NAFC Talking Points
- Is NAFC certification recognized and accepted everywhere, in all fitness facilities?
- NAFC has certified instructors and members throughout the United States and in many foreign countries. At this time, there are no standard licensing requirements in the US for fitness instructors and personal trainers, as there are for physicians or physical therapists. Rather, each fitness facility establishes its own education and certification standards for its staff. However, this lack of standardized testing and licensing is changing. The National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE) establishes standards to help ensure credibility in the fitness industry as well as create a national standard of practice. The NAFC is a full affiliate of NBFE. Anyone interested in working within the fitness industry would benefit from contacting potential places of employment to discuss the education and certifications required at their desired workplaces. Facilities who have NAFC certified employees highly recommend the NAFC certification programs.
- Why should I consider getting my certification through NAFC?
- NAFC is a leader in the industry, as its certifications focus on teaching its members practical skills and how to excel in their fields. The NAFC is able to help train students at an individualized level by establishing long-term relationships with students. The NAFC's primary goal is to evaluate each student's skills based on their current knowledge, especially in areas that may be identified as needing skill improvement. NAFC will build on this evaluation to optimize the student's learning environment and skill sets.
- Does NAFC offer assistance for questions and/or concepts within the textbooks?
- NAFC certification specialists have access to health and wellness professionals and master trainers to offer assistance in answering your questions.
- Does NAFC offer certification outside of the United States?
- The NAFC does certify students in different countries outside the United States, however we recommend that you verify that the laws in your country recognize this type of certification. Additionally, we advise that you check with your potential place of employment to insure they recognize certifications provided by the NAFC. We continue to reach out to fitness facilities, organizations and individuals to broaden the sphere of influence for the NAFC's providership of continuing education in the health and fitness industry. The NAFC is dedicated to providing our students with the skills necessary to maximize their potential for job opportunities wherever they may reside.
Certificate Info
- Do I need any college credits to qualify for this certification?
- There are no college requirements for any NAFC certification.
- What does each program include?
- Each program includes an online textbook, review questions, vocabulary, and some programs include video or DVD lectures. Your online testing is included in our pricing.
- Can I opt to take a single program rather than a full certification?
- You are welcome to take an individual program; however, if you want to be certified by the NAFC, you must take all three programs within a certification curriculum. The Nutrition Coach Certification only contains one program to complete in order to become certified.
- Can I take multiple programs simultaneously?
- Yes. If you decide to take multiple programs, you can either complete the program material (including tests) concurrently, or in your desired order.
- How long does it take to complete the certifications?
- We recommend that you try to finish each individual certification program within a six month period, up to two years after registration. For example, the Personal Trainer and Group Fitness certification programs each take about six months to complete, since they consist of three programs. On average, a dual certification takes about six to 10 months to complete. The length of time required to complete a specific NAFC certification largely depends on the student's dedication.
- When will I receive my certificates?
- After you successfully finish your online course assignments, online written theory and practical exams, and provide proof of CPR Certification, the NAFC will send you your certificate. NAFC Personal Training Workshops are a second option for the practical exam.
- How many continuing education credits are needed for re-certification?
- Personal Training: 2 year certification - 2.7credits; Group Fitness: 2 year certification - 2.7 credits; Wellness Consultant: 2 year certification - 2.7 credits.
- Do you accept other fitness agencies' continuing education credits (ACE, AFAA, ISSA or college courses) that relate to the field?
- Yes. The NAFC accepts a wide variety of continuing education courses from most accredited organizations and colleges.
- Does CPR Certification count as a continuing education credit?
- No. However, instructors are expected to keep their CPR cards up to date.
- Is your annual fee due at the time of re-certification and, if so, how much is it?
- There is no annual fee, just a re-certification fee of $100 when you submit your continuing education credits. The renewal fee is the same for all certifications.
- What are the procedures for re-certification?
- You can attend workshops, take home-study courses or fitness-related college classes, read books and videos and/or provide reports. Whichever option you choose, you must keep records of your continued education fulfillment. When you complete the amount needed for your particular certification, you must send in your records with the $100 re-certification fee and proof of current CPR certification.
Assignments & Exams
- At what level are NAFC certification textbooks written?
- NAFC certification textbooks are written at college freshman level, however the NAFC also offers advanced levels of continuing education through our ongoing courses and workshops.
- The Personal Trainer Certification and Group/Aerobics Certification each have three segments. Are there three different books?
- Two books are used for each full certification: The Weight Training course has its own textbook. The Fitness Assessment course and Lifestyle Consultant course use the same textbook. The book for Group/Aerobics certification covers both the Aerobics Instructor and the Step Training courses.
- Why does the Wellness Consultant certification include Fitness Assessment?
- Wellness consultants must know how to take complete Health Histories and conduct body composition analysis, which are covered in the Fitness Assessment course. Even if a Wellness Consultant does not lead exercise sessions, he or she must understand how fitness directly relates to a healthy lifestyle.
- How do I take the written exams?
- Written exams are administered by a proctor. You may select a proctor who is willing to monitor and follow the proper NAFC exam procedures. The proctor must also send back the completed exam in a pre-addressed, stamped envelope.
- How long does it take to find out results after a written exam has been taken?
- The final results will be available a week after they are sent in by the proctor.
- What happens if you score less than 80% on the written exam?
- If you fail the written exam, we recommend you retake the written exam. This exam cost is $25.00.
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