Canadian Fitness Education Services


Setting the Standard in Fitness Leadership Training Since 1980

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    To register for the CFES Fitness Knowledge Home Study Program click here

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Professional Career Steps for
Weight Training, Group Exercise,
Aquafit, and Mature Adults Instructors and Personal Trainers

 

Important note: You do not have to become an instructor to enrol in any of our programs. Email or call and ask about the CFES Home study Leadership Certification program. Free and friendly career information provided.

CFES Specialized Fitness Leadership Program modules are designed to take students through the steps in fitness instructor and personal trainer registration / certification process under the National Fitness Leadership Alliance (NFLA), a Canadian partnership of provincial fitness certification and registration agencies, that includes the BCRPA Fitness Branch, Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association, Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, Manitoba Fitness Council, Ontario Fitness Council, Fitness New Brunswick, Island Fitness Council (PEI) and the Nova Scotia Fitness Association. The NFLA sets standards for fitness leadership registration/certification, allowing fitness leaders transferable accreditation across Canada.

Note: Each province or state in Canada/USA has slightly different rules regarding certification steps. Please contact your provincial agency for details.
Alberta: Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association, (AFLCA) 1-403-493-4435 overview below. All CFES courses go beyond National Fitness Leadership guidelines.
BC/Yukon: BCRPA Fitness Branch 604-629-0965
Manitoba: Manitoba Fitness Council (MFC) 1-204-474-8644
New Brunswick: Fitness New Brunswick (NBCFAL) 1-506-458-9262
Newfoundland and Labrador
NWT: Sport and Recreation Division Gov't 1-403-873-7756
Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Fitness Association (NSFLLA) 1-902-425-1128 ext. 224
Ontario: Ontario Fitness Council (OFC) 1-800-716-6716 (toll-free calls)
PEI: Island Fitness Council (IFC) 1-902-368-4110
Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Parks and Rec. Association Fitness Division SPRA)1-306-780-9206
Quebec: Check with your local YM/YWCA Fitness Department for provincial information

Professional Career Steps for the Fitness Leader
Step 1: The CFES Fitness Knowledge Course (or equivalent) Home Study or 30+ hour classroom course. This popular course is excellent for personal knowledge and acts as a prerequisite to all CFES Instructor courses and the NFLA Exam. (For CFES classroom courses, dates, times and locations click the Course Calendar web pages.)

Step 2: CFES Instructor Course of Choice
Follow the links on the CFES website for detailed descriptions and check the course calendar web pages for course dates, times and locations.
CFES Group Exercise (Aerobic) Instructor Course
Designed to teach foundation knowledge and practical instructor skills for basic group exercise classes.

CFES Weight Training Instructor Course
Designed to teach foundation knowledge and practical skills for instruction of basic weight training programs.

CFES Advanced Weight Training Instructor Course
Designed to advance your technical knowledge, programming and marketing skills. Excellent learning for personal trainer careers, exercise enthusiasts, athletes, coaches and educators.

Step 3: CPR and Fitness First Aid
CFES Host Agencies and educators may offer these courses or you will find them in your community. You must have a current approved basic four-hour CPR and eight-hour first aid ticket.

Step 4: Register with Provincial governing body; Write the NFLA Theory Exam
NFLA national Fitness Leadership theory exam and provincial registration. The NFLA exam is a 60 question multiple-choice closed book exam. CFES works with each provincial certification agency utilizing the NFLA Theory Exam

Step 5: The Practicum Program + Instructor Competency Evaluation (ICE)
All provincial agencies require an instructor practicum before a final instructor oral exam. You are to instruct a certain number of classes and or weight training programs, all under the supervision of a competent supervisor. At the end of your practicum you will be examined by a qualified supervisor who will watch you instructor your specialised area. Forms will be available with details through your provincial office.

Students are expected to teach a practicum minimum of eight classes for group exercise, four programs for weight training. Practicums are set up at your local fitness centre. Complete with the recognized TCE (Teacher Competency Evaluation).

The TCE is a comprehensive evaluation of your practical leadership skills. When you feel ready to be evaluated call your Course Conductor to receive your TCE Package (for your discipline). Aim to have a CFES Educator do your TCE as you will find compatibility between course learning and your evaluation.

Step 6: Become a Certified Fitness Instructor in Group Exercise (Aerobics), Strength Training, Waterfit, Third Age, Personal Training

Submit all requirements (copies of certificates). Renew yearly or biannual.

Liability Insurance: Be certain you have liability protection during apprentice and registered years of instruction. Most agencies can link you to insurance services. For further information call CFES toll free 1-877-494-5355.

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A Career in the Fitness Industry -- Ideas and Suggestions

Types of Careers/Options
Careers in the health and wellness and fitness industry include full time, part time, entrepreneur, volunteer or paid staff vocational opportunities including:

Steps Leading to a Part or Full Time Career in Fitness
Education and Skill Training


Step One: Basic
Become provincially and or nationally recognized Instructor through regional leadership organization Join a national and international membership organizations that will keep you up to date. Gain experience on the floor instructing part time as a volunteer or paid staff. See if you really love it and want to advance your career options and credentials.

