Certification & Courses
Contact us
Phone: 519-661-1603
Toll-free: 1-888-625-0077
Email: ccaa@uwo.ca
1201 Western Road
Elborn College, Suite 1101
London, ON N6G 1H1
Map | Parking Information
Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines
An Integration of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep for Adults 65 Years or Older.
Get more information
Seniors' Fitness Instructor Course (SFIC)

About the Course
This course is designed to teach individuals to lead safe and effective exercise classes for community-dwelling older adults. Certification as a CCAA Seniors’ Fitness Instructor recognizes proficiency in leading evidence-based model exercise classes, applying specific knowledge and skills pertinent to adulthood and old age. The SFIC was developed by the CCAA in partnership with Western’s School of Kinesiology. This certification course involves 28-30 hours of theory and practical instruction, delivered in-person or in a mixed delivery format of synchronous and asynchronous modules, and mentorship from one or more certified SFICs. Live sessions provide opportunities for participants to interact with eachother and to practice their fitness instructing skills by participating in and leading components of fitness classes. Certification is granted upon successful completion of a written exam and a competency-based practical evaluation. Certification is maintained by demonstrating ongoing excellence in upholding the SFIC standard.
Watch the course intro video
Watch the video on Vimeo (3 min.)
Certification overview video (10 min.)
Course Fee: $425.00 + tax (fee includes course, written exam, mentorship & practical evaluation).
Who Should Take the SFIC?
- Fitness leaders, healthcare professionals, or community volunteers of all ages who want to learn how to design and lead effective fitness classes for older adults.
What to Expect
Course (28-30 hours)
28-30 hours of supervised self-learning activities, face-to-face (live, online or in-person) instruction, and practical application.
Learning Format
The SFIC course follows a hybrid learning model. Students complete self-paced, online modules prior to, and between the live, online or in-person sessions.
- 12 hours of self-directed (e-learning). Self-paced learning must be completed prior to the first live, online or in-person session
- 14 hours of live online (Zoom) or face-to-face learning (depending on the predetermined session format)
Topics Include
- Impact of aging on physical and mental well-being for seniors
- Benefits of physical activity
- Exercise physiology basics and considerations for seniors
- Cardio, strength, mobility and balance
- Programming for group exercise classes
- Motivation and adherence
- Assessment and monitoring progress
- Safety considerations
- Adaptation for special populations such as arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, etc
Mentorship (18 hours)
18 hours of practice and feedback under the supervision of a senior fitness instructor certified through the CCAA. If you are unable to find your own mentor, the CCAA link you certified instructors in your area where available.
Watch the SFIC Mentorship video on Vimeo
Practical Evaluation
Video submission of the candidate leading a full exercise session evaluated for competency by the CCAA SFIC examination committee. Timeline to complete course, mentorship and practical evaluation is 6 months.
Certification
The CCAA's Senior Fitness Instructor Certification (SFIC) is widely recognized across the country by both private and community organizations. Certification through the CCAA, indicates that the fitness leader has received an extensive evidence-based theory and practical training program, and successfully completed a thorough competency evaluation. This training and certification process ensures that all stakeholders can be confident in the certificate holder's skills and their ability to lead safe and effective exercise programs for older adults.
Certification demonstrates that a fitness leader has the appropriate knowledge and skills to lead safe and effective exercise programs for older adults, and indicates a high level of dedication to maintaining continuing education and ongoing training.
Renewal
Upcoming Courses
NOTE! For help with registration please contact Western Continuing Studies by phone at 519.661.3658. Only WCS can provide registration support for CCAA courses, do not contact the CCAA directly.
Format | Self-Learning Begins | Complete Self- Learning By |
Live Session Dates | Live Session Locations |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fully Online (register for section CCAA6301-0013) |
Mon. Feb. 3 | Mon. Feb. 24 | Tue. Feb. 25, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sat. Mar. 1, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Tue. Mar. 4, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sat. Mar. 8, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. |
Live Virtual (Zoom) |
Online & in-person (register for section CCAA6301-0014) |
Mon. Mar. 31 | Mon. Apr. 21 | Tue. Apr. 22, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. (Zoom) Sat. Apr. 26, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sat. May. 3, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
London |
IMPORTANT!!!
Be fully informed! If you plan to become certified, watch the SFIC Mentorship video on Vimeo
NOTE! For help with registration please contact Western Continuing Studies by phone at 519.661.3658. Only WCS can provide registration support for CCAA courses, do not contact the CCAA directly.