NCSF VS AFA ASIA  FITNESS CERTIFICATION

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Which fitness certification should you choose, use this comparison guide to help make your decision

With over 33 years’ experience, the AFA Asia is now the leading online fitness education provider, are you ready to get an accredited fitness qualifications and start a new and exciting career?

WHY STUDY WITH THE AFA ASIA?

Over 33 Years Experience In Fitness Education

Study Online Your Way, On Your Terms

Learn From Experts Within The Fitness Industry

Get Your Studies Started With Just A $100 Deposit

Flexible Payments Options Available

Access To A Dedicated Student Support Team

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WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

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We've helped over 30,000 students graduate

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About AFA AsiaAbout NCSFComparison TableHow to get qualifiedFAQ's

INTRODUCTION

Are you currently looking at different fitness education providers? Not sure what the difference is between Personal Trainer courses in Singapore? There are a range of factors to consider when choosing where to study your Certified Personal Trainer course (CPT), including content, timeframes, costs, assessment, practical placement and student support.

Read below to see a comparison between the Australian Fitness Academy (AFA) Asia and the National Council of Strength & FItness (NCSF) to help you make your decision. 

ABOUT NCSF

The National Council of Strength & Fitness (NCSF) is an international education organisation that delivers a range of qualifications for Exercise Professionals and Strength Coaches.

The Personal Trainer qualification with NCSF provides students with the relevant skills in exercise science, program design, nutrition, weight management, training instruction and special populations.

The common assessment pathway includes studying the theory content via the NCSF self-study program and then completing an online or in-person examination, with the requirement to achieve a score of 70 or more out of a possible 150 questions.

Graduates will need to stay current via continuing education units (CEUs) and renew on time. The requirement is to complete ten (10) NCSF CEUs prior to your expiration date in order to renew for another two years. rHowever, if graduates don't complete 10 CEUs and their certification expires, they will have to retake the exam. 

It's important to know, that there are additional costs to recertify

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JOIN THE NEW GENERATION OF FITNESS PROFESSIONALS

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ONLINE & PRACTICAL STUDY METHODS

FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS

HIGH EARNING POWER

LONG-TERM CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION

ABOUT AFA ASIA

As one of the leading global fitness course providers, AFA Asia brings more than 31 years of education experience to Singapore. Since 1993, AFA Asia has assisted more than 30,000 graduates in establishing successful careers in the fitness industry as Personal Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors. 

We have developed a world-leading Certified Personal Trainer course, which includes a combination of Australian-accredited content and assessment, along with a revolutionary 3-Day Workshop. The workshop is designed to help students apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical gym environment, ensuring they are fully prepared to enter the fitness industry with confidence.

For students who are unable to attend the 3-Day Workshop, we also offer an alternative option: the Practical Placement program. This allows students to connect with a leading fitness business and complete 25 hours of practical experience on the gym floor, gaining valuable "real-world" exposure.

AFA Asia's CPT qualification not only provides the required certification to become a Personal Trainer in Singapore, but it also connects students with a wide range of fitness businesses across the country, including FITLUC, Virgin Active, Surge Strength & Results, Fitness Factory, LEVEL, Qinetic Wellness, True Fitness, EUBX and many more.

Students utilise an engaging online learning portal to complete a series of theory modules through slideshows, presentations, quizzes and short written responses. Topics covered include screening and assessing your clients, the principles of nutrition and functional anatomy, right through to exercise programming and advanced training methods. Students are then able to complete their CPT course after attending a 3-Day Workshop at FITLUC.

As the CPT course is predominantly online, students are able to complete it within as little as 3-6 months, however flexible study arrangements allow for 12 months of total access, with the opportunity to receive individualised student support through direct message, email, phone and Whats App.

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BETTER CONNECTIONS TO FITNESS BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYERS

Our aim is to increase industry expectations and standardise the quality of fitness graduates = same skills and outcomes for ALL our students

3-Day Workshop at FITLUC

Put your theoretical knowledge into practice in a real gym environment with 1:1 mentoring from experienced PTs.

Study Options

More extensive study options than existing fitness educators in Singapore and South East Asia.

Payment Options

Flexible payment options that are reasonably priced (all price is SGD). Pay Upfront or Flexible Subscription options.

If you’ve ever thought about a career as a Personal Trainer, there’s never been a better time to join the fitness industry in Singapore! 

STEPS TO BECOME A PERSONAL TRAINER IN SINGAPORE

STUDY ONLINE WITH AFA ASIA

COMPLETE THE 3-DAY WORKSHOP AT FITLUC

GRADUATE & ENTER THE INDUSTRY AS A CERTIFIED PT

MESSAGE US

Comparison Table

AFA ASIA VS NCSF

Course Delivery

Access To Online Course Resources

Course Content

Personal Training Certification

Student Support

Free Access To Tutors

Free Acess To Podcast

Industry Pathways

Access To Free Job Board

Guaranteed Job Interviews

Certified Final Exam

Group Fitness Programming & Instruction

Regional Advanced Nutrition Advice

Training for Children/ Adolescents

Training for Older Adults & High-Risk Clients

Practical Work Placement
(Located At A Singapore Gym)

Assessment

No Re-Accreditation or Re-Certification Required

3-Day Interactive Workshop

Upcoming Dates

CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER COURSE

Course Introduction

Anatomy & Physiology

Client Screening and Assessment

Exercise Programming & Instruction for Individuals & Groups

Nutrition For Health & Fitness

Final Examination

3-Day Workshop OR Practical Placement

Course Structure:

Learning Methods

Interactive online learning videos

Presentations, quizzes and case studies

3-Day Interactive Workshop with 1:1 mentoring or Practical Placement

Developed from the Australian accredited qualifications, we have assisted over 30,000 people in becoming certified personal trainers. All course resources are developed in-house by our team of fitness industry experts and educators.

