AFPA and NCCA Accreditation

by Abby Campbell
(Charlotte, NC)

I was recommended to go with AFPA (which is not reviewed by your site) by a couple of personal trainers at my local YMCA. From what I understand, the local YMCAs in my area have their trainers only certified with AFPA.

However, I was so used to hearing about ACE. So, I started research on many of the certification programs you have listed on your site and compared them with AFPA.

AFPA seems to have so many more specialized certifications in addition to their personal training certifications. So, that was my first interest. Second, they are very detailed in their descriptions of the courses... much more so than the other certification sites... and they seem to be focused on what the potential trainer wants to gain rather than costs and accreditations in which I found with most of the sites... and I really liked that.

Then I started looking into the accreditations and found most of the certification programs accredited by NCCA. AFPA is not and this is what they say:

"AFPA has received third party accreditation by Vital Research and The Fitness Standards Council (FSC) a non-profit international organization, established to act as an unbiased mediation committee or resource, to uphold and regulate quality standards within the fitness industry and to provide consumer protection of those standards in the areas of personal trainer certification, personal trainer practices, and fitness facility operations.

"AFPA has elected not to be accredited by NCCA because NCCA is not recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Education to grant accreditation; in addition they are not recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). NCCA does not accredit institutions or educational programs, only examinations. NCCA specifically states that any organization that seeks accreditation of their examination cannot require candidates to take any of their courses, classes, training, or workshops as a prerequisite to sit for their examination. It is for these reasons that AFPA chose to seek accreditation from other recognized accreditation agencies, as we believe that some form of educational training prior to and in conjunction with an examination is a necessary precursor for success in the fields of fitness, nutrition and wellness."

I really liked this as it shows that they are concerned about the credibility of educated personal trainers. In fact, AFPA requires a 90 percent to pass their exams. The other programs only required a 65-75 percent.

Please tell me what your thoughts are. Thank you!

Rating

Yes - AFPA is high quality
by: Deana Guidi

I am working on the AFPA master trainer certification. I also held ACE and NASM certifications. AFPA is much more difficult. AFPA requires extensive short answer and case study essay writing. It requires specific, periodized program design. Anyone taking an AFPA course must treat it like a college course. I believe AFPA will continue to gain industry recognition.

Rating

AFPA IS AMAZING
by: jimmy s

I was certified by afpa in 2006 & i love them. First they are very detailed in course work & the exercises are well explained. You have to do your part & study. I must say their support is excellent. You must get 90% to pass.I dont care what anyone says about them but they are the best!! Plus you get alot of stuff with the course work.

Rating

love it
by: s.cruz

Im a military spouse and its hard for me to really focus on one school....i recently recieved my personal training certification and currently working on nutrition and wellness and group excercise....boy it is a challenge but im so excited about how they conduct their program and the process and customer service is excellent!!!!

Rating

AFPA????
by: Anonymous

I had AFPA - pre and post natal , but let it expire because I thought the testing format was a joke. They gave you study materials and you had an open book exam. I am NSCA-CPT and currently studying for the CSCS exam. NSCA is NCCA accredited and it is has much more recognition to the fitness world the AFPA. You were also happy that the passing rate was 90%, but I challenge you to take the NSCA exam, seeing how its not open book like AFPA.

Good Luck

Rating

NO to NCCA NEW
by: Anonymous

I had the pleasure of meeting professional athletes and working hand-in-hand with highly qualified personnel at PROPTA. Similarly, PROPTA does not recognize the NCCA. PROPTA courses are uniquely challenging and include hands-on practical training, unlike anything else in the industry.

I used to live in an apartment in Los Angeles with two other people because I couldn’t afford more, but now I own my home and have been very successful for the past 18 years—all thanks to what I learned from the professionals at PROPTA. Their courses go far beyond the norm, providing exceptional support, email assistance, and business setup guidance.

Unlike others, PROPTA places significant emphasis not just on books and exams but also on discussions, Q&A sessions, oral exams, and one-on-one interactions during the academy. It was the best educational experience I’ve ever had, and I will never forget it.

Other agencies often provide a thick book and an exam, leaving you on your own. While their exams may be NCCA-controlled, their courses lack the same depth and quality.

It's crucial to focus on quality rather than being swayed by marketing hype. There’s often a lot of noise but not enough substance. Accreditation means nothing without true value, and I know that firsthand.

AFPA and NCCA Accreditation

Comments for AFPA and NCCA Accreditation