Personal Trainer Accreditation
Encyclopedia
Personal trainer accreditation is a process by which certification
of competency as a personal trainer
may be obtained.
qualifications are structured, titled and quality assured. It is replacing the existing National Qualifications Framework
across England
, Wales
and Northern Ireland
. All current qualifications will be reviewed and redeveloped for the QCF”.
system developed for qualifications in England, Wales, Namibia
and Northern Ireland. It has nine levels covering all levels of learning in secondary education
, further education
, vocational, and higher education
.
representing organisations that award vocational qualifications in the United Kingdom
. Awarding bodies such as VRQ and NVQ deal with the national occupational standards and grant what duties a person can fulfill at work. They both function under the QCF.
, Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations Board (OCR) and The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examinations Board
(LCCIEB)
Every year, the Federation plans a strategy to incorporate current factors and issues in vocational education and training and priorities them into specific areas of activity which are covered by a Special Interest Group
.
“Each group is chaired by a member of the FAB Executive Committee and meets quarterly to review developments in the area, take a proactive and strategic lead on issues, and ensure that FAB is represented at appropriate external meetings. The groups also have an important role in identifying the key developments that are to be communicated to the wider FAB membership”.
“Ofqual
is the regulator of qualifications, exams and tests in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland. Ofqual gives formal recognition to bodies and organisations that deliver qualifications and assessments”.
“There are over 100 Ofqual recognised awarding bodies that are full members of FAB. These range from awarding bodies that issue less than 2,000 certificates to those issuing over 50,000 certificates and they represent a range of sectors”.
The main objectives of FAB are to:
The Federation of awarding Bodies abides by a code of ethics which outlines the duties of organizations and individuals.
As individuals representing FAB, members undertake to:
in your specific area of expertise - that is your ability and skills in carrying out your job effectively. This is demonstrated through evidence you provide and supported by witness statements from colleagues and observations by a qualified assessor appointed to you. The evidence you produce must also show that you understand what you do and why. This meets the requirements of the National Standards being assessed and supports you in your business activity”.
and technical support
to guarantee that students improve and achieve the highest possible standards.
, college
s, prison
s and school
s within the UK and internationally.
They develop qualifications in close consultation with teachers, industry leaders and government to guarantee relevance for learners today and meet requirements set by QCDA.
courses, blended learning
, and face-to-face learning. Similar to e-learning, some training providers offer regular telephone assistance sessions that enable learners to study at home as well.
Training providers use tutors to teach learners the courses as well as provide support. Assessors are used by training providers to check whether learners are completing the courses accurately or not. Training providers have internal verifiers to check that all the courses and tests operate smoothly and effectively. Awarding bodies have external verifiers that function to oversee all the training providers and make sure the quality of the course exercises and tests are managed well.
There are numerous training providers that offer a variety of fitness training courses for individuals in the U.K. Training providers work with awarding bodies to deliver qualifications to individuals, groups and companies. Once learners have finished taking all the courses necessary and if they've completed those courses successfully they can continue on to receive the Level 3 Certificate in personal training. This is usually the final stage in training provider programs. Once obtained students are considered qualified personal trainers and go on to pursue jobs in the personal training industry.
This is when members are not yet qualified and must be supervised by a qualified member or staff
A fitness instructor’s role includes planning, instructing and evaluating gym-based inductions and ongoing client/member programmes. They should also assist more qualified instructors in the delivery of personal training programmes. A fitness instructor should also actively encourage potential clients/members to join and adhere to regular exercise programmes, employing appropriate motivation
al strategies] to achieve this.
Other level 2 qualifications are offered as well, these include
A personal trainer
should also actively encourage potential clients/ members to join and adhere to regular exercise programmes, employing appropriate motivational strategies to achieve this. Personal Trainer includes...
students to receive jobs in health related industries. Which jobs they are eligible for however depend on the specific medical qualifications they pursue.
Level four is awarded to individuals who can demonstrate they’ve met the level 4 occupational standards in one or more medical areas. These can range from cardiac, falls, stroke
s, and mental health
to obesity
, diabetes and military rehab. Individuals must complete and pass one of the following approved level 4 qualifications.
To remain on the Register members also have to continue to meet the standards that are set for their profession in the Continual Professional Development (CPD)
Membership to Reps is allowed for all exercise and fitness professionals who work as any of the following
Certification
Certification refers to the confirmation of certain characteristics of an object, person, or organization. This confirmation is often, but not always, provided by some form of external review, education, assessment, or audit...
of competency as a personal trainer
Personal trainer
A personal trainer is a fitness professional involved in exercise prescription and instruction. They motivate clients by setting goals and providing feedback and accountability to clients. Trainers also measure their client's strengths and weaknesses with fitness assessments...
may be obtained.
