Seniors' Fitness Instructor Course (SFIC)

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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 course 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 the CCAA team. Certification is granted upon successfully completing 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 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. The CCAA will support you in linking with mentors in your area.

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

Instructors are certified for a period of two (2) years and can renew their certification by meeting requirements for renewal:

  • Continuing Education Credits (CECs)
  • Active delivery of classes and mentorship of others
  • Recertificaton fee

Look for new fall and winter 2024 training dates coming soon!

IMPORTANT!!!

Be fully informed! If you plan to become certified, watch the SFIC Mentorship video on Vimeo