Fitness Academy Europe (FAE)

What Fitness Academy Europe (FAE) does

Fitness Academy Europe (FAE), operating as Fitness Academy Europe Ltd in Naxxar, Malta, is a licensed Further and Higher Education Institution (MFHEA Licence No. 2022-014) that delivers internationally accredited fitness and personal-training certifications. Founded in 2018, FAE offers a blended learning model combining self-paced online e-learning (videos, infographics, 6,000+ exercise library, practice quizzes) with 100+ hours of hands-on practical training and examinations delivered at partner schools across 60+ countries. The portfolio spans an in-house FAE tier (FAE-PRO through FAE-HFS, priced €2,500-€6,600) and a wide catalog of NASM specializations (CPT, CNC, CES, PES, WLS, WFS, GFI, YES, CWC, PBC), plus APPI Pilates and TRX suspension programs, with credentials regulated by Ofqual (via Focus Awards) and recognized by Europe Active, CIMSPA, ICREPS, and EREPS in 190+ countries.

The company's revenue model is predominantly transactional: one-time course enrollment fees account for the bulk of revenue, supplemented by biennial recertification fees (€100 single, €150 multi-credential), 0% installment plans, and an impact.com-powered affiliate program offering 7-15% commission. Distribution is direct-to-consumer through self-serve online enrollment at fae.edu.mt, augmented by an affiliate channel, content marketing/SEO, and corporate wellness partnerships. Customer segments are led by aspiring fitness professionals pursuing entry or mid-level credentials, followed by existing professionals seeking specializations or continuing education (CEUs), and a smaller corporate wellness segment. Marketing emphasizes 30-40% seasonal discounts, a blog/resource center, and active social media presence on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

Operationally FAE runs lean with 18 employees, no disclosed external funding, and a head office in Naxxar supported by an international network of practical training partners. The competitive position rests on multi-jurisdictional accreditation (Malta, UK Ofqual, Europe Active, CIMSPA, ICREPS, EREPS), the embedded NASM OPT curriculum, and a globally distributed blended delivery model that enables local practical training without FAE-owned infrastructure in each market.

Name

Fitness Academy Europe (FAE)

Legal name

Fitness Academy Europe Ltd

Website

https://fae.edu.mt

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

FAE Malta is a licensed Further and Higher Education Institution offering blended online and practical fitness certifications (NASM and in-house) to aspiring and existing fitness professionals across 60+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fitness Education and Certification

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAAAHAB

Fitness & Exercise Training Education (Strength, Cardio, Mobility)

Education/Adult & Continuing Education/Health, Wellness & Lifestyle Education (Nutrition, Fitness, Mindfulness)

SECONDARYEDALAIAE

Group Fitness, Personal Training & Wellness Coaching

Education/Student Services & Campus Operations/Athletics, Recreation & Fitness

SECONDARYEDAAAHAG

Health Coaching & Lifestyle Coaching Education

Education/Adult & Continuing Education/Health, Wellness & Lifestyle Education (Nutrition, Fitness, Mindfulness)

Keywords

• Fitness education
• Personal training certification
• Online learning platform
• Continuing education units
• Nutrition coaching certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Naxxar

HQ country

Malta

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Course Enrollment Fees: One-time payment for course enrollment providing access to e-learning materials, exams, and certification upon completion. Multiple pricing tiers from basic to comprehensive packages ranging from €480 to €6,600.
2. FAE Professional Qualification Packages: Comprehensive bundled programs including FAE-PRO, FAE-EFT, FAE-MFT, and FAE-HFS with progressive certification levels and career support services.
3. Certification Renewal Fees: Recertification every two years requiring 10 CEUs (20 hours). Single credential renewal: €100; multiple credentials: €150.
4. Installment Payment Plans: Zero-interest installment plans allowing students to pay course fees over multiple payments. Typical 2-payment plans with down payment required.
5. Affiliate Commission Revenue: Partners earn 7%-15% commission on qualified certification enrollments they refer.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Fitness Academy Europe Malta delivers internationally accredited fitness education and certification programs through a blended learning model. The core offering combines self-paced online e-learning courses with hands-on practical training and examinations at international locations. Programs range from entry-level (FAE-PRO, ICPT) to master-level (FAE-HFS) certifications, alongside NASM specializations, APPI Pilates, and TRX suspension training credentials.

