GROUP FITNESS IS RAPIDLY GROWING!

A canfitpro certified Fitness Instructor Specialist is qualified to:

• Evaluate participant needs in physical activity based on the philosophies in the Fitness Instructor Specialist program
• Create an exciting exercise environment for participants and lead group fitness classes using music
• Confirm that participants have completed the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q developed by Health Canada), and then provide a group exercise class to apparently healthy individuals who have no known major medical conditions
• Monitor group fitness class participants on intensity, technique, and safety to meet their needs appropriately during each class
• Teach within their level of ability and progress to more advanced or specialized class formats once competency to teach the required skills safely is achieved
• Promote the benefits of regular physical activity and a balanced lifestyle using canfitpro’s Recommendations on Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Positive Mindset for Optimal Health
• Provide general advice on nutrition based on Canada’s Food Guide. Individuals who require more specific advice on diet and supplements must be referred to a qualified nutrition professional
• Answer general questions for participants on injuries or discomforts related to exercise. All injuries must be diagnosed and treated by a qualified medical professional
• Provide emergency care based on the participant needs (contact EMS, provide Emergency First Aid or CPR)

As a certified Fitness Instructor Specialist (FIS), I agree to provide a safe and effective group exercise class that provides appropriate exercise selection and intensity to meet the individual needs of each adult in the group.

As a certified Fitness Instructor Specialist (FIS), I agree to respect my role, abide by the Code of Ethics, and work within my Standards of Practice at all times.

I recognize that failure to follow this Standards of Practice will result in immediate removal of my FIS certification designation.

Yes, anyone in the world can take our courses. Our PRO TRAINERS offer both in-person courses in Canada and virtual courses through Zoom. canfitpro certifications are recognized nationally and internationally. You will not need to pay “transfer fees” if you move between provinces.

To ensure maximum engagement and participation, our virtual courses are live and not recorded. If you purchase the Full Certification package, please select the course with the times that you can attend. If you are unable to attend one of the live virtual classes, you will miss the education for that day.

We recommend that candidates attempt the exam approximately 3 - 5 weeks after taking the course. This time frame is recommended in order to allow candidates to properly prepare for the exam. Those who choose the option to progress and become a certified Fitness Instructor Specialist will complete a Theory and a Practical exam. These two components assess the candidate’s knowledge, teaching ability, and skills to lead a safe and effective fitness class. The Theory Exam consists of 75 multiple choice questions and 15 short answer questions. The Practical Exam is an actual fitness class demonstration evaluated by your PRO TRAINER.

No, the course is an educational tool to assist you in completing the examination procedure successfully. If you feel your current level of education and skill is enough, then you can proceed directly to the exam by registering for an Exam Challenge Package. There is a practical as well as theoretical (written) portion to the FIS exams. The Exam Challenge Package includes the manual to ensure you can prepare for your exam.

No, we frequently have club members and other fitness enthusiasts take the course for general interest.

Do you want to work one on one with individuals or in a group setting? The Personal Training Specialist (PTS) certification will prepare you to work with individuals or small groups of up to 10 clients. The PTS certification qualifies you to evaluate, design, and monitor individual and small group training programs in health clubs, home, workplace, and virtual settings.

The Fitness Instructor Specialist certification prepares you to lead large groups and teach safe and effective exercise classes. The FIS certification includes leadership, motivation, practical training (class design, cueing, coaching, and multi-level teaching using music) to help you become a world-class group exercise instructor.

You do not need to be an elite athlete to certify as a fitness professional! The fitness industry needs a broad range of professionals from different backgrounds, abilities, and body types. You will be exercising throughout the canfitpro course, but rest assured, all exercises can be modified by your PRO TRAINER. Please choose the option that suits your abilities. If you need special accommodations during your course or exam, please contact your PRO TRAINER.

Your personal story matters and will make you more relatable to your future clients. As you continue on your own fitness journey, remember that your experience will be inspirational to the people you’ll serve as a certified fitness professional. Don’t let your perceived level of fitness ability stop you from joining this industry!

Yes, however, it is not recommended. In order to obtain the best possible results from your courses and exams, we suggest completing one designation at a time. This allows you to focus on learning, studying and applying your knowledge in one certification before switching to another program.

Register online or by calling us toll-free at 1-800-667-5622.

80% or higher is the passing mark for each of the Theory and Practical Exams. You must re-test if you do not achieve at least 80%. The exam rewrite fee is $99 (+ applicable tax).

Your PRO TRAINER will contact you within five (5) business days of your exam completion with your results.

