How to Prepare for AFAA Primary Group Exercise Certification

The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) offers a one-day workshop for a basic certification, the Primary Group Exercise Certification. Many fitness centers and gyms require an instructor to have this certification before teaching group fitness. The participant is subjected to a practical test to prove she knows how to exercise the major muscles groups of the body safely, an individual demonstration of class leadership and proper movement, and a written test to verify knowledge of pertinent material. The day of the workshop entails an extensive review portion for both the practical and written tests and then the tests. Preparation is not difficult but time consuming.

Things You'll Need

  • "Fitness: Theory and Practice"
  • "Exercise Standards and Guidelines"
  • Practice test for Primary Group Exercise Certification
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Instructions

    • 1

      Register for the workshop. Give yourself enough time to study before the examination date. After you register, you will receive a confirmation of registration and a study guide in the mail.

    • 2

      Divide the study guide according to how much time you can devote to studying. The study guide is lengthy so may require several study sessions to complete. The guide has a recommended breakdown of 30 study days.

    • 3

      Obtain cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. If you already teach group exercise fitness classes, you should have that certification. You will not be able to enter the workshop if you have not obtained the certification.

    • 4

      Take the practice test upon completion of the study guide. This sample test is very similar to the actual written test. This tool will help you gauge your readiness for test day. The sample test is composed of 75 questions, and answers are provided.

    • 5

      Familiarize yourself with the proper exercises for each major muscle group. In the practical test, you will be asked to demonstrate two effective and safe exercises and one static stretch for each major muscle group.

    • 6

      Practice a simple aerobic routine. The practical test requires a demonstration of a warm-up for one minute, an aerobic routine that increases in intensity for eight minutes and a cool down for one minute. The goal of this practical test is to prove that you know how to warm up the body properly utilizing low-impact intensity, how to increase that intensity for an appropriate cardiovascular workout and how to end a routine safely to return the heartbeat rate to relatively normal.

    • 7

      Practice a one- to two-minute routine with three distinct levels of intensity. It can be a short cardio move or basic exercise. Be prepared to communicate what you are doing, as if you were actually holding a class. Your peers will be your "class" on test day, and, if after one minute you achieved your goal of the three intensity levels, you probably will be signaled to stop.