Product overview

Fitness Academy Europe (FAE) Malta is a fitness education institution offering a platform-plus-modules architecture. The core offering consists of bundled certification programs (FAE-PRO, FAE-EFT, FAE-MFT, FAE-HFS) that combine multiple individual credentials, alongside standalone NASM specializations (CPT, CNC, CES, PES, GFI, YES, WFS, WLS, CWC, PBC). FAE delivers education through an eLearning platform combining online coursework with practical training and examinations. The portfolio includes entry-level qualifications through master-level certifications, with partner programs for APPI Pilates and TRX suspension training. All programs are accredited by MFHEA, Europe Active, and recognized by CIMSPA, EREPS, and ICREPS for international portability.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• FAE-PRO (FAE Fitness Professional) Entry-level fitness professional certification covering gym instructing, nutrition, personal training, and business skills. Includes Level 3 Certificate in Gym Instructing, Level 3 Award in Understanding Nutrition, Level 4 Diploma in Personal Training, and Business Skills course. Priced at €2,500 (was €3,500) with guaranteed job interview.
• FAE-EFT (FAE Elite Fitness Trainer) Advanced fitness trainer certification with comprehensive training at elevated skill level. Priced at €3,500 (was €5,000) with guaranteed job interview opportunity.
• FAE-MFT (FAE Master Fitness Trainer) Master-level fitness trainer certification offering comprehensive training and expertise in fitness education. Priced at €4,500 (was €7,500) with guaranteed job interview.
• FAE-HFS (FAE Health and Fitness Specialist) Highest-level health and fitness specialist certification covering exercise for health, weight management, and advanced personal training. Priced at €5,000 (was €9,000) with guaranteed job interview.
• NASM Elite Trainer Bundle Comprehensive certification bundle combining NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC), Corrective Exercise Specialization (CES), and Performance Enhancement Specialization (PES). Priced at €1,490 upfront (was €2,500), or two-installment plan totaling €1,700. Over 40% discount available.
• ICPT (International Certificate in Personal Training) Blended training program combining online e-learning with practical training and examination. Includes 7-day support, expert trainers, and flexible self-paced study.
• NASM-CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) Gold-standard entry-level personal training certification covering professional development, client relations, basic and applied sciences, assessment, exercise technique, and program design using the OPT Model.
• NASM-CNC (Certified Nutrition Coach) Nutrition coaching certification covering nutritional science, behavior change strategies, and practical nutrition coaching for client dietary habits.
• NASM-CES (Corrective Exercise Specialist) Advanced certification for identifying and addressing movement dysfunctions and muscle imbalances. Covers assessment, inhibitory, lengthening, activation, and integration techniques. 6 weeks to qualify. CES professionals earn 20% higher salary on average than other personal trainers.
• NASM-PES (Performance Enhancement Specialist) Certification for improving athletic performance through advanced training techniques covering strength, power, speed, agility, plyometrics, and Olympic weightlifting using the OPT Model. 4 weeks to qualify.
• NASM-GFI (Group Fitness Instructor) Certification for leading dynamic group fitness classes both online and in-person. Covers yoga, HIIT, Zumba, indoor cycling, and other group formats. Priced at €480 (was €699) with 30% summer discount. 6-8 weeks to qualify.
• NASM-YES (Youth Exercise Specialist) Specialization for working with young clients ages 6-19. Covers youth fitness needs, exercise program design, behavioral coaching, nutritional guidance, and family engagement. 2-4 weeks to qualify.
• NASM-WFS (Women's Fitness Specialist) Specialization covering unique fitness needs of women throughout life stages. Addresses hormonal changes, pregnancy, menopause considerations, and tailored training programs. 3 weeks to qualify.
• NASM-WLS (Weight Loss Specialist) Specialization addressing root causes of weight gain with evidence-based nutrition, exercise, and behavioral change strategies for sustainable weight loss. 8-10 weeks to qualify.
• NASM-CWC (Certified Wellness Coach)