You have one (1) year to complete your Theory Exam after completion of your certification course. After successfully completing your Theory Exam, you have six (6) months from that date to complete your Practical Exam. Missing either of these deadlines may result in you needing to complete the full exam process again and pay an exam rewrite fee. If you are unable to meet your exam deadlines, please contact our Member Experience Team immediately at info@canfitpro.com or 1-800-667-5622.

Please arrange a date with your PRO TRAINER to attempt your Practical Exam. You are responsible to secure a location and participants, or you may teach a virtual Exam class on a platform such as Zoom. Your PRO TRAINER will email you additional information upon confirming your Practical Exam date. You may also select a Practical Exam date directly from your canfitpro member portal.

canfitpro offers a variety of options for you to choose from. Certifications are priced individually. Visit the Fees section associated with the certification to view a breakdown. canfitpro recommends completing the full certification including the course, exams, manual and study resources to ensure optimal success. Choose the options that will help you pass the exam! Talk to your PRO TRAINER or our Member Experience Team (info@canfitpro.com or 1-800-667-5622) if you are unsure what option to choose. 

Register with canfitpro online via our member portal. canfitpro will set you up with the course, exam, and materials. There’s no need to go to other course providers or organizations as canfitpro is the source for your complete certification from start to finish.

At canfitpro we are committed to providing fitness professionals with current information on exercise science and design. Our mandate is to update our certification resources every three (3) years to ensure you receive the most relevant information possible with regards to your certification process.

To maintain your certification, you must:

• Renew your membership annually
• Earn 4.0 CECs per year per certification you hold. You can earn CECs:
  At one of our events
  Through canfitpro continuing education courses, certificates, webinars, and quizzes (click here to view)
• Complete a CPR recertification annually (click here to find a CPR course)

Click here to watch a video tutorial on how to recertify in the canfitpro member portal.

It is important to remain certified. Certification is required by employers and validates your credibility to work in the fitness industry. canfitpro is committed to communicating your annual recertification deadlines so check your email for updates.

• If you miss your recertification date and are within one (1) month of your expiration date, you may submit all of your requirements within that month. You will be charged $20 (+ applicable tax).
• If you miss your recertification by more than one (1) month and before one (1) year, you can reinstate your certification by completing a Practical Exam with a PRO TRAINER. The Practical Exam is a live assessment of your knowledge and skills put into practice. Upon your successful Practical Exam, you will maintain your original certification date. Membership and CPR must be up to date before a new certificate will be issued. A fee of $99 (+ applicable tax) is required.
• If your expiry date is more than one (1) year you must complete both the Theory and Practical Exams again. Your certification date will be adjusted to reflect the new date. Each exam is $99 (+ applicable tax).

Please note extension fees and reinstatement fees are non-refundable.

Basic Adult CPR (CPR Level A) certification obtained during a live course is required to become certified. First Aid is recommended although not required. CPR is valid up to one (1) year from the date it was originally issued. CPR recertification must be completed annually to renew your certification(s).

Due to the high-risk nature of our industry, it is extremely important to refresh your CPR & AED skills annually so you can respond confidently in an emergency. canfitpro strives to exceed industry standards on a national and international level. Requiring CPR and other skills be updated annually ensures that we can do this.

Here are our course/exam change policies:

• To make a change we require a minimum of five (5) days written notice via email at info@canfitpro.com
• An administration fee of 15% (+ applicable tax) of the total course and/or exam fee (excluding canfitpro membership and all course materials) will be charged
• If it is less than five (5) days’ notice you are not eligible to change your course or exam date
• Changes made more than 60 days in advance of the course or exam will not be charged an administration fee

canfitpro reserves the right to cancel a previously scheduled course or exam if minimal participation requirements are not met. Your PRO TRAINER will contact you should a course or exam be cancelled. Please confirm the status of your course or exam with your PRO TRAINER prior to attending. If a course or exam is cancelled by the PRO TRAINER, canfitpro will work with you to reschedule your course or exam. If we are unable to reschedule, participants may be eligible for a refund of course or exam fees, and membership (only within 30 days of purchase). Course materials are non-refundable.

Regular shipping will take 10 business days. Express shipping is available at an additional cost and will take three (3) to four (4) business days.

No. All course materials (manuals, study guides, online courses) are non-refundable.

Once you pass your Practical Exam, your PRO TRAINER will update your status in the canfitpro member portal. You may request a PDF of your certification document (to print or email to employers) within your member portal. Click here to login.

If you have more questions, you can contact your local PRO TRAINER, email us at info@canfitpro.com, or call us toll-free at 1-800-667-5622, or contact us online.