Please note:

Please see our Refund Policy for full details on refunds of events & courses.

We take payments via cheque or PayPal only.  If you are unfamiliar with how to use PayPal you can see their tutorials on the PayPal YouTube channel. If you are mailing a cheque our address is at the bottom of this page (and every page of our website).

For courses & events held via Zoom please make sure your Zoom account, camera set-up etc. is in place before the event/course starts. If you are new to Zoom you can find tutorials on the Zoom YouTube channel.

If a course you want is full please add yourself to the wait list (the wait list option will be visible when you try to register). Many times people de-register before the course begins allowing wait listed students to get in. If a course has a significant wait list we will also look at putting on an additional offering or we will attempt to find a larger venue.

Our courses & events will be offered again in the spring & fall of 2023, as we do every year. Details and registration for those will be posted later in the fall of 2022.

Thank you,

NSFA

The Nova Scotia Fitness Association is a non-profit organization.

For course descriptions and full certification requirements, including a free checklist for each certification, please see our Certifications page. 

NSFA courses may be taken in any order, but all of the courses required for each certification must be completed (including passing all exams) before the certification will be issued. A course by itself is not a certification or a credential for teaching/training.

If you wish to complete the Exercise Theory Course via self-directed distance education please purchase the course through the Manitoba Fitness Council at this link.

To complete this course you must write and pass the national Exercise Theory exam. MFC is our partner organization in the NFLA so the content is the same & we all use the same national exam.  You can arrange your exam by emailing exams@nsfitness.ca. Please note a $30 exam fee will apply.


Upcoming events

    • 22 Nov 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • 09 Dec 2023
    • 5:00 PM
    • online via Zoom & MSVU
    Registration is closed

    Weight Trainer (WT)

    Learn to teach the safe & effective weight training for good health, train clients 1-on-1, teach bootcamp & circuit classes, & supervise fitness centres.


    *Note: this course was previously called "Resistance Trainer (RT)"

    This program focuses on use of equipment and exercises, safety, exercise precautions, exercise technique, training methods and program design. 

    Students completing this certificate will be qualified to do basic fitness training with clients who do not present any major health problems.  WT's can train 1-on-1 (i.e. personal training) and can teach non-music, non-dance based fitness classes such as small group resistance training, circuit training, bootcamps, and HIIT classes.

    Location/Date/Time:

     Zoom  Wednesday, November 22, 2023 6:30 to 8:30pm
     Zoom  Wednesday, November 29, 2023 6:30 to 8:30pm
     Zoom  Wednesday,  December 6, 2023 6:30 to 8:30pm
     In-person @ MSVU  Saturday, December 9, 2023 9:00am to 5:00pm

    The in-person day will be held at Mount St. Vincent University.

    Fee: $250.00
    Fee includes: manuals, materials, exams, certification, insurance, and your 1st year of NSFA  Associate membership.

    Payment:  You can pay online via PayPal (this website will take you to the PayPal interface when you complete the registration information) or you can pay by cash or cheque. The NSFA does not accept any credit cards or e-transfers.  Payment must be received before the course begins.

    Course Conductor(s): Terri Roberts

    For course conductor biographies, please see our Staff & Board page.

    Venue: for the ZOOM sessions you will need a webcam with video and audio enabled. For the in-person portion, please wear workout clothes and bring indoor-only sneakers. 

    Exams: A written and practical exam are required to complete this course. Full certification also requires completion of Exercise Theory and a 1st Aid & CPR certificate.  No certifications will be issued without ET and 1st Aid/CPR completed.

    We book a Provincial Exam Day in January and June every year for students to write any NSFA exam at Mount St. Vincent University.  If you cannot attend either of those exam dates, a 1-on-1 session with an exam proctor can be booked after your course is finished. We can also do exams online via zoom if we do not have an exam proctor in your area.

    Please also download the RT Completion Guide from our Certifications page for more information on the certification process.

    *The exam is NOT written during the course*

    **Please note, all students in WT must also complete Exercise Theory and have a current 1st Aid & CPR certificate before this certification will be issued.**



    • 20 Jan 2024
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • 1000 Larry Uteck Blvd
    • 20
    Register


    Provincial Exam Day - Winter 2024!



    Any NSFA/NFLA exam can be written on this day.  You must register in advance to be able to write - this is so we can have the exam ready for you when you arrive.

