Renew Your Certification in 3 Simple Steps
Keep your AFPA certification active and your career moving forward.
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.
How to Renew Your Certification
Step 1: Complete 16.0 AFPA CECs Answer
You must earn 16.0 continuing education credits during the two-year validity period of each certification you wish to renew.
Accepted CEC sources include:
- AFPA continuing education courses
- AFPA certifications
- AFPA certificates of specialty
- Approved CEC/CEU courses from other fitness, health, or nutrition organizations
- Related college-level courses (3-credit course = 16.0 CECs)
Step 2: Submit Your Renewal Fee Answer
You’ll receive an email from us when it’s time to renew, including a direct link to the product renewal page for each certification you hold. Simply purchase your renewal product(s) on our website. You must complete this step before you can upload your CEC documentation.
Renewal Fees:
- $85 for each certification
- For expired certifications: $85 for each certification, plus a $30 late fee for each
Holistic Health Coach and Master Level Nutrition and Personal Trainer graduates can renew all certifications in their program for just one $85 fee.
If you are past due by 24 months or more, please email info@afpafitness.com for more details.
Step 3: Submit Proof of CECs Answer
After you pay, you’ll receive an email with a link to our Certification Renewal Form.
To complete the form, you’ll need to upload proof of completion (Certificate of Completion or similar document showing your name, course title, completion date, and number of credit hours).
Once approved, your certification will be renewed for an additional two years from its original expiration date.
Renewal FAQs
Does my certification expire? Answer
Yes, your certification will expire two years following successful exam completion. AFPA certification ID number and validity dates are noted on the certificate.
When will I be notified about renewal? Answer
We’ll email you renewal instructions—including your renewal payment link—as your expiration date approaches.
Can I use the same 16.0 CECs to renew more than one certification? Answer
Yes, as long as the CECs were earned within the two-year certification period for each credential and all are submitted at the same time.
What if my certification has already expired? Answer
You can still renew up to 24 months after expiration. A $30 late fee per expired certification will apply. If it’s been more than 24 months, please email info@afpafitness.com for next steps.
What if I’m a Master Level or Holistic Health Coach graduate? Answer
You can renew all certifications within your program for just one $85 renewal fee using the same set of 16.0 CECs. Your renewal date is based on the oldest certificate in your program.
Do I have to take CEC courses on the same topic as my certification or can I take courses on other areas? Answer
You may take any continuing education course that is of interest to you. AFPA encourages our members to explore other disciplines related to health, nutrition, fitness, and wellness entrepreneurship.
I just completed an AFPA certification course. Can I use this as CECs to renew my other AFPA certification? Answer
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.
What is the difference between CECs and CEUs? Answer
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.
Are CECs/CEUs/certification programs from other organizations valid as CEC’s for AFPA certification renewal? Answer
Yes, any organization offering credits for continuing education courses related to fitness, health and/or nutrition would be acceptable towards AFPA recertification requirements.
A copy of a CEC/CEU validation form such as a Certificate of Completion or similar showing your name, the name of the course completed, the date completed and the number of Provider approved credit hours for the course completed must be attached to your AFPA Certification Renewal Application as a part of the required documentation.
If no CECs/CEUs are noted on the Certificate of Completion, a copy of the course provider’s webpage showing approved credits must be attached to your AFPA Certification Renewal Application, in addition to a copy of the Certificate of Completion, as a part of the required documentation.
Please note, AFPA works in a whole number system i.e. 1.0 whereas some organizations such as ACE work in a decimal system i.e. 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’s for AFPA recertification purposes. An individual earning 1.6 ACE CEC’s would have the equivalent of 16.0 CEC’s for AFPA recertification purposes.
I just completed an AFPA certification course. Can I use this as CECs to renew my other AFPA certification? Answer
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.
Are AFPA certification programs or CECs valid as continuing education for other organizations? Answer
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.
Stay Certified. Stay Ahead.
Continuing your education helps you grow professionally and ensures you’re providing your clients with the highest standard of care. AFPA offers a full catalog of continuing education courses to advance your knowledge and career. Explore our courses in health coaching, nutrition, personal training, fitness, general wellness, and business/marketing to keep growing and meet your renewal requirements.
We’re here to support every step of your journey. If you have questions about the renewal process, contact us at info@afpafitness.com.