Getting certified by the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) is a great way to start or advance your career as a fitness professional. AFAA has been a leader in the fitness industry for over 30 years and offers respected and accredited certifications in areas like group fitness, personal training, and more.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the key steps and requirements to get AFAA-certified.
What is AFAA?
AFAA stands for the Athletics and Fitness Association of America. It is a nationally-recognized certifying body for fitness professionals including personal trainers group fitness instructors and more.
AFAA has been around since 1983 and has certified over 350,000 fitness professionals They offer a variety of certifications including
- Group Fitness Instructor (GFI)
- Personal Trainer
- Indoor Cycling
- Nutrition Coach
- Yoga, Pilates, and specialty certifications
AFAA is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) This accreditation ensures AFAA’s certifications meet national and international standards for credentialing organizations.
So in short, getting an AFAA certification means you’ll be qualified, experienced, and credible in the eyes of employers, clients, and the industry.
AFAA Certification Requirements
To get certified by AFAA, there are few key requirements you need to meet:
1. Be at Least 18 Years Old
You need to be at least 18 years old to start the certification process with AFAA.
2. Have a High School Diploma or Equivalent
You’ll need to show proof of having at least a high school level education. This is usually done by providing a copy of your high school diploma or GED certificate.
3. Hold a Current CPR/AED Certification
Before you can take the final certification exam, you’ll need current CPR/AED training valid for 2 years. Many providers offer online CPR/AED courses for convenience.
4. Pass the AFAA Final Certification Exam
The final step is passing the AFAA certification exam. This is a multiple choice exam that covers all the key concepts from the study materials.
We’ll go over exam details and prep tips later in this guide.
Choosing your AFAA Certification
AFAA offers certifications in several specialty fitness areas. The most popular options are:
Group Fitness Instructor (GFI)
This teaches you to design and lead safe and effective group fitness classes. You’ll learn class programming, choreography, cues, and more.
Personal Fitness Trainer (PFT)
This certification focuses on personal training skills including fitness assessments, nutrition, exercise programming, and coaching clients 1-on-1.
Indoor Cycling Instructor
Specialize in designing and teaching indoor cycling classes set to motivating music. You’ll learn cycling science, class programming, and coaching skills.
Think about your specific career goals and interests to decide which certification is right for you. Many instructors start with a group fitness or personal training certification, then add specialties later.
Enrolling in the Certification Program
Once you decide on your certification, you can enroll directly on the AFAA website.
You have the choice of a 100% online eLearning course or a live workshop course. Both options cover the same material and prepare you for the certification exam.
Here’s an overview of both enrollment options:
Online Course
- Study anytime, anywhere
- Interactive eLearning portal
- Video lectures, demos, and knowledge checks
- Digital textbook included
Live Workshop
- Led by an AFAA Master Trainer
- 4-day intensive course
- In-person training and practice
- Includes textbook
The online course offers more flexibility if you’re still working or have an irregular schedule. You study on your own time over a period of weeks or months.
The live workshop allows you to learn directly from an experienced AFAA trainer. It’s completed over 4 consecutive days so you need to set aside time for that.
Both options cost between $299-$499 depending on the certification and package options you choose.
Studying the Course Materials
Once enrolled, you’ll need to study and review all the certification materials. This includes:
- Video/print lectures and demonstrations
- Textbook reading assignments
- Quizzes and knowledge checks
- Exercise programing templates/tools
Expect to spend around 8-12 weeks studying if you’re doing the online course at a moderate pace. Go through the materials methodically and don’t skim past anything.
Take notes as you go and pay extra attention to the lecture recaps and textbook review questions. Those highlight the key facts that are most likely to appear on the exam.
Taking Practice Exams
AFAA provides practice quizzes and exams to help prep for the real certification test. The practice tests closely match the content and format of the real exam.
Be sure to take the practice exam under simulated “testing conditions” for the most accurate results. That means:
- Timing yourself for the 2 hour time limit
- No textbooks or notes
- Answering questions in one sitting
When reviewing your practice test results, make note of any weak areas so you can go back and study those concepts more.
Aim to score at least an 85% on your last few practice exams so you know you’re ready for the real thing.
Registering for the Certification Exam
Once you’ve completed all the required study materials, you can register to take the certification exam. You have 6 months from your enrollment date to take the exam.
You’ll need to first pay the exam fee which ranges from $129-$179 depending on the certification.
Then you can schedule the exam date, time, and testing center location. The exam is administered by PSI, an independent testing company.
