Get Certified as a Pregnancy Fitness Educator
Overview
In order for candidates to be eligible for CAPPA certification they must sign and agree to the CAPPA philosophy, code of conduct, scope of practice, and grievance policy. We reserve the right to withhold certification to those candidates that do not meet the requirements set forth. We also reserve the right to withhold certification based on all contact with candidates for certification, including, but not limited to phone calls, e-mails, and certification materials. An understanding of CAPPA standards of professionalism, our scope of practice, and code of conduct must be demonstrated by candidates at all times and in all communications. Failure to demonstrate an understanding of the aforementioned may result in CAPPA withholding certification. This is rare.
While 92% of candidates do obtain certification, CAPPA cannot guarantee certification will be obtained by entering our program. In the event a candidate fails to pass certification requirements, the candidate has up to one year to complete the failed portions of the certification requirements. There will be no further processing fees. The candidate who exceeds one year to complete the aforementioned portions of certification may be asked to re-enter the certification program and may incur additional fees.
Please allow approximately six weeks for CAPPA to grade and process your certification materials* once we receive them. CAPPA receives a high volume of certification requests, and each certification request is given individual attention. Upon successful completion of any of the CAPPA certification programs, you will receive a CAPPA name tag and a certificate. CAPPA certified Pregnancy Fitness Educators may use the letters "CMFE" after their names.
You must be at least 18 years old to certify with CAPPA.
* When submitting your certification materials, please do not send originals.
What is a Pregnancy Fitness Educator?
A Pregnancy Fitness Educator is a person who works with the pregnant woman in the ante-natal as well as the post-natal period. They are trained in the relevant exercises for a safe, healthy and comfortable pregnancy as well as in key nutrition aspects.
What Does a Pregnancy Fitness Educator Do?
The following is a general description of what you might expect from a CAPPA certified Pregnancy Fitness Educator. Ideally a pregnant woman can begin her exercise regime as soon as she gets the go ahead from her doctor. She can then enrol with a Pregnancy Fitness Educator who will guide her through nutrition issues and provide guidelines for a healthy pregnancy. The trainer will also guide the mother through safe exercises for pregnancy and birth depending on the fitness level of the mother. Breathing exercises for birth are also practiced in the sessions that a Pregnancy Fitness Educator conducts. In the post natal period, a fitness educator can help the mother regain her pre-pregnancy tone and shape with the help of nutrition planning and safe exercises.
Traditional Certification
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Be a member of CAPPA. All CAPPA certified professionals are required to maintain continuous membership. A lapse in your CAPPA membership will result in a $50.00 reinstatement fee and all overdue membership dues must be paid. CAPPA certified professionals who let their membership lapse more than 120 days must pay a $100.00 reinstatement fee plus all past due membership dues.
- Read required books from the required reading list .
- View the Exercise video provided with your package.
- Complete the study guide.
- Attend the training program in person.
- Attend a nutrition counseling session. Proof of attendance is required. Include a detailed outline of what was taught and a summary of what you learned.
- Attend a local breastfeeding class. Proof of attendance is required. Include a detailed outline of what was taught and a summary of what you learned.
- Attend a Labor preparation class. Proof of attendance is required. Include a detailed outline of what was taught and a summary of what you learned.
- Write essays of not less than 1500 words on two topics assigned to you during the training program.
- Complete 20 hours of ‘On the Job’ under supervision. This can be completed at our centre or as prior approved volunteer work with an OB/GYN.
- Submit two letters of recommendation, one from a professional in the Birth field and the other can be from a past employer / teacher /Fitness professional.
- Complete and submit all the assignments included in your Pregnancy Fitness Educator Manual. An 85% passing grade is required.
Note: All material except the books from the reading list are included in the course fees. All trainings including attendance at required classes is also included.
Distance Certification
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Be a member of CAPPA. All CAPPA certified professionals are required to maintain continuous membership. A lapse in your CAPPA membership will result in a $50.00 reinstatement fee and all overdue membership dues must be paid. CAPPA certified professionals who let their membership lapse more than 120 days must pay a $100.00 reinstatement fee plus all past due membership dues.
- Read required books from the required reading list .
- View the Exercise video provided with your package.
- Complete the study guide.
- Attend a nutrition counseling session. Proof of attendance is required. Include a detailed outline of what was taught and a summary of what you learned.
- Attend a local breastfeeding class. Proof of attendance is required. Include a detailed outline of what was taught and a summary of what you learned.
- Attend a Labor preparation class. Proof of attendance is required. Include a detailed outline of what was taught and a summary of what you learned.
- Write essays of not less than 1500 words on two topics assigned to you during the training program.
- Teach a fitness class to a group of pregnant moms under supervision. Submit review from supervisor (OB/Gyn, Child Birth Educator, Labor Doula) and the moms participating in the class.
- Submit two letters of recommendation from professionals working in the Birth field – OB/Gyn, Child Birth Educator, Labor Doula etc.
- Complete and submit all the assignments included in your Pregnancy Fitness Educator Manual. An 85% passing grade is required.
Note: All material except the books from the reading list are included in the course fees. All trainings including attendance at required classes is also included.