Qualification Credit Framework (QCF)
“The QCF is the new government framework which forms how all regulated vocationalVocational education
Vocational education or vocational education and training is an education that prepares trainees for jobs that are based on manual or practical activities, traditionally non-academic, and totally related to a specific trade, occupation, or vocation...
qualifications are structured, titled and quality assured. It is replacing the existing National Qualifications Framework
National Qualifications Framework
The National Qualifications Framework is a credit transfer system developed for qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland....
across England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
and Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
. All current qualifications will be reviewed and redeveloped for the QCF”.
National Qualification Framework (NQF)
The National Qualifications Framework is a credit transferCredit transfer
Credit transfer can refer to:* The transfer of money from one account to another, also called a wire transfer* The procedure of granting credit to a student for studies completed at another school, also called transfer credit or advanced standing....
system developed for qualifications in England, Wales, Namibia
Namibia
Namibia, officially the Republic of Namibia , is a country in southern Africa whose western border is the Atlantic Ocean. It shares land borders with Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south and east. It gained independence from South Africa on 21 March...
and Northern Ireland. It has nine levels covering all levels of learning in secondary education
Secondary education
Secondary education is the stage of education following primary education. Secondary education includes the final stage of compulsory education and in many countries it is entirely compulsory. The next stage of education is usually college or university...
, further education
Further education
Further education is a term mainly used in connection with education in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is post-compulsory education , that is distinct from the education offered in universities...
, vocational, and higher education
Higher education
Higher, post-secondary, tertiary, or third level education refers to the stage of learning that occurs at universities, academies, colleges, seminaries, and institutes of technology...
.
Awarding Bodies
Awarding Bodies is a trade associationTrade association
A trade association, also known as an industry trade group, business association or sector association, is an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry...
representing organisations that award vocational qualifications in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. Awarding bodies such as VRQ and NVQ deal with the national occupational standards and grant what duties a person can fulfill at work. They both function under the QCF.
The Federation of Awarding Bodies
(FAB) was established in 2000 by the four largest vocational awarding bodies. These vocational awarding bodies are City & Guilds, EdexcelEdexcel
Edexcel, a UK company, is one of England, Wales and Northern Ireland's five main examination boards, and is wholly owned by the private-sector Pearson PLC, a UK-based media and publishing conglomerate. Its name is a portmanteau word derived from the words "educational" and "excellence"...
, Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations Board (OCR) and The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examinations Board
London Chamber of Commerce & Industry
The London Chamber of Commerce & Industry was established on 25 July 1881 at Mansion House in the City of London with 130 members. The London Chamber represented the London Metropolis and not just the City of London. Many of the original 130 members still play a role in London Chamber today...
(LCCIEB)
Every year, the Federation plans a strategy to incorporate current factors and issues in vocational education and training and priorities them into specific areas of activity which are covered by a Special Interest Group
Special Interest Group
A Special Interest Group is a community with an interest in advancing a specific area of knowledge, learning or technology where members cooperate to effect or to produce solutions within their particular field, and may communicate, meet, and organize conferences...
.
“Each group is chaired by a member of the FAB Executive Committee and meets quarterly to review developments in the area, take a proactive and strategic lead on issues, and ensure that FAB is represented at appropriate external meetings. The groups also have an important role in identifying the key developments that are to be communicated to the wider FAB membership”.
“Ofqual
Ofqual
The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation is a non-ministerial government department that regulates qualifications, exams and tests in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland.-Role:...
is the regulator of qualifications, exams and tests in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland. Ofqual gives formal recognition to bodies and organisations that deliver qualifications and assessments”.
“There are over 100 Ofqual recognised awarding bodies that are full members of FAB. These range from awarding bodies that issue less than 2,000 certificates to those issuing over 50,000 certificates and they represent a range of sectors”.
The main objectives of FAB are to:
- Provide a forum for awarding bodies to collectively consider developments in vocational qualifications
- Formulate coordinated action in response to developments
- Encourage positive relationships and communication between awarding bodies and other key organisations
- Establish an ongoing dialogue with the UK Government and its agencies to represent the common interests of the Federation and to lobby on key issues
The Federation of awarding Bodies abides by a code of ethics which outlines the duties of organizations and individuals.
