Getting a personal trainer certification online from AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) is one of the unique ways the Internet
is changing the fitness industry. New technology is making is easier to learn and prove your knowledge.
So What is it?
The personal trainer certification online from AFAA is a self-study course available through the Internet.
The online activities complement the readings from the textbook. And there is even a practice certification test to help prepare for the certification exam and the Board certification.
The AFAA personal training course will cost you $149 plus the required $59 textbook. You can compare the AFAA Certification with other popular certifications using our comparison table.
Read the Fine Print!
While the personal trainer certification online from AFAA sounds good, there are some pitfalls. Taking the online course does not guarantee you will pass the test. In fact, if your only experience is the online course then you will find the exam very challenging. I have heard from many people who have struggled with certification exams because they lack the practical side of things. If you go the 100% online certification approach, at the very least you should plan to shadow a personal trainer (see Step 3), but you should also take our exam prep course to ensure that you pass the AFAA test on the first try. Nothing is more frustrating than wasting time and money by failing your AFAA exam.
Secondly, this type of self study online training doesn't work for everybody. If the idea of reading textbooks and staring at the computer screen doesn't suit your learning style, then consider another approach to getting certified.
What are the Alternatives?
If the personal trainer certification online from AFAA doesn't sound like a good match for you, then consider one of their 3 day personal trainer certification workshops. At $469 plus the $59 textbook, this option isn't cheap. But if you learn better by doing and seeing then this may be worth it to you.
I've got to warn you though. Be prepared for three very long days. And once again, attending the workshop won't guarantee you certification, but many trainers pass the test at the end of the workshops.
Workshops are available at various locations. However, if you are in a remote location the personal trainer certification online AFAA may be a better option.
While our review of the AFAA certification isn't very glowing, this is your opportunity to share your first hand experience with this cert. Did we get it wrong?
Getting feedback about the AFAA from people who have gone through the program is valuable. Click on each tip to read and rate the comments submitted by our readers.
AFAA Harder than expected
I have received my cert last week. I wasn't sure I passed so it was a nice surprise. The test was hard mostly due to the fatigue after 2.5 grueling days....
AFAA Workshops prepare you for the exam
The AFAA personal trainer courses supply enough preparation for the exam. I over prepared and I studied the wrong details before the workshop. The workshop ...
AFAA Online Certification in three months
I took the personal training certification online from AFAA and is was a reasonable experience. I have my four year degree so reading the textbook wasn'...
AFAA certification is not for me
You helped me realize that AFAA is definitely NOT the way to go. I have basically narrowed it down to ACE and ACSM. I do not have an undergrad in anything ...
NBFE Accreditation versus NCCA Accreditation
What is the difference between the NBFE (National Board of Fitness Examiners) that AFAA is affiliated with, and NCCA? Is one preferable to the other? ...
AFAA Personal Trainer Certification is Good
AFAA is one of the top industry certification programs that is accredited and still includes a practical examination. Even with a 4 year degree in Exercise ...
AFAA Personal Training Certification
I was both ACE and AFAA certified for several years but left both certifications lapse due to a change in profession. I did not feel that I would want ...
Is AFAA Certification 100% online?
I want to take the AFAA personal training certification course online immediately to prepare for a position with the YMCA. Can you please tell me if this ...
Study for the AFAA exam
They certainly don't advertise it on their site, but their courses require extensive preparation before the workshops. Understanding the textbook is critical ...
AFAA Certification with classroom portion
Not rated yet
I took the AFAA 3 day class last year. The instructor was very qualified. The class was intense and difficult - 3 long days with the test at the end....
AAFA Group Fitness Certification
Not rated yet
I am thinking about entering the fitness industry as a group fitness instructor. However, I have yet to decide my specialty. Can anyone provide me information ...
AFAA PT Certification 3 day course way to go
Not rated yet
The instructor I had was WELL qualified! There is prep required prior in that you read the WHOLE 14 chapter text and do the questions in the workbook. Also,...
AFAA Cert offered at a discount at my gym ($351.75)
Not rated yet
The gym I belong to at the University of Kentucky is offering this cert to their members for $351.75.... that is a good discount over the usual $469.
But,...
AFAA personal trainer certification workshop
Not rated yet
I attended the 3-day workshop and took the certification test on the last day. Coming from a non-health background, i found the workshop to be challenging ...
AFAA Personal Trainer Workshop
Not rated yet
I went to the 3 day workshop in 1998 and I found the workshop to be good and the hands on training was great. I passed the practical/written exam on the ...
Just wanted you to take another look at AFAA so you can update your info. I live in Denver and called one of the top, if not the top, health ...
How do check if a trainer is AFAA certified?
Not rated yet
If a local trainer says they are AFAA certified, how do I check on my own? My previous trainer was ACE and it was easy to go to the ACE site and check ...
AFAA personal trainer certification
Not rated yet
I am AFAA and ACE personal Trainer certified. In my opinion AFAA in definitely the best one within the two. Clear, complete, easy to study and understand,...
AFAA certification
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AFAA PFT was my first certification and it was well worth the money. I felt that the interaction I had with the presenter (he was awesome) as well as the ...
Second Time getting AFAA Certified
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I have been in the business for more than 20 years. I have attained several certifications including AFAA. I let my certs expire because I felt that part ...
AFAA Workshop & Exam
Not rated yet
The AFAA Personal Trainer Workshop was well worth it! I was certified with AFAA for Group Exercise and decided to also experience the Personal Trainer ...