    Registration for this Exam Day closes on Wednesday,  January  17th/2024.  Students will only be permitted to register after this date if someone else drops out.

    Please note: merely writing and passing an exam does NOT equal being certified.  No certifications will be awarded until ALL of the requirements for the credential are complete.

    Where: 1000 Larry Uteck Blvd, Bedford N.S. Community Room

    When: Saturday, January 2024 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

    Fees (*please read all of the options below):

    - Students who are writing an exam for a course they took with NSFA do not have to pay a fee for their exam as it is included in the course fee.

    - Anyone challenging an exam (i.e. you didn't take our course but feel you have enough knowledge to pass the exam) must pay $30 to take the exams for ET, RT, GEL, OAL, AEL, ICE, or MBL. Written exams for PT are $80.

    To pay the fee you can select the fee option in this event registration page or you can bring cash or a cheque (written to Nova Scotia Fitness Association) to the exam.

    All written exams are 1 hour, except PT which is 2 hours.  Anyone needing more time due to disabilities or a language barrier, please request this by email (to exams@nsfitness.ca) no less than 10 days before the exam.

    All exams are closed-book and electronic devices are not permitted except for calculators.  We will have a few calculators on hand for those who do not bring their own.  Extra pencils, erasers and sharpeners will also be available for those who do not bring their own.

    Good luck everyone!

    • 23 Jan 2024
    • 6:00 PM
    • 10 Feb 2024
    • 8:00 PM
    • Zoom & MSVU
    • 14
    Register

    ADE Certification


    (formerly called Older Adult Fitness Leader/OAL)  

    Learn to teach cardio, strength, & stretch classes to people with disabilities or chronic medical conditions requiring specialized fitness activities.  


    Location/Date/Time:

     Zoom Tuesday, January 23, 2024
    6:00 to 8:00pm
     Zoom Tuesday, January 30 2024 6:00 to 8:00pm
     Zoom Tuesday, February 6, 2024 6:00 to 8:00pm
     In-person @ MSVU
    Saturday, February 10, 2024 9:00am to 5:00pm


    Course Conductors:  Judi Harvey

    Location: Online via Zoom, plus 1 day in person at TBA
    The in-person day will be held at Mount St. Vincent University (166 Bedford Hwy, Halifax) in the McCain Building, room 302.

    Exams: A written and practical exam are required to complete this course. Full certification also requires completion of Exercise Theory and a 1st Aid & CPR certificate.  No certifications will be issued without ET and 1st Aid/CPR completed.

    We book a Provincial Exam Day in January and June every year for students to write any NSFA exam at Mount St. Vincent University.  If you cannot attend either of those exam dates, a 1-on-1 session with an exam proctor can be booked after your course is finished. We can also do exams online via zoom if we do not have an exam proctor in your area.

    • 17 Feb 2024
    • 9:00 AM
    • 18 Feb 2024
    • 3:30 PM
    • Canada Games Centre, Halifax
    Register

    Learn to Teach Indoor Cycling (aka "spin")!


    The ICE Course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to conduct a highly motivated and technically correct cycling class. This course will include an Intro to Cycling which covers bike safety and bike setup, tips on how to dress and remain comfortable while participating in a cycling class. The chapter on Cycling Basics will include body positions, bio-mechanical and alignment considerations, pedal stroke efficiency and intensity. And finally, Physiology and Class Design covers class breakdown, training principals, cycling physiology, training zones, sample class designs paired with music, and leadership.

    *please note: the ICE course by itself is not a certification to teach. You must also have Exercise Theory, and 1st Aid +CPR to be fully certified & insured. 


    Location/Date/Time:

     Canada Games Centre  Saturday, February 17th, 2024 9:00am to 3:30 pm
     Canada Games Centre  Sunday, Feb 18th, 2024 9:00am to 3:30pm


    Location: Canada Games Centre: 26 Thomas Raddall Drive, Halifax.

    Instructors: Heather Creamer

    For course conductor biographies, please see our Staff & Board page.

    Fee: $150 - includes manual, and fees for written & practical exams. 

    Payment:  You can pay online via PayPal (this website will take you to the PayPal interface when you complete the registration information) or you can pay by cash or cheque. The NSFA does not accept any credit cards or e-transfers.

