Group Exercise Instructor Certification
A group exercise instructor certification makes an individual qualified to teach large group exercise classes. Unlike a personal trainer, who is certified to work in a one-on-one setting, a group exercise instructor always teaches large groups. The individual goals of a participant in the class are less important than the overall management of the class and its participants.
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Regulators
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The primary certification regulators are the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). These two groups offer streamlined testing and curriculum programs to become a certified group exercise instructor. Private gyms and community colleges may also offer programs, but most of these programs will either lead to the ACE or the AFAA certification.
Expense
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The cost of a group fitness certification typically runs from $500 to $1,000 depending on the program you choose. For an AFAA certification, a $300 fee is required for a workshop, plus a $70 fee to maintain membership each year thereafter. Exam registration for the ACE test is $249. Additional classes in CPR and AED certification may be required, increasing the overall program cost.
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Process
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For an AFAA certification, you will participate in actual classes and workshops provided by the organization. Participation will result in a certificate. For the ACE certification, you will have to take an exam, but how you prepare for that exam is up to you. You may purchase materials to study on your own or participate in classes.
Careers
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Once you have your group exercise instructor certification, you can teach classes at a local gym, school or community center. The key advantage to this certification over a personal training certification is that you do not need to develop your own client list. You only need to secure a job teaching a class at a facility, and you will be paid each time you teach.
Alternatives
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If you would prefer to teach in a one-on-one setting, you will need your personal training certificate. This can be more expensive, and it can also take more dedication to develop your own client list. However, personal trainers tend to have more flexibility in their scheduling and often open their own businesses in the future.
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