Level 2 Gym Instructor or Level 3 Personal Trainer

Learner prerequisites YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing or equivalent YMCA Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Pilates YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga Any other qualifications which give entry to the REPs Physical Activity Advisor

Registration status of full Level 3 Exercise Referral Instructor on the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), or either of: a) Registration at Level 4 prior to September 2011 plus achievement of a Level 3 fitness qualification b) Achievement of a Level 4 prior to September 2011 plus achievement of a Level 3 fitness qualification 150 hours of relevant professional practice at Level 3 in designing, delivering, monitoring, adapting and tailoring exercise programmes for individuals gained within the previous two years and at least six months experience since qualification (to be evidenced in a CV and reference letter). Note: Learners are required to complete the online Professional Practice unit via the members area of the REPs website (free to complete) where the learner holds an NVQ exercise referral qualification on the QCF. This unit is embedded in the QCF exercise referral qualifications.

Some experience of gym-based exercises, including free weights, is highly recommended. The course requires physical exertion and individual participation is essential, therefore, a degree of physical fitness is necessary. There is also an element of communication (discussing, presenting, reading and writing) involved and learners should have basic skills in communication pitched at level 2.