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How Do I Become a Certified Personal Trainer in Canada?

Updated: Oct 27, 2023


Certified Personal Trainer in Canada

If you've searched for information on becoming a certified personal trainer in Canada, you may have noticed that more information is available online. This is because obtaining certification in Canada is more challenging than in the United States, primarily due to varying insurance requirements.


To work as a fitness coach, it is essential to have liability insurance. More than just relying on your employer's insurance, coverage is required. Certification helps you obtain the necessary insurance coverage specifically tailored for Canada. With Canadian accreditation, you might be able to get coverage or pay significantly more for it.


Think of it as car insurance. If you have a Canadian driver's permit and move to the United States, your vehicle will be covered once you switch to an American license.

Moreover, Canada has different medical standards and practices that American certifications might not cover. For instance, Canadian trainers are required to administer the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) to clients under insurance regulations. This requirement does not exist in the United States.


Canadian programs also offer more hands-on training, while their American counterparts are often delivered online for international students. All Canadian certifications require both a theoretical examination and a practical assessment. In-person demonstrations of client protocols are necessary.


By understanding these distinctions, you can make an informed decision when pursuing certification as a personal trainer in Canada.


Are personal trainer certifications licensed in Canada?

Canada has a distinct approach when it comes to the norms of individual preparation. Unlike the United States, no specific laws govern the certification requirements. This means that even your 90-year-old grandmother could consider herself a fitness coach. However, unlike in the U.S., Canada does not have third-party agencies that enforce certifications, which helps weed out the unreliable ones.


In Canada, our approach to certification is shaped by our unique history. We do not have as many insurers as other countries, but we have a close-knit community where we know and support each other. As a community, we strive to hold each other accountable and recognize the need for better-qualified wellness experts. By collectively working towards this goal, we aim to enhance the quality of fitness professionals in Canada.


Where Are All the Canadian Personal Trainers?

For one thing, fewer people are in Canada than the United States. Despite Canada having a landmass similar to that of the U.S., its population is only around 37 million. To put it into perspective, this is 2 million fewer people than the state of California alone, and accounts for approximately 11 percent of the total U.S. population.


Additionally, it is worth noting that many individual regions in Canada have their own provincial certifications for fitness professionals. These certifications are granted by various providers operating under the National Fitness Leadership Alliance (NFLA). These certifications are obtained within specific provinces and in some cases, they can be transferred to different regions, providing flexibility for fitness professionals across the country.


Which Personal Training Certification in Canada Is Best?


Best Personal Training Certificate in Canada

aspiring fitness coaches must complete the Fitness Knowledge and Weight Training Instructor courses before enrolling in this certification program.


With a staggering number of approximately 24,000 individuals, Canfitpro proudly is the largest certification body in the country. When it comes to choosing a path, most students are presented with two options: the test challenge ($508), which includes the comprehensive course manual, access to online resources, as well as both the written and practical tests, or the full course option ($682) which encompasses everything mentioned earlier, along with the invaluable opportunity to participate in an engaging live course experience.


With a rich history spanning over 35 years, this association has been offering its renowned fitness coach certification since 2011. The comprehensive six-week course, priced at $900, provides 40 hours of dedicated study hall sessions and an additional 20 hours of hands-on practical training. In addition, the course includes a written test and a thorough assessment of practical skills. It is important to note that aspiring fitness coaches must complete the Fitness Knowledge and Weight Training Instructor courses before enrolling in this certification program. This ensures a solid foundation of knowledge and expertise before embarking on their fitness coaching journey.


Established in 1994, CPTN has emerged as one of Canada's most reputable and established fitness trainer certifications. With a comprehensive range of mentor-centered strength certifications, CPTN has set the benchmark in the industry and continues to maintain its high standards year after year. To ensure thorough preparation, CPTN offers a live four-day prep course for $559, allowing you to attain acceptable knowledge and expertise. Once you feel ready, you can take the written test for $232, giving you the freedom to study at your own pace. After successfully completing the written test, you will have a generous 6-month timeframe to log a minimum of 20 hours of practical training and undertake the practical assessment for $125. This comprehensive approach ensures that you are well-prepared and equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in your fitness training career.


