ADVICE

ALISON FRATER SAYS: Exercise

professionals who do not

hold qualifications that are recognised as meeting the industry standards may be allocated Provisional status. This can include individuals who hold older qualifications, non-UK

qualifications and graduates with a related degree.

Many graduates query their status as they feel that a three year degree must be better than a vocational qualification, however there are merits to both routes.

Modules contained in degrees vary widely from university to university. Whilst a number of universities have submitted their degree course to SkillsActive for formal endorsement and mapping against the National Occupational Standards, a larger number have not leaving REPs unable to determine if an individual has the knowledge and/or skills to meet or match the standards. However graduates can go on to complete a Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ) to gain the skills which were not tested or absent from their degree.

REPs will always ask for a Ask our expert Q

Why have I been given Provisional status? I have a degree which is surely the equivalent if not better than a short course with a vocational training provider?

transcript of the degree and a CV to show industry experience. After careful consideration graduates and some non-UK certified exercise professionals may be allocated Provisional status if there is sufficient evidence that the knowledge standards have been achieved and practical skills have been demonstrated.

Conversion to Full status An important principle for the Register is that entry is by qualification and therefore essential that individuals with provisional status are given every assistance to convert to Full membership.

The following summarises the actions to be taken by members with Provisional Status: Option 1 - Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) - successfully complete a theory paper and/ or a practical assessment at an approved test centre to be considered for Full status.

Test Centres are currently set up to cover five categories of registration: l Level 2 - Gym l Level 2 – Exercise to Music

l Level 2 - Aqua l Level 3 – Advanced Fitness Instructing

l Level 3 – Personal Training

There is a list of test centres on the REPs website.

Option 2 - Accreditation of Prior Achievement (APA). Collect evidence of learning and work practice against a template document and submit for assessment to an approved training provider. Some industry training providers offer this service however it is quite onerous to provide enough evidence to prove knowledge and competence and is sometimes easier to use Option 1.

All options are certificated by an awarding body and individuals will need to decide which option is suitable. Advice can be sought from one of the REPs approved training providers listed on our website.

Your training provider will work with you to identify if additional training is required to ensure you have sufficient knowledge and competence to pass. Each option will incur costs.

Provisional status is also given to newly qualified individuals pending receipt of their awarding body certification. On receipt of their certificates they should forward copies to be upgraded to Full.

Sanctions for non- compliance

If a member is unable to meet the full entry requirements during their provisional period or there are extenuating or exceptional circumstances, they should notify the Register before their renewal date in writing when they will be informed of their options.

Failure to do so may mean the loss of registration status and removal from the Register which could adversely affect their ability to work as an exercise professional.

The status of all members can be checked through the REPs Website at www.exerciseregister.org or by contacting the REPs membership team.

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The REPs Journal 2009;14(Sept):26