    Exams: A written and practical exam are required to complete this course. Full certification also requires completion of Exercise Theory and a 1st Aid & CPR certificate.  No certifications will be issued without ET and 1st Aid/CPR completed.

    We book a Provincial Exam Day in January and June every year for students to write any NSFA exam at Mount St. Vincent University.  If you cannot attend either of those exam dates, a 1-on-1 session with an exam proctor can be booked after your course is finished. We can also do exams online via zoom if we do not have an exam proctor in your area. Practical exams can be booked by emailing exams@nsfitness.ca.  

     

Past events

25 Oct 2023 MBL - Mind+Body Leadership Course (ZmF23)
10 Oct 2023 GEL - Group Exercise Leader (ZM F23)
20 Sep 2023 PT - Personal Trainer (H F23)
13 Sep 2023 ET: Exercise Theory (ZM F23)
24 Jun 2023 Summer Provincial Exam Day (MSVU S23)
10 Jun 2023 ICE - Indoor Cycling Exercise Leader (CGC S23)
28 Apr 2023 AEL: Aqua Exercise Leader Course (Zz W23)
24 Apr 2023 ET: Exercise Theory (MSVU S23)
22 Apr 2023 ELS23: Exercise Leadership Summit 2023
19 Apr 2023 MBL - Mind+Body Leadership Course (S23)
11 Apr 2023 ADE (formerly Older Adult) Leader (ZM W23)
15 Mar 2023 WT - Weight Trainer (ZmW23)
28 Jan 2023 Winter Provincial Exam Day (MSVU W23)
25 Jan 2023 ET: Exercise Theory (ZM W23)
18 Jan 2023 Coffee & Chat For Community Organizations - Winter Edition (W23)
26 Nov 2022 6th Annual NSFA Fall Brunch (MSVU F22)
16 Nov 2022 RT: Resistance Trainer - ZM (F22)
03 Oct 2022 MBL - Mind+Body Leadership Course (F22)
30 Sep 2022 GEL: Group Exercise Leader - ZM F22
28 Sep 2022 ET: Exercise Theory (ZM F22)
17 Sep 2022 ICE - Indoor Cycling Exercise Leader (CGCW22)
14 Sep 2022 Terri's Research Results Session
23 Jul 2022 Community Organizations Coffee & Chat (1st Annual)
25 Jun 2022 Summer Provincial Exam Day (MSVU S22)
18 Jun 2022 ICE - Indoor Cycling Exercise Leader (CGCS22)
27 Apr 2022 RT: Resistance Trainer - ZM (F21)
23 Apr 2022 ELS22: Exercise Leadership Summit 2022
09 Mar 2022 ET: Exercise Theory (ZM W22)
09 Feb 2022 GEL: Group Exercise Leader - (ZM W22)
29 Jan 2022 Provincial Exam Day (MSVU W22)
12 Jan 2022 OAL - Older Adult Leader (ZM W22)
10 Dec 2021 AEL: Aqua Exercise Leader Course (CS W21)
27 Nov 2021 ICE - Indoor Cycling Exercise Leader (PW F21)
06 Oct 2021 ET: Exercise Theory (ZM F21)
29 May 2021 Exercise Leadership Summit 2021 - Part 2
04 May 2021 ET: Exercise Theory - ZM (S21)
25 Apr 2021 Exercise Leadership Summit 2021 - Part 1
24 Apr 2021 Annual Members' Forum Day (ZmSp21)
09 Apr 2021 AEL: Aqua Exercise Leader Course (CS W21)
24 Mar 2021 GEL: Group Exercise Leader -ZM (W21)
20 Mar 2021 RT: Resistance Trainer - ZM (W21)
02 Feb 2021 ET: Exercise Theory - ZM (W21)
20 Nov 2020 PT: Personal Trainer (ZM Fall 2020)
24 Oct 2020 2020 Virtual Exercise Summit
10 Oct 2020 RT: Resistance Trainer - ZM (F20)
07 Oct 2020 GEL: Group Exercise Leader -ZM (F20)
08 Sep 2020 ET: Exercise Theory - ZM (F20)
26 Jul 2020 CEC - Virtual Teaching 101 (Sm20)