Code of Ethics for Awarding Bodies
As Organisations, members undertake to:- Offer qualificationQualificationQualification may refer to:*Qualification problem of non-monotonic logic* Qualification Principle, syntactic class logic* Teaching qualification, academic degree* Qualification types , awarded in education...
s that meet the differing needs of learners, employers, education and training providers and awarding bodies, as well as offering good value to funding bodies and taxpayers. - Ensure that assessment verification and administration arrangements are fit for purpose and robust.
- Take action to ensure that learners’ best interests are safeguarded.
- Work to clearly stated and published levels of customer service.
- Provide clear information on their complaints and appeals processes.
- Promote the value and benefits of vocational education and training and qualifications.
- Work with the awarding body community represented within FAB and the regulatory authorities to improve qualifications arrangements to the benefit of learners and customers.
- Recognise the contribution of staff by encouraging life-long learning and continuing professional development.
As individuals representing FAB, members undertake to:
- Ensure that information from FAB is cascaded within their own organisation as appropriate.
- Discuss and agree any formal representational role in advance with the FAB secretariatSecretariatSecretariat may refer to:* Secretariat , racehorse that won the Triple Crown in 1973* Secretariat , 2010 film about the racehorse...
. - Seek to promote the Federation where opportunities occur during their normal meetings and contacts.
- Identify and declare where there may be any conflict between their organisational role and Federation interests.
- Reflect the issues and concerns of the full membership and seek input from the membership where appropriate.
- Seek approval from the Federation before making statements on significant policyPolicyA policy is typically described as a principle or rule to guide decisions and achieve rational outcome. The term is not normally used to denote what is actually done, this is normally referred to as either procedure or protocol...
issues that purport to represent its views or committing the Federation to a new policy position. - Refer any contractual matters to the Federation secretariat.
- Preserve the confidentiality of information obtained while representing the Federation.
Vocational Related Qualifications (VRQ)
“VRQ is a qualification that provides knowledge and understanding in a particular subject area. VQR's are delivered through a taught programme and may have a work placement running alongside - this provides an opportunity to utilise what you are learning and develop your skills as you work through the programme. To achieve the VRQ you work through a series of set tasks that will help demonstrate your knowledge and understanding. To achieve the certificate there will be an end of programme multiple choice exam where you will demonstrate what you have learnt in response to set questions for different scenarios. are delivered through a taught programme and may have a work placement running alongside”.National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ)
“NVQ's recognise your competenceCompetence
Competence may refer to:*Competence , the ability of a cell to take up DNA*Competence , the resistance of a rock against either erosion or deformation...
in your specific area of expertise - that is your ability and skills in carrying out your job effectively. This is demonstrated through evidence you provide and supported by witness statements from colleagues and observations by a qualified assessor appointed to you. The evidence you produce must also show that you understand what you do and why. This meets the requirements of the National Standards being assessed and supports you in your business activity”.
Active IQ
Active IQ is the Awarding Body for the Active Leisure and Learning Sector and is a QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) approved awarding body. Active IQ's main goal is to provide qualifications for career pathways in the Active Leisure and Learning Sector . Active IQ also gives training providers the highest levels of customer serviceCustomer service
Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase.According to Turban et al. , “Customer service is a series of activities designed to enhance the level of customer satisfaction – that is, the feeling that a product or service has met the customer...
and technical support
Technical support
Technical support or tech support refers to a range of services by which enterprises provide assistance to users of technology products such as mobile phones, televisions, computers, software products or other electronic or mechanical goods...
to guarantee that students improve and achieve the highest possible standards.
CYQ
Central YMCA Qualifications (CYQ) is an awarding body for health, fitness and well being qualifications. It develops and awards qualifications that are delivered through various institutions including private training providers, universitiesUniversity
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
, college
College
A college is an educational institution or a constituent part of an educational institution. Usage varies in English-speaking nations...
s, prison
Prison
A prison is a place in which people are physically confined and, usually, deprived of a range of personal freedoms. Imprisonment or incarceration is a legal penalty that may be imposed by the state for the commission of a crime...
s and school
School
A school is an institution designed for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is commonly compulsory. In these systems, students progress through a series of schools...
s within the UK and internationally.
OCR
OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations) provides qualifications that focus on learners of all ages at school, college, in work or through part-time learning programmes to achieve their full potential. They offer a wide range of General and Vocational qualifications that equip learners with the knowledge and skills they need for their future.They develop qualifications in close consultation with teachers, industry leaders and government to guarantee relevance for learners today and meet requirements set by QCDA.
