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Frequently Asked Questions - Qualifications
For Instructors wishing to join REPs
What qualifications are accepted for registration with REPs?
What if my qualifications are very old?
What if I gained my qualifications overseas?
What are the levels of registration?
What are the categories of registration?
For employers and members of the public
What qualifications should a fitness professional hold?
How do I check if a fitness professional is qualified?
Should a fitness professional be insured?
For training providers
How do I get my qualifications approved?
How do I get my training endorsed for CPD?
For Instructors wishing to join REPs
What qualifications are accepted for registration with REPs?
Qualifications accepted for registration are detailed within our training portal click here. This list is subject to amendment and regular updating.
What if my qualifications are very old?
REPs look at each application on an individual basis. If you have older qualifications and wish to register you will be required to send as much supporting documentation as possible.
click here for further details.
What if I gained my qualifications overseas?
All overseas qualifications are individually assessed and verified against the National Occupational Standards (NOS). REPs UK is recognised by international registration bodies who are members of the International Confederation of Registers of Exercise Professionals (ICREPS) including the European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPs).
There are currently reciprocal agreements in place with Fitness Australia and REPs New Zealand where your membership can be transferred to the country you are working in. Therefore, if you hold a qualification from Australia or New Zealand you will be required to submit a current membership certificate or letter of International Portability from Fitness Australia or REPs New Zealand with your application to REPs UK.
Who sets the standards?
REPs do not develop standards...the standards that describe the knowledge, competencies and skills needed to perform specific job roles are developed by SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure and Wellbeing and are aligned to National Occupational Standards (NOS).
These standards are developed in to qualifications by awarding bodies which are then delivered by training providers and quality assured by the awarding body.
What are the levels of registration?
There are presently four levels of registration on REPs.
Level 1 Student
Student members are not yet qualified and must be supervised by a qualified member of staff
Level 2
Covers the following:
- Water Based Exercise
- Exercise to Music
- Gym
Level 3
Covers the following:
- Advanced Fitness Instruction
- Advanced Group Exercise to Music
- Exercise Movement & Dance Partnership Teacher (EMDP)
- Personal Training
- Pilates Teacher
- Yoga Teacher
- Exercise Referrals
Level 4 - Specialist Exercise Instructor
Level 4 is awarded to individuals who can demonstrate that they have met the Level 4 National Occupational Standards in one or more medical areas, completing and passing one of the following approved Level 4 qualifications:
- BACR Phase IV Exercise Instructor Training
- WRIGHT Foundation Cardiac Rehab Phase IV
- Later Life Training Postural Stability Instructor (PSI)
- Active IQ Certificate in Exercise for the Management of Lower Back Back Pain
- Exercise after Stroke: Specialist Instructor Training Course
- Remedial Instructor (Military Only)
A full explanation of Levels and job roles can be found here.
What are the categories of registration?
There are presently four levels and over forty separate categories. The registration level is shown on the individual certificate of registration. It is not possible to list all training on the membership card other than the main categories from the National Occupational Standards (NOS). This list is subject to change depending on current industry standards.
What is CPD?
As an Exercise professional and member of the Register, keeping your skills and knowledge up to date is vitally important. Personal or professional development is seen as being complementary to how you develop your career and is seen as an important principle of professionalising the health and fitness industry. To deliver the services that clients expect and demand, personal development should be taken seriously. This is what we call CPD – Continuing Professional Development.
For employers and members of the public
What qualifications should a fitness professional hold?
A recognised and approved qualification that is mapped to the agreed National Occupational Standards (NOS).
How do I check if a fitness professional is qualified?
It's simple. All current register members are displayed within our Members Directory. Click here for further details.
Should a fitness professional be insured?
Yes, every fitness professional should be insured which is implicit within the REPs Code of Ethical Practice which reflects on the core values of rights, relationships and responsibilities.
All members are required to hold adequate civil liability insurance which covers legal liability for death, injury or illness to others and loss of, or damage to, third party property. The Register requires fitness professionals to hold an annual liability policy with a minimum indemnity of £5,000,000.
For training providers
How do I get my qualifications approved?
SkillsActive who are the Sector Skills Council set the standards for the fitness industry. Contact should be made with the Endorsement Officer at SkillsActive who will then send out a Training Providers pack with relevant documentation for completion and submission to the Endorsement Panel.
How do I get my training endorsed for CPD?
See above. Endorsed Training relates to the principle of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). In order to remain on the REPs instructors need to undergo training activities which have been endorsed by SkillsActive and recognised by the Register. The Register’s CPD requirements are based around a system of CPD credit points. Each course or developmental activity which achieves the Endorsed Training status is given a CPD credit value. The Endorsement Panel is made up of industry experts who have particular expertise in aspects of exercise and fitness. There are representatives from employers, training providers, universities, professional bodies and independent experts.