Professional qualifications and CPD
Professional qualifications provide training in the skills and knowledge that a person requires for a specific job or role.
Professional qualifications
Professional qualifications provide training in the skills and knowledge that a person requires for a specific job or role.
A professional qualification is also an independent confirmation of competence. It gives an assurance of quality, providing evidence that a professional has earned the right to practice in their chosen occupation. When you hold a professional qualification, it increases customers’ confidence that you are knowledgeable and skilled in your work and can offer them a good service.
Examples of professional qualifications in the sport and physical activity sector are:
- Level 2 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness Instructing
- Level 3 Diploma in Fitness Instructing and Personal Training
- Level 3 Certificate in Coaching (Sport and Physical Activity)
CPD
Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential in the sport and physical activity sector to ensure that professionals maintain their competence, expand their knowledge and meet the evolving needs of customers.
CPD enhances your skill set and is a vital requirement for gaining, maintaining and elevating your professional status.
CIMSPA members* are required to complete 10 points of continuing professional development (CPD) per membership subscription year. The CPD should be appropriate and relevant to your membership category and it should support you in maintaining or upgrading your professional status.
*Excludes Chartered Members, Chartered Fellows and Students.
Choosing an endorsed course
By choosing CIMSPA-endorsed training, you can be reassured that the training is of a high standard and that you will be equipped with the right knowledge, skills and behaviours to perform your role and progress in your career.
For an education product to be officially endorsed by CIMSPA, it must be aligned with the sector’s employer-led professional standards. Decided by employers and experts, each standard is a framework of the knowledge and skills required to work in a given role or environment, or with a specific population group. Because endorsed training is designed to equip learners with the competencies specifically required by real employers, this means that professionals can rely on it to be a valuable investment and progress their career.
Endorsed training is also only delivered by CIMSPA Education Partners. To become one, further education colleges, universities and training providers undergo rigorous assessment to ensure that they are providing the highest standard of learner journey and education.
Examples of non-endorsed courses are employer-led staff training, training or qualifications offered by education providers that are not in partnership with CIMSPA, e.g. a first aid certificate delivered by a training provider not in partnership with CIMSPA.
Examples of endorsed CPD include:
- Safeguarding Adults and Adults at Risk – 3 CPD points
- Menopause Movement Advanced Practitioner Course – 4.5 CPD points
- BBX Bhangra Fitness Instructor Training Course – 10 CPD points
Visit the CIMSPA Endorsed Training Directory for a comprehensive list of the CPD courses available to support you throughout your career in sport and physical activity.
Our directory is regularly updated and shows courses and providers that are CIMSPA-accredited and meet our professional standards.