FAQs

AFPA certifications are valid for two years from the date of completion. To maintain your credential, you must complete 16.0 continuing education credits (CECs) during each two-year renewal cycle and submit your renewal fee, along with proof of those credits, by your certification expiration date.

AFPA offers a variety of a la carte online continuing education courses, as well as AFPA CE Advantage, an annual membership that gives you unlimited access to our entire CE library, new monthly CE releases, unlimited re-tests, and a waived certification renewal fee—all for one flat price.

Learn more about CE Advantage.

Additionally, each AFPA certification course is worth 16 CECs and each certificate course is worth 8 CECs.

Many CE courses from other accredited organizations can be applied to your AFPA certification renewal. You’ll just need to submit documentation for review.

AFPA requires its members to obtain 16.0 continuing education credits (CECs) as a part of the AFPA recertification process. Some organizations, such as AFAA, use the term continuing education units (CEUs). CECs and CEUs are interchangeable for AFPA recertification purposes. AFPA works in a whole number system, e.g., 1.0, whereas some organizations, such as ACE, work in a decimal system, e.g., 0.1. For AFPA recertification purposes, credits earned from an organization utilizing a decimal system are the equivalent of whole numbers, e.g., 0.1 ACE CEC is equivalent to 1.0 CEC for AFPA recertification purposes. An individual earning 1.6 ACE CECs would have the equivalent of 16.0 CECs for AFPA recertification purposes.

AFPA permits our members to renew multiple credentials with the same 16.0 CECs provided the credits are earned during the two-year validity period of each certificate submitted for renewal.

Yes, a newly acquired AFPA certification has a value of 16.0 continuing education credits (CECs) toward renewal requirements of an existing AFPA certification. To qualify as CECs, the certification course must be successfully completed and credential issued.

Each organization sets its own policies regarding renewal and continuing education credits. It would be necessary for you to check with your certifying organization to determine their requirements. They may accept the course or they may require that you petition for credits. If they require petitioning, upon request, we could provide you with a letter stating course hours when your AFPA credential is issued.

Yes, but only up to two years past your certification expiration date, regardless of when you submit your renewal application. You will still be required to submit your past-due renewal and late fees and CECs for the time your certification was expired.

If your certification expiration is past two years, please email info@afpafitness.com for more information on if you are eligible to renew.

Learn more about your renewal options here.

YES! Absolutely. Many of our students complete the program while holding down full-time jobs. Also, if you only want to work in nutrition coaching part-time after you are certified, then that’s your choice—it is certainly possible to build a successful business part-time.

Enrolling in AFPA’s Holistic Nutrition Coach Certification course provides all of the knowledge, core skills, confidence, and tools that you’ll need to begin your journey as a holistic nutrition coach. You will learn the fundamentals of holistic nutrition, as well as how to apply that knowledge with confidence and impact.

The Building a Career in Holistic Nutrition Coaching section equips students with the practical skills needed to create a sustainable, ethically grounded holistic nutrition coaching practice. The section begins with the essentials of starting a business, including legal and financial foundations, client safety and privacy policies, and effective onboarding systems. Students also explore how AI and digital tools can support efficiency while upholding professional standards, helping them build a business structure that reflects holistic values and long-term vision.

The section then focuses on program design, niche development, and service models that engage and retain clients. Students consider pricing strategies, progress-tracking systems, and approaches that foster strong, client-centered relationships. The final module highlights continuing education and professional development, guiding students in creating a personalized plan for long-term growth. Together, these skills help holistic nutrition coaches build purposeful, adaptable careers with lasting impact.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for nutritionists is $61,650.

Keep in mind that actual salaries within this field vary greatly. Your earning potential throughout your career will depend on variables like where you live, what services you provide, and who you work with.

In addition to these factors, your earning potential will also depend on your ability to market yourself and network in your community and online.

The nutrition coach title gives you flexibility and freedom to practice ethically and confidently within your legal scope across the U.S.

Prescribing, diagnosing, and performing surgeries are generally a part of the “practice of medicine” and it would be a violation of state medical practice laws for anyone to prescribe, diagnose, or perform surgeries without holding the appropriate state license. A federal drug license is also needed to prescribe drugs legally. Nutrition professionals do not prescribe or advocate the use of drugs.

Many of our graduates create their own coaching businesses using their holistic nutrition coach training. This route allows them to work with clients, either 1:1 or in a group setting, on their own terms. If you value freedom and flexibility, starting a business could be the right route for you. There are also many other ways to use your certification, including:

• Becoming a corporate wellness consultant or director
• Creating nutrition content
• Teaching your children healthy habits from an early age
• Facilitating cooking classes
• Writing a cookbook
• Leading nutrition workshops
• Volunteering at a food access non-profit
• Encouraging a partner who has been recently diagnosed with a chronic illness
• Supporting your body through marathon training
• Working as an in-house nutrition coach at a naturopathic clinic

This list is by no means exhaustive. There are endless unique ways for holistic nutrition coaches to use their expertise.

We have created a program guide specially directed at answering questions about our most comprehensive nutrition program yet.

