To become a fitness professional in Nova Scotia, you need to be registered as a fitness leader with the National Fitness Leadership Association of Canada (NFLA). They appoint the Nova Scotia Fitness Association (NSFA) to administer the testing, educational requirements, and Fitness Leader registration. Read on to find out more about the NSFA fitness leader registration guide!
NSFA Fitness Leader Registration Step 1: Study
The first step on this journey is to study the Exercise Theory course. This will help you prepare for the Exercise Theory exam, which is the first step to completing your registration. Exercise Theory is a prerequisite to Specialty Module certifications – it is actually not a certification itself. This means that you will not be given a certificate once you have completed the course or passed the exam. But, you do need to pass the exam to obtain certifications.
Step 2: Register for the Exercise Theory Exam
You will need to challenge the exam by contacting NSFA at [email protected]. At the time of your registration, you will need to be at least 19 years of age to teach clients. There are 2 provincial exam days at the end of January and the end of June. The location is in Halifax, but if you cannot make those dates, you can contact their Exams & Evaluations Coordinator, Stacey, at [email protected] to arrange a separate time with an exam proctor. An extra fee may apply.
Step 3: First Aid
Once you have passed the exam (or get a credential transfer), you need to get First Aid and CPR training from a recognized organization. Some examples include:
- Red Cross
- St. John’s Ambulance
- Canadian Ski Patrol
- Lifesaving Society
- Heart and Stroke Foundation
Step 4: Specialty Modules
Once you have passed the Exercise Theory exam & got your First Aid/CPR certificates, you need to pass your specialty module. The passing requirements for each module vary, but most involve a course, a written exam, and sometimes a practical exam.
In Nova Scotia, you have a choice of the following specialties:
- Group Exercise
- Resistance Training (Weights)
- Aqua Fitness
- Personal Trainer
- Older Adult Fitness
- Indoor Cycling
- Mind & Body
Step 5: Complete Your Fitness Leader Registration
Now that you have passed your basic Exercise Theory exam, gotten your First Aid/CPR certificates, and passed your chosen specialty module, you are ready to complete your registration.
Just contact the NSFA again and complete the registration paperwork and pay the annual registration fee.
Ready to Get Started?
Enroll now and begin your fitness career transformation!