AFPA Certification Reviews

Last updated on February 20, 2024

Are you considering specializing in health, wellness, or fitness? The health coaching industry is facing consistent growth, so specialized training in these areas is essential not only for developing expertise but also thriving in this competitive market. 

When researching certification programs, common questions that arise include legitimacy, cost, and student reviews. To help you face the challenges of selecting a training program, we’ll dive deep into the program’s curriculum, cost, and AFPA certification reviews. Read on to determine if it’s the right fit for you.

About AFPA Coaching

In 1994, Dr. Mark J. Occhipinti and Amy Campbell, M.S., combined their expertise to establish American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA). Their shared vision was to create an organization where fitness and health professionals could network and acquire high-quality and cutting-edge education for revolutionizing the lives of individuals through advanced nutrition and training. Today, AFPA is recognized as one of the leaders in the health and fitness industry. 

The AFPA Coaching Philosophy

The AFPA Coaching Philosophy centers around a holistic approach to coaching, integrating physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Their personalized coaching techniques, client-centered support, and evidence-based practices result in effective practices that guide individuals to take control of their health. With a focus on sustainable lifestyle changes, AFPA coaches strive to help clients achieve long-term, balanced well-being.

AFPA Accreditation

“Is AFPA accredited?” is undeniably one of the most frequently asked questions about this organization. AFPA is accredited, approved, and recognized by an impressive number of national and international institutions. Its lineup is quite extensive, so we’ve highlighted the most recognized institutions.

The school upholds accreditation from the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP), the American Naturopathic Medical Accreditation Board (ANMAB), and the International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine (IPHM).

AFPA is also an approved Platinum Training Provider for the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT) and an approved continuing education provider by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).

To top it all off, AFPA is recognized by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) for continuing education and training, and it is also recognized as a coaching organizational member of the Association of Coach Training Organizations (ACTO).

If you obtain AFPA nutrition and coaching program certifications, you’ll be eligible to apply for the American Natural Wellness Coach (ANWCB) or the American Association of Natural Wellness Practitioners (AANWP) board certification.

Note: If you’re familiar with coaching accreditations, you must’ve come across the most recognized accrediting body in the coaching industry, the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Since AFPA isn’t ICF accredited, you can get this recognized credential through Coach Training Alliance. Learn more about this program in our in-depth review. 

Pros and Cons of AFPA Certifications

To make a knowledgeable decision about signing up for AFPA courses, it’s crucial to gather information about their cost, duration, and advantages. Allow us to simplify it for you and provide a comprehensive breakdown of these crucial aspects.

Wide Variety of Niche Training

AFPA takes pride in its extensive range of health, fitness, and nutrition certification programs. They have one of the most comprehensive selections available with a diverse collection of over 30 distinct certifications.

The certifications are grouped into four categories:

• Nutrition certifications
• Health coach certifications
• Personal trainer certifications
• Fitness certifications

Within each category you can discover courses that align with these niches, allowing you to specialize in the specific field of your interest.

Bundle Certifications

In addition to its a la carte certification programs, AFPA enables you to achieve multiple certifications simultaneously. This is a time-saving and cost-effective approach to boosting your credibility and expanding your expertise. With vast knowledge and skills in different areas of health coaching, you’ll be able to cast a wider net and attract a larger client base. 

Here are the available bundle packages:

• Pregnancy Health Coach Bundle
• Personal Trainer and Nutrition & Wellness Consultant Bundle 
• Senior Health Coach Bundle  
• Weight Loss Coach Bundle 
• Personal Trainer and Health & Wellness Coach Bundle 

Self-Paced Learning

Regardless of whether you’re employed full-time, part-time, or you’re a full-time parent, AFPA courses are designed to accommodate your schedule. The significant advantage of their self-paced learning model is that you can pursue your education and reach graduation from the convenience of your home and at a pace that suits you. AFPA’s self-study programs were specifically crafted to cater to your busy lifestyle by ensuring flexibility and convenience.

How Long is the AFPA Certification Program?

All programs are self-paced and self-directed so you have total control over when you’ll complete the course. You have the freedom to progress through the program based on your individual needs and schedule.

The courses are comprehensive, and depending on which course you enroll in, you can expect to graduate within 6 or 12 months.

Note: If you like the concept of self-paced learning, be sure to check out Transformation Academy and its wide array of budget-friendly niche certifications. We have also covered TA in great detail in this review. 

How Much Does AFPA Coaching Training Cost?

Considering that AFPA has over 30 certification programs covering a wide range of subjects, the pricing also varies. The cost of each program depends on the specific content it includes, with price tags ranging from approximately $250 to $2,199. 

To make their courses accessible to everyone, AFPA supports multiple payment options, including major credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and Amazon Pay. You can also qualify for payment plans through Affirm and make payments over 3, 6, or 12 months. 

AFPA Reviews

Before you commit to one of AFPA’s many coach training courses, it can be quite useful if you learn more about feedback and experiences shared by past students and graduates. Let’s take a look at some insightful reviews.

Reviews From Graduates

On the AFPA website, we have come across numerous positive reviews and testimonials. These are just a few:

I searched left and right for something that was accredited, affordable, and really extensive. I found AFPA, which checked all those boxes and then some. I loved that they have been around for over 27 years. It was great that the certification was flexible and I could still homeschool my kids while studying. 

Amilia Brady, AFPA Holistic Nutritionist

The certification program changed everything in my overall life. It changed how I ate, my health, and how I help other people. It also changed my career in the health space. I liked that the information presented had been studied and they actually showed you the research as they were teaching you things. 

Lauren Rasky, AFPA Holistic Health Coach

The reason I chose AFPA is because of the recognition that they have worldwide, designed by experts in their fields, so I felt very comfortable choosing them. The certification has been very beneficial in my career. I’m now able to attract more clients because of the certification behind my name. I’m no longer just a fitness trainer, I’m a fitness trainer and nutrition and wellness consultant. 

Doron Willies, AFPA Nutrition & Wellness Consultant

At Indeed.com, AFPA has a number of positive reviews. Graduates mostly praise the programs’ extensiveness and affordability. Here’s just a small sample:

Great course. I started my own practice and it has helped me improve the health condition of so many people. It teaches you how the body works so that you can teach others how a proper diet can reverse almost any illness that comes from poor nutrition. 

Great school and very unique material. This course was very informative and helpful to understand different ways in nutrition approaches. Lots of great books to learn from.

Is AFPA Certification the Life Coach Training Program For You?

How can you be sure that AFPA is worth it? The decision boils down to trusting your intuition and finding a program that meets your goals. 

What stands out as an advantage is AFPA’s widespread recognition, affordable price, self-paced learning module, and variety of specialty certifications. The remarkable diversity in health, fitness, and wellness coaching courses allows you to acquire skills and knowledge in specific fields of interest or improve certain areas of your coaching services. 

If you need more assistance to finalize your decision, here are a few steps that can help:

• Check out APFA’s free guides to their coaching programs 
• Take our quiz to find the best life coach certification program for you
• Browse through our list of the best health coaching and nutrition coaching certification programs

Do you want to explore life coaching courses to enhance your coaching skills? Then we recommend the super-affordable Transformation Academy and comprehensive Coach Training Alliance.

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