Certification & Courses
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Phone: 519-661-1603
Toll-free: 1-888-625-0077
ccaa.certification@uwo.ca
1201 Western Road
Elborn College, Suite 1101
London, ON N6G 1H1
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Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines
An Integration of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep for Adults 65 Years or Older.
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Seniors' Fitness Instructor Renewal
To maintain SFIC certification, instructors are required to conduct a minimum of 16 CCAA senior fitness classes and obtain eight (8) Professional Development Credits (PDCs). Proof of fulfilling these requirements must be submitted before applying for recertification every two years.
Renewal Cycle
After initial certification, the SFIC renewal cycle runs from April 1 to March 31 (two years later). This two-year cycle applies to ALL instructors. To avoid late fees, renewal requirements and payment must be submitted to the CCAA prior to March 31 of the renewal year.
Renewal Requirements
Active Delivery (Teaching hours)
In order to be recertified, certified instructors are required to lead a minimum of 16 CCAA senior fitness classes, each lasting at least 50 minutes, within the two-year period preceding recertification. The active delivery of SFIC model classes is crucial for retaining the skills acquired during the SFIC training.
Professional Development Credits (PDCs)
SFIC renewal requires the completion of 8 Professional Development Credits (PDCs). At least 4 PDCs must be obtained through participation in Continuing Education (CEC) events, such as courses, workshops, webinars, conferences etc. The remaining 4 PDCs may be earned through either additional continuing education or participation in mentorship activities with new SFIC candidates.
- Professional Development Credits Submission Form
- Professional Development Credits Submission Form (fillable)
1. Continuing Education
Active participation in continuing education events ensures that SFIC certificate holders are exposed to the latest research findings, allowing them to acquire knowledge that enhances the content and design of their exercise classes. By staying informed about evidence-based content, instructors are better prepared to deliver programs that bring valuable benefits to older adult participants.
Continuing Education Credit Reference Table
Provider | Type | Examples | Length (hrs) | # of PDCs |
CCAA | Half-day course | SFIC Refresher, FFAx | 3-4 | 3 |
1-day course | TEP | 7-8 | 4 | |
1-day conference | R2A | 7-8 | 4 | |
Other | Half-day course | DICE, HeartWise | 3-5 | 2 |
1-day course or conference | Bone Fit (initial training), Can Fit Pro Active Aging Certification | 6-8 | 3 | |
CCAA Research or Other |
Webinar Complete the summary form for each live non-CCAA or recorded CCAA Research Seminar |
Live CCAA Research Seminars or live HeartWise, Loop, etc. webinars | 1 | 0.5 |
Multi-day course/event | Can Fit Pro, yoga teacher | >12 | 6 max. |
Eligible Non-CCAA continuing education topics
- Exercise physiology (strength and conditioning)
- Exercise programming specific to older adults
- Healthy Aging/Well being
- Exercise programing for chronic diseases associated with aging
- Post stroke, coronary artery disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, osteoarthritis, dementia, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's, etc.
- Exercise must feature prominently in the session for it to be considered for CECs
- Communication/motivation/adherence with older population
- Mental Health strategies for older adults
- Nutrition for active/exercising older adults
NOT eligible for continuing education PDCs
- First Aid and CPR (certification or renewal)
- Participation in research studies
- Lessons to learn a new sport/playing a sport
Prior to enrolling in any non-CCAA learning opportunities, please consult the CCAA to ensure the event meets CEC eligibility criteria. You will be required to provide information about the length of the session and an outline or learning objectives.
2. Mentorship
Certified instructors who serve as mentors for SFIC candidates will receive credit(s) applied to their own Professional Development Credit (PDC) obligations for recertification. For every two hours spent mentoring SFIC candidates, certified instructors accrue one PDC. It's important to note that PDCs obtained through mentorship hours are not mandatory for renewal; all renewal PDCs can be acquired by accumulating Continuing Education Credits (CECs) as outlined in section #1.
Renewal Fee
Suspension and Reinstatement of Certification
Failure to Maintain Certification
Instructors who do not submit all recertification requirements along with the associated fee by March 31 of their recertification year will face a suspension of their certification until the outstanding requirements are fulfilled.
Reinstatement of Certification
Options for reinstating a lapsed certification are available for up to three years following the certificate's expiration. Late fees and requirements escalate as the instructor moves farther from the original expiry date.
Reinstatement Process
If the renewal deadline is missed by one year, the instructor must fulfill the usual requirements, but the renewal fee increases to $75+tax, with an additional $50 late fee. For a two-year delay, the requirements and renewal fee remain unchanged, but the late fee increases to $75+tax. If the renewal deadline is exceeded by up to three years, the candidate must retake the foundation course (with a $225+tax fee) and pay a $75+tax late fee.Reinstatement of Certification Fees
Past Due | Requirements | Late Fee | Total Fee |
---|---|---|---|
One day to one year | Submission of outstanding requirements + $60 fee* | $50* | $110* |
One to two years | Submission of outstanding requirements + $60 fee* | $75* | $135* |
Two to three years Missing second recertification period |
Re-take online foundations course (~$225*) | $75* | $300* |
Three years past last renewal date** | Loss of certification Required to restart the process for SFIC certification |
*Subject to applicable provincial sales taxes
**Equates to five years beyond last recertification