22 Jul 2020 CEC - Virtual Teaching 101 (Sm20)
27 May 2020 Virtual Teaching 101 CEC
04 Apr 2020 Older Adult Leader (NSCC S20) CANCELLED
28 Mar 2020 ET: Exercise Theory - MSVU (S20)
29 Feb 2020 Kettlebell Workshop CGC2020
25 Jan 2020 Provincial Exam Day (MSVU W20)
11 Jan 2020 ICE at Dalplex (DP W20)
07 Dec 2019 Barre Workshop - Halifax (PWW19)
23 Nov 2019 OAL - Older Adult Leader (NSCC F19)
16 Nov 2019 Brunch - 5th Annual NSFA Fall Brunch (MSVU F19)
08 Nov 2019 AEL: Aqua Exercise Leader Course (DP F19)
02 Nov 2019 RT: Resistance Trainer - MSVU (F19)
26 Oct 2019 MBL - Mind & Body Leadership Course (PW F19)
05 Oct 2019 GEL: Group Exercise Leader - MSVU (F19)
28 Sep 2019 ICE - Indoor Cycling Exercise Leader (RECC F19)
20 Sep 2019 PT: Personal Trainer Course (CHP F19)
14 Sep 2019 Barre Workshop - Halifax (PWF19)
07 Sep 2019 ET: Exercise Theory - MSVU (F19)
22 Jun 2019 Provincial Exam Day (MSVU S19)
04 May 2019 MBL - Mind & Body Leadership Course (PW S19)
13 Apr 2019 ELS19: Exercise Leadership Summit
16 Mar 2019 RT: Resistance Trainer - MSVU W19
08 Feb 2019 OAL: Older Adult Fitness Leadership - Truro F18
02 Feb 2019 GEL: Group Exercise Leader - MSVU W19
26 Jan 2019 Provincial Exam Day (MSVU W19)
01 Dec 2018 ICE - Indoor Cycling Exercise Leader (Purdy's F18;2)
18 Nov 2018 Brunch - 4th Annual NSFA Fall Brunch (MSVU F18)
03 Nov 2018 RT: Resistance Trainer - MSVU F18
27 Oct 2018 ICE - Indoor Cycling Exercise Leader (Purdy's F18;1)
13 Oct 2018 GEL: Group Exercise Leader - MSVU F18
22 Sep 2018 ET: Exercise Theory - MSVU F18
30 Jun 2018 Provincial Exam Day (Spring 2018)
16 Jun 2018 OAL: Older Adult Exercise Leader S18
26 May 2018 RT: Resistance Trainer - MSVU S18
05 May 2018 GEL: Group Exercise Leader - MSVU S18
27 Apr 2018 PT: Personal Trainer Course S18
21 Apr 2018 Spring 2018 CPR Recert
21 Apr 2018 Exercise Leadership Summit #ELS18
17 Mar 2018 ET: Exercise Theory - MSVU S18
25 Nov 2017 RT: Resistance Trainer - SMU F17
18 Nov 2017 GEL: Group Exercise Leader - MSVU F17
28 Oct 2017 3rd Annual NSFA Fall Brunch
14 Oct 2017 ET: Exercise Theory - MSVU F17
13 Oct 2017 Personal Trainer Course
06 May 2017 GEL: Group Exercise Leader Course (CHP)
29 Apr 2017 OAL: Older Adult Exercise Leader Course
22 Apr 2017 Exercise Leadership Summit #ELS17
25 Mar 2017 ET: Exercise Theory Course (CHP)
12 Mar 2017 NSFA T-Shirts and Coffee Mugs for sale!
05 Mar 2017 CPR re-cert (March 2017)
27 Nov 2016 The 2nd Annual Fall Brunch
26 Nov 2016 RTL: Resistance Training Leader Course (CHP)
12 Nov 2016 GEL: Group Exercise Leader Course (CHP)
22 Oct 2016 ET: Exercise Theory Course (CHP)
30 Sep 2016 ET: Exercise Theory Course (RECC)
28 May 2016 T4T - Training 4 Trainers (Course Conductors' PD Day)
16 Apr 2016 CPR Re-cert (Lifesaving Society)
16 Apr 2016 Exercise Leadership Summit 2016 (ELS'16)
20 Feb 2016 SFIC: Senior's Fitness Instructor Course
30 Jan 2016 ET: Exercise Theory Course
21 Nov 2015 Fall Brunch 'N' Learn

We acknowledge that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people.  

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