CFES Aquafit Instructor Course

 This course will teach you foundation knowledge and instructor skills to successfully complete CFES Aquafit Instructor certification — enabling you to program and lead basic water fitness classes.

 CFES Aquafit Instructor Course Content

In this course you will learn:

  • To program plan for all fitness levels and class sections for aquatic fitness classes.
  • How to create a safe and caring atmosphere.
  • Properly screen your participants, provide on-going screening and monitoring of the participants for the duration of the program and provide modifications to accommodate all levels of ability, and to design, modify, and lead a safe, effective, and appropriate water fitness exercise class.
  • Cueing and working with music.
  • Use of shallow, and deep water space and group formations and choreography skills.
  • Communication skills and professional ethics.
  • Students get ample teaching opportunities within the course and practicums.

Prerequisite: CFES Fitness Knowledge Course or equivalency

This course requires approximately 28 hours of classroom and theory learning, 12-20 hours for the practicum, and 20 to 30 hours of home study (reading, homework assignments, open book exam, preparation for the CFES certification closed book exam, and preparation for the Aquafit Instructor Skills Assessment).

Click the link and watch the video to find out how the course is set up

Click the Course Calendar button to find a course near you:

CFES Aquafit Instructor Online Course
The online certification program includes scheduled live online teaching and coaching sessions as well as face-to-face community mentor-led practical in-the-water aquafit class skills teaching sessions. CFES Educator Sandra Fromme.

The new online learning courseware includes:

  • Online live zoom scheduled classroom teaching/coaching sessions, 100% attendance required;
  • Course manual and program work booklet/study guide*;
  • Online e-learning courseware including full course text, with chapter-by-chapter on-demand videos teaching class components;
  • On-demand in-the-water demonstration exercise ideas videos for strength, endurance and flexibility;
  • Anatomical illustrations and animations; self marking chapter quizzes and learning activities.

E-version CFES Aquafit Instructor Online Course includes:
Online live scheduled classroom teaching/coaching sessions, 100% attendance required;
Online e-learning courseware including course text, with chapter-by-chapter on-demand videos teaching class components;
PDF e-version of the home study student program work booklet/study guide and open book exam;
On demand in-the-water demonstration exercise ideas videos for strength, endurance and flexibility; 
Anatomical illustrations and animations
Online self-marking chapter quizzes and learning activities.

The CFES Aquafit Instructor Online Course meets CFES aquatic fitness instructor certification guidelines and includes ample teaching opportunities for the student within the locally mentored practicum in preparation for the certification exam and practical skills assessment. 

CFES Aquafit Instructor Online Course Community Practicum Leadership Mentor

Please Note: Aquafit Instructor course students must find a leadership mentor in their community to take them through the practicum components of the CFES Aquafit Instructor Course, proctor their certification exam and assist in the student’s video skills assessment to be submitted to their CFES Educator or Skills Assessment Evaluator (SAE).

The leadership mentor should be an approved certified Aquafit Instructor with in-the-water and supervisory experience themselves to guide the student through the practicum and take the student under their wing.

The practicum program a series of aquafit class labs and assignments the student does under mentor supervision during and after their instructor course. Completion procedures and documentation are in the CFES Aquafit Instructor Course program work booklet/study guide and in the online courseware.

Once the student’s leadership mentor is confirmed the student would bring the mentor the course manual and program work booklet for both to review and complete together as the course conductor assigns various assignments. The leadership mentor and the student would work through the practicum labs and complete the documentation. The practicum documents are submitted to the course conductor on the courses’ scheduled submission dates.