You can take the exam either online or at one of PSI’s in-person testing centers across the U.S.
What’s on the Exam?
The AFAA certification exams consist of 120-150 multiple choice questions. Here’s an overview of the major topics covered:
Group Fitness Instructor Exam
- Teaching methods and techniques
- Class design, choreography, and planning
- Exercise science including anatomy, kinesiology, and biomechanics
- General health and fitness principles
Personal Trainer Exam
- Fitness assessments and gather client data
- Exercise program design for different goals and ability levels
- Coaching and motivation methods
- Nutrition fundamentals
- Anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise science
Indoor Cycling Exam
- Cycling program design principles
- Proper bike setup and techniques
- Coaching and motivating riders
- Music use and pacing
- Safety protocols
Any topics or concepts covered in the study materials are potentially fair game for exam questions.
Passing Score and Results
For all AFAA certification exams, the passing score is set at 70% correct answers.
You’ll get your unofficial exam results immediately after completing the computerized test.
The official passing certificate will be mailed to you within 4 weeks after passing. You can also access and print the certificate from your online AFAA account.
If you don’t pass on the first try, you can re-take the exam for a discounted fee within 6 months. Use the time to thoroughly review the materials again.
Finding a Job with AFAA Certification
Earning AFAA certification opens up your opportunities to land rewarding fitness jobs including:
- Group fitness instructor at gyms, studios, or corporate wellness centers
- Personal trainer at fitness facilities or private studio
- Health coach providing online/virtual training
- Fitness entrepreneur starting your own training business
Update your resume to highlight your new AFAA credential. Network with local gyms and studios and check job sites like Indeed and LinkedIn.
As an AFAA certified pro, you’ll be a top candidate for open positions in the fitness industry.
Maintaining Your AFAA Credential
To keep your AFAA certification current, you’ll need to renew it every 2 years.
Renewal requirements are:
- Complete 15 continuing education credits (CECs) to stay updated on the latest practices
- Maintain CPR/AED certification
- Pay a renewal fee
AFAA offers a variety of continuing education courses in areas like behavior change, nutrition, fitness assessments, and more.
You can also renew your CPR/AED card from any reputable provider.
Meeting these renewal requirements ensures you continue to operate safely, legally, and ethically as a fitness pro.
Ready to Get Started with AFAA?
Earning your certification from the trusted AFAA organization can take your fitness career to the next level.
Their respected credentials and proven training gives you confidence deliver safe, enjoyable, and effective classes and training sessions.
Follow the step-by-step process outlined here to enroll, study, and pass the exam on your way to becoming AFAA-certified.
With some hard work and dedication, you can
Helping others and doing a job you love—the perfect gig!
Be a vital member of the fitness community as an AFAA Group Fitness Instructor. We offer GFI courses to meet every need and budget, from Self-Study and Premium Self-Study to an All-Inclusive course with a wealth of great benefits.
To become an AFAA Group Fitness Instructor, you need to take the exam and pass within 180 days of your enrollment date.
“Its not about the moves. Its not about how fit you are. Its about sharing love and kindness and leaving with a smile on your face. Thats what group fitness is for me.”
Youre energized and eager to be a Group Fitness Instructor.
This is your moment, live your dream!
AFAA CPT Certification Review 2023 – Check it out!
What certifications does AFAA offer?
The flagship offering through AFAA is the group fitness instructor certification, which is what this review will focus on, but there are three other quality options as well. The personal fitness trainer, indoor cycling instructor, and nutrition coach certifications are also available to customers. Let’s take a look at each of them.
How do I get AFAA certification?
To qualify for AFAA certifications, the organization requires candidates to have a high school diploma or GED certificate. They also need current CPR and AED certifications before taking the final exam. Having a passion for nutrition and fitness and having a basic knowledge of these subjects also can help you succeed in the AFAA’s courses.
What is the AFAA group fitness instructor certification?
The AFAA Group Fitness Instructor Certification is ideal for anyone looking for support in teaching group classes in strength building, cycling, or yoga, as all of these topics are covered in-depth in the program. The AFAA Group Fitness Certification has many rivals from other organizations.
How long does it take to get AFAA certification?
It should take 1-2 months to complete the AFAA Group Fitness Instructor Certification and study and take the exam. Of course, this number will depend on your study habits and the time allotted. Some people may need up to 3-4 months if they are slower learners. Is AFAA nationally recognized?
