Here you can find answers to all frequently asked questions about various aspects of REPs.
Please select a topic below to view the different FAQs
Is it law that a fitness professional has to be a member of REPs?
What are levels of registration?
How do I find a REPs registered fitness professional?
How do I become a qualified fitness professional?
How do I report any concerns or issues about a REPs registered professional?
Who do I contact regarding Press and media?
REPs is an independent public register which recognises qualifications and expertise of health fitness professionals in the UK. REPs is part of the International Confederation of REPs (ICREPs), which is an international partnership between membership bodies around the world that registers health and fitness professionals. For more information on ICREPs please click here
Is it law that a fitness professional has to be a member of REPs?
There is no legal requirement for fitness professionals to be members of REPs. However, membership signifies that a fitness professional;
- has met nationally agreed occupational standards
- holds recognised and approved qualifications
- is independently verified as being competent in the work place
- is committed to ongoing professional development, and
- is legally covered to practice by appropriate insurance
We strongly recommend that members of the public looking to employ the services of an exercise professional should check to see if they are registered by searching our Member Directory.
What are levels of registration?
Minimum requirement for registration is Level 2
Level 2 - Covers the following:
- Water Based Exercise
- Exercise to Music
- Gym Instructor
- Physical Activity for Children
Level 3 - Covers the following:
- Advanced Fitness Instructing
- Advanced Group Exercise to Music
- Exercise Movement & Dance Partnership Teacher (EMDP)
- Personal Training
- Pilates Teacher
- Yoga Teacher
- Exercise Referral
Level 4 - Covers the following:
- Cardiac disease
- Falls prevention
- Stroke
- Mental health
- Back pain
- Obesity/diabetes
- Chronic respiratory disease
- Cancer rehabilitation
- Long term neurological conditions
- Accelerated rehabilitation (military only)
- Strength and Conditioning
Non-levelled and additional categories cover the following:
(These require a minimum of a Level 2 fitness qualification)
- Physical Activity Advisor
- Fitness Manager
- Fitness Tutor/Assessor
Additional categories
- Older adults
- Disability
- Antenatal
REPs does not develop standards. The National Occupational Standards (NOS), developed by SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure and Well-being, and reviewed in 2014, describe the knowledge, competencies and skills needed to perform specific job roles. New standards are being developed to ensure the sector's qualifications reflect current practice.
These standards are developed into qualifications by awarding organisations, placed onto the Regulated Qualification Framework, which are then delivered by training providers and quality assured by the awarding organisations.
How do I find a REPs registered fitness professional?
It's simple. All current registrants are displayed within our Members Directory, which you can access here.
How do I become a qualified fitness professional?
In order to become a health and fitness professional and register with REPs you must hold a recognised qualification from an accredited training provider. To search for REPs recognised training providers visit the PD:Portal.
How do I report any concerns or issues about a REPs registered professional?
Please email info@exerciseregister.org.
Who do I contact regarding Press and media?
All press and media queries should be emailed to communication@ukcoaching.org
Questions about Qualifications
Which qualifications are accepted for registration with REPs?
What if my qualifications are very old?
What if I gained my qualifications overseas?
What are the categories of registration?
Complaints about your training provider
Do REPs accept Pilates at Level 2?
Which qualifications are accepted for registration with REPs?
A Level 2 fitness qualification is the minimum requirement for entry to the register. Refer to the REPs Categories framework to see the Level 2, 3 and 4 qualifications that may give you entry (any prerequisite qualifications must have also been achieved). To find a REPs recognised training provider, visit the PD:Portal .
What if my qualifications are very old?
REPs looks at each application on an individual basis. If you have qualifications that are more than 5 years old and wish to register you will be required to send evidence of your current competence e.g. evidence of CPD undertaken.
What if I gained my qualifications overseas?
All applications are individually assessed. REPs UK is a member of the International Confederation of Registers of Exercise Professionals (ICREPS) and recognises applications supported by a letter of portability from the other 9 member registers as well as the European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPs). Therefore, if you hold a qualification from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, Ireland, the UAE or the USA, you will be required to submit a current registration certificate or Letter of International Portability from your register with your application to REPs UK.
What are the categories of registration?
There are presently Level 2, 3 and 4. This list is subject to change depending on current industry standards. The registration level is shown on the individual certificate of registration.
Complaints about your training provider
If you are undertaking endorsed CPD or an endorsed Degree or Industry Award and are unhappy with any aspect of it, you should first follow the provider’s own complaints policy. If you are still unhappy, you can use PD:Approval complaints process PD:Approval complaints process.
If you are undertaking a qualification, you must still follow the internal process for complaints, but if you wish to take it further you must go to the provider’s awarding organisation. They are responsible for all matters regarding the training provider in relation to the qualifications they are delivering. In the unlikely event you are still dissatisfied, you also have the option of taking your complaint to Ofqual. You can also call PD:Approval if you wish to discuss the matter with them.