Learn more about the Master Level Nutrition Coach bundled program.

Yes, if you choose, you may order and complete the certifications individually. Once you have successfully completed all four programs, you would be issued the Master Level credential.

You will have up to two years to complete the Master Level Nutrition Coach program. This program includes reading, listening, watching, note taking, self-assessment quizzes/activities, assignments and the final exam for each of the following programs:

• Holistic Nutrition Coach Certification
• Health and Wellness Coach Certification
• Gut Health Nutrition Specialist Certificate of Specialty
• Coaching for Weight Loss Certificate of Specialty

The Holistic Health Coach certification program includes both the Health and Wellness Coach and the Holistic Nutrition Coach certification programs.

The Health and Wellness Coach certification course focuses on the processes of coaching, how to be an effective coach, and how to elicit behavior change from your clients. This program focuses on how health is not only specifically dependent on diet and exercise, but also on supportive relationships, meaningful work, work/life balance, mental health, and more.

The Holistic Nutrition Coach certification course covers the fundamentals of food and nutrition, the science of behavior change and communication, and the skills necessary to support clients in achieving health behavior change through coaching.

The Holistic Health Coach Certification Program is comprised of AFPA’s Health and Wellness Coach and Holistic Nutrition Coach certification courses. Once you have completed both certification programs, you will earn the Holistic Health Coach Certification. Collectively, these programs will teach you what you need to know about basic anatomy, physiology, nutrition essentials, eating, and exercising, as well as wellness and stress management, understanding and preventing disease, making healthy choices and overcoming obstacles, effective coaching, health behavior change, client intake, best practices, and how to build your clientele.

Some graduates may feel a bit overwhelmed with the career possibilities and choices available to them once they have completed the program and need a little guidance. You can choose from a variety of work environments, doing full- or part-time coaching, having your own coaching business, or working alongside other professionals first. Here are some options:

• Colleges and Universities: Although college-level sports teams can use Holistic Health Coaches, it’s not just the athletes who can benefit from your insights. Many colleges and universities use health professionals for students, faculty, and staff as a way to reduce stress and boost overall wellness for everyone on campus.
• Wellness Centers, Spas, and Gyms: As the interest in wellness and healthy lifestyle changes blossoms, the number of centers specializing in these services is growing—particularly at resorts and retreat organizations. Gyms also are expanding their offerings in order to stand out from competitors, and many offer more than just personal training.
• Corporations: Companies of every size are implementing employee wellness programs and offering incentives for healthy lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, regular exercise, and health screenings.
• Weight Loss Programs: Even well-established diet programs have been making major changes in the past few years, moving away from restrictive plans in order to focus on healthy eating behaviors. Many have acknowledged that deprivation and overly rigid diet programs can lead to yo-yo weight issues that are ultimately unhealthy for clients. As these programs shift toward a better model, Holistic Health Coaches fit in beautifully.
• Training Centers: Holistic health coaches can be a strong addition to sports-specific training centers that cater to professional and amateur athletes. Often, those who are training need a range of strategies that don’t just encompass nutrition for optimal performance, but also stress management and recovery tactics.
• Own Your Own Business: Some Holistic Health Coaches prefer to have their own businesses and consult on a regularly with different organizations. Some existing practices are looking to partner with holistic health professionals to offer their clients more services and grow their network. With many options for where you could work as a Holistic Health Coach, you can expand your business and optimize your revenue sources, in addition to helping clients live their best lives.

• Create your own holistic nutrition and health blog
• Create a YouTube channel and/or a podcast about nutrition and coaching
• Host holistic nutrition and holistic wellness coaching groups on social media
• Create nutrition and wellness programs in your community
• Create your own online wellness products and programs
• Develop a meal planning system for clients or organizations for your online business
• Be a resource for sourcing local organic foods
• Teach holistic nutrition and wellness seminars to special groups for a variety of ages
• Lecture or speak on holistic wellness and behavior change at events and conferences
• Author books on creating a healthy lifestyle and holistic nutrition recipes
• Host a wellness retreat
• Start a meal preparation and delivery business
• Create and run a community kitchen and garden
• Be a guest on local programming, such as radio, news, tv, or public forum
• Work as an in-store nutritionist
• Start a restaurant or personal chef business

If you have already completed one of the certification programs within the Holistic Health Coach Certification program, simply enroll in the remaining program, and once you have completed and obtained both the Holistic Nutrition Coach and Health and Wellness Coach certifications you will receive your final credential of Certified Holistic Health Coach.

There is growing demand for wellness coaches and increasing recognition of Holistic Health Coaches as the premier strategies for preventing disease and improving one’s lifestyle. Graduating from AFPA as a certified Holistic Health Coach will open many doors, and our grads are using their training to pursue a range of career paths. They establish private coaching practices, bring Holistic Health Coaching to traditional medical practices, work in a corporate wellness environment, advance in their current positions, or a combination of these paths.

In addition, graduating from AFPA means you will be eligible to be a Board Certified Professional with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP) and American Naturopathic Medical Accreditation Board (ANMAB).

