|
|
Professional Career Steps
for Weight Training, Group Exercise, Aquafit, and Mature Adult Instructors
Important note: You do not have to become an instructor to enrol in
any of our programs.
If you live outside of B.C. call and ask about the CFES Homestudy
Leadership Certification program. Free and friendly career information
provided.
NOTE: Each province or state in Canada/USA has slightly different
rules regarding certification steps. Please contact your provincial
agency for details. We have provided an overview below. All CFES
courses go beyond National Fitness Leadership guidelines.
BC/Yukon: BCRPA Fitness Branch 604-629-0965
Alberta: AFLCA 1-403-493-4435
Saskatchewan: SPRA Fitness Division 1-306-780-9206
Manitoba: MFC 1-204-474-8644
Ontario: OFC 1-800-716-6716
(toll-free calls)
Quebec: Check with your local YM/YWCA Fitness Department for provincial
information
New Brunswick: NBCFAL 1-506-458-9262
Nova Scotia: NSFLLA 1-902-425-1128 ext. 224
PEI: IFC 1-902-368-4110
NWT: Sport and Recreation Division Gov't 1-403-873-7756
Newfoundland and Labrador
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 link on the left.)
Step 2: 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.
o CPR certificate must be valid until at least 120 days following your course
o First Aid certificate must be valid for at least 120 days following your course
Step 3: Register with Provincial governing body; Write the NFLA Theory
Exam
In British Columbia contact the BCRPA to register as "BCRPA Registered Fitness Leader - Fitness Theory". New leaders will be provided with a certificate from the BCRPA with this designation. You will need to produce this certificate in order to enroll in any module or specialty designation course.
Once the theory portions of your course is completed, You are insured for up to 120 days in order to complete any practical assignments (i.e. 8 hour resume) . It is no longer possible to adjust this 120 day time period. Do not enroll if you will not be able to complete all practical components within 120 days of completing the theory portion of your course.
The NFLA exam is
a
60 question, multiple choice/ fill in the blanks type exam. Graduates of CFES Fitness Knowledge
program (home study or classroom) enter this exam with confidence,
feeling well prepared.
Contact your provincial agency for details on fees/exam dates/times
and locations.
Step 4: CFES Instructor Course of Choice (below)
Follow the links on the
CFES website for detailed descriptions and check the course calendar
web pages for course dates, times and locations.
You must produce your BCRPA Registered Fitness Leader - Fitness Theory certificate, and current CPR and First Aid certificate in order to enroll in any module or specialty designation course.
Group Exercise (Aerobic) Instructor Course
Designed to teach foundation knowledge and practical instructor
skills for basic group exercise classes.
Weight Training Level 1 Instructor Course
Designed to teach foundation knowledge and practical skills for
instruction of basic weight training programs.
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 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. CFES can do these via video.
In British Columbia: Students are to teach eight classes for group
exercise, four programs for weight training. Practicums are set
up at your local fitness centre. Complete with the BCRPA recognized
ICE (Instructor Competency Evaluation). Contact BCRPA for ICE evaluators
-- British Columbia Recreation & Parks Association Fitness
Branch, 101-4664 Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby, BC V5C 5T5 Phone: 604-629-0965
web: http://www.bcrpa.bc.ca
The BCRPA ICE is a comprehensive evaluation of your practical leadership
skills. When you feel ready to be evaluated call the BCRPA to receive
your ICE Package (for your discipline), and a list of ICE Evaluators.
Aim to have a CFES Educator do your ICE 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) to your provincial
governing body. Renew yearly or biannual.
In British Columbia: Become BCRPA Registered Leader
Submit all certificates of above courses to BCRPA for one year registration
for basic leader. An inexpensive liability insurance policy available
for registered leaders. Renewal yearly/biannually. Call BCRPA.
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.
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:- A Certified Fitness Instructor: working for yourself, as
a volunteer or part time paid staff at fitness/recreation centres,
schools...
- A Personal Trainer: working for a club/recreation centre
setting up programs; work independent- taking people to a centre
or go to their home gyms, or set up your own studio in a busy location
or out of a large space in your home
- An Educator/Teacher of Workshops, Fitness Knowledge
and or Instructor Certification Courses as part of your job at a fitness
centre; or College; independent setting up courses in rented facilities
or after school in education centres (i.e. high schools)
- Coaching various sports with added qualifications from fitness
in schools, sport clubs, athletic teams
- A Fitness Supervisor/Program Director Manager of a Fitness
Facility within a private fitness club, Recreation Centre, college
- An Owner of a Private Fitness Club, Personal Training Studio
- A Sales Rep for Fitness Clubs; Equipment Companies; Magazines
- A Program Director, Sales/Marketing or Administrator for
public/private fitness, sport and health organizations
- A Certified Teacher in P.E. Active Living and Health Programs;
A professor of these programs at college, university
- A Conference and Workshop Coordinator
- Author of fitness resources for children and or adults;
Researcher; Publishing Company
- A Consultant, Public Speaker
And so on and so on ... there are infinite possibilities!
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.
StepTwo: 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.
Career Progressions: Provincial Fitness Leadership Certification
Provincial Fitness Leadership Agencies in Canada will offer the
following:
The Basic Instructor, Supervisor and Trainer (Educator) for Fitness
Theory; Specialized Instructor in Group Exercise, Waterfit; Strength
Training 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; ICE Workshop and practicum
ICE; Resume of fitness training experience; two letters of reference;
a fee.
*Note: We have based these guidelines on the current BCRPA Fitness
Branch requirements and our current knowledge of other provincial
agencies. Contact your provincial agency for more details.
Additional Qualifications, Advanced Education and Memberships for
a Career in Fitness
For Personal Training Certification:
- BCRPA Personal Trainer Program - weight training instructor
certifications, course, exam, practicum and logbook required.
1-604-629-0965; website: bcrpa.bc.ca
- 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. Call CFES for more info.
Back To Top
|
