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About NAFC1-800-324-8315
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NAFC Background |
NAFC Background InformationThe National Association for Fitness Certification was established in 1992 to provide quality education and training for Group Fitness Instructors and Personal Trainers. NAFC’s rigorous standards, practical application of scientific principles and affordable pricing is making it one of the fastest growing certifications today. NAFC was established by a group of experts in various fitness-related fields including Exercise Physiology, Adaptive Physical Education, Medicine and Nursing, and Professional Coaching. The desire was to enhance current fitness certification standards and provide convenient, affordable, comprehensive, yet PRACTICAL information that can be directly applied by the personal trainer or group fitness instructor in the club setting. NAFC offers hands-on practical experience along with a thorough theoretical program covering the scientific basis for fitness training (anatomy, biomechanics, physiology), motivation (behavior modification techniques, fitness testing), and diet and nutrition (weight management, the energy balance equation, body composition). Group Fitness Instructors must demonstrate the ability to work with music and effectively lead a group exercise session. NAFC offers its certification primarily through correspondence courses. This makes the certifications among the most convenient, cost-effective, and user-friendly that can be found today. Students have the opportunity to learn at their own pace and thoroughly absorb the material. Across all educational and career fields, learning at home is widely recognized, with many correspondence schools and colleges being accredited by the most respected organizations. |
While many trainers and instructors are "certified," they often are not required to demonstrate essential knowledge of what they have learned. One of the unique aspects of this home study certification is its requirement that NAFC students pass a practical exam, demonstrating all the aspects of effective teaching. This is accomplished by having the student make his or her own instuctional videos. With NAFC, the emphasis is on safety, effectiveness, a comprehensive understanding of total fitness, and the ability to utilize this knowledge for the exercise students and clients.
Even though there are a number of certification companies to choose from, many programs seem out of date, too scientific in their approach for practical purposes, or too lax in their standards to be credible. NAFC has developed a program which is strong in every aspect of fitness certification.
Most certifications are valid for only two years. NAFC offers three different levels of certification depending on the total exam scores (practical and written).
Furthermore, NAFC is the only organization to provide low-cost, convenient options for recertification, from book and video reviews, to attending workshops or doing home study courses, to presenting one’s own seminars.
NAFC wants to work with you to meet your certification needs. Our goal is to provide Trainers and Instructors everywhere with the knowledge and tools necessary for developing and implementing safe, effective, and motivational fitness programs for each and every individual.
National Association for Fitness Certification is proud of the achievements of our certified instructors. While some certifying organizations boast about the high failure rate of individuals taking their tests, NAFC congratulates the 95% of students who pass! Our success rate is high because NAFC actually teaches and trains you before testing you!! It's part of the certification process!
It is becoming increasingly important that the fitness industry establish and maintain standards of quality assurance and safety. NAFC is dedicated to providing our instructors with a complete education. We constantly look for ways to improve our programs.
National Association for Fitness Certification (NAFC) is pleased to announce that we have been accepted as provisional affiliates to the National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE). This is a method of insuring credibility in the fitness industry and creating a national standard of practice for our field. Visit the NBFE Website for details
The Personal Trainer Certification program from NAFC has undergone intense evaluation in the past year and is a recognized certificate program for the IDEA Personal Fitness Trainer (PFT) Recognition System. IDEA Health & Fitness Association is an organization that has been promoting high standards for fitness trainers and instructors for over 20 years. To learn more about all the benefits IDEA offers, such as wonderful continuing education and resources as well as liability insurance plans, please visit www.ideafit.com
An important point to remember is that you have a choice in both your fitness education and in where you work as a fitness professional. Many choose to work for the large health clubs and must adhere to the educational choices they recommend. Other fitness professionals find that they have a better career by starting their own business and making their own choices. NAFC is happy to help you reach your career goals!!
TESTIMONIALS:
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NAFC Background Your decision to become a certified fitness professional is an important step in demonstrating your desire to teach safe and effective programs. The best certification for you depends on a number of factors. In the United States, there is no formal licensing of fitness professionals as there is for physical therapists or hair stylists. Individual fitness facility management makes the decision about which certifications will be accepted in the workplace. You may want to ask prospective employers which certifications, if any in particular, they look for in an instructor. For yourself, look for a certification that offers you the most comprehensive information in a way that is convenient and cost effective for your needs. Ask for the objectives of the course so you will know the topics you will be learning. Ask about the time it takes to get answers to your questions. In other words, compare and then select the certification that best suits you and your learning style. For information or registration:
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(Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I need any college credits to qualify for this certification?
There are no college requirements for NAFC certification, just a love of exercise and a
desire to help other people become healthy.
What are the "5 specialties" that are part of the Personal
Trainer/Group Fitness double certification?
Weight Training
Fitness Assessment
Lifestyle Consultant
Aerobics & Group Fitness Instructor
Step Instructor
What are the "specialties" that are part of the Personal
Trainer/Wellness Consultant double certification?
