Aerobic Certification

AFPA Personal Trainer & Fitness Certifications are internationally recognized with over 57,000 Certified Personal Trainers & Fitness Professionals worldwide.

AFPA Personal Trainer & Fitness Certifications are nationally recognized & demonstrates to your peers, supervisors, and the public your commitment to your chosen career and your ability to perform.

An AFPA Personal Trainer & Fitness Professional has displayed practical and academic excellence in their field of certification and has fulfilled set industry standards and requirements.

AFPA Personal Trainer & Fitness Certifications prepares you for greater on the job responsibilities. Since certification is a voluntary professional commitment to an industry or field of knowledge, it is a clear indicator of your willingness to invest in your own professional development.

AFPA Personal Trainer & Fitness Certifications can provide greater earning potential. Certified personal trainers and fitness professionals earn more than non-certified personal trainers.

AFPA Personal Trainer & Fitness Certifications programs seek to grow, promote, and develop certified professionals, who can stand "out in front" as examples of excellence in the industry an field. AFPA offers continued education opportunities through CEC courses and educational conferences. The AFPA website offers countless research articles and links as well as a free monthly online newsletter.

FAQ's

What Certification Programs does AFPA offer?

AFPA has designed 17 certification programs to meet your professional needs for your specialty area.
These certification programs are for those who have a genuine interest in fitness and nutrition, who want to begin a career in the health, fitness or nutrition fields, or who want to expand on their current knowledge base.

Which certification is best for me?

You should choose the certification program that is appropriate for your needs, professional goals, knowledge base and experience. Please read the certification description to assist you in your decision.

Are there any prerequisites?

There are no required pre-requisites, with the exception of Post Rehabilitative Exercise Specialist (please see certification description). AFPA suggests that it would be to your benefit to have some education and/or experience in human anatomy. A suggested reading resource would be "The Anatomy Coloring Book" by Kapit and Elson.
Our specialized certification for Post Rehabilitative Exercise Specialist requires that you hold a minimum of a 400 hours of documented one-on-one personal training experience and a Personal Trainer Certificate through a nationally accredited agency, or similar thereof. AFPA reserves the right to deny acceptance into this program if these minimum requirements are not meet.

How do I prepare for the certification exam?

Upon receipt of your registration fee or deposit, you will be sent your course materials to review and study. Although your final exam is to be taken home and completed within a 60-day time frame, you should begin your study process so you can be better prepared and have any questions you may have concerning information you have read, addressed and answered at the certification workshop.

Where and when are the certification exams?

Certification Workshops are held throughout the year at fitness facilities, universities, conference centers, and hospitals and in conjunction with AFPA regional Health & Fitness Conferences. Please refer to the calendar of upcoming events or call 609-978-7583 for updated locations. If you would like to become a host site please call 609-978-7583.

How is the examination for certification formatted?

Exams are distributed upon completion of the certification workshop. Exam questions require a written response ranging form 2 to 3 sentences to a full page for case studies depending upon which exam you are taking.
You will also be required to participate, demonstrate and/or assist in various exercises and/or movement sessions.

What do I need to obtain a passing grade on my exam? What happens if I do not receive a passing grade?

You must receive a passing grade of 90% or better to receive your certification. If you do not meet this minimum requirement you will be mailed your exam with the questions you missed indicated in red. You will be given the opportunity to correct your answers within a 30 day time period, with no additional fee. You will not be issued your certificate until you have fully met this requirement.

How do I become a certified fitness professional if I am unable to attend a scheduled event?

For your convenience AFPA provides Home Study Certification Programs and Continuing Education Courses that you can complete in the comfort of your own home should time and travel cost prevent you from attending an event in person. These programs are specifically designed to ensure proper preparation for successful completion of the certification process.

All courses may be ordered by phone, fax, mail or through our secure Internet ordering system. Our Internet address is www.afpafitness.com. All Home Study Correspondence programs contain all your study materials and exam necessary to complete your program. You do not have to attend an off site location to take your exam.
You are given 90 days to complete your program. Should you need longer we ask that you please call the corporate office for further assistance.

How do I register?

You may register for an upcoming event by phone, fax, mail or by the Internet. You may phone 609-978-7583 to register for a certification program or home study program with a major credit card - Visa, MasterCard, Discover & American Express.

You may also fax the enclosed registration/order form with your credit card payment to 609-978-7582.
You may mail your completed registration/order form with check or money order to the following address:
AFPA P.O. Box 214, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008

What do I need to bring with me to the certification workshop?

You should wear comfortable clothing that you can move in (exercise cloths required for some workshops: Fitness Instructor, Aquatic Instructor, Cycle Instructor, and Yoga Instructor), writing paper, pen or pencil healthy snacks and an open mind.

Do I need to have a current CPR card before I take a workshop or Home Study Program?

Current CPR is not required prior certification. If you do not have current CPR your employer, or future employer, may require this before employment.

What is a CEC and do I have to obtain CEC's to keep my certification current?

CEC stands for "Continuing Education Credit". Yes, all certified individuals must maintain current certification by submitting Continuing Education Credits. Your initial certification is valid for two years. You should obtain 16 [8 of which must be with AFPA] continuing education credits during this two-year period. Two months prior to your certification expiration date you should send in documentation of your credits, a copy of your certification certificate and a $45.00 for one year or $85.00 for two-year renewal fee.
This will validate your certification for an additional year, and you will be sent an updated certificate and membership card. Each year after you will need to maintain the 8 continuing education credits to renew for one year or 16 credits to renew for two years. For more information on recertification requirements please refer to:
http://www.afpafitness.com/recertification.htm

AFPA offers hundreds of cec courses [books & video's] in addition to our annual fitness conferences.