Top FAQs
What is the FBA Certification?
The FBA Certification is a premier fitness industry certification, intended as a second certification after a technical cert. such as CPT or GFI. FBA Certification was created to help fitness professionals master the business, client management, and operational skills that are critical for success in the industry.
What makes the FBA Certification different from technical certifications?
While technical certifications focus on exercise techniques and applied science, the FBA Certification covers the bulk of skills required to succeed in the fitness industry, including client acquisition, operations, client motivation, and business fundamentals.
Why is it billed annually instead of a one-time fee?
Business knowledge is now essential for growing your client base, opening a studio, or boosting income in today’s competitive fitness industry. This certification offers ongoing, real-world education year-round, ensuring it’s more than a one-time fee - it’s a lasting investment. Annual billing supports this continuous learning, delivering critical skills in a flexible format that fits your schedule and budget.
Do I earn CEC/CEUs for other certifications?
No. The FBA Certification Program covers your education requirements for FBA Certification. If you need CEC/CEUs for other certifications, we encourage you to upgrade to include VIP access to our SUCCEED! Virtual Conferences.
I’m focused on fitness training, not business. Why should I care about these skills?
Even the best trainers need clients to train, effective schedules to manage their time, and strong communication skills to retain their clients and help them achieve success. The FBA Certification equips you with these essential tools, ensuring your technical skills translate into a successful, sustainable career.
How is the testing done?
All online. FBA Certification has 10 module quizzes, requiring a passing grade of 80%. There are no costs for retaking a quiz. FBA Specializations have knowledge checks and quizzes with no retest costs.
What happens after I earn my FBA Certification?
Included in the cost of the program, you gain access to annual FBA Specializations to recertify. Instead of requiring CEC/CEUS, FBA Specializations keep your certification current, expand your skillset, and boost your resume. After 5 years of recertification, the recertification requirement ends and your FBA Certification is considered permanent.
Is my free specialization at renewal all I need to complete for my FBA recertification?
Yes! We believe that learning is an ongoing endeavor. You'll earn continued education to maintain your FBA Certification by completing a new FBA Specialization each year. Add your new Specialist credential to your resume yearly to stay on track and advance your career.
What makes the FBA’s education format stand out?
The FBA offers flexible, online, asynchronous video education that fits your schedule. You can learn at your own pace, revisit material as needed, and retake knowledge checks and quizzes at no extra cost. FBA education is intended to easily integrate into your busy fitpro lifestyle.
Is FBA education widely recognized?
SUCCEED! is the largest online conference in the fitness industry. FBA is the premier business association in the fitness industry, enjoying the support of all major certifying organizations and 100+ industry brands. FBA education credentials carrt FBA's reputation for quality industry education from top experts.
Can I cancel at any time?
Yes, of course! While we hope you stay, should you decide not to, you can easily cancel at any time via your dashboard with a couple of simple clicks.
Even if you are already a good pro, we should be lifelong learners. There's lots of info in the FBA Certification that you can learn to apply to your business.
Caleb Funderburk, FBA-C
I thought it was a great course, and all the information was organized well. If you're able to digest the information and put it into practice, it can be incredibly useful.
Jennifer Anderson, FBA-C
FBA Certification FAQs
Why is it billed annually instead of a one-time fee?
Business knowledge is now essential for growing your client base, opening a studio, or boosting income in today’s competitive fitness industry. This certification offers ongoing, real-world education year-round, ensuring it’s more than a one-time fee - it’s a lasting investment. Annual billing supports this continuous learning, delivering critical skills in a flexible format that fits your schedule and budget.
How does recertification work?
Simply complete one FBA Specialization each year (included with your membership) to maintain your certification. After five years, no additional CEC requirements are necessary! Your FBA Certification and 4 Specializations earned will be permanent.
Why do I need to take a yearly FBA Specialization?
A new FBA Specialization of your choice is included each year in the cost of the program. This acts as your continued education to maintain your FBA Certification, and will help expand your skills and resume.
Do I need any prior certifications to enroll?
Yes, FBA Certification is intended for professionals who already hold a technical certification such as CPT (Certified Personal Trainer). To maximize your education investment, FBA education assumes that learners are already familiar with training principles.
Are there tests?
The FBA Certification has 10 modules, with one quiz per module. The passing grade is 80%, and you can retake the tests without cost.
Can I watch the education at my own pace?
Yep! All the education content is available to you at your pace and convenience. We recommend that you plan a learning schedule. You can rewatch sessions even after passing the tests as long as you are subscribed.
How long does it take to complete the FBA Certification?
The education can be completed online at your own pace. The education program was designed for a pace of 3 months of study. Dedicated learners with significant industry experience have completed the program in as little as 3 weeks.
How do I prepare?
We recommend that you make a plan to manage your learning schedule. Then simply log in and watch the sessions - that's all!
When do I get my certificate?
Once you've completed watching all the sessions and passed all the quzzies, you'll be able to request your formal certification from the education dashboard.
Is there a payment plan available?
Currently, the program is offered at an affordable flat annual rate. FBA does not offer financing options.
Is the FBA widely recognized?
Absolutely! The FBA is supported by all major certifying organizations and 100+ industry brands. SUCCEED!, the largest online conference in the fitness industry, further solidifies the FBA’s reputation for delivering top-tier education.
Why a business-oriented certification like FBA instead of just focusing on technical certifications?
While technical certification can deepen your training knowledge, the FBA Certification gives you tools to leverage your technical expertise for better client acquisition, retention, and revenue growth. Think of it as the "missing link" to build a thriving fitness career.
Who can I contact with additional questions?
Reach out to us at any time with questions by emailing us at: info@fbafitness.com
FBA Specializations FAQs
Format: Online video education with knowledge checks and quizzes. 80% passing grade required. Unlimited retests at no additional cost.
Do I need credentials prior to starting the FBA Specialization?
FBA Specializations are designed for current holders of a technical certification such as CPT or GFI. The education builds on the knowledge from your current certification.
How long do I have to prepare and take the test?
There is no time limit and there are unlimited retests. You are expected to finish the FBA Specialization within a year of starting.
How long does it take to complete the education?
FBA Specializations are intended to take about 4 weeks on average. You have access to the entire coursework to progress through the education at your own pace.
Are the tests hard? What if I don't pass?
The quizzes are harder than the average education program (80% passing grade), but there is no cost to retest! We want you to focus on learning and developing your skills, not dealing with test anxiety.
Do I have to purchase exam preparation materials?
No! All education materials are included in the flat cost. We want all our pros to have access to all the materials available.
Are FBA Specializations required to apply for jobs?
FBA Specializations are in excess and complimentary to your current technical certification, such as CPT. You must have a current technical certification to perform as a fitpro. Formal FBA education signals to hiring managers that you have pursued advanced skills and excellence.
Fresh perspectives really mean alot, and getting those perspectives from people who have been in the game for so long is quite valuable.
Mathew Scherer, FBA-C
Even if you've been doing this for a while, the FBA Certification is a great review of strategies to create a successful business. If you are new, the content is just as valuable as your professional certification.
Kristy Muehlbauer, FBA-C
The modules were great at helping me understand how to be a better leader, mentor and business owner.
Robert Fischer, FBA-C
This touches on so many topics that we need and gives us a more in depth way to really look at how we are presenting ourselves to potential clients. I really feel this got me inspired to move forward.
Brooke Cherniak, FBA-C