Do REPs accept Pilates at Level 2?
REPs can only accept Pilates qualifications that meet the Level 3 standards.
The current Pilates standards were produced and agreed by many Pilates and industry experts including the major training providers and awarding organisations that provide training in Pilates. It was agreed that this role and the relevant knowledge and skills are at level 3. These standards were revised and consulted on recently and updated accordingly.
There are many enquiries to the Register about the old Level 2 Pilates course and this is intended to clarify the position with regards to recognition on REPs. Each REPs category is based on agreed National Occupational Standards (NOS). These standards define the knowledge, competence and skills needed to perform the various roles that gain entry to the Register. REPs is unable to change these and can only accept people onto the register in the various categories if they can prove that they meet these standards. This is usually done by providing REPs with an awarding organisation certificate that meets the NOS.
The current Pilates standards were produced and agreed by many Pilates and industry experts, including major training providers and awarding organisations that provide training in Pilates. They agreed that this role and the relevant knowledge and skills are at Level 3.
The Level 2 Pilates qualification was created before these industry standards were agreed and for a short time were accepted on the register under an ‘Exercise and Movement’ category which no longer exists. These Level 2 qualifications can no longer be accepted as they do not meet the agreed National Occupational Standards and do not equip the instructor with the agreed relevant knowledge, competence and skills required to perform the role.
Why have REPs changed the CPD points requirements?
As a health and fitness 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 in 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. REPs recognised CPD will provide you with the CPD points required to maintain your membership. For more information on CPD and CPD requirements visit the CPD page. To find a REPs recognised training provider, visit the PD:Portal.
Endorsement is the process of checking training to ensure it is fit for purpose, safe and effective. Once endorsed, training can be identified by the presence of the REPs CPD point logo and the PD:Approval Endorsed logo. Endorsed training can be:
- Continuing professional development (CPD), which builds on the qualifications members have already achieved
- Higher Education, where health and fitness standards are embedded into degree programmes so that students can gain qualifications as they study
- Industry Awards, offering a third pathway for approving training that will give either entry or another level on the register. These are qualifications which are mapped to the accepted standards, but are bespoke to particular needs.
Why have REPs changed the CPD points requirements?
Answers to all your likely questions about why REPs have changed the CPD requirements are provided below.
Who made the decision to change the CPD requirements?
The REPs management team made the decision in consultation with the REPs Advisory Committee, which is made up of health and fitness industry stakeholders (employers, training providers, governing bodies, higher education and health professionals). The aim of the changes in CPD requirements is to simplify the process within your annual membership.
When will the new system start?
The new CPD system will come into place on the 1st July 2018, replacing the previous 24 CPD points over 2 years. Between July 2018 and July 2020 there will be allowances for training that has been completed in the previous two years while we transition to the 12 month system.
I have not completed 10 CPD points in the last 12 months – can I renew?
Yes. If you have not logged 10 CPD points in your members area, at the time of renewal you will receive an email explaining how to log any CPD, what the recommendations are, and where to get more information on CPD. This email will emphasise the importance of completing 10 CPD points and logging it before your next renewal.
How long are CPD points valid for?
CPD points are valid for one year from the date you completed the piece of training.
Do I get points for reading the REPs magazine – Fitness Matters?
No, but there is lots of discounted and free online CPD available through your REPs member benefits, as well as a full range of endorsed CPD available on the PD:Portal
Do you remind me to log my CPD before my renewal is due?
We will send you an email one month before you are due to renew reminding you to renew and log your CPD points.
I have completed training that is not endorsed – can I use it for my CPD?
Yes, under Other CPD. Other CPD has a maximum of 2 CPD points for non-endorsed training. However, choosing endorsed training gives you the peace of mind that it has been independently checked to ensure it is fit for purpose by PD:Approval and is covered by your REPs insurance.
How many points can be claimed each year from non-assessed training that is endorsed?
Endorsed training provides peace of mind that the education meets industry standards. Courses and training with assessments carry a higher number of CPD points, but points can be accrued in various forms from endorsed training: reading/pod casts, conferences, workshops, though to courses and formal qualifications. There is not a limit or a requirement of what type of endorsed training you need to have completed.
I am a new member joining after recently completing my qualification(s) do I need to complete the 10 points?
In most cases, when you first register with REPs you are awarded 20 CPD points per entry qualification. If your qualification is older than five years, points will not be issued. In this instance, current CPD is required and points will be given relevant to the CPD. We recommend you complete and log some CPD over the year. When you renew you will need to complete the recommended 10 CPD points in your second year of registration.
All CPD is logged via your account in the REPs Members Area. Any qualifications you achieve that are listed as a category on the REPs framework will gain you 20 CPD points. Once the details and certificate are uploaded to your account we will then award you the category and the CPD points. Any endorsed CPD training can also be logged in the REPs Members Area, and will gain you 1-16 CPD points. The CPD points are awarded once you have logged the training.
