Steps to Accreditation
The accreditation process involves three steps with a written exam between steps two and three.
Candidates must be at least 16 years old and successfully complete all three steps prior to being recognized as an MFC accredited fitness leader.
Step One
Fitness Theory course (18-20 hours)
Based upon the National Fitness Leadership Advisory Council (NFLAC) Performance Standards for Fitness Leaders, including: Leadership, Health and Fitness Basics of Physiology, Anatomy and Applied Movement, Mechanics, Principles of Training, Workout Design and Basic Nutrition.
The fitness theory course is a prerequisite for all fitness specialty courses. Click on Membership - Courses above to review possible course dates.
Step Two
After completing the fitness theory course, candidates choose a specialty module.
The MFC offers fitness leader accreditation in these specialties: Group Fitness (formerly know as Exercise to Music) Aquatic Fitness, Resistance Training and Active Older Adult.
Each course is approximately 24 hours long.
Individuals may choose to become accredited in more than one area by completing each specialty course, exam and practical evaluation. Click on Membership - Courses above to review possible specialty courses.
Written Examination
Written exams are completed after Step One and Step Two through exam seatings arranged by the MFC. A score of 80% is necessary on each exam prior to moving on to Step Three. Candidates must successfully complete the fitness theory exam prior to writing a specialty module exam. The fee for each written exam is $20.00 (first attempt). Candidates are strongly encouraged to give themselves enough time to adequately prepare prior to writing the exams. Exams are based on the application of knowledge obtained from the courses. The format for the exams: Fitness Theory Exam - 60 multiple choice questions (60 minutes) Specialty Exams - combination of multiple choice and short-answer questions (90 minutes)
One re-write is allowed for each exam ($30.00 fee).
Should a candidate be required to re-write an exam, an appointment can be arranged to review the first exam. Individuals must complete their written exams within one month after completing the Fitness Theory course, and 6 months after completing a Specialty Course (ie, Group Fitness, Resistance Training, Aqua Fitness or Older Adult). If not, the candidate is required to repeat the course.
Individuals with previous related education have the option of challenging the fitness theory exam in lieu of taking the course. Fee for challenging the exam is $35.00. Only one challenge is allowed.
Step Three - Practical Evaluation
After completing a minimum of 10 hours within a specialty area, the candidate requests an evaluation through the MFC office. An MFC recognized Evaluator of Fitness Leaders observes and evaluates the leader candidate based on the national standards. A practical evaluation is required for each specialty area. The fee for practical evaluations is $43.00.
CPR (Heart Saver) and First Aid (Emergency) courses must be completed prior to receiving recognition as an accredited Fitness Leader.
Accreditation fee is $62.00 yearly which includes MFC Membership and insurance fees.
