|   Find a REPs Registered Instructor   |   Find a REPs Approved Training Provider   |   Directory of Endorsed CPD Training   |   Join REPs  |  

Join REPs

Entry to the Register is by qualification, but the Registrar fully recognises the large number of people currently working in the industry who don't appear to have a 'formal' qualification. The range of training, experience and qualifications across the fitness industry, and around the world is very diverse, and the Register staff will work hard to make sure that each registration form is personally checked to 'map' to the Register levels and categories.

If applicants can't find certificates, or don't think they have an appropriate qualification just provide a short CV of industry experience, training, etc. and the Register staff will do the rest. If they wish to clarify any points of detail they will contact the applicant in confidence.

To get on the Register is very simple - just complete a Registration form, attach any relevant certificates, an industry CV and payment and send it to the Registrar.

Student (Formaly Level 1 - Assistant Instructor)
Typically, this will be for new entrants to the industry and who do not yet have any formal qualifications. A qualified member of staff will supervise them at all times.

Level 2 - Instructor
An instructor who is able to work independently to promote physical fitness and plan, lead and evaluate sessions. There are currently six categories:

  • Gym

  • Exercise to music

  • Circuits (pre-2003)

  • Step (pre-2003)

  • Aqua

  • Exercise and movement (for introductory levels in yoga, Pilates, etc.)

To enter the Register at level 2, as an instructor, an applicant will need to have:

  • An N/SVQ in coaching, teaching, instructing, in the context of exercise and fitness, or,

  • An approved level 2 RVQ (see schedule), or,

  • An approved industry award (see schedule), plus

  • Evidence of adequate public liability insurance (if working outside of full-time employment)

  • Abide by the Code of Ethical Practice

  • Pay the registration fee (and insurance fee if appropriate)

Level 3 - Advanced Instructor
An advanced instructor is able to devise and deliver programmes to meet individual or group fitness needs. There are presently eight categories:

  • Advanced instructor

  • Fitness/Studio Manager

  • Personal Trainer

  • Exercise and movement (for Keep Fit, yoga, Pilates, etc. teachers)

  • Special populations (non-referred)

  • Low-risk referral populations (plus one year professional contact)

  • Medium-risk referral populations (plus two years professional contact)

  • High-risk referral populations (plus three years professional contact)

To enter the Register at level 3 as an advanced instructor, an applicant will need to have:

  • An N/SVQ in coaching teaching and instructing, or

  • An approved level 3 RVQ (see schedule), or

  • An industry award at level 3 (see schedule), plus

  • Evidence of adequate public liability insurance (if working outside of full-time employment)

  • Abide by the Code of Ethical Practice

  • Pay the registration fee (and insurance fee if appropriate)

Please note that, for level 3 registration, the technical criteria for qualification arises from the National Occupational standards and covers the areas of programming to achieve goals (progressive planning), the teaching of sessions, evaluating performance, and dealing with emergencies. For each of the eight categories listed above, additional areas of expertise have to be identified for registration. For example, a fitness manager must have managerial skills/qualifications in addition to those of an advanced instructor.

Entry to the exercise and movement category is through the appropriate sport Governing Body, such as the British Wheel of Yoga, the Keep Fit Association and, shortly through an approved technical definition for Pilates.

What happens next?
Individual applications are checked for details and then processed for registration. Members are then sent a membership card and an A4 size certificate that lists details of registration and any conditions which may be imposed.

The registration fee is an annual payment and maintenance on the REPs requires an ongoing adherence to the Code of Ethical Practice, the undertaking of continuing professional development (CPD) and having adequate public liability insurance.