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Frequently
A
sked
Q
uestions

Many frequently asked questions are answered below. If you have additional questions or would like more detailed information, please call 1-888-689-6791 or email asfa@seniorfitness.net.

FAQ ... Frequently Asked Questions


  1. What services does the American Senior Fitness Association provide?

  2. What training programs does the American Senior Fitness Association (SFA) offer?

  3. Does SFA offer professional certification?

  4. What is the difference between certification and certificate of completion programs?

  5. Can I upgrade my SFA certificate of completion to full certification later?

  6. Do I have to have to attend a seminar or workshop to earn SFA certification?

  7. Can I earn continuing education credits/units for other organizations be taking SFA programs?

  8. Are there any prerequisites to enroll in SFA programs?

  9. Can I share my course with a friend or co-worker?

  10. Does SFA offer any discounts?

  11. Is there a time limit for completing my SFA program?

  12. Where do I send my competed exam?

  13. Can I take my test on-line?

  14. How do online exams work?

  15. If I am not satisfied with an SFA course can I return it for a refund?

  16. After I earn an SFA Professional Certification, am I required to earn continuing education to maintain it?


What services does the American Senior Fitness Association provide?

A  The American Senior Fitness Association (SFA) provides comprehensive training, recognized certification, professional resources, and member support for fitness professionals who serve older adults.

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What training programs does the American Senior Fitness Association (SFA) offer?

A  SFA offers three separate, senior specific, educational programs. The three areas of study are: Senior Fitness Instructor designed for those who intend to lead group fitness classes, Senior Personal Trainer designed for those who intend to work with clients one-on-one or in small groups and Long Term Care Fitness designed for those working exclusively with frail elderly clients.

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Does SFA offer professional certification?

A  Yes. SFA educational program participants can earn a highly respected professional fitness certification or a convenient certificate of completion in any (or all) of SFA’s three areas of study.

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What is the difference between certification and certificate of completion programs?

A SFA’s Certification programs are designed for those participants who are planning to focus on the older adult segment of the fitness industry. SFA Certification programs will provide you with the senior specific, comprehensive education required to successfully serve this population and to earn a recognized and respected professional senior specific fitness certification.

Full certification programs require successfully completing a proctored, closed-book examination and providing proof of supplemental certification in both adult CPR and basic first aid. SFA certification is renewable every two years with proof of current CPR/first aid certification along with 1.5 SFA approved continuing education credits. By meeting these stringent program requirements, you will have demonstrated a level of knowledge and commitment sufficient to earn a professional certification from the American Senior Fitness Association.

If the SFA program in which you are planning to enroll is intended to be your primary fitness industry credential, full (professional) certification is the right program for you.

SFA’s Certificate of completion programs are designed for those who simply want to increase their knowledge in the area of older adult fitness and/or to earn continuing education credits for other professional associations. Certificate of completion programs feature the same educational materials and learning objectives as full certification programs. However, they are designed as self-paced, open-book correspondence courses and may be conveniently completed at home utilizing an open book test that is sent to SFA headquarters for grading.

For your convenience, each certificate program is divided into two courses (Part One and Part Two) which may be purchased separately or together. Completing both parts will earn a certificate from the American Senior Fitness Association.

If your SFA program is intended to supplement your existing credentials (and/or to earn continuing education credits for other organizations), then the certificate of completion program may be ideal for your purpose.

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Can I upgrade my SFA certificate of completion to full certification later?

A  Certificate of completion programs may be upgraded to full certification at a later date if desired.

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Q Do I have to have to attend a seminar or workshop to earn SFA certification?

A  No. You are now able to complete your SFA certification training program through our convenient distance testing process at a time and location of your choice or by testing at one of our scheduled certification review/testing workshops

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Can I earn continuing education credits/units for other organizations be taking SFA programs?

A  Yes. Both the full certification and certificate of completion versions of SFA programs provide CECs recognized by many other organizations.

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Are there any prerequisites to enroll in SFA programs?

A  No. SFA programs were intentionally designed to not exclude motivated newcomers to the fitness industry. Full certification program participants are required to obtain supplemental certification in both adult CPR and basic first aid.

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Can I share my course with a friend or co-worker?

A  Only one person can receive education credit from the examination included in your program. However, once you have purchased a complete course at the normal price, additional examinations may be purchased for 40% off the listed course price at any time.

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Does SFA offer any discounts?

A  Yes, If you are ordering two different full certification programs at one time for one individual you will receive a $75.00 discount. If you are ordering two different certification of completion programs at one time for one individual you will receive a $35.00 discount.

SFA also offers special discounts for groups of four or more. Please contact our office for details.

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Q  Is there a time limit for completing my SFA program?

A  SFA does not impose any formal time limits for course completion. All SFA courses are self-paced and we recommend that course participants work at the pace that best suits their study habits.

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Where do I send my competed exam?

A  Please send it to the American Senior Fitness Association, P.O. Box 2575, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32170. You may also fax your exam answer sheet, Course Evaluation, and Easy Track Form to (386) 427-0613. Please mark on the Easy Track Form if you would like your certificate faxed back to you. Allow three weeks to receive your certificate and graded exam.

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Can I take my test on-line?

A  All SFA Certificate of Completion programs (Part One and/or Part Two) can be completed on-line. You can take your examination online and receive instant results.

NOTE: You cannot take your test for SFA Full Professional Certification on-line. Certification tests must be taken in a closed book, proctored setting utilizing SFA’s "distance certification" process or at one of SFA’s review/testing workshops.

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How do online exams work?

A  When you receive your course materials through the mail, enclosed will be your exam. You have the option of mailing or faxing in your exam, or you will go to our website and take it online. You will need the exam number from your exam packet to access the online exam.

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If I am not satisfied with an SFA course can I return it for a refund?

A  Yes. A full refund less shipping and handling will be issued for materials returned in new condition at the purchasers expense within 30 days of receipt. Shipping and handling charges are not refundable. You refund will be credited in the same method as your purchase.

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Q After I earn an SFA Professional Certification, am I required to earn continuing education to maintain it?

A Yes. Your SFA certification is valid for two years from the date of issuance and is perpetually renewable through maintenance of CPR/first aid requirements and completion of appropriate continuing education courses.

So once you have earned your certification, you will need to renew it every two years. Instructions and a renewal application form are included in your SFA program materials. A printable "PDF" copy is available on our website by clicking here: Renew Certification.

At renewal time, you'll need to submit:

  1. Proof that you have completed 2.0 units (20 Hours) of SFA-approved continuing education credits that were earned during the applicable two-year interim.
  2. Proof of current CPR and first aid certification.
  3. Payment of a $55.00* renewal fee.

* The fee for certifications renewed prior to January 1, 2009 remains at $35.00.

For more information about maintaining and renewing your SFA Professional Certification, please click here: Renew Certification

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SFA offers certificate and certification programs in three specialty training tracts

Senior Fitness Instructor

Senior Personal Trainer

Long Term Care Fitness Leader

The SFA credentials that you will earn are nationally recognized as a mark of professional excellence.

 

 

   

Copyright 2008, American Senior Fitness Association