Exam Information

At AFAA® Your Success

is Our Business

We want to help you pursue your passion for fitness and become an AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor. To get started, you must complete and pass AFAA’s NCCA-accredited Group Fitness Instructor certification exam.

To Become An AFAA Group Fitness Instructor, Candidates Must Meet The Following Eligibility Requirements:

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Must have current Emergency Cardiac Care (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification prior to sitting for the exam (not required to purchase the GFI). All CPR/AED courses must have a hands-on training component. AFAA will not accept a CPR/AED certification card from an online provider.

Preparation for the Exam

Certification

Candidate Handbook

The Certification Candidate Handbook is a comprehensive overview of the AFAA-CGFI certification and is required reading before taking the exam. The Candidate Handbook covers important topic such as eligibility requirements, the exam outline, expectations and recertification. Read More

Study Guide

View our study guide with helpful key highlights, terms and concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have curated a comprehensive list of what we expect to be the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Please take a look. If you still need help, give us a call.

Note: Purchase of AFAA certification preparation materials is not required in order to become eligible to sit for the Group Fitness Instructor exam, and does not guarantee a passing score on the exam.

Helpful Resources

Need Special Accommodations?

AFAA-CGFI Exam Data Statistics

AFAA Appeal Form

AFAA-CGFI Approved References

AFAA-CGFI Exam Blueprint

Taking The Exam

Print and Review

Please print and review the AFAA Certification Candidate Handbook for information regarding testing procedures for the AFAA- CGFI exam. For information on taking the AFAA Primary Group Exercise and/or Personal Fitness Trainer exams, please call AFAA Member Services 800-446-2322.

Call and Register

Register for your GFI exam by calling PSI at 1-833-537-1330 (USA & Canada) or +1 702-939-6797(outside USA & Canada). You will be eligible to schedule your exam three (3) business days after signing up with AFAA. Students will have 180 days from sign-up date to take exam. Should you require additional assistance with scheduling your exam through PSI, please contact AFAA Member Services at 800-446-2322.

What to Bring with You

When you go to the testing center bring a valid, current government-issued Photo ID and current, valid Emergency Cardiac Care (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification. All CPR/AED courses must have a hands-on training component. AFAA will not accept a CPR/AED certification card from an online provider.

After The Exam

Once You Pass the Exam

Once you pass the exam, you will be able to print a temporary certificate from your Account Page after three to five business days. An official certificate will be mailed to you within 4-6 weeks of passing the exam.

If You Do Not Pass the Exam

If you do not pass the exam, call AFAA’s Member Services Department at 800-446-2322 to purchase a retest. Candidates who do not pass the certification exam on the first attempt will be allowed to retake the exam after a 1-week waiting period. If the candidate is unsuccessful after the second attempt, he/she will be required to wait 30 days before retaking the exam. For each repeated failure after the 3rd attempt, candidates will be required to wait a year before attempting to take the exam again.

For information on how to retake the AFAA Primary Group Exercise and/or Personal Fitness Trainer exams, please contact AFAA Member Services at 800-446-2322.

If You Need to Cancel or Reschedule Your Exam

If you need to cancel or reschedule your exam appointment, call PSI at least 24 hours before the exam start time to avoid being charged a late cancellation fee. If you do not show for an exam appointment and you do not cancel, it will be treated as a failed attempt and you will not be entitled to a refund.

PSI Contact Information:

(USA & Canada): 800-733-9267

(Outside USA & Canada): +1 702-904-7375