Step Two: Additional
Add additional certifications for a variety of instructions (i.e. weights, aerobics). Become a certified Personal Trainer according to your provincial requirements. Become a fitness assessor through CSEP. (fitness testing and consultant) Continue to work on the floor gaining experience, advancing your skills in instructing, supervising, administration and teaching small workshops and courses. Aim to receive as much professional feedback as possible as your are growing and learning.

Step Three: Advanced
Combining your practical experience, variety of certifications and advanced education will open many new doors of opportunities to work full time in the fitness industry. Go beyond your basic instructor certifications and expand your credentials with reputable long standing organizations like colleges and universities. A College certificate, diploma or university degree will be required to provide credibility and flexibility in your job skills and resume, especially as this fitness industry matures. These credentials are well worth achieving and will last a lifetime.

Step Four: Ongoing
As a professional in the field (part time or full time) means keeping certifications and advanced education qualifications current. Stay up to date through a variety of mediums (courses, reading, attending conferences, workshops) and continue to work the floor to stay in tune with the heart of your markets. The industry is very young and as it matures career opportunities will grow with it, along with advanced education and credentials. Be prepared and you will enjoy many long and satisfying years working in a field you love that provides many ongoing rewards earned from serving others.

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Career Progressions: Provincial Fitness Leadership Certification

Provincial Fitness Leadership organizations in Canada will offer the following:
Basic Instructor, Supervisor and Trainer (Educator) for Fitness Theory; Specialized Instructor in Group Exercise, Waterfit; Strength Training, Personal Trainer and Third Age. For further details call your provincial agency.

The Basic Fitness Leader (BFL) -- described above

Personal Trainer
Each province has different prerequisites and requirements for becoming a Personal Trainer. Check with your governing body to find prerequisites and course requirements

Supervisor of Fitness Leaders
Each province has different requirements however will likely include:
Option 1 - University degree, diploma or certificate in a health or fitness area
Option 2 - registered Advanced Fitness Leader or experienced Instructor

Both Options will likely require: current provincial Certification; Resume of practical and supervisory experience; Instructor Competency Evaluation (ICE) Workshop and Practicum ICE; two letters of reference; Supervisory course; a fee

Trainer of Fitness Leaders (TFL)
Each province has different requirements however will likely include:
Option 1 - University degree in a health or fitness area
Option 2 - Advanced Instructor and or Supervisor with additional university or college work in related field

Both Options will likely require: 50 hours of apprenticeship under a Certified Trainer; Provincially Certified Instructor and or Supervisor; Attend a Train the Trainer workshop; Teaching Competency Evaluation (TCE) Workshop and practicum TCE; Resume of fitness training experience; two letters of reference; a fee.

Additional Qualifications, Advanced Education and Memberships for a Career in Fitness
For Personal Training Certification:
  • CFES Personal Trainer Program - weight training instructor certifications, course, exam, practicum and logbook required.
  • Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Personal Fitness Trainer Certificate Program (Edmonton) An 18 month full time program or through distance education. Contact John Reeves, 1-780-471-8575 email: johnr@nait.ab.ca
  • Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)
    Certified Fitness Consultant (CFC) and Professional Fitness and Lifestyle Consultant (PFLC)
    An important certification for a Personal Trainer. CFC does not require a prerequisite of a degree while the PFLC does.
  • Personal Trainer Diploma: currently being developed however will become a recognized qualification to achieve in the future. We anticipate this program will be offered provincially. Toll-free: 877-651-3755 web: www.csep.ca
  • National Strength and Conditioning Certification (NSCA)
    Recognized organization. Membership, excellent resources, examinations, certifications, conferences. 1-719-632-6722
  • American Council on Exercise (ACE)
    California, "certifies " leaders across the world in aerobics, personal training and weight management. Well known.1-800-825-3636
For Waterfit Certification:
  • Canadian Aquatic Leaders Association (CALA) offers variety of courses, certification, newsletter, membership. In Ontario, offer courses across Canada. 1-416-751-9823.
  • Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute, Inc. Offering educational courses, membership and certification. www.atri.org
For long-term career advancement in BC:
  • University College of the Fraser Valley: Certificate/Diploma in Fitness and Exercise Management
    A one-year (certificate) or two-year (diploma) program, aimed at students interested in entry to the broad professional area of fitness and exercise. 604-504-7441 local 6004 (Greg Anderson); website: www.ucfv.bc.ca
  • College of the Rockies Fitness Leadership Certificate Program
    A one year certificate program in Cranbrook, BC aimed at students wanting to be on floor instructors , supervisors in a fitness facility or program area. 250-489-2751 ext. 389
  • Simon Fraser University (SFU) Health and Fitness Certificate by home study or classroom
    The program consists of 8 courses (5 required and 3 electives). Kinesiology Department 604-291 -3573..

Please note there are other one/two year fitness management college programs available in Canada.

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