Click here to enrol in the CFES Aquafit Instructor Online Course

CFES Aquafit Instructor Course Resources

CFES Aquafit Instructor Course Manual
National Library of Canada ISBN 978-0-9868197-3-5; Publisher: Canadian Fitness Education Services Ltd., 250 pages, $54.00*

CFES Aquafit Instructor Course Program Booklet
National Library of Canada ISBN: 978-0-9868197-4-2; Publisher: Canadian Fitness Education Services Ltd., 150 pages, $27.00*

Aquafit Instructor Course Program Educator Kit — For course conductors only
National Library of Canada ISBN: 978-0-9868197-4-2 CD; Publisher: Canadian Fitness Education Services Ltd.
The Educator Kit is for course conductor to teach our courses. Includes: one hard copy resource manual, student program work booklet, hard copy 225 page Educator Kit and PowerPoint Educator Kit Supplement (250+ slides): $250.00* The Ed Kit is only sold to CFES certified course conductors. Contact us for more info.
To download sample pages from the manual click here.
* Shipping and provincial sales taxes extra.

What our students say about this course

“[I] recently just completing the CFES Aquafit Instructor module, my experience was extremely positive. Not only did I gain the knowledge, I had the opportunity to practice and teach what I learned throughout the course. The [course conductor] was able to engage us the whole time and made a special point of working on all areas so that we felt confident when finishing the course. Years ago I had taken this course through another company and did not feel ready to teach after completing the course. After the CFES aqua module training, I have the skills I need to teach successful aquafit classes. I would recommend CFES training to anybody looking to become a fitness leader. Thank you!”
Sincerely, Krystal

“The CFES Aquatic fitness course was very enjoyable. The trainer was extremely professional and the material was practical and clear. The trainer facilitated in a way which allows attendees to interact in a fun atmosphere, while learning excellent skills and knowledge. I really got a great amount out of the course it covered all my objectives and more and the one to one training was excellent, I would highly recommend this course to others.”
Emma

“The Aquafit Instructor module took me from just knowing my fitness theory to giving me the confidence and tools to start my practicum as soon as the course was finished. I highly recommend working with such a seasoned classroom instructor and Aquafit practitioner.”
Laura T

The Aquafit Instructor Course Agenda at a Glance

This course is designed to have approximately 28 hours of classroom teaching. Following the initial class, you will be given time away from the classroom to complete the open book exam. You will be scheduled to return to the classroom after three-four weeks (this is at the discretion of the educator) for the Classroom Course Completion where the open book examination will be reviewed and marked.

The second part of the Aquatic Fitness Instructor Course is the practicum. The practicum is taught over 12-20 hours. During the practicum, you will write the CFES Aquatic Fitness Instructor examination.

The third part is the Aquatic Fitness Instructor Skills Assessment.

CFES Canadian National Aquafit Instructor Certification Requirements

Successfully Complete (80% +) Of The Following CFES Program Steps Or Present An Equivalent.*

  1. CFES Fitness Knowledge Classroom or Home Study Course (30+ hours);*
  2. Aquafit Instructor Classroom Course (28 hours);*
  3. Practicum Classroom Course or Mentorship Program (8-20+ hours);*
  4. Instructor Skills Assessment (in practicum or one to one)*;
  5. Instructor Exam (75 minutes, closed book, supervised)*;
  6. Maintain current CPR-A minimum and Emergency or Standard First Aid Certifications;
  7. Maintain annual liability insurance;
  8. Submit to CFES: Certification or Cross-transfer Application form, collateral documents and certification fee;
  9. Receive CFES Aquafit Instructor Certification.

Aquafit Instructor certification fees:
Pass CFES Aquafit Instructor course, practicum program, closed book exam, skills assessment requirements and submit Certification Application Form and collateral documents
$120.00 (exam and first year certification fee) + $6.00 (GST) = $126.00
* additional skills assessment fees paid to Educator/Skills Assessment Evaluator
or
Additional CFES certification designation exam fee
$70.00 (exam fee) + $3.50 (GST) = $73.50
* additional skills assessment fees paid to Educator/Skills Assessment Evaluator
+ Prices subject to changes.

Note: Practicum Program Alternative Choices for Instructor: Students unable to attend a practicum program are required to work with a CFES Certified Leadership Mentor (LM) in their community at a facility offering this service. When there is no CFES Certified LM in your community, discuss and agree with your educator how you will meet CFES certification standard for this practicum experience.

When your skills and confidence to be employable are apparent it is time to book your CFES Instructor Skills Assessment with a CFES Educator, CFES Instructor or Personal Trainer Skills Assessment Evaluator [SAE] in your region.

