Hybrid Fitness Instructor & Personal Trainer Programs (CFES)
For individuals aspiring to become a certified fitness instructor or personal trainer within the fitness industry, Canadian Fitness Education Services (CFES) provides a formally recognized and comprehensive pathway to leadership, offering rigorous, hybrid programs that serve as the optimal catalyst for a career as a certified fitness instructor or personal trainer.
We offer national certification courses in multiple areas:
• Aquafit Instructor
• Group Fitness Instructor
• Personal Trainer
All of our programs follow a hybrid online/locally-mentored format, which includes live Zoom sessions with one of our course conductors, comprehensive course materials (print and online), online courseware, and practical training with a local mentor.
Upcoming Course Dates (Spring 2026)
If you already have your prerequisites (see below), you can register for one of our upcoming certification courses:
• Personal Trainer Course: Mondays, March 23 – June 11, 2026, from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM PDT
• Aquafit Instructor Course: Mondays, April 27 – June 22, 2026, from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM PDT
• Group Fitness Instructor Course: Mondays, April 27 – June 22, 2026, from 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM PDT
Your First Step: Fitness Knowledge
Regarding the prerequisites, the requirements are the completion of the CFES Fitness Knowledge Course or an approved equivalent, and a local practicum mentor (see below). If you have not yet completed this, you can enroll in the asynchronous CFES Fitness Knowledge Home Study Program and start at any time.
Community Practicum Leadership Mentor
A key component of our online programs is the community practicum. Students must find a Leadership Mentor in their community to guide them through the practicum components of the course, proctor their certification exam, and assist in the video skills assessment.
The mentor should be an approved certified instructor (e.g., Aquafit Instructor for the Aquafit course) with on-the-deck and supervisory experience. Your best approach for finding a mentor is to connect with local fitness professionals or facilities where you live and plan to work.
The practicum involves a series of aquafit class labs and assignments that the student completes under their mentor’s supervision during and after the instructor course.
The Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer certification programs require an approved mentor in these certification designations.
Once your mentor is confirmed, you will work through the course manual and program work booklet together to complete the required documentation to be submitted to your course conductor as assigned.
We’re here to support you in your fitness career. Please visit our website for more details or contact us with any questions.