The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) has added SQA qualifications in Fitness to the list of approved qualifications.

SQA candidates who complete HNC Fitness and Exercise will in future receive entry to REPs Level 2, while candidates completing the NPA Fitness course will rebe awarded with entry to REPs level 1.

The existing SVQ level 2 Instructing Exercise and Fitness will allow candidates entry to REPs level 2. This follows months of meetings between REPs, the SQA, other agencies and employers.

Speaking at the REPs Scottish conference last month, SQA qualifications manager, Paul Gallacher, said: "This process will enable the health and fitness industry to give recognition to our candidates wherever they choose to work in Scotland, the UK and Europe. It certainly shows the quality of these SQA Fitness awards while giving SQA a competitive edge."

With more than 1,500 Scottish members, REPs is increasingly being seen by employers in Scotland as a way of demonstrating to the public the qualifications and competence of their fitness staff.