The UK has set the pace for the rest of Europe to follow when it comes to professionalising the fitness industry - and REPs has become the role model for the development of EREPS - the European Register of Exercise Professionals that was launched late last year.

It basically works to the same standards, systems and protocols so that the registration status for exercise professionals can be recognised across Europe.

EREPS is based in Brussels and spans 36 different countries and states covering the geographic area of Europe. This brings a lot of complexities of languages, customs and laws - but already there are members from 18 different countries - all benchmarked against a common set of European standards. EREPS is part-funded by the European Commission who has developed a common qualification framework (EQF) and encourages the improved mobility of workers - so membership of EREPS becomes a sort of passport.

It is already a reality that many exercise professionals move from country to country and some of the big international employers such as Fitness First, Health City, Holmes Place and SATS are firmly behind the concept and principles of EREPS. Members have to abide by a Code of Ethical Practice, hold liability insurance, and to complete an annual programme of ongoing professional development all of which are concepts that are very familiar in the UK. Across Europe there is strong promotion of what is known as "lifelong learning" which is really another term for CPD.

There are four main occupations - fitness instructor, group fitness instructor, water fitness instructor and at a higher level - personal trainer. Work is underway to look at pre-designed programme instructing (such as Les Mills and Curves), Pilates teaching, working with children, and non-active population groups.

The first two countries where national registers are being developed as part of the EREPS programme are the Netherlands and Portugal - and all members of REPs UK at level 2 and above are automatically members of EREPS.

Full details available at www.ereps.eu