City And Guilds
City And Guilds designs vocational qualifications to be delivered by colleges, training providers and employers. It has 500 qualifications in 28 different industry areas. They are valued by employers because they're developed in affiliation with key industry bodies. City of Guilds also offers qualifications from entry level to the equivalent of a postgraduate degree in order to advance learners career path.Training providers
Training providers offer a variety of courses that help prepare learners for career paths in fitness training. Training providers use different methods to teach students in order to help advance learners skills. These methods can include e-learningE-learning
E-learning comprises all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching. The information and communication systems, whether networked learning or not, serve as specific media to implement the learning process...
courses, blended learning
Blended learning
Blended learning refers to a mixing of different learning environments. It combines traditional face-to-face classroom methods with more modern computer-mediated activities. According to its proponents, the strategy creates a more integrated approach for both instructors and learners. Formerly,...
, and face-to-face learning. Similar to e-learning, some training providers offer regular telephone assistance sessions that enable learners to study at home as well.
Training providers use tutors to teach learners the courses as well as provide support. Assessors are used by training providers to check whether learners are completing the courses accurately or not. Training providers have internal verifiers to check that all the courses and tests operate smoothly and effectively. Awarding bodies have external verifiers that function to oversee all the training providers and make sure the quality of the course exercises and tests are managed well.
There are numerous training providers that offer a variety of fitness training courses for individuals in the U.K. Training providers work with awarding bodies to deliver qualifications to individuals, groups and companies. Once learners have finished taking all the courses necessary and if they've completed those courses successfully they can continue on to receive the Level 3 Certificate in personal training. This is usually the final stage in training provider programs. Once obtained students are considered qualified personal trainers and go on to pursue jobs in the personal training industry.
Face to Face
In face to face learning, both the teacher and the learner are in close proximity, and the learner gets to personally interact with the teacher.Blended
In blended learning you learn in a variety of environments. Blended learning is a combination of face-to face and online learning.Distance learning
In distance learning all the work is completed from home and there is hardly any direct contact with the teacher in person.Level 1: Basic Level
Level 1 is considered the basic level. The goal here is help learners acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to help with organizing and completing a safe and productive activity session for groups of participants.- A basic level of numeracyNumeracyNumeracy is the ability to reason with numbers and other mathematical concepts. A numerically literate person can manage and respond to the mathematical demands of life...
and literacyLiteracyLiteracy has traditionally been described as the ability to read for knowledge, write coherently and think critically about printed material.Literacy represents the lifelong, intellectual process of gaining meaning from print...
is required - Inspirational for learners in Key Stage 3Key Stage 3Key Stage 3 is the legal term for the three years of schooling in maintained schools in England and Wales normally known as Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9, when pupils are aged between 11 and 14...
and above - Cross curricular and themed approaches to learning
- Clear learning links through PE, Science, Food, Technology and PSHE
- Focus on Personal, Learning and Thinking skills
- Covers Every Child MattersEvery Child MattersEvery Child Matters is a UK government initiative that was launched in 2003, at least partly in response to the death of Victoria Climbié...
- Embraces Personalised Learning
This is when members are not yet qualified and must be supervised by a qualified member or staff
Level 2: Fitness Instructing (Gym-based) Units
Level 2 covers water-based exercise, exercise to music and gym.A fitness instructor’s role includes planning, instructing and evaluating gym-based inductions and ongoing client/member programmes. They should also assist more qualified instructors in the delivery of personal training programmes. A fitness instructor should also actively encourage potential clients/members to join and adhere to regular exercise programmes, employing appropriate motivation
Motivation
Motivation is the driving force by which humans achieve their goals. Motivation is said to be intrinsic or extrinsic. The term is generally used for humans but it can also be used to describe the causes for animal behavior as well. This article refers to human motivation...
al strategies] to achieve this.
