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How to Become a SPRA Certified Fitness Leader
Theory Course
Specialty Modules and Designations
Certification Timeline
Transferring your Current Certification to SPRA
Insurance Program
The Benefits of Certification
Personal Training
Overview
If you have committed to a lifestyle that is active and healthy and would like to become a leader that will motivate and energize people to do the same, then the SPRA Fitness Leadership Certification Program is for you!
Since 1985, the SPRA Fitness Division has certified hundreds of dedicated Fitness Leaders to instruct a variety of fitness classes at facilities through out Saskatchewan. SPRA certification gives Fitness Leaders national recognition through the National Fitness Leadership Alliance (NFLA) and the qualifications and recognition to instruct across Canada.
Program Goals
- To develop a fitness leadership certification program that emphasizes wellness and active living
- To create partnerships
- To enable fitness leadership programs to be hosted throughout Saskatchewan
- To increase access of technical expertise and information for fitness leaders in specialty or target areas
How to become a SPRA Certified Fitness Leader
- Must be 16 years of age or older
- A passing grade of 80% on the NFLA Fitness Theory Exam and completion of at least one specialty module:
- Group Exercise (Land) Module, a passing grade of 80% on the written exam and a Practical Evaluation
- Aquatic Exercise (Water) Module, a passing grade of 80% on the written exam and a Practical Evaluation
- Exercise for Older Adults Module, a passing grade of 80% on the written exam and a Practical Evaluation
- Proof of CPR Level B or C and First Aid current within two years of date of issue; and
- Submission of Certification Fee
Please note: To renew your Certification as an SPRA Fitness Leader there are 2 additional requirements:
- SPRA Fitness Leaders must submit proof of 12 Continuing Education Credits (CEC's) every two years
- SPRA Fitness Leaders must submit proof of 20 Practical Teaching Hours every year
Theory Course
SPRA Fitness Theory Exam Study Guide
The Study Guide will help focus your preparation on the more pertinent areas of the exam and dispel any apprehension you may have regarding the exam. The Study Guide contains the following valuable information:
- Specific Theory Exam topics and their weighing
- Sample exam questions and answers
- Nine assumptions about Adult Learning
- Resources and suggested readings
Click here to download a PDF format of the Study Guide.
SPRA would like to acknowledge the BCRPA for the development of the Fitness Theory Exam Study Guide.
SPRA Fitness Theory Course
There are three methods available in obtaining the Theory Course:
- Take the Fitness Theory Course by a SPRA Course Conductor
A minimum 16-hour course that covers the basic principles of anatomy and physiology as well as a variety of activity experiences. The curriculum meets requirements and standards set by the National Fitness Leadership Alliance (NFLA). The NFLA exam must be written within 6 months of taking the Fitness Theory Course. A passing grade of 80% or higher is required. A supplemental exam for participants who fail to pass the exam on the first attempt can be written within a 1-year period. Visit our Upcoming Certification Modules for more information.
- Home Study Programs
Canadian Fitness Education Services - Register for this course with CFES at http://www.canadianfitness.net/certification/courses/136-cfes-fitness-knowledge-homestudy.html. Once you have completed the course, you are required to write NFLA exam with SPRA. The cost of the exam is $75.00 and a passing grade of 80% or higher is required. A supplemental exam for participants who fail to pass the exam on the first attempt can be written within a 1-year period. The cost of the supplemental exam is $25.00. The exam challenge can be arranged by calling the SPRA office toll free at 1-800-563-2555.
Health and Fitness Alliance - Register for this course with HFA at http://onlinefitness.ca/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=105&Itemid=161. Once you have completed the course, you are required to write NFLA exam with SPRA. The cost of the exam is $75.00 and a passing grade of 80% or higher is required. A supplemental exam for participants who fail to pass the exam on the first attempt can be written within a 1-year period. The cost of the supplemental exam is $25.00. The exam challenge can be arranged by calling the SPRA office toll free at 1-800-563-2555.
- Challenge the NFLA Theory Exam
Anyone can challenge the NFLA theory exam, without taking a workshop. The cost to challenge the exam is $75.00 and a passing grade of 80% or higher is required. If the attempt is unsuccessful, the challenger may attempt a supplemental exam for a cost of $25.00. If the supplemental exam is unsuccessful, the challenger will be required to take the SPRA Fitness Theory Course. To purchase the Fitness Theory manual ($40.00) or to arrange an exam time, call the SPRA office at 1-800-563-2555.
Specialty Modules and Designations
Visit our Upcoming Certification Modules for course information. For Course Content and Scope of Practice, click on the links below:
Fitness Yoga - Note: The Fitness Yoga Specialty Designation will be granted upon completion of an approved yoga teacher training course.
Certification Timeline Requirements
SPRA Fitness Leadership Certification will be granted to those candidates who meet the following requirements:
- Completion of the Fitness Theory Course and/or Passing of the NFLA Fitness Theory exam. If taking the Fitness Theory Course, the written exam must be completed within 6 months of taking the course.
- A specialty module must be taken within 6 months of completing the Fitness Theory. Exceptions may be considered depending on specialty module availability.
- Successful completion of the appropriate practical evaluation and NFLA written exam must be completed within 6 months of the initial specialty module.
Benefits of Fitness Certification
Benefits of Being a Certified Fitness Leader
- Provincially recognized and sanctioned Fitness Leadership Certification.
- Reassures consumers that SPRA Fitness Leaders have met national (NFLA) standards.
- Increases credibility and marketability as a fitness professional.
- Promotes professionalism in the fitness industry.
- Reduces liability risk for the leader and agency.
- Provides standardization and consistency of leadership.
- Creates public awareness and recognition of safe and effective practices for Fitness Leaders.
- Access to continuing education opportunities and re-certification courses.
- National transferability.
- Promotes active living opportunities.
- Agency recognition of certification.
Benefits of Hiring a Certified Fitness Leader (For Facilities)
- Reassures consumers that SPRA Fitness Leaders have met national (NFLA) standards.
- Increases credibility and marketability of the fitness industry.
- Promotes professionalism of your agency.
- Reduces liability risk for the agency.
Benefits of Requesting a Fitness Leader (For the Public)
- Reassurance that Fitness Leaders have met national (NFLA) standards.
- Fitness Leaders conduct safe and effective practices.
- All Fitness Leaders are standardized and are consistent with their practices.
- Reassurance that Fitness Leaders are professionals that are kept up to date with the latest fitness practices
Personal Training
The Saskatchewan Kinesiology and Exercise Science Association is the provincial body that manages the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology's Health and Fitness Program. The Health and Fitness Program provides certifications specific to the trainers interests and needs to provide safe and appropriate fitness appraisal and exercise prescription to the populations that they work with.
For more information on their personal training programs, please contact the Saskatchewan Kinesiology and Exercise Science Association. | 
