Senior Fitness Instructor Certification

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Certification as a Seniors’ Fitness Instructor from the Canadian Centre of Activity Aging (CCAA) recognizes proficiency in leading the evidence-based, standard-setting exercise program for older adults developed by the CCAA through Western’s School of Kinesiology.

Certified Senior Fitness Instructors (SFIC) are individuals who have met the Educational Standards Guidelines as set forth by the CCAA.

These guidelines stipulate that a certificate holder has successfully completed the organization's educational curriculum that includes:

  • a minimum of 30 hours of theory/practical instruction
  • a theory/safety competency written evaluation
  • 18 hours of mentorship
  • a practical evaluation of competency

SFIC certification is maintained by demonstrating ongoing excellence in delivering the program. Certificate holders are required to maintain a minimum of 16 hours of ongoing program delivery and eight (8) Professional Development Credits (PDC) that are to be submitted prior to applying for recertification every two (2) years.

The SFIC Certification Process

Important! All steps in the certification process must be completed within six months of course completion.

Step One: Seniors' Fitness Instructor Course

The completion of the SFIC course is the initial step in the process to become fully certified. The course is a minimum of 30 hours of guided and self-learning interactive content.

On completion of this course, candidates will be able to:

  1. Understand the effects of aging and the benefits of physical activity for older adults;
  2. Develop a basic understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and movement;
  3. Develop and apply the skills to design and deliver safe, group exercise programs for older adults;
  4. Be able to adapt programs to support individuals with special conditions including arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, and others.

Step Two: Theory/Safety Online Quiz

On completion of the Senior Fitness Instructor Course, candidates will be required to complete an online multiple-choice quiz. The quiz covers content from the manual and learning materials provided during the course. Candidates will have a maximum of two weeks (14 days) from the last day of the course to complete the quiz. To proceed to subsequent steps of the certification process, candidates are required to achieve 80% on the quiz. (Maximum of three attempts)

Step Three: Complete Mentorship Hours

All certificate candidates must complete a minimum of 18 hours of mentorship and submit proof of completion using the Mentorship Log. The mentorship hours must be completed within 6 months between completion of the course and the required submission of the final evaluation video. Learn more about mentorship.

Step Four: Practical Evaluation

The final step in the certification process is to submit a recorded senior fitness class video to be evaluated by the CCAA examining committee. The 60-to 75-minute video submission features the candidate leading a full CCAA-standard senior fitness class including all components of fitness as described throughout the course.

Upon successful evaluation of the practical exam by the examining committee, the candidate shall be elevated to certificate holder. A copy of their SFIC certification will be available for download and display from MyCCAA.ca.

Please allow 3-4 weeks for evaluation and feedback to be returned to the candidate.