CFES National Aquafit Instructor Recertification Requirements

Candidates Are To Successfully Complete The Following Steps Or Present An Equivalent*:

  1. Attend eight (8) hours CFES recognized recertification workshops, seminars or conferences* (in-class or online);
  2. Submit twelve (12) verified Instructional hours per certification*;
  3. Maintain CPR; First Aid and annual liability insurance;
  4. Submit to CFES: Recertification Application form and collateral documents and recertification fee
  5. Receive CFES Aquafit Instructor recertification (electronically).

Annual CFES Aquafit Instructor recertification fee
$70.00 (recertification fee) + $3.50 (GST) = $73.50
+ Prices subject to changes.

Canadian Fitness Education Services logo
Provincial and National Recognition

CFES Fitness Leadership Program Modules: A Path Aquafit, Group Fitness & Weight Training Instructor and Personal Trainer
The CFES Fitness Leadership Program features comprehensive modules designed to guide candidates through the steps in Aquafit, Group Fitness and Weight Training Instructor and Personal Trainer certification.

The Prerequisite: CFES Fitness Knowledge Course
The initial step in pursuing certification as a fitness instructor or personal trainer is completing the CFES Fitness Knowledge Course. This 24+ hour course covers anatomy, physiology, the skeletal and muscular systems, human movement principles, training principles and program planning, cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, active living, nutrition, body weight management, and exercise safety.

Choose Your Learning Path: Home Study or Classroom-Based
The Fitness Knowledge Course is flexible and caters to various learning preferences, offering both home study and classroom-based options. The home study version combines the traditional materials with online e-learning, allowing students to learn at their own pace. It includes a comprehensive resource manual, student program work booklet/study guide, online supplemental courseware, toll-free phone and email tutor support, and marking of the end-of-course open book exam.

Students typically spend 30 to 50 hours completing this module. There’s no need to write an additional fitness theory exam unless registering with a provincial body.

Becoming a certified CFES Fitness Instructor
Candidates must complete a 24+ hour classroom theory and on-the-floor/in-the-water practical training certification course to become a full-fledged CFES fitness instructor. This is followed by an end-of-course open book completion exam, an 8-20 hour practicum, a 75-minute closed book proctored certification exam, and a 90-minute instructor practical skills assessment. Passing grade is 80%. Instructors are required to maintain CPR and First Aid certifications and obtain liability insurance if necessary.

Path to Personal Trainer Certification
Candidates seeking Personal Trainer certification first need to successfully complete the Weight Training Instructor certification (or equivalency) and then progress to the Personal Trainer course. The PT course consists of 40+ hours of classroom and practical teaching, along with a course completion open book exam, a 12-20-hour practicum, a closed book proctored certification exam, and a practical skills assessment. Passing grade is 80%. Like instructors, PTs must maintain CPR and First Aid certification and obtain liability insurance.

CFES: Recognized and Accredited
CFES is a recognized national certification body and an IDEA Fitness Connect Certification Verification Partner. Additionally, CFES resources are recognized by various specialized fitness leadership agencies, including CALA, CPTN, Canfitpro, and FLC, among others. The CFES Fitness Knowledge Course is also approved by the Massage Therapist Associations of Saskatchewan for Continuing Education/Professional Development credits.

Integration in Educational Programs
CFES certification courses are offered on a semester-by-semester basis through a variety of private fitness education training companies, civic recreation departments and independent Educators. Our programs are also integrated within college continued education and health and fitness diploma programs, and as an addendum to university health and exercise sciences curriculum for job-ready graduation credentialing. CFES resources are also recognized by the BC Ministry of Education and Alberta Education and utilized in individual Ontario Board Authorized high school physical education credit courses grades 9 to 12 students. The CFES Fitness Knowledge Course is listed in both the BC Min. of  Ed’s Integrated Resource Package and highlighted in their Grade Collection for meeting the most learning outcomes for PE 10/12 students and on Education Alberta’s Learning Centre.