Over the past four decades, research has consistently demonstrated the health benefits of regular participation in physical activity for health-related and performance-related physical and physiological fitness across the lifespan. As a result, the fitness industry continues to grow, creating increased demand for qualified professionals.
The Certificate in Fitness Assessment and Exercise Counselling is available to students in the Honours degree in Kinesiology and Health Science at York University. Complete the certificate to build advanced knowledge and practical skills in fitness assessment, personal training, and exercise counselling.
Governments facing rising health care costs increasingly recognize that physical activity interventions for prevention and disease management are a cost-effective approach to improving health outcomes. Physical inactivity accounts for an estimated four per cent of health care costs in Canada. If 10% of inactive Canadians became more physically active, the health care system could save an estimated $2.6 billion by 2040. Employers also recognize that improvements in employee physical and physiological health and fitness can contribute to increased productivity and are increasingly investing in initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles and support prevention and disease management.
As a result, the fitness industry continues to experience significant growth, creating additional employment opportunities. With this growth there has developed an increasing opportunity for employment. During the early years there was virtually no regulation on the qualifications of front-line fitness and exercise practitioners. However, with increasing consumer sophistication and both public and government concerns for quality control, there was a demand for qualified fitness and exercise professionals. Therefore, accreditation programs were developed for fitness and exercise practitioners and with the implementation of government sanctioned provincial fitness safety standards; these have become essential qualifications for persons seeking employment in the fitness industry in the private and public sectors.
What You Will Gain
The certificate combines academic learning with practical training, including Personal Training I and II.
Professional Certifications and Pathways
While completing the certificate requirements, students may earn the following external certifications concurrently:
- Certified Personal Trainer with the Health and Fitness Federation of Canada (HFFC-CPT™)
- Certified Exercise Physiologist with the Health and Fitness Federation of Canada (HFFC-CEP™)
Following completion of the degree and certificate requirements, graduates can also apply to write the exams to become a Registered Kinesiologist with the Ontario College of Kinesiology and a Certified Strength and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Eligibility Requirements
You must be a Kinesiology & Health Science degree student with a GPA of A (after 24 credits) or B (after 48 credits) and complete the certificate concurrently with your undergraduate degree.
Before applying, you must complete: HH/KINE 1020, 1001 and 2001 (or 1000), 1031 (or 2031), 2011, 2030 (or 3030), 2049, 2050, 3000, 3012, 3020, 3400, and KINE 1900 and 2900 (or a minimum of four PKIN courses).
Having completed the following may strength your application:
- First aid and CPR certification
- Fitness-related certification (e.g. yoga instructor, group fitness leader, etc.)
- Relevant volunteer experience
How To Apply
- Check Your Eligibility: Confirm that you have completed the required KINE courses and practicum requirements.
- Prepare Your Application: You will need the completed application form and a current resumé
- Submit Your Application:
- Applications available: Mid-March
- Application location: Kinesiology & Health Science Academic Office, 341 Norman Bethune College
- Application deadline: April 30
- Interview: Interviews are conducted during enrolment in HH/KINE 3400, a mandatory prerequisite for the certificate.
- Admission decisions: Acceptance letters are sent on the first Monday in June.
Certificate Requirements
In addition to completing all of the core courses required for an honours degree in Kinesiology and Health Science, the following requirements must also be met to receive the Certificate in Fitness Assessment and Exercise Counselling. The degree and certificate requirements must be completed concurrently. The certificate includes 24 credits in required elective courses.
Required Academic Courses:
- KINE 3400 3.00 Fitness Consulting and Personal Fitness Training
- KINE 3575 3.00 Athletic Injuries – Extremities
- KINE 3640 3.00 Epidemiology of Physical Activity, Fitness and Health
- KINE 4400 6.00 Advanced Fitness/Lifestyle Assessment and Counselling
- KINE 4430 3.00 Business Skills for Sport and Fitness Professionals
- KINE 4900 3.00 Exercise Therapy for Chronic Diseases
Plus three credits from the following courses:
- KINE 4455 3.00 Movement Analysis Laboratory
- KINE 4460 3.00 Occupational Biomechanics
- KINE 4470 3.00 Muscle and Joint Biomechanics
- KINE 4472 3.00 Low Back Performance & Disorders
- KINE 4475 3.00 Clinical Biomechanics
Required Practicum Courses:
Students who began their studies in:
- Fall 2023 or earlier: Must complete eight PKIN courses, plus: PKIN 0861 0.00 Personal Training I and PKIN 0862 0.00 Personal Training II.
- Fall 2024 or later: Must complete all IPAL courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
For applications and further information, please contact:
Veronica Jamnik, Ph.D., Program Coordinator
Please note that students may only be enrolled in one certificate at a time.