Image: CYQ head Jenny Patrickson

Central YMCA Qualifications (CYQ) has recorded a 17 per cent increase in the number of certificates it awarded between 2010 and 2011.

According to Ofqual's Annual Qualifications Market Report 2012, CYQ remains the largest awarding organisation for the fitness sector and was responsible for awarding a total of 43,984 certificates in 2011.

Other award bodies mentioned in the report include Sports Leaders UK, whose Level 1 Award in sport leadership was named among the country's top 20 qualifications in the 'other' category.

The report, which provides an overview of the scale, activity and players within the qualifications market, also comments on the increase in awarding bodies, with 179 awarding organisations currently operating in the UK.

CYQ head Jenny Patrickson said: "Our steady growth is a reflection of the high standards, quality assurance and ongoing support which our team provides to the 400 CYQ approved centres both in the UK and internationally.

"With more than 350,000 CYQ certificates issued since we were established in 1998 we are also immensely proud that we have made such an important contribution to enabling many of the over 600,000 people working in the health, fitness and wellbeing sector to develop their careers."

To read the full report, click here for the Ofqual website.