Weight Training
Fitness Assessment
Lifestyle Consultant
Nutrition Analysis
What are the "3 specialties" that are part of the Personal Trainer
certification?
Weight Training
Fitness Assessment
Lifestyle Consultant
What are the "3 specialties" that are part of the Group/Aerobics
certification?
Weight Training
Aerobics & Group Fitness Instructor
Step Instructor
What are the "3 specialties" that are part of the Wellness Consultant
certification?
Fitness Assessment
Lifestyle Consultant
Nutrition Analysis
What is the Triple Certification?
When you earn the Personal Trainer, Group/Aerobics, and Wellness Consultant
Certifications, you receive a NAFC triple certification!
Do I have to take an entire certification package or can I take single courses?
You are welcome to take single courses, however if you want to be a Personal Trainer,
taking only the Weight Training course will not teach you all the skills needed.
What does each course include?
Textbook, video or DVD lecture, workbook with assignments.
Are courses taken simultaneously or concurrently?
You are sent the entire course package. You can complete one course at a time, or you can
do the workbook assignments for multiple courses and then send for the written tests at
the same time. You can also do your videotape practical exams individually or send all on
the same video. Each student is allowed to work in the way he or she feels best.
How long does it take to complete the certifications?
We recommend that you try to finish each individual course within 2 months, but you can do
it faster or slower if you wish, taking up to 2 years. The Personal Trainer or
Group/Aerobics certification programs take about 6 months to complete, as they consists of
3 courses. On average a double certification takes about six - 10 months. The length of
time it takes to complete NAFC certifications depends a lot on the student’s setting
aside the necessary time in his or her schedule to do the assignments and study.
The Personal Trainer Certification and Group/Aerobics Certification each have
three segments. Are there 3 different books?
Two books are used for each full certification. The Weight Training course has its own
textbook. The Fitness Assessment and Lifestyle Consultant courses use the same textbook.
Also, one other 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
relates directly to a healthy lifestyle.
Are the books easy reading or very scientific?
They are written at college Freshman level. The texts are well written, with good
information, and easy to apply to personal training clients and fitness students.
How many video lectures are included?
There is a video lecture for each course, except Nutrition Analysis.
Do you offer assistance via telephone or e-mail when a concept is not
understood?
Definitely - NAFC certification specialists try to respond to students' questions as fast
as possible.
When doing the student practical video, what is expected for the Personal
Trainer and Group/Aerobics Instructor?
Personal Training practical video:
Teach how to do specific weight training exercises
Administer several fitness assessments and discuss the results and the training program
Interview a client about specific goals
Group/Aerobics:
Step: Demonstrate your teaching skills with step choreography and cuing
How do I take the written exams?
The written tests are administered by a proctor, which is someone who supervises testing.
You may select a local teacher, librarian, or clergyperson who is willing to have the test
sent to him or her and then call you in to take it. The proctor then sends the completed
exam back to NAFC in a pre- stamped envelope. So instead of having to travel for you
testing, you can do it locally at your own convenience.
How are exams taken (e.g., snail mail, on-line)?
The exam is sent to your proctor by postal mail and you make arrangements with that person
to take the test. You can do your workbook assignments by e-mail if you want to.
How long does it take to find out results after a written exam has been taken?
About one week
What happens if you score less than 70% on the written exam?
You can retake the written exam for $25.00
How many questions are on the written exams?
Weight Training - 100
Fitness Assessment - 80
Lifestyle Consultant - 152
Aerobics/Step Instructor - 125
Nutrition Analysis - 100
How long does it take to find out the results after sending my practical video?
The videos are graded by an experienced certified fitness professional on the NAFC staff.
Each video is watched at least once, sometimes twice, and evaluated for a score. The time
it takes depends on how many videos have been sent in for evaluation. The average time
forgrading each video is 3 working days from the time the video is given to the evaluator.
What happens if your score less than 70% on the practical video?
You can re-film your video and have it re-evaluated for $35.00.
I was wondering what facilities I need to have available to complete the
hands-on component of the courses; the practical videos?
The needed facilities for our certifications can be a health club in which the management
allows you to do your videotape assignments there, or you can use the "home gym"
concept. Many students have produced excellent video assignments out of either
environment.
Why do I have to film a practical video?
The video is the tool used to evaluate your teaching skills, since the courses are done by
correspondence. We know it can be nerve wracking to be in front of a camera, but it is the
only way to assess your instructional abilities long distance. The certification
specialist who is your instructor is the only person who would be watching it. By
evaluating your video, your instructor also help you become a better teacher by giving you
suggestions as needed, which is what you want for the benefit of your future students.
If all I want to teach is aerobics, why should I take the Weight Training
course?
The weight training course is the foundation of the other courses, because it teaches
basic muscle anatomy, movement principles, teaching techniques for weight training
When would I receive my certificates?
After you finish the assignments, practical video, and written test successfully NAFC
sends you a certificate.
How many continuing education credits are needed for recertification?
