Group exercise certification

infographic of certification process (also described on the page)

Fitness Alberta certification is recognized across Canada, and internationally portable. Earn the industry recognition and skills you need to succeed as a group exercise professional.  Certification with us provides:

  • professional insurance
  • Canadian and international portability
  • discounts on professional development, including Fitness Alberta workshops and conferences

Below you'll find the courses and requirements for certification. If you have other qualifications, you may be able to apply them to advance the process (information below).

The timeline to complete your certification is one year from finishing your Foundations course, or, if you are applying qualifications, from your first sitting of the Foundations exam.  

Step 1: Foundations in physical activity and exercise

If you have a passion for fitness, but no formal education your journey to certification starts with our prerequisite course, Foundations in Physical Activity and Exercise. Learn anatomy, exercise physiology, and other important skills that you need to deliver safe, effective exercise classes. This course is available online, asynchronously or in-person. Please note: you have one year from completing your Foundations course to complete the full process and submit documentation and fees for certification.

Step 2: Write your Foundations exam

After completing your Foundations in Physical Activity and Exercise course, you must write the Foundations exam. The minimum passing requirement needed for your certification is 80%. You can write the exam at home or at an in-person testing centre near you. Please note: if you are challenging the exam, you have one year from your first attempt Foundations exam to complete the full process and submit documentation and fees for certification.

Step 3: Specialty course

Fitness Alberta offers six specialties in group exercise leadership: Older adult exercise, Aquatic exercise, Group conditioning, Group cycle, Mind-body and Group Choreography. Choose the specialty that best matches your interests and needs. Once you are certified, you can add other specialties as you go forward in your career.

Step 4: Practical exam

Once you have completed your specialty course you are required to pass a practical exam. Practical exams are given by Fitness Alberta certified Trainer-educators, or assistant-trainer-educators. The Trainer will observe you leading a class in your certification and then give you a short, verbal exam. If you haven't written your Foundations theory exam yet, this is a good time to schedule that too.

Step 5: CPR

Proof of current CPR, issued within the last 12 months from an approved provider is a requirement for Fitness Alberta certification. Online CPR will not be accepted. *Please note: CPR must be valid for more than 3 weeks after your certification date to be valid for certification. If you are submitting documents late, CPR must be valid for more than 3 weeks after your documents are received and verified as complete.

Step 6: Apply for Fitness Alberta certification

Once you've completed your courses, passed your written and practical exams, and obtained your current CPR, you can submit your information and pay your fees for Fitness Alberta certification. Your fees include professional insurance, registration, and many other member benefits. Certification is valid for 2 years.

Use your qualifications

You may have qualifications that can be applied towards Fitness Alberta Certification.