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Best group fitness instructor certifications
Group fitness instructor certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an group fitness instructor to employers. However, not all group fitness instructor certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a group fitness instructor are Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor.
Below is a list of the best group fitness instructor certifications. Obtaining an group fitness instructor certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for group fitness instructors
| Rank | Group fitness instructor certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Personal Trainer | CIAR |
| 2 | Group Fitness Instructor | IFPA |
| 3 | First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor | NSC |
| 4 | Advanced Personal Training Certification (APT) | AFPA |
| 5 | Group Fitness Instructor Certification (GFI) | AFPA |
| 6 | Instructor | NAUI |
| 7 | Fitness Nutrition Certification | ISSA |
| 8 | Group Exercise Instructor | AFAA |
| 9 | Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) | NSCA-CC |
| 10 | Cycle Instructor Certification (CIC) | AFPA |
| 11 | Personal Fitness Trainer | AFAA |
| 12 | Master Fitness Specialist Certification (MFS) | CIAR |
| 13 | Group Exercise Certification | NETA |
| 14 | Health Coach Certification | ACE |
| 15 | Certified Pilates Instructor | IFPA |
| 16 | Yoga Specialty Certification | NETA |
| 17 | Instructor Certification (EPIC) | ACCA |
| 18 | Certified Personal Fitness Trainer - Health Fitness Instructor (CPFT-) | AAPTE |
| 19 | Certified Instructor | NCATT |
| 20 | Water Fitness Trainer (WFT) | ISSA |
20 best group fitness instructor certifications
1. Certified Personal Trainer
The purpose of The Cooper Institute Personal Trainer (CI-PTr) Certification Examination is to provide assurance of mastery and application of knowledge and skills directly related to the performance of the job entitled `Personal Trainer' through a defensible, reliable, valid and rigorous process. The successful completion of the CI-PTr Certification Examination results in credentialing to ensure certificants' professional knowledge, skills and tools to provide sound fitness and health programming to their clients, provide assurance to clients and employers, protect the public, and advance the profession.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
2. Group Fitness Instructor
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
3. First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor
Knowing how to respond to a first aid or CPR emergency is one of the most important skills a person can possess. The Standard First Aid, CPR and AED course meets the OSHA requirements and is your tool for training employees or the general public on the latest skills, techniques and expertise in life-saving procedures. The practice and feedback of using related skills in a realistic situation is integrated into the actual teaching experience.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
4. Advanced Personal Training Certification (APT)
AFPA's Advanced Personal Trainer Certification Program has been nationally and internationally recognized since 1994. AFPA provides the most comprehensive and authoritative resources for you as an Advanced Personal Trainer, whether you are working in a health/fitness club currently as a Personal Trainer or if you are working with athletes at the high school or collegiate level.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
5. Group Fitness Instructor Certification (GFI)
The AFPA Group Fitness Instructor Certification course is designed to teach those that are looking to instruct group fitness oriented classes - aerobics, bootcamp, sport conditioning, step, circuit, muscle conditioning, interval and other group exercise modalities.This course is designed to prepare participants to teach safe and effective group exercise programs through the development of leadership and technical skills.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Instructor
A NAUI Instructor is a person dedicated to the motto of "Dive Safety Through Education"; a person whom others look to for leadership and knowledge. NAUI has always been and remains today the most prestigious agency focusing on diving instruction. You can share the adventure - and help create it! If you believe your work should be enjoyable and exciting, if you are eager to share your knowledge with others, if you believe that to train the best you must be among the best trained, join the finest. Join the adventure!
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
7. Fitness Nutrition Certification
ISSA's Fitness Nutrition Certification course blends nutritional science and practice in order to help you successfully guide them toward a better body... both inside and out.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
8. Group Exercise Instructor
AFAA's Primary Group Exercise Certification is designed to equip those seeking to become certified as group exercise instructors with the competencies needed to design safe and effective group exercise programming for the general healthy population.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
9. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. Learn more about becoming a strength and conditioning coach with the NSCA certification! Visit NSCA.com for more information on strength and conditioning jobs, strength and conditioning internships, continuing education and CEUs.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
10. Cycle Instructor Certification (CIC)
The AFPA Cycle Instructor Certification course is designed for the instructor who wants to expand their teaching capabilities to indoor cycling. This program utilizes various cycling programs' strengths to create a well- rounded cycle instructor who can instruct on any indoor cycle.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
11. Personal Fitness Trainer
A three-day certification workshop including lectures, practical demonstrations and written and practical exams. This course will help prepare you for both AFAA's Personal Fitness Trainer Certification and the Personal Fitness Trainer National Boards.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
12. Master Fitness Specialist Certification (MFS)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
13. Group Exercise Certification
NETA's Group Exercise Instructor Certification is continuously updated to keep you on the cutting edge of the fitness industry, promote safe and effective teaching strategies, and help you develop the critical skills required to become an effective group exercise instructor.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
14. Health Coach Certification
Your clients want to lose weight. They come to you for help. The Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant certification assures clients that you have the knowledge to develop sound, balanced weight management programs that bring together the three critical components of nutrition, exercise and lifestyle change.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
15. Certified Pilates Instructor
Certified Pilates Instructor is a physical and mental conditioning program that allows you to fully understand the movements. This course will cover the art and science of human movement as it relates to the Pilates Method. Joseph Pilates planted the seeds for what is now a mainstay in fitness centers everywhere.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
16. Yoga Specialty Certification
NETA and Linda Christy Weiler have teamed up to offer you an intensive 2-day certification workshop. Participants will learn how to confidently lead and teach a multi-level traditional yoga class geared at meeting the needs of your club participants. This workshop includes: * How to teach 27 different poses * Basic Pranayama (breathing) * Contraindications and modifications * Class formats for gentle and active yoga * Alignment strategies * Meditation
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
17. Instructor Certification (EPIC)
Are you an experienced vocational instructor or HVAC professional who is looking to take your career to the next level? If so, EPIC may be an option for you. EPIC is an extremely intensive four-day class.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
18. Certified Personal Fitness Trainer - Health Fitness Instructor (CPFT-)
Certified Personal Trainers are fitness professionals proficient in the understanding of client assessment, exercise program design, physiology of human performance, biomechanics, nutrition, medical considerations and terminology, effective communication, and personal trainer ethics. In addition, they are also credentialed in CPR-AED.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
19. Certified Instructor
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
20. Water Fitness Trainer (WFT)
The key to reaping the rewards of this exciting personal training specialty is certification. In fact, water fitness certification is already required in several states, and many fitness clubs, public and private pools. Physical therapy clinics nationwide have already made aquatic certification a requirement for employment.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for a group fitness instructor?
