There are a lot of reasons why someone would want to become a fitness trainer or personal trainer.  It’s a rewarding job, both personally and financially.  That said, there’s not much information out there on how to become a fitness professional, specifically a personal trainer in Alberta.

How to Become a Personal Trainer in Alberta

AFLCA (the provincial fitness unit) licenses and certifies fitness trainers, personal trainers, and other fitness professionals in Alberta.

There are 4 options for getting an AFLCA certification:

  1. If you are currently a certified personal trainer with another organization you can register with AFLCA for recognition online or via a form submitted to their office.
  2. Challenge the Certified Fitness Trainer (CFT) and Exercise Theory exams.  If you are currently enrolled in a 2 or 4-year program with a recognized post-secondary institution in faculties like Physical Education, Kinesiology, or some other related program, you may be eligible to just write the exams.
    1. Even if you’re challenging the exam, you’ll need some Exercise Theory study materials.
  3. If you’re a current AFLCA Resistance Training Leader, you can just challenge the CFT exam.
  4. If you have no certification or educational prerequisites, you’ll have to start from scratch and complete the following:
    1. Take the AFLCA Exercise Theory course and the subsequent exam
    2. Complete the AFLCA Resistance Training certification & maintain it for 2 years
    3. Get Resistance Training recertified
    4. Take the Certified Fitness Trainer Theory (CFT) exam

Fitness Trainer Insurance Requirements

On top of being registered with AFLCA, you also need to carry at least $2M or optionally $5M in liability insurance coverage for fitness professionals.

Additional Requirements for Personal Trainer in Alberta

You’ll also need to submit documentation for CPR and Standard First Aid certifications.

Any Questions?

I know there’s a lot of information here, and it can get confusing.  If you’re unsure how to proceed, send us a message, and we’d be happy to help.  More information from AFLCA is available here.

Last modified: July 21, 2021