up.
• Describe the potential benefits of stretching and the factors that will influence the extent to which they are achieved (e.g., how and what you stretch matters)

Module C: Exercise Selection I (Lecture and Hands-On)
This module will discuss two general principles: 1) strength is needed to move quickly and 2) working harder is not always advantageous. Principles of biomechanics, such as momentum, impulse and moment arms, will be used to inform the selection of exercise progressions for performers with specific interests/needs. At the end of this module, attendees will be able to:

• Comment on why strength is needed to move quickly and link this notion to the selection and progression of exercises
• Comment on different options to make an exercise easier or harder by changing the way that someone moves or positions his or her body in space
• Justify the selection or progression of an exercise using mechanical principles

Link to Video Highlights

Module D: Exercise Selection II (Lecture and Hands-On)
This module will discuss the notion of “core training” through several lenses. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the role of the trunk musculature and the selection and progression of exercises that impose an appropriate demand. At the end of this module, attendees will be able to:

• Comment on the role that the “core” plays in the prevention of injury, performance and quality of life
• Highlight the potential advantages and disadvantages of “core” exercises that involve dynamic spine motion and limited spine motion
• Categorize static and dynamic exercises with regards to the specific demands placed on the trunk musculature

Link to Video Highlights

Module A: Program Design II (Design) – (Hands-On Only)
This module will provide an opportunity to design an exercise session for a specific client that will be delivered to a large group of fire fighters with varying abilities. At the end of this module, attendees will be able to:

• Design exercise sessions for a large group of fire fighters with varying abilities
• Develop short- and long-term SMART goals for a client using information regarding their demands and capacity

Module B: Program Design II (Implementation) – (Hands-On Only)
This module will provide an opportunity to implement an exercise session to a large group of fire fighters with varying abilities. Several opportunities will also be given to serve as a client and provide feedback to a group of peers regarding the design, organization and coaching of their session. At the end of this module, attendees will be able to:

• Implement exercise sessions for large groups of clients with dissimilar needs/interests (e.g., instructions, organization, feedback)
• Adapt the demands of an exercise session to better suit a particular client
• Give and receive feedback on specific aspects of a group exercise session

Module C: Knowledge Translation (Hands-On Only)
This module will provide an opportunity for every attendee to give a wellness-related presentation in front of a large group. An emphasis will be placed on communication and making the information relevant to the audience. At the end of this module, attendees will be able to:

• Convey relevant information to a group in a clear and concise manner (e.g., presentation skills) using personal examples and language that would be relevant to the audience

Module A: Case Study A – Leadership (Hands-On Only)
This module is structured as a case study and will be used to review the importance of leadership at all levels of a department.

Module B: Case Study B – Assessment (Hands-On Only)
This module is structured as a case study and will be used to review the assessment process (i.e., gathering information). An emphasis will be placed on gathering information for the purpose of designing a suitable exercise intervention. 

Module C: Case Study C – Design (Hands-On Only)
This module is structured as a case study and will be used to review the design of exercise sessions for a range of fire fighters with diverse objectives (e.g., weight loss, CPAT, retirement, return to work). 

Module D: Case Study D – Implementation (Hands-On Only)
This module is structured as a case study and will be used to review the sharing of wellness and fitness information and the implementation of exercise programs.

A certified IAFF/IAFC/ACE Peer Fitness Trainer requires a basic understanding of applicable scientific foundations and practical applications. Accordingly, the candidate will be tested on knowledge of physical demands and capacity, acute and chronic injuries, biomechanics, exercise science, fitness evaluation, exercise programming, learning styles, coaching and motivation techniques, biomechanical exercise techniques, IAFF/IAFC Wellness Fitness Initiative (WFI) and professional responsibility. It also examines the candidate’s motivational and communication skills. The examination has 100 multiple choice questions. The content of the examination includes:

Assessment: 20%

Program Design: 30%

Program Implementation: 42%

Program Administration: 8%

Percentages indicate how much of the examination is devoted to each area.

Passing Score and Equating Process

The candidate’s examination will be scored according to procedures accepted by the American Psychological Association, the American Educational Research Association and the National Council on Measurement in Education. The score is derived from the number of questions answered correctly and will be reported as a pass/fail score. Candidates are not penalized for guessing and are encouraged to answer all questions to the best of their ability.

Scoring and Diagnostic Reports

Upon written email request to the IAFF Division of Health and Safety, a candidate that fails the examination will be given information about what PFT content areas need improvement.

However, if the candidate failed the examination and felt there was an error in the score, the candidate can request that the examination be re-scored. Your request:

• Must be made within six months of your examination date.
• Must be in writing to the Wasdyke Associates and must be accompanied by a $25 fee, payable to Wasdyke Associates, LLC. They will inform you of your re-scored results within four weeks. They can be contacted at:
  Wasdyke Associates, LLC
  606A North Talbot Street, Suite 101
  St. Michaels, Maryland 21663

Receiving Your Examination Results

• Examination results will be mailed directly to the candidate approximately 4-6 weeks after the examination day.
• Examination scores are confidential; therefore, they will not be provided by phone, fax or email.
• If you pass the examination, you will receive a PFT certificate packet approximately 4-6 weeks after receiving your examination results.
• Illegible or incorrect mailing information will delay the certification process.