The best group fitness instructor certification is Certified Personal Trainer. The Certified Personal Trainer is awarded by the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this group fitness instructor certification:
- To become a certified Certified Personal Trainer, you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 3 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for group fitness instructors?
The most in-demand group fitness instructor certification is Group Fitness Instructor based on all active job postings. Having this group fitness instructor certification will give you access to more group fitness instructor jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a group fitness instructor career and salary?
The Certified Personal Trainer certification will help you to secure a personal trainer position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A personal trainer's average salary is $38,768 whereas group fitness instructors make an average salary of $35,867.
The most common combination of group fitness instructor certifications include: Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor.
Online courses for group fitness instructors to earn certifications
1. Belly Dance & Belly Core Fitness International Certification
Belly Dance & Belly Core Fitness Internationally Certified instructor & steps to creating your own Fitness Business...
2. Yoga At Home - Flexibility, Fitness, Strength & Weight Loss
Yoga for Weight Loss : Yoga Workout at Home : Yoga for Fitness Strength & Flexibility : Yoga for Losing Weight & Health...
3. Internationally Accredited Diploma Certificate in Fitness
Learn how to Create Gym & Bodybuilding Workouts that help boost testosterone, muscle building and/or lose weight...
4. Fitness For Beginners
The Beginners Guide to Learning How to Exercise...
5. Personalized Bodyweight Workouts: Science-Based Home Fitness
Step-by-Step Instruction From Ex-Military Officer: Build Home Bodyweight Workouts: Strength, Muscle, Lose Fat, Fitness...
6. HIIT & Body Weight Training: A 4-week Home Workout Program
Be your own Personal Trainer: Bodyweight Workouts that boosts testosterone, help with muscle building and/or weight loss...
7. Pilates Teacher Training & CPD Certification
Become a Classical Mat Pilates instructor with this accredited training course...
8. Group Life Coaching Certification (Accredited)
Training for life coaches who want to grow their business through offering life coaching groups...
9. Fitness Trainer Certification: Gym Workouts & Bodybuilding
Become A Fitness Coach: Create Muscle Growth & Strength Workouts, Build A Fitness Training Business & Be A Health Expert...
10. The Complete Fitness & Health Masterclass - 21 Courses in 1
The Most Comprehensive Masterclass to Improve Your Mind, Body and Health - Start Growing Today!...
11. Professional Accredited Yoga Teacher Training Diploma Course
Full Certification Diploma Course to Learn the In depth techniques of Yoga to teach to Students & Groups!...
12. 15 Minutes x 15 Days Yoga Strength Challenge
Increase strength and stability in your upper body, core and lower body in 15-minute daily yoga sessions...
13. Health and Nutrition Life Coach Certification (Accredited)
Life Coaching: Create a Workout & Nutrition Plan Based on Your Clients' Fitness, Weight Loss, Dieting & Nutrition Goals...
14. Beginner's Yoga Workout System For Inflexible People
Discover Yoga's Amazing Benefits. Created For All Ages With Modifications For Those Who Can't Touch Their Toes...
15. Group Discussion Strategies
Group Discussion helps understand a subject more deeply and improves the ability to think critically...
16. Complete Fitness Trainer Certification: Beginner To Advanced
Become A Fitness Coach: Create Muscle Growth & Fat Loss Workouts, Build A Fitness Training Business & Be A Health Expert...
17. Home Workouts: 7 Day Bodyweight HIIT Workout Program
Anywhere, anytime workouts for busy professionals. Feel great in front of the mirror quicker and easier than before...
18. 15 Minutes x 15 Days Total Yoga Challenge
Improve your flexibility, build core strength, alleviate aches and pains and reduce your stress in 15 minutes a day!...
19. Yoga Life Coach Certification - Yoga Teacher Training
Become a Certified Yoga Life Coach! Help Your Clients Create a Balanced, Peaceful Life Using Ancient Yogic Practices...
20. Group Life Coach Practitioner Certification (ACCREDITED)
Discover the power of helping more people at once through the process of Group Life Coaching & become Fully Accredited...