Lead the Energy | 1.5 CEUs

Certified Group Fitness Instructor

Create high-impact group workouts that motivate, energize, and deliver results. Learn to lead with confidence and keep every class moving with purpose.

Price

$33.00 $29.00 /month

OVER 10% OFF

Images

Course Details

Course Description

The Certified Group Fitness Instructor (CGFI) program empowers you to design dynamic group classes, adapt to diverse participant needs, and create engaging, motivating movement experiences. Start impacting lives as a group fitness leader with a program built on our decades of expertise in training the world’s best instructors.

By learning the art of choreography and class leadership, you’ll multiply the number of participants you can serve—catapulting your fitness career to new heights. The program covers a wide range of modalities, including strength and resistance, HIIT and interval training, boot camp, yoga, cycling, and more. Gain the confidence and skills you need to inspire, energize, and deliver unforgettable group fitness sessions.

The AFAA CGFI credential is proudly accredited by the NCCA, so you will be earning a certification that’s recognized and respected throughout the fitness industry. This accreditation assures employers and class participants of the quality and credibility of your certification, further enhancing your professional reputation and career opportunities.

Prerequisites

To be eligible for this course, you must have:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification

You may enroll in the course before having your CPR and AED certifications; however, you must have them before you take your exam.

Course Sections

Section 1: Professionalism
Section 2: Fundamentals of Exercise Science
Section 3: Class Design and Planning
Section 4: Class Instruction and Presentation

Exam Details

Successful completion of the certification exam is required to become a Certified Group Fitness Instructor (CGFI).

AFAA CGFI Certification Exam (NCCA Accredited): This is a closed-book exam and consists of 120 questions. You must pass with a scaled score of 70 or better. This exam is administered through a 3rd party proctor and can be taken either in-person or online, and you will have 2 hours to complete the test. You must take this exam within 180 days of your enrollment date.

false
morning-mist

#1

Rated brand in the industry

1.9M+

Professionals trained by NASM

14,000+

Partnerships with gyms and health clubs

dataFile
/documents/comparison-matrix.json
sku
cpt-main-pdp
  • CGFI SELF-STUDY

    Lead the Sweat

    $21.00 / Monthly

    *$49 down + 12 payments

    • Pay in full
    • 4 monthly payments
    • 12 monthly payments
    • 17 monthly payments
    • LEARN ONLINE AT YOUR OWN PACE

      • 1.5 CEUs
      • 100% Online & Self-Paced Program
      • Instructional Videos & Study Guide
      • Practice Quizzes & Exam
      • NCCA Certification Exam
  • CGFI PREMIUM SELF-STUDY

    Ignite Every Class

    $29.00 / Monthly

    $33.00 *$49 down + 12 payments

    OVER 10% OFF

    • Pay in full
    • 4 monthly payments
    • 12 monthly payments
    • 17 monthly payments
    • ADDS TOOLS FOR BETTER EXAM PREP

      • 1.5 CEUs
      • Everything in CGFI Self-Study: 100% Online Self-Paced Program, Instructional Videos, Study Guide, Practice Quizzes, Practice Exams, and NCCA Certification Exam
    • Fundamentals of Virtual Coaching

      • Learn how to teach classes in the Gym and Online!
    • GFI Hardcover Textbook

      • The perfect addition to the online course.
  • CGFI ALL-INCLUSIVE

    Squad Goals

    $39.00 / Monthly

    $54.00 *$49 down + 12 payments

    OVER 25% OFF

    • Pay in full
    • 4 monthly payments
    • 12 monthly payments
    • 17 monthly payments
    • THE BEST INVESTMENT IN YOUR CAREER

      • 1.5 CEUs
      • Everything in CGFI Self-Study:100% Online, Self-Paced Program, Instructional Videos, Study Guide, Practice Quizzes, Practice Exams, NCCA Certification Exam, Hardcover Textbook, and Fundamentals of Virtual Coaching.
    • Recertify for Life

      • Waive recertification fees for life and make a commitment to keeping your fitness credentials valid.
    • CPR/AED Certification

      • Required for all CPTs – learn CPR and AED skills to act fast and save lives.

NASM One

small-icon
Expand your knowledge and skills — access 350+ CEU courses plus practice-ready research from the Journal of Fitness, Wellness, and Human Performance
Build expertise and grow your business faster — save 50% on certifications and specializations and get 8 included courses
Connect, learn, and grow together — belong to NASM Community, a supportive professional home for peer connection, mentorship, and career growth
Run your business with confidence — train smarter with EDGE Trainer Pro and essential tools for programming, exam prep, and client education
Maintain your credentials — no recertification or renewal fees, and no retest or extension fees
NASM OneTM gives you the education, tools, and professional support to grow your career, amplify your results, and achieve your goals.
Learn More
/documents/faqs-richtext.json
Frequently Asked Questions
elite trainer
image-left
If you have any additional questions about this course, check out the NASM FAQ page or contact us today 1-800-460-6276!

How many CEUs is the course worth?

AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor (CGFI) is approved for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by the following organizations:

  • NASM: 1.5 CEUs

  • AFAA: 1.5 CEUs

What qualification will I have after passing the exam?

After passing the exam, you will become an AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor (CGFI).

How long will I have access to the course content and exam?

The exam is valid for 180 days from your date of purchase. You will have access to the course content for five years from your date of purchase and as long as your account stays in good financial standing. This is helpful so you can refer to the content while you're first starting as an instructor.

How long does the course typically take to complete?

The AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor (CGFI) course is completely self-paced. You have 180 days to take the exam from the date of purchase. Many customers may complete the course in as little as 6 to 8 weeks. Exact times will vary depending on the customer, prior experience and dedication to the material.

Does the AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor (CGFI) certificate expire?

Yes. To support AFAA's commitment to protecting health and safety, the AFAA CGFI certificate must be renewed every two years.

How will I renew the certification?

As an AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, you are required to renew every two years. In order to renew, you must complete 1.5 CEUs (continuing education units) as well as maintain a current CPR and AED certifications. CEUs ensure you're current with best-practice guidelines, plus they will expand your knowledge, skills, and abilities in key areas. If you need to start the renewal process, please visit AFAA's renewal page.

Do I need any prior experience before taking this course?

You do not need prior experience before taking the AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor (CGFI) course. To sit for the exam, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and you must have current Emergency Cardiac Care (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification.

I already have a specialty certification (ex: yoga, pilates, etc.), why do I need a AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor (CGFI) certificate too?

The AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor (CGFI) certificate is the foundation for a group fitness instructor. You will learn the latest instructional techniques, coaching skills, and leadership strategies for teaching safe, effective, and enjoyable group fitness classes no matter what the format is.

formTemplate
styled
formId
d8bf21c7-c69f-4a3c-a305-d32172ec0c4f
redirectUrl
/thankyou
formHeading
READY TO TAKE THAT FIRST STEP?
formHeading-line-2
LET’S CHAT.
formTitleLine2Color
--brand-color-citrus-pop
formSubtitle
Fill out the form below, and we’ll be in touch within one business day.
transparentBackground
false
transparentBackgroundOpacity
90
inlineMessage
false
formFooter

Or call now to speak with a program advisor.

800-460-6276