With so many certifications out there, we know it can be daunting and confusing when trying to decide on which certification course to go with. So, we’ve compiled a list of certifications offered in the city and information to help you decide on a certification. There are also pros and cons based on those who have taken the course! We may be slightly biased towards two as they run on our campus, but we think they are great contenders on the list still.
WITS (offered at YorkU through A&R)
Pros: Experienced instructor, recognized internationally, lots of practical experience gained, available to all, NCCA accredited, study guide available with enrollment
Cons: Standards may limit specific topics
Enrollment Requirement: Need to be 18+ to enroll,
Course Includes: 16 hours lecture, 16 hours practical, course materials, one-time test voucher, a 30-hour internship with experienced trainers, study guides, practice tests
Cost: $380-$490, $25 retest fee
Grade to Pass: 72% on written, 80% on practical
Renewal Requirement: Every 2 years, 10 CECs and a $50 recert fee
CECs Needed To Renew: 5 every year
CanFitPro
Pros: Recognized internationally
Cons: Price
Enrollment Requirement: Must be CPR certified
Course Includes: Lessons, practice test
Cost: $809
Grade to Pass: 80% on both exams
Renewal Requirement: Every year
CECs Needed To Renew: 4 CECs
ACE
Pros: Receive results immediately, NCCA accredited
Cons: Not available
Enrollment Requirement: Need to be 18+ to enroll, high school diploma, CPR & AED required with a skill check
Course Includes: Not available
Cost: $587-$1037
Grade to Pass: Scored between 200 and 800, 500 is a passing score
Renewal Requirement: Every 2 years, 2 CECs
CECs Needed To Renew:1 per year
ISSA
Pros: Considered #1 certification, open book & untimed exam, NCCA accredited, accommodates all learning styles
Cons: The website is overwhelming
Enrollment Requirement: Must be CPR certified
Course Includes: Success coach, practice quizzes, unlimited support
Cost: $69/month for 12 months
Passing Grade: 75% or better, the passing rate is 89.9%
Renewal Requirement: Every two years, 20 CECs, $99 fee
CECs Needed to Renew: 10 per year
NSCA
Pros: Available in 5 languages, with no limits to retests
Cons: Self-paced, need to take the exam within 120 days of registration
Requirement to Enroll: Need to be 18+ to enroll, high school diploma, and CPR & AED required
Course Includes: Not available
Cost: $300 for members, $435 for non-members
Passing Grade: 70% or better to pass
Renewal Requirements: 3-year renewal
CECs Needed to Renew: Varies
HFFC (offered at YorkU within the KINE program)
Pros: A part of your KINE degree, no extra courses or testing, pay the registration fee
Cons: KINE degree only
Requirement to Enroll: CPR certified
Course Includes: Lecture and practical skills, experience with firefighters testing protocols, hands-on experience with training and research work
Cost: Course enrollment fee with the university, $300 for every renewal
Passing Grade: Must pass the KINE course
Renewal Requirements: Every year, pay the renewal fee which included the membership fee and insurance
CECs Needed to Renew: Prove continuing education
NASM
Pros: Many opportunities to bundle certifications, have 180 days to complete course and exams
Cons: Proctored final exam
Requirements to Enroll: High school diploma or GED, CPR certified
Course Includes: 15-week course, professional development, behaviour coaching, basic applied science, program design, client relations, technique, and instruction
Cost: Not available
Passing Grade: 70% or better to pass
Renewal Requirements: Every 2 years
CECs Needed to Renew: 1 CEC per year
CSEP
Pros: Purchase a study guide for exams, provide regular additional certification opportunities
Cons: Must pay to apply, KINE degree only, many payments needed to get full certification
Cost: Application fee: $45, graduate from appropriate 2yr college program or working through university courseload, or completed a pre-university science stream
Course Includes: Not available
Cost: $200 exam fee
Passing Grade: 70% or better to pass
Renewal Requirement: Every year on or before March 31st
CECs Needed to Renew: 2 CECs, 20 contact hours
CFES
Pros: Not available
Cons: Not available
Course Includes: Complete CFES weight training instructor certification or another equivalent
40+ hours of class work, 20-hour mentorship
Cost: Exam fee: $73.50
Passing Grade: 80% or better to pass
Renewal Requirement: Every year - $73.50, or every two years - $147
CECs Needed To Renew: Not available
ACSM
Pros: Make your own study plan or use a guide, test can be done online or in person
Cons: Not available
Requirements to Enroll: Need to be 18+ to enroll, have a high school diploma, CPR & AED required
Course Includes: Online exam content, prep course, online practice questions, practice exam
Cost: $349 non-member, $175 retest
Passing Grade: Need to score a minimum of 550 out of 800
Renewal Requirements: 12 PT hours, maintain CPR, submit CFECs, $73.50 renewal fee
CECs Needed to Renew: Not available
NCSF
Pros: Test can be done online or in person, accredited, recognized globally, hands-on and self-study options
Cons: Not available
Requirements To Enroll: Need to be 18+ to enroll, high school diploma or GED
Course Includes: Not available
Cost: $419-$ 479-course fee, $299 exam fee, $99 retest fee
Passing Grade: 70% or better to pass
Renewal Requirements: Every 2 years, 10 CECs
CECs Needed to Renew: 10 CECs every two years
AFAA
Pros: Not available
Cons: Not available
Requirements to Enroll: High school diploma or GED, CPR certified
Course Includes: Course material, exam, study guide, magazine subscription, one-year membership with AFAA
Cost: Not available
Passing Grade: 70% or better to pass
Renewal Requirements: Every 2 years, 15 CECs
CECs Needed to Renew: 15 CECs every two years
Fitness Mentors
Pros: Easy-to-follow the curriculum
Cons: Fully online
Requirements to Enroll: Need to be 18+ to enroll, high school diploma or GED
Course Includes: Exam, textbook, study videos, audiobook, practice exams, support group
Cost: Not available
Passing Grade: 70% or better to pass
Renewal Requirements: Not available
CECs Needed to Renew: Not available