Personal Trainer, Wellness Consultant, Group/Aerobics Certification
2 year certification - 15 credits
3 year certification - 21 credits
4 year certification - 27 credits
Do you accept other fitness agency's continuing education credits (ACE, AFAA,
ISSA or college courses) that relate to the field?
Yes, NAFC accepts a very wide variety of continuing education courses from most
organizations and colleges.
Does CPR Certification count as a continuing education credit?
No, however the instructor is expected to keep the CPR card 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 $75 when you submit your continuing
education credits. The renewal fee is the same for all certifications
What are the procedures for re-certification?
You attend workshops, take home study courses, take fitness-related college classes, read
books and videos and do reports, etc. and keep records of what continuing education you
receive. When you complete the amount needed for your particular certification, you send
in the records with a $75 re-certification fee and proof of current CPR certification.
Does becoming certificate make me a member of NAFC?
You are a certified NAFC instructor or trainer. NAFC has not established a
"network" for certified instructors at this time, however you are encouraged to
request the regular NAFC E-mail Newsletter. There are numerous other fitness instructor
organizations available to join if you desire a way to network as an instructor.
I am wondering what the difference is in different certifications?
Some certification programs offer only a written test to certify you - ACE is one of them.
Other programs have you do a certification workshop which includes a written test and a
practical that takes a couple minutes.
To compare the cost of certifications, let's use ACE as an example:
ACE requires only a written test for certification, which costs $185. The text book is
separate ($50) You would have to study the text book on your own to pass the test, unless
you find a training workshop and pay extra for it ($200 minimum plus travel expenses) ACE
offers a practical test, which means you demonstrate your teaching skills and get a
certificate for "practical training" - this costs another $185 or more. The
personal training test for ACE covers most material, but not Lifestyle Consultant. That is
a separate certification which costs $185. Add this up and you get a total of $805.
NAFC offers you a training workshop through video lectures, textbooks, workbook
assignments that teach you how to instruct. You get both written and practical testing.
You get the Lifestyle Consultant included. This for the total of $429.00.
Is NAFC certification recognized and accepted everywhere, in all fitness
facilities?
NAFC has certified instructors and trainers throughout the United States and in many
foreign countries. At this time, in the US, there is no standard licensing requirements
for fitness instructors and personal trainers, as there is for physicians or physical
therapists. Each fitness facility established the education and certification required for
its staff. However the lack of standard testing is changing. National Association for
Fitness Certification (NAFC) is a provisional affiliate of the National Board of Fitness
Examiners (NBFE). This is a method of insuring credibility in the fitness industry and
creating a national standard of practice for our field.
A person interested in becoming an instructor would benefit from contacting various places they want to work and discussing educational and certification requirements. The facilities who have NAFC certified instructors working for them are positive about recommending the certification program to others.
Why should I consider getting my certification through NAFC?
NAFC is a great certification because we are not trying to be the "biggest". I
believe that we are able to really help our students individually, even though the courses
are home study, because your phone calls and e-mail questions are welcome. I feel that we
give much more individual attention to you too, because we aren't trying to hold huge
workshops and certify the masses all at once. At many workshop type certifications your
practical evaluation only takes 2-5 minutes - how can you prove if you know how to teach
in 5 minutes? Since you send in videos of yourself teaching someone, your instructor
spends more time with you (through the video) and can really evaluate your teaching
skills. If there is an areas that needs a lot of improvement You will be sent supplemental
videos and information, and you will be able to redo your video, therefore actually
learning and becoming a better instructor, without the penalty of "failing" your
video evaluation the initial time.
Our goal at NAFC is to really help you learn how to teach fitness and I think that if you
have the discipline to do the assignments through the home study method, you will learn
what you know to be a great instructor.
NAFC Background |
Who oversees the NAFC organization? Pam Germain is the director of NAFC. She has been involved in the health and fitness industry since 1984. Voted as the 1998 “Group Instructor of the Year” by the Southern Arizona Fitness Association, Pam’s passion is for teaching group fitness with a personal training style, customizing the exercises for each student in class. She holds a Master of Science in Community Health Administration and Wellness Programming, and is certified through NAFC (National Association for Fitness Certification) and ACE (American Council on Exercise) as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. She is also Continuing Education Provider for ACE. A “native” of southern Arizona, Pam teaches group fitness classes for Cochise Health & Racquet Club, and has taught fitness and nutrition classes at Cochise Community College. She has been published in several fitness journals: IDEA Today, Personal Fitness Professional, and Cornerstones, a Canadian fitness journal, as well as a newspaper fitness column, and a weekly radio spot. Pam has lectured on many health and fitness topics to both fitness consumers and instructors at workshops and seminars, including being featured regularly at the "Club Industry" trade show and fitness convention. Pam's background in theater and belief in “fun fitness” combines entertainment and excitement in her classes and presentations. NAFC refers to experts in the fields of nutrition, sports medicine, obstetrics, mental health, and physical therapy when questions arise. |
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