The new Level 3 standards to form the advanced fitness instructor qualification for full entry to the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) are due to be unveiled at the end of this month.

Working in close partnership between the REPs, Skills Active and a specially constituted industry steering group, the new standards comprise a core syllabus of mandatory units which will form the N/SQV (National/Scottish Vocational Qualifications) and the basis of the RVQ.

A curriculum of fitness knowledge covering anatomy, functional kinesiology, physiology concepts and components of fitness, and exercise psychology are included in the new requirements at level 3.

Once all mandatory units have been completed, advanced instructors can choose a number of additional progression modules – but still at Level 3.

These can include working as a fitness manager, personal trainer or concentrating on special population groups and working with low-risk referred patients. The new standards will have much clearer definitions of skills needed to be an exercise professional at level 3.

REPs registrar, Cliff Collins, said the new requirements marked a new chapter in the history of the organisation.

“The model for this new level of registration coupled with a valuable qualification has been something we have been striving towards since the inception of the register and is something I am very excited about,” he said.

“Because the Level 3 in Exercise and Fitness requirements have been produced with help from industry experts, medical practitioners and top training providers, they not only mean a much more comprehensive level of recognition and training for our members, they also confirm our status as an organisation which can help drive change.”

Skills Active is currently organising an extensive process of consultation, which includes taking the views of many employers.

The new Level 3 qualification is due to go live from later in 2004 and work is now under way on drafting new Level 4 standards which will cover, among other things, work with medium and high-risk referred populations.