Interested to know more? Download our information pack

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UPCOMING CPT WORKSHOP DATES

Friday, December 13th - Sunday, December 15th
 Friday, January 24th - Sunday, January 26
th

Already a fitness professional? - No Need to Recertify, find out how >

ALREADY A FITNESS PROFESSIONAL? AVOID RE-CERTIFICATION WITH AFA ASIA!

Attend the 3-Day CPT Workshop and you’ll be certified for life! That means no re-accreditation fees to pay every 2 years. No formal requirement for CEUs/CECs. Just one qualification that certifies you forever. 

Why do we do this? Because we don’t think it’s fair to charge professionals to remain certified. Instead, we want to accredit you once with the foundational skills and knowledge, then encourage ongoing education via our Professional Development courses.

MESSAGE US

We've designed the course to be self-paced so anyone can study to become a personal trainer and fit it in around their current commitments. We have students who work full time and have busy family lives and so are committing just a few hours per week, on the other hand, we have students who are looking to start their fitness industry careers as soon as possible and maybe studying 20+ hours per week. Whatever your situation you will receive a very flexible 6 months to finish the course.

Unfortunately, you cannot use your Skills Future allowance toward this course. However, we frequently run promotions on our course fees and offer interest free payment plans to make the course accessible to everyone. In addition, we do not require students to pay for recertification in the future. You may choose to put your Skills Future allowance toward the First Aid and CPR certificate instead.

While other providers choose to conclude their course with only a written exam, at AFA Asia we believe the real-life experience and industry exposure you’ll get from the 3-Day Workshop is far more valuable. The theory content of the course is designed to give you all of the knowledge and tools that you’ll require to become a personal trainer and the interactive workshop will show you what you have learned being put into action before you complete the qualification. It’s always best to check with a provider what practical experience you will receive while studying for a fitness qualification.

Our institute has been offering fitness qualifications for 31 years with over 30,000 graduates. The CPT qualification is designed for students based in Singapore and offering them the opportunity to graduate with one of South East Asia’s highest quality fitness qualifications. We have partnerships with many of the most recognised gyms and studios, including our education partner FITLUC, providing students with career pathways into the fitness industry.

Absolutely, as a student you have access to our jobs board displaying local job opportunities. In addition, our partner companies will contact us when new job opportunities arise. The practical placement is also really useful for this as we find that many graduates will stay on in permanent roles where they complete their practical. This is a great way for students out into the industry and can offer a direct career pathway.

Our CPT qualification is recognised for registration by FITREC, one of Australia’s leading fitness registration bodies. Graduates of this course can use the qualification to work in Australia as a Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor upon completion once they have registered with FITREC.

Another major difference between our qualifications and others is that we do not require our graduates to re-certify every two years. We offer a range of professional development courses for you to upskill once you graduate but these are optional. Not having to recertify is a huge cost-saving in the future.

Instead of attending our 3-Day Workshop, students also have the option to complete a Practical Placement program, which aims to bridge the gap between study and employment. It’s a structured 30-hour program designed to give students real-life experience prior to entering the fitness industry.

The in-depth program takes you from a shadowing role to a training role, giving you the confidence to enter the fitness industry as a knowledgeable and skilled instructor. We also provide you with an AFFA Asia uniform to help you look the part.

Most facilities are happy to take on our students for Practical Placement because it allows them to observe you as a potential employee upon graduation. There is no additional cost to you and Supervisors will be paid for their assistance.

For new students, the 3-Day Workshop helps you apply the theoretical knowledge you've gained during the course in a real gym environment. You’ll receive hands-on experience in Client Screening & Assessment, Group Exercise Programming & Instruction, and 1:1 Personal Training.

For existing professionals, the workshop provides an opportunity to refine and update your skills through interactive, practical sessions, keeping you up to date with the latest industry practices. You’ll also benefit from personalised mentoring and real-world application of your expertise.

Upon completion of the workshop, whether you’re a new student or an existing professional, you’ll receive lifetime access to your Certified Personal Trainer qualification with no need for re-certification, which means no ongoing costs.

New students can attend the workshop after successfully completing the Final Exam, while existing professionals can book directly without needing to complete the online course or exam. The workshops are held at FITLUC in Keong Saik, providing a practical learning environment for all participants.

Whether you’re a new student or an experienced professional, you’ll participate in practical activities such as client assessments, exercise programming for both groups and individuals, and personal training. You’ll have the chance to ask questions and receive 1:1 mentoring from experienced trainers.

For professionals, it’s also a great opportunity to update your knowledge, build connections with other fitness professionals, and ensure you remain at the top of your game.

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 "Just completed the 3-day AFA workshop and it was a game-changer. Stepping out of my comfort zone to conduct group classes, refreshing my skills, and learning the latest best practices for PT sessions — everything was practical and immediately useful on the gym floor                                                         "

Chng Chin Han 
AFA Asia Graduate 

"I'm incredibly grateful to have reached this incredible milestone becoming an AFA Asia Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. This wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support. Thank you AFA Asia. 

                                          "

Shayne Guo Peirong 
AFA Asia Graduate 

"Recently, I attended an incredible workshop to convert my NASM CPT —it was about refining my skills, deepening my knowledge, and levelling up as a coach. A huge thank you to AFA Asia for an amazing experience! The energy, learning and hands-on coaching made it a standout event. 

                                   "

Durkes Waran
AFA Asia Graduate 

Friday, March 27th - Sunday, March 29th
Friday, May 8th - Sunday, May 10th

Friday, July 17th  - Sunday, July 19th

UPCOMING CPT WORKSHOP DATES