You will have access to the online learning platform for six months. During that time you will need to complete all of your coursework and pass your final exam.

While some students use all 12 months to complete this course, others finish in as little as a few months.

This program is a self-paced, self-study course that is 100% online and can be completed from the comfort of your home.

Yes. Successful graduates of the program who meet AADP’s additional eligibility requirements may become a Board Certified Holistic Health Coach. AFPA is a recognized organizational member of the Association of Coach Training Organizations (ACTO).

As a Holistic Health Coach, it’s not uncommon to charge $100-$150 per session or even as much as $200-$500/hour even. In fact, according to Glassdoor.com, health and wellness coaches can earn upwards of $87,000 per year doing what they love. The opportunities for health coaching professionals are only increasing year over year.

Yes! We work with a variety of professional organizations to receive approval for continuing education (e.g., NASM, AFAA, ANMAB, NANP, etc.). As each certification program gains new approvals, they are added to the program’s enrollment page.

We welcome anyone interested in making their lives better and those around them through creating a healthy lifestyle!

Also, any licensed and credentialed healthcare professionals, as well as individuals working as any of the following professionals, may be interested in taking this program to further their skills and practice: physician, physician assistant, licensed clinical counselor, chiropractor, nurse practitioner/clinical nurse specialist, RN/LPN/LVN, therapists and assistants, dentist/licensed dental hygienist, registered dietitians, certified nutrition specialist, certified nutrition professionals, certified diabetes educator, certified athletic trainer, certified exercise physiologist, licensed acupuncturist, certified personal trainers, and certified fitness professionals.

Absolutely! Although experience in a health and wellness field is a plus, great coaches come from diverse career backgrounds and prior life experiences.

Absolutely. We encourage you to foster your personal and professional growth even if you have no desire to become a Holistic Health Coach. We are confident that the information you learn from this course will not only benefit you personally but also those with whom you share your knowledge.

Whenever you want! We have a rolling enrollment for all programs—all you need to do is complete your enrollment online.

Yes. AFPA’s Advanced Health Coaching Intensive [Live] and Certified Holistic Nutrition Coach courses include assignments where you will practice your coaching skills with instructors, student peers, and/or practice clients of your choosing. Hands-on coaching sessions help prepare you to work with your clients after you complete an AFPA program. 

There is a growing demand for health coaches! Graduating from AFPA as a Certified Holistic Health Coach opens many doors, and our grads are using their training to pursue a range of career paths. They establish private coaching practices, work in private practices, bring health coaching to traditional medical practices, work in a corporate wellness environment, provide direct-to-consumer coaching as contractors for healthcare businesses, advance in their current positions, or a combination of these paths.

Yes! We don’t hold back your materials. Once you are enrolled, you will receive instructions to access your course and online materials.

Your enrollment fee includes all of your course materials, assessments, online access, student support, and online certification testing. There are no added fees.

Yes. All AFPA programs are designed to accommodate students from around the world.

If you have any problems or issues, our customer service team is available to troubleshoot any technical difficulties. They can be reached at 800.494.7782 or info@afpafitness.com.

AFPA is recognized worldwide as a leader in fitness, wellness, and nutrition education and certification. Earning your AFPA Personal Trainer Certification is the first step in gaining the knowledge to successfully train various populations and gain professional recognition and financial rewards. With AFPA, you will learn the essential information to get you started as a Certified Personal Trainer.

People with different backgrounds and education have participated in AFPA certification training programs: doctors, chiropractors, gym owners, college and high school coaches, wellness coordinators, weight loss counselors, non-certified instructors and trainers, and individuals currently certified by other organizations. There are no state-by-state regulations for personal training, so your certification is valid in any state and country.

AFPA requires that individuals be at least 18 years of age, have the equivalent of a high school education, and have a sincere desire to help others obtain their fitness and lifestyle goals.

Typically, it takes 100 hours. 

Completion time varies by individual, but most students can become a competent Certified Personal Trainer in less than six months when studying 7-10 hours a week. 

The price for AFPA Certification varies depending on the certification course chosen. Please review the individual certification courses for the prices. These prices include all courses materials and examination fee—there are no hidden costs or additional fees.

You will be sent an enrollment email with access to your online learning portal and digital course assets shortly after completing your purchase, and then you can get started.

You have six months to complete the self-paced, self-study online program. The final exam is completed on your own desktop or mobile device.  For details, click here.

No. You can complete the final exam on your own desktop or mobile device. Your final exam is an open-note, open-book exam.

Due to the varied nature of the positions held by AFPA professionals, liability insurance coverage is not included with your enrollment fee.

CPR/AED training ensures you’re prepared to handle emergency situations, which is an essential skill for working with clients in any fitness environment.

If you’re pursuing AFPA’s Personal Trainer Certification, you’ll need to obtain your CPR/AED certification and submit proof of completion before taking the final exam. This is a standard requirement to ensure all graduates are fully equipped to provide a safe and professional training experience, while also preparing you to meet requirements for training facilities and employers.

If you don’t pass the certification exam, you may retake the exam for a retest fee of $75.00. The retest must be completed before the course expiration date.