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LEVEL 4 INSTRUCTOR
...become a specialist exercise instructor
So, whether you are a newly qualified level 2 Instructor or an experienced exercise referral Instructor, if you have a passion for health and making a difference to people’s lives, think level 4 and plot your path through REPs to specialist exercise instructor status. With a growing number of level 4 categories on REPs, the hard part is deciding which area you want to specialise in!
Exercise instructors: l There are now a number of REPs recognised level 4 training providers and courses will soon be available in all level 4 REPs categories l REPs members should check the REPs training portal to ensure that level 4 courses advertised by training providers are REPs recognised prior to booking on to any course. If it’s not on the website it’s not recognised.
Training providers: l Visit the Fitness Endorsement section on the SkillsActive website www.skillsactive.com/fitness/endorsement l Contact victoria.smith@skillsactive.com at the SkillsActive level 4 Approvals Team l The REPs ‘Supporting the Healthcare Sector’ leaflet is for health care professionals and explains in simple language what REPs exercise referral and level 4 instructors can do. You can download this leaflet from REPs website or let us know if you would like some sent to you.
Four steps to level 4
1. Registration status of full level 3 Instructor on REPs l Until September 2011 any level 3 category is permissible, provided it is accepted by the level 4 training provider l From September 2011 the exercise referral category will be the requirement 2. 150 hours of relevant professional practice at level 3 in designing, delivering, monitoring, adapting and tailoring exercise programmes for individuals gained within the previous 2 years and at least 6 months experience since qualification. 3. Completion of the on-line Professional Practice Unit l This can be found in the members’ area of the website and is
free to complete l Those who have undertaken a new exercise referral qualification (i.e. one that is listed on the qualifications and credit framework (QCF) that has replaced the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) will not be required to complete this on-line CPD since it has been embedded into the new exercise referral National Occupational Standard and will form
part of new exercise referral qualifications. 4. At least one level 4 REPs recognised qualification
References 1.Be Active, Be Healthy: A Plan for Getting the Nation Moving. DoH. (2009) 2. Professor Lord Darzi of Denham KBE, HonFREng, FmedSci. (2008). High Quality Care For All NHS Next Stage Review Final Report. 3. Exercise Professionals Supporting the Healthcare Sector. (2010). REPs leaflet
THE AUTHOR Victoria Smith has been working in the fitness industry since 1998 and has been involved in exercise referral in a number of different capacities. She works for SkillsActive
supporting the delivery of work associated with fitness and physical activity and health National Occupational Standards and manages the level 4 course approvals process.