- Unit 1 - AnatomyAnatomyAnatomy is a branch of biology and medicine that is the consideration of the structure of living things. It is a general term that includes human anatomy, animal anatomy , and plant anatomy...
and physiologyPhysiologyPhysiology is the science of the function of living systems. This includes how organisms, organ systems, organs, cells, and bio-molecules carry out the chemical or physical functions that exist in a living system. The highest honor awarded in physiology is the Nobel Prize in Physiology or...
for exercise - Unit 2 - Know how to support clients who take part in exercise and physical activity
- Unit 3 - Health, safety and welfare in a fitness environment
- Unit 4 - Principles of exercise, fitness and health
- Unit 5 - Planning gym-based exercise
- Unit 6 - Instructing gym-based exercise
Other level 2 qualifications are offered as well, these include
- Active IQ Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Activity Leadership (QCF)
- Active IQ Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Instructing Exercise and Fitness (QCF)
- Active IQ Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Customer Service (QCF)
- Active IQ Level 2 Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure (QCF)
Level 3:Personal Trainer
A fitness instructor’s role includes designing and implementing exercise programmes for a range of individual clients by collecting and analysing client information to ensure the effectiveness of personal exercise programmes.A personal trainer
Personal trainer
A personal trainer is a fitness professional involved in exercise prescription and instruction. They motivate clients by setting goals and providing feedback and accountability to clients. Trainers also measure their client's strengths and weaknesses with fitness assessments...
should also actively encourage potential clients/ members to join and adhere to regular exercise programmes, employing appropriate motivational strategies to achieve this. Personal Trainer includes...
- Advanced Fitness Instruction
- Advanced Group Exercise to Music
- Exercise Movement & Dance Partnership Teacher (EMDP)
- Personal Training
- PilatesPilatesPilates is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates in Germany, the UK and the USA. As of 2005, there were 11 million people practicing the discipline regularly and 14,000 instructors in the United States....
Teacher - YogaYogaYoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...
Teacher - Exercise Referrals
Level 4: Specialist Instructor
Level four qualifications are mainly reserved for those who continue on to pursue specialist instructor courses. Level 4 qualifications however generally are not required for personal training jobs. Obtaining level 4 training qualifications can enablestudents to receive jobs in health related industries. Which jobs they are eligible for however depend on the specific medical qualifications they pursue.
Level four is awarded to individuals who can demonstrate they’ve met the level 4 occupational standards in one or more medical areas. These can range from cardiac, falls, stroke
Stroke
A stroke, previously known medically as a cerebrovascular accident , is the rapidly developing loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to ischemia caused by blockage , or a hemorrhage...
s, and mental health
Mental health
Mental health describes either a level of cognitive or emotional well-being or an absence of a mental disorder. From perspectives of the discipline of positive psychology or holism mental health may include an individual's ability to enjoy life and procure a balance between life activities and...
to obesity
Obesity
Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems...
, diabetes and military rehab. Individuals must complete and pass one of the following approved level 4 qualifications.
- Phase IV Exercise Instructor Training
- Cardiac Rehab Phase IV
- Postural Stability Instructor (PSI)
- Active IQ Certificate in Exercise for the Management of Lower Back Pain
- Exercise after Stroke: Specialist Instructor Training Course
- Remedial Instructor (Military Only)
To remain on the Register members also have to continue to meet the standards that are set for their profession in the Continual Professional Development (CPD)
Membership to Reps is allowed for all exercise and fitness professionals who work as any of the following
- Gym instructors
- Aqua teachers
- Group Exercise to Music instructors
- Personal trainers
- Yoga teachers
- Pilates instructors
- Exercise Referral instructors
- Instructors working with special populations
- Exercise Movement & Dance Partnership (EMDP) teachers
- Cardiac Rehab Phase IV Exercise Instructors
- Postural Stability Instructors (PSI)
- Lower Back Pain Instructors
- Remedial Instructor (Military Only)
The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS)
The Register of Exercise Professionals is owned by Skills active. Skills Active is an organization that makes up the sector skills council for active leisure and well being. The Register of Exercise Professionals was designed to...- Provide a system to regulate fitness instructors and trainers while ensuring they meet the health and fitness industry’s national occupational standards.
- Enhance the trust in the quality of services provided by fitness professionals.
- Safeguard the livelihood of professionals who have invested time and money into their education
- To protect the public from individuals who do not meet nationally recognised standards
- Members of Reps must adhere to the Code of Ethical Practice
The Code of Ethical Practice
This code of Ethical Practices outlines what defines good practice for Fitness Industry professionals. It Notes the core values of rights, relationships, responsibilities and standards that professionals must uphold. The Code includes Four Principles. These are...Relationships
- To develop a relationship with their customers based on openness, honesty, mutual trust and respect
Personal Responsibilities
- To demonstrate proper personal behaviour and conduct at all times, and be fair, honest and considerate to all participants
Professional Standards
- To retain a high level of competence through qualifications and a commitment to ongoing training that ensures safe and correct practice.