With connections dating back to 1967, the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) offers fitness trainer certification to those who have completed two years of school study. To obtain certification, candidates must successfully pass a written test ($160) and a practical evaluation ($150 to $250). The first step is to apply online for qualification, and once approved, candidates can begin their study journey that can last up to a year. As part of the study materials, candidates will receive a comprehensive resource manual and have the opportunity to engage in practical skills review sessions. Upon completing one test, candidates will have a six-month window to take the other test, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation of their fitness training knowledge and abilities. The CSEP certification is valuable for individuals looking to establish themselves as reputable fitness trainers.


Established in 2008, this semi-annual certification program exclusively for women offers a comprehensive curriculum catering to various interests. Covering diverse topics such as wellness, nutrition, health, and business, participants gain a well-rounded understanding of various aspects. The three-month course is priced at $1,999 and provides abundant opportunities for growth and learning. Moreover, if you encounter any challenges during the course's three tests, you have the flexibility to retake them multiple times at no extra cost. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills! Enroll early to enjoy a $200 discount.


This comprehensive 12-week live program ($5,990) is specifically designed to prepare you for various certification tests such as ACE, NSCA, and ACSM. Get ready for an amazing 300 instructional hours to gain in-depth knowledge and 120 hours of engaging schoolwork to reinforce your learning. The program includes two well-crafted tests to assess your understanding and two practical skills assessments to demonstrate your abilities.


And here's the best part - with a remarkable 98 percent pass rate, your chances of failing are quite slim. However, in the unlikely event that you do, don't worry! You'll have the option to retake the course for an additional fee of around $500, giving you another opportunity to succeed.

For those who prefer a more flexible approach, we also offer quick track and home-study options, ranging from $1,400 to $2,400. So, whether you prefer a structured classroom setting or the convenience of studying from home, we've got you covered.


Special Needs Fitness Instructor Certification (Special Education)

This certification is primarily based in the United States but holds international recognition! Our comprehensive online course equips you with the knowledge and skills to effectively work with individuals with special needs, encompassing a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities.

Throughout the course, you will gain expertise in modifying exercises to suit the unique requirements of your clients. But that's not all! Here are some additional details on what you can expect to learn:


Help Manage Meltdowns

For many individuals with special needs, certain triggers, such as sound, lighting, or even new experiences, can induce a "fight or flight" response, leading to meltdowns. Our course delves into exploring emotions and provides practical techniques to help prevent future panic attacks through targeted practice.


Guiding Techniques

Effective guidance is crucial in facilitating progress and behavioural change in individuals with special needs. Our course covers various guiding techniques, including setting up personalized dietary plans, encouraging positive behavioural changes, and redirecting thought processes. Some special needs clients may be highly independent and receptive to nutrition coaching, while others might require the presence of a parent or guardian. We provide insights and strategies to navigate these unique circumstances.


Diet to Meal Translation

Translating nutritional suggestions into practical meals can sometimes be challenging. Moreover, when a special needs individual has distinct health objectives that differ from their family members, meal preparation can become even more complex. Our course offers guidance on effectively incorporating nutritional food suggestions into meal planning for special needs individuals and their families, ensuring everyone's dietary needs are met.

By completing this specialized certification, you will be equipped with the expertise to positively impact the lives of individuals with special needs, helping them achieve their fitness and wellness goals.


Who We are

Impulse fitness and wellness is a gym in Coquitlam dedicated to helping all individuals reach their fitness and wellness goals. Our specialized PT certification program specifically focuses on assisting special needs clients in achieving a healthy lifestyle while providing guidance to family members. We understand that providing care for someone with special needs can be overwhelming at times, so our course provides knowledge and insights into developing meaningful relationships with the client. , BC


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