Can I purchase REPs Insurance if I already have REPs membership?
Can my employer pay for my registration?
How long will it take to process my application?
Is the registration fee tax deductable?
Who decides what level of registration I am given?
Can I appeal against the decision?
Do I need to purchase REPs insurance?
Membership is £40.00 per annum
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Can I purchase REPs Insurance if I already have REPs membership?
Yes. You need to re-join, adding on insurance at the same time. This is in order to align your annual membership to your annual insurance dates. We will refund a percentage of your current membership.
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Can my employer pay for my registration?
Yes. Employers can submit applications for registration on behalf of their employees. See our information on Corporate Registration. If the employer is not part of the Corporate Registration scheme they can still pay the registration fee. The most commonly used process is for the employer to submit a purchase order with the application. The employer will be invoiced for the registration fee.
How long will it take to process my application?
14 – 21 days. Applications sent with ‘other’ or ‘non listed qualifications’ will take longer depending on the evidence provided and if the application needs to be assessed by an independent panel (Higher Education or Yoga applications).
Is the registration fee tax deductable?
Yes, if self-employed it is deductible through your tax return.
Who decides what level of registration I am given?
Your level of registration is dependent of your qualifications that are linked to industry standards. The National Occupational Standards are agreed and qualifications that meet these standards are recognised and accepted as entry on REPs. Level 2 is the minimum requirement.
Can I appeal against the decision?
Yes you can. Email info@exerciseregister.org
Yes, your registration will show as pending in your members area. You will be sent an email informing you your registration has been received. Once your registration has been checked and you are accepted on to the register you will receive a confirmation email. If you purchase insurance you will receive an additional email to direct you to your members area to download your insurance certificate.
Do I need to purchase REPs insurance?
No. If you do not take up insurance provided by REPs please ensure that the insurance you get meets our minimum requirement of £5million cover and operates for the whole period of your membership. Further details can be found on our Insurance page.
Questions about REPs Insurance
Should a fitness professional be insured?
Can I be covered by my employers insurance?
Does my insurance cover me to work overseas?
Does the REPs insurance cover me to teach sports, martial arts or dance?
Does the REPs insurance cover me for online training?
Can I take out REPs insurance without registering as a member?
Can I take out personal accident insurance?
Should a fitness professional be insured?
Yes, every health and fitness professional should be insured, which is implicit within the REPs Code of Ethics and Conduct which reflects on the core values of rights, relationships and personal responsibilities, professional standards and safe working practice.
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 million.
Yes, subject to your insurance having a minimum indemnity of £5 million.
Can I be covered by my employers insurance?
Yes, but your employer must countersign your registration form confirming that you are fully insured under their policy for the duration of your registration.
Does my REPs insurance cover me to work overseas?
Yes, the REPs insurance scheme does cover you to work overseas (with restrictions in USA and Canada) for up to six months in any 12 month period subject to your home remaining in the UK. Please refer to your insurance certificate for more information on the restrictions.
Does the REPs insurance cover me to teach sports, martial arts or dance?
The policy will cover a registered health and fitness professional to instruct in any area in which they hold an endorsed piece of training – as long as it is in the context of exercise and fitness.
Cover for undertaking of all manner of additional coaching, including running clubs, water sports, climbing, etc. can be arranged directly through the REPs insurers: sportsenquiry@howdengroup.com / 0845 366 6666
Does the REPs insurance cover me for online training?
In the past we have not been able to cover injuries that are suffered by someone following an exercise video that has been uploaded onto the various channels. The good news is from June 2018 this is now included in your REPs insurance, the bit to be aware of is the standard policy does not cover any publishing or professional indemnity risk. If you require this you will need to purchase additional insurances and by contacting Howdens using the details below.
Virtual training has always been covered by the REPs insurance where the trainer can view their client online through the various modes e.g. Skype, FaceTime, etc. but we are now able to confirm that online programming falls into the same category if the appropriate screening* has been completed. Ongoing verbal and written advice and instruction should also be recorded.
Please make sure you are aware of the terms and conditions of the REPs insurance policy. The contact details of the REPs insurers should you require any further information: sportsenquiry@howdengroup.com. Telephone: 0845 366 6666
* the pre-exercise completion and interpretation of an appropriate screening tool such as PARQ-R & AHA/ACSM results in online training being appropriate i.e. the absence of any of the specified key symptoms of disease (that are considered to put an individual at risk of an adverse event related to participation during or following exercise); a suitable exercise history (if a client has never exercised before visual supervision is more appropriate); and any contraindications that require exercise adaptation and may need direct observation of the client's exercise technique and/or intensity, etc.
Can I take out REPs insurance without registering as a member?
No, in order to take out REPs insurance you must register.
Can I take out personal accident insurance?
Any insurance policy purchased through REPs includes Personal Accident Insurance. More information on this can be found on our Insurance page.