I DO NOT RECOMMEND AFAA CERTIFICATION

by Dana
(NY)

I took the workshop in the beginning of November! They failed me at practical. God knows why! When i asked they could not give me a reasonable explanation. Also you have no proof that you did good. it's just you and the instructor in a room. However after i waited a long mouth i got the result. Then i had to take the exam again. Of course after they charge $75. I'm still waiting for the result. It takes for ever to mail you the results. Somewhere between 1 to 3 months. If you call and you ask them, they want another $35 to mail you the results. Please note i am still waiting for the results at the practical exam. A result known a month ago at the time i took the exam.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND AFAA. They just want to take your money. they are very shady. There are others certifications for personal trainer and group exercises available. AFAA takes too long to send you the results and the certification. And they rip you off.

Try other certification. I am so sorry i went with them.

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Ugh,,,not another blame game.....
by: Anonymous

Seriously? You really think they "failed" you? So AFAA has a personal grudge against you? Geesch. Have you ever heard of personal responsiblity for your own actions or inabilities? I think you likely failed yourself.

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I agree 100% Don't use AFAA
by: Anonymous

I had the exact same experience and I have taught step aerobics for years...my review is also going up today...people need to know about it!

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Good to hear
by: Anonymous

It's good to hear that they require people have knowledge and don't just pass everyone who signs up for the test. I saw people at the test who were pretty scary and wondered if AFAA would pass them because they thought they knew it all.

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to the origianl reviewer
by: Anonymous

With an attitude like that you will make a terrible fitness professional. If you would like something easier then go take a $50, 20 question "personal trainer" test that any fourth grader could pass.

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disagree with this, I totally recommend AFAA
by: Anonymous

I think you're having hard feelings because you didn't get the results that you wished for. The exam takes preparation, you really do have to make time to study the material they provide you with to know the practical information. The day of the test they review everything and try to give you as much help as possible so that everyone has a chance of passing. I do hate having to wait so long for the results too, but find that when they send the results, they are very thorough and tell you what areas you made mistakes in (even if you passed) so you can review that information again if you choose to. I think they are a very reputable place to become certified, and they have a strong focus on safety, and knowledge of the body as well as the practical teaching aspect. You get what you pay for.

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Some truth
by: Anonymous

I chose AFAA to obtain my Primary Fitness Certification after looking into the other options. The study, IMHO, is fairly rigorous and I am an RN who had to pass State Boards. I am not saying that it is as difficult as State boards, but that the material is challenging.

Unfortunately, the textbook is very poorly organized. There were a few items that were on the practice test that were either missing or not clearly stated. The photos of the various exercises and stretches are awful. Why not charge a little more and include a DVD from an experienced PT/Primary Fitness instructor. Really, a book doesn't cut it when it comes to learning such things.

If you already have been teaching group fitness or know a lot about anatomy an how everything works, then the practical probably will seem to be a piece of cake. The practical WAS difficult for me and I did not pass that portion.

I had a wonderful caring instructor who tried her darned hard to prepare me...even helping one-on-one (we only had six people total), but I was tired, hot (no A/C in the facility) and hadn't prepared adequately for the practical.

It bothers me that the textbook and accompanying manual don't always match what is taught in the workshop regarding the practical. The practical teaches you about safety issues for the gen. pop. You need to really pay attention to the pointers in the workshop. A mistake in safety and you fail.

Sure, I was sad I didn't pass the practical portion, but it forced me to do my own in depth study of what I needed to know (much of it lacking in the provided materials, sorry to say) and searching reputable online trainer websites to see examples of exercises and how to do them safely.

There is plenty of room for AFAA to improve. And they need to do it. I am hesitant with any of their CE stuff (though I know I need to keep up with that) and wonder if it suffers the same problems of disorganization. Sorry, but they do not come off as a professional organization. Perhaps they are suffering from lack of funds and hiring excellent people to improve AFAA.

I would suggest to the OP to take it in stride. You have invested your money and supposedly the written is the hardest. Go for it, get your certification and the rest will fade into the past soon enough (I hope it does for me!)

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Try again
by: Anonymous

Did you ever pass?

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i agree somewhat
by: fitness79

they milk you for every penny you have..

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AFAA Lied to me
by: Bonnie G.

I asked if there was a way to get the Older Adult Cert. without becoming a fitness instructor. I'm 68yo and work with wheelchair bound and physically infirm people. I just want the OACert. I do not need to know 98% of the stuff a Fitness Instructor needs. I was assured that I did need to go through the process. I believe I was sold a bill of bad goods. I don't have any intention of learning all this stuff. Refund? No way. I asked twice during the refund period and a gain was assured there was only one path to the OA Cert. I have since learned that AFAA is a sales organization. They are not a fitness organization. There is no one in fitness to talk with. It is set up like Trump University and other online universities. My stupid. My bad. Just beware and be aware there are much better and other choices for all certifications. I too work in the health care industry and agree the materials that I purchased are not well organized, or well presented.

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you are absolutely correct
by: Anonymous

I can confirm that AFAA absolutely tried a money grab with me, and I have no doubt that they did the same with you.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND AFAA CERTIFICATION

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