Exams

NSFA Certification Exams

Every NSFA certification requires exams.  Everyone certifying with us for the first time must write the Exercise Theory exam and also complete the written & practical exams for their chosen specialty.  Those who have fitness credentials from other organizations can challenge the exams for a fee. 

Written Exams:

NSFA written exams (except for the PT exam) take approximately 1 hour.  The written exams are all multiple choice.  During the course, the written exam is typically done on the in-person day. If it is necessary to write the exam, that can be done as a proctored exam online via ZOOM. 

The PT exam is a combination of multiple choice questions and a written case study. It is a two-hour exam. 

Practical exam

The  practical exam requires you to have a client or class participants to teach, and you can get a list of everything required in advance be emailing the exam email address below.

Practical exams can be done in person. They can also be done on pre-recorded video.

Exam Fees

If you took a course with us, the exams for that course are included in the course fees. (one rewrite included).

If you are challenging an exam the fee is $40 per exam for Exercise Theory and every NSFA certification except Personal Trainer (PT).  The PT written exam is is $75.00  and must be paid before the exam is written.

Practical evaluation exams for every certification including PT are $40.00.

Pass Mark:

The passmark for any NSFA exam or practical evaluation is 80%.

To arrange for a proctor for a written exam, or for an evaluator for a practical exam please email us at info@nsfitness.ca with your location and dates & times you are available. An NSFA admin member will get back to you as soon as possible with your booking details.  

PLARs 

 The fee for PLARs is $50 per assessment.
If you have a fitness credential from another organization, or you have university or college training that could lead to a credential, we may allow you to challenge for certification without doing the courses and assessments. This is a process known as PLAR: Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition.  We may also choose to waive one part of the evaluation process but not others.  Each case will be handled individually.  

  To apply for a PLAR please email your resume and proof of external credentials to info@nsfitness.ca.

Transfers

 Anyone moving to Nova Scotia who is already certified by an Fitness Leadership Canada (FLC) or an ICREPs member organization (see below) needs to simply contact us with proof of your certification and your current 1st Aid & CPR.  We will instruct you on how to set up your online profile & how to pay your annual fee to us when you are due to renew. Please email Membership Services Coordinator  info@nsfitness.ca to begin this process.