UK exercise professionals who are members of CIMSPA have more freedom to work across Europe, following a new agreement between the Institute and the European Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs'>EREPS).

The deal means UK exercise professionals registered on the CIMSPA directory will also have their applications accepted by the European register.

In turn, European fitness professionals based in the UK will be able to use their EREPS accreditation to join the CIMSPA Exercise and Fitness Directory, which lists industry professionals whose qualifications have been recognised by the UK body.

The two will work together to help raise professional standards.

“This is an important new partnership for CIMSPA," said Tara Dillon, CIMSPA chief executive. "Our growth in the exercise world means we’re already welcoming a wide range of fitness professionals from across Europe into membership.

“With an increasing number of UK fitness employers requiring CIMSPA membership from their frontline teams, this agreement ensures we can quickly recognise a wide range of non-UK qualifications, via EREPS.”

EREPS, which is part of health and fitness association EuropeActive, is aligned with a number of national registers – such as REPs in the UK, which already has a reciprocal arrangement – simplifying the right of its members to work and travel in Europe and throughout the world.

Julian Berriman, director of the professional standards committee at EuropeActive, said: “It's our central aim to professionalise the fitness sector across Europe, and the creation of this alliance is an important stepping stone in this process.”