Throughout the 1980s, aerobics swept through popular culture. It was featured in music from Olivia Newton-John to John Travolta, and on television shows from Dynasty to Perfect. It was also promoted by a range of highly regarded fitness organizations.
AFAA believes that when you transform bodies, you also transform lives. Its new name reflects this vision.
Finding continuing education credits for fitness professionals can be challenging. Most home study courses are not designed for the needs of fitness professionals and many do not have the accreditation required by most certifying bodies. But Exercise ETC offers a wide variety of CEC courses for fitness professionals!
AFAA Group Instructor Certification (GFI) teaches you industry-recognized methods for leading group fitness classes. This online course includes a voucher with enrollment that gives you prepaid access to sit for the certifying AFAA GFI Exam upon completion of the course and eligibility.
Sustaining Mobility & Movement provides group exercise instructors and personal trainers with tools to uncover dysfunctions in the body’s kinetic chain. These dysfunctions can lead to poor movement patterns and injury risk for clients/students.
Golden Hearts focuses on designing and teaching fitness programs for seniors. This online course explores the physiological changes that occur during and past midlife, as well as programming strategies for this age demographic.
This online program is pre-approved for NFPT CECs by the National Federation of Professional Trainers. However, not all NFPT courses are awarded the same number of CECs. Please check the awards statement on each course page to find out how many CECs your program will award.
Prepare for the AFAA - Aerobics and Fitness Association of America exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
Incorporated in 1983 and based in Gilbert, Arizona, the Athletics and Fitness Association of America is a company that offers fitness education.
Athletics and Fitness Association of America certification is one form of fitness certification offered by this industry pioneer. Your career as a personal trainer, group fitness teacher, nutrition coach, wellness coach, or other fitness professional may be launched or advanced with the aid of an AFAA certification.
AFAA stands for Athletics and Fitness Association of America.
Although there are many resources available to you, the test is not thought to be particularly easy. The most crucial thing is to take preparation seriously.
You must complete at least 15 approved hours of continuing education units (CEUs) during each of your two-year certification renewal cycles in order to maintain your AFAA certification. These CEUs must include at least 2 from AFAA courses. CEUs can be obtained from organizations that have received AFAA approval or by petitioning for approval of non-preapproved courses.
A connected, comprehensive training experience is produced by the interaction of 5 components. The following components ought to be included in every class, according to AFAA.
You must select a certification program that aligns with your fitness career objectives if you want to become AFAA certified. The AFAA offers certifications in many different areas, including group fitness, personal training, nutrition coaching, and indoor cycling.
To pass the AFAA group fitness exam, you need to study the online course material thoroughly and understand the concepts of fitness, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and group exercise instruction. Some tips to prepare for the exam are:
If you are interested in working as a personal trainer or group fitness instructor, the AFAA is a good certification to have. Since 1983, AFAA has been a pioneer in the fitness sector and has certified over 350,000 fitness experts. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies has validated AFAA’s certifications as meeting its exacting criteria.
Your personal and professional objectives will determine if earning an AFAA certification is worthwhile. The AFAA certification can be a worthwhile career investment if you have a passion for fitness and want to assist others accomplish their health and wellness goals.
The National Commission for Certifying Agencies is proud to accredit the AFAA CGFI certification (NCCA). The NCCA is a nationally renowned third-party organization that confers accreditation on certification programs that can adhere to and meet its requirements.
Although they are not the same, NASM and AFAA are related. The acronyms NASM and AFAA refer to two different organizations: the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the Athletics and Fitness Association of America. They both provide several programs and specializations for fitness professionals as professional certification providers.
Candidates assessing cognitive and physical fitness often also prepare with the Wonderlic Practice Test 2026 to evaluate their cognitive aptitude and problem-solving skills.
Fitness professionals preparing for their NASM exam often also study the CNA Practice Test 2026 to understand foundational anatomy and patient care principles that overlap with personal training knowledge.
ACSF candidates often also prepare with our CSCS practice test 2026 for the strength and conditioning science skills both fitness certifications share.
The AFAA Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam, for instance, typically consists of 125 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 100 are scored, and 25 are unscored experimental questions. Candidates are allotted 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete the exam. It comprehensively covers essential domains such as anatomy, exercise physiology, client assessment, program design, and professional responsibility, ensuring a thorough evaluation of a trainer's readiness.
AFAA certification exams, while challenging, are meticulously designed to assess a candidate's practical and theoretical knowledge in the fitness industry. Success largely hinges on thorough preparation, which includes a deep understanding of the official study materials, diligent use of practice tests, and gaining some hands-on experience. Many candidates find the practical application scenarios and mastering exercise science principles to be the most demanding aspects.
To maximize your chances of passing your AFAA exam on the first attempt, prioritize mastering the core concepts outlined in the official study guide, especially exercise science, client assessment, and program design. Leverage all available official AFAA resources, including practice exams and comprehensive study courses. Develop a structured study plan, consistently review challenging topics, and consider forming a study group. Adequate and focused preparation is absolutely key to success in 2026.
The cost for AFAA certification exams can vary significantly based on the specific certification you pursue (e.g., CPT, Group Fitness Instructor) and the study package chosen. Typically, the exam fee alone might range from $299 to $499. Bundled packages, which often include textbooks, online courses, and valuable practice tests, can cost considerably more, sometimes upwards of $700-$1000. Always consult the official AFAA website for the most current and accurate pricing information.
Yes, you can often find FREE AFAA practice test questions online, including on reputable platforms like PracticeTestGeeks.com. These resources are incredibly valuable for familiarizing yourself with the exam's format, typical question types, and the key content areas. While FREE tests offer an excellent starting point for your preparation, consider investing in official AFAA practice exams or comprehensive study packages for the most accurate and in-depth preparation experience.