You should contact the IAFF Division of Health and Safety if you do not receive either your examination results or PFT packet within the time frames stated above. Examination score records will be maintained for the duration of your certificate.

Disqualification

You may be disqualified from taking or continuing in the examination process, or from receiving examination results, if ACE and the IAFF determines through either examiner observation or statistical analysis that you were engaged in collaborative, disruptive or other unacceptable behavior before, during or following the administration of the IAFF/IAFC/ACE examination. No refund will be given.

If you have a special testing need, we will try our best to accommodate you. Special requests regarding any of the following must be received by the IAFF at least 30 days prior to the examination date.

• Religious Obligations. If the certification examination is held on a day that conflicts with your religious obligations, the IAFF will try to arrange a special examination day for you. Please include a letter from your clergy to the IAFF with your registration indicating your need for a special examination day.
• Limited English Proficiency. At this time, the IAFF/IAFC/ACE certification examinations are offered only in English. If English is not your first language and you wish to have additional time to take the examination, submit a copy of your birth certificate or passport to the IAFF with your registration and a letter from your supervisor indicating that you are otherwise qualified but need additional time.
• Visual, sensory, physical or other disability that prevents you from taking the examination under standard conditions. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a professional qualified to diagnose the disability must make documentation of the disability. Written requests and completed registration information from disabled candidates must include a description of the accommodation requested. The IAFF and/or ACE reserves the right to determine the reasonableness of the accommodation requested. This special request must be postmarked 30 days prior to the examination date.

If your concern is not listed, please call or write to the IAFF.

With the support of their local IAFF affiliate, any department can serve as a host site.

Scheduling

To schedule this course for your local or department, complete the request form below and email it to [email protected].

PFT Continuing Education Course Request Form

Payment of Fees

The Two-Day PFT Continuing Education course is a $7,000 fixed payment due upfront to acquire class dates for a maximum of 35 participants.

Host Site Responsibilities

• Arrange for facilities with at least 3,000 square feet of open space to accommodate both the classroom and hands-on/experiential learning portions of the class.
• Arrange for training space with tables and chairs to seat all registered participants and an instructor’s table at the front of the room. The room must be free of distractions and at a comfortable temperature.
• Supply training equipment, including reliable internet connection, LCD projector, screen, computer, sound, dry erase board or flipchart and markers.
• Arrange for fitness equipment required to conduct training.
• Identify one person to serve as the point of contact. This person secures a training space, navigates the pre-class process directly with IAFF staff, handles registration, communicates with participants and oversees other logistics.
• Suggest lunch options so that participants can finish lunch within the one-hour break each day.

IAFF Responsibilities

• Provide two-day Peer Fitness Trainer Continuing Education course training.
• Arrange for two IAFF instructors to deliver the training and pay all instructor-related expenses (e.g., travel, hotel).
• Provide guidance on meeting logistics.
• Supply and ship student manuals to host site coordinator or registered participants.

Attendees

This two-day workshop is designed specifically for fire service personnel who have attended the five-day PFT Certificate course; however, all fire fighter and EMS providers employed by a fire department may attend. Prior coaching experience and an exercise background is essential.

With approval from the local IAFF president, host sites may choose to invite other relevant community members (e.g., third-party contractors providing wellness-fitness services to your members) to expose these non-fire personnel to fire fighter and EMS culture.

With the support of their local IAFF affiliate, any department can serve as a host site.

Scheduling

To schedule this course for your local or department, complete the request form below and email it to [email protected].

PFT Continuing Education Course Request Form (coming soon)

Payment of Fees

Coming soon.

Host Site Responsibilities

• Arrange for facilities with at least 3,000 square feet of open space to accommodate both the classroom and hands-on/experiential learning portions of the class.
• Arrange for training space with tables and chairs to seat all registered participants and an instructor’s table at the front of the room. The room must be free of distractions and at a comfortable temperature.
• Supply training equipment, including reliable internet connection, LCD projector, screen, computer, sound, dry erase board or flipchart and markers.
• Arrange for fitness equipment required to conduct training.
• Identify one person to serve as the point of contact. This person secures a training space, navigates the pre-class process directly with IAFF staff, handles registration, communicates with participants and oversees other logistics.
• Suggest lunch options so that participants can finish lunch within the one-hour break each day.

IAFF Responsibilities

• Provide one-day Peer Fitness Trainer Continuing Education course training.
• Arrange for IAFF instructors to deliver the training and pay all instructor-related expenses (e.g., travel, hotel).
• Provide guidance on meeting logistics.
• Supply and ship student manuals to host site coordinator or registered participants.

Attendees

This one-day workshop is designed specifically for fire service personnel who have attended the five-day PFT Certificate course; however, all fire fighter and EMS providers employed by a fire department may attend. Prior coaching experience and an exercise background is essential.

With approval from the local IAFF president, host sites may choose to invite other relevant community members (e.g., third-party contractors providing wellness-fitness services to your members) to expose these non-fire personnel to fire fighter and EMS culture.