Quantifiable outcome

• Graduates professionally recognised in more than 190 countries
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)coreTechnology or IntegrationPrimary course provider for Elite Trainer Bundle and multiple specialization courses (CPT, CNC, CES, PES, WLS, WFS, YES, PBC, CWC, GFI). NASM credentials recognized by employers worldwide with 1.5M+ professionals trained in 100+ countries and 12K+ gym partnerships.
• APPI EducationcoreTechnology or IntegrationCourse provider for APPI Pilates education programs offered through FAE Malta.
• Europe ActivecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary accreditation body. Europe Active (formerly European Health and Fitness Association) is the leading not-for-profit organisation representing the whole European health and fitness sector in Brussels. Partnership since 2018.
• EREPS (European Register of Exercise Professionals)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational register of exercise professionals. All FAE students registered in the EREPS database upon certification for international recognition.
• ICREPS (International Confederation of Registers of Exercise Professionals)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership between registration bodies that register exercise professionals. FAE Malta recognised by ICREPS since 2019.
• CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK chartered institute for sport and physical activity. FAE qualifications recognised by CIMSPA.
• Focus AwardscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAwarding Organisation regulated by Ofqual on behalf of the UK government. Develops UK and internationally recognised qualifications. Partnership established 2021.
• Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of GeorgiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernmental body responsible for education system in Georgia. Partnership for educational recognition.
• Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational accreditation authority for further and higher education in Malta. Licences FAE Malta as a Further and Higher Education Institution (Licence number: 2022-014).

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Future Fit Training: UK-based blended learning PT and nutrition certification provider competing head-to-head with FAE in the European market. Comparable Level 3/4/5 Ofqual-regulated qualifications, blended online+practical format, and price points.
• NFPT (National Federation of Professional Trainers): NFPT is both a FAE partner and a competing certifying body offering CPT and specialty credentials since 1986. Directly comparable PT certification product, online delivery model, and target demographic of career-entry trainers.
• ACE (American Council on Exercise): ACE is one of the most established US-based PT, group fitness, health coach, and medical exercise certifications. Directly comparable offerings (CPT, GFI, Health Coach) and globally recognized credential, competing for the same buyer pool.
• NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association): NSCA offers CSCS, CPT, and TSAC-F certifications with strong reputation among performance-focused trainers. Comparable target market (serious fitness professionals seeking specialization) with overlapping specialization tracks like FAE's PES offering.
• NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine): NASM is FAE's primary content partner but also operates its own global CPT/specialization certification programs directly to consumers. Highly comparable product (CPT, CES, PES, nutrition, etc.), overlapping customer base of aspiring fitness professionals, and overlapping accreditation weight make it the most direct peer despite the partnership.
• ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association): ISSA sells online personal training and specialization certifications to the same aspiring-PT demographic worldwide. Closely comparable business model (online self-paced with optional practical), pricing band, and target buyer — directly competitive on price and convenience.
• OriGym Centre of Excellence: UK-based personal training and fitness instructor course provider offering blended learning with practical weekends. Comparable pricing band, target audience of aspiring UK/EU trainers, and Ofqual-regulated certifications.

Others

• Focus Awards: UK Ofqual-regulated awarding organization that underpins FAE's regulated qualifications. Not a direct competitor but a structural peer — comparable in that both organizations issue Ofqual-recognized fitness credentials and sit in the same accreditation ecosystem.

Broad incumbents

• ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine): ACSM is a broader scientific/medical fitness authority offering EP-C and clinical exercise credentials. Operates in the same category but at a higher clinical/scientific tier, appealing to a slightly more credentialed segment than FAE's entry-to-master PT track.

Regional players

• The Training Room: UK-focused PT and fitness instructor training provider with strong domestic market position. Comparable product offering but primarily UK regional focus versus FAE's broader international accreditation footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCGqvCnop0X1Xt3hCySz7tYA/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/faemalta
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fitness-academy-europe-ltd
• Instagraminstagram.com/fae_education

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fitness Academy Europe (FAE)