Sports and Fitness

Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral

Introduction

The Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral is designed to provide learners with an in depth understanding of the knowledge required to ensure safe and effective exercise programming for patients with a number of medical conditions, as well as common reasons for referral onto a community-based exercise referral scheme.

Entry requirements

Learners must hold one of the following:

• Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing.
• Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing.
• Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Group Training.
• Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training.
• Level 3 Diploma in Instructing Pilates Matwork.
• Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training.
• Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga.

Qualification structure

Learners must achieve all six mandatory units (38 credits).

Assessment

• Coursework/Project.
• Multiple Choice Examination.
• Portfolio of Evidence.
• Practical Demonstration/Assignment.

Career progression

This qualification provides progression onto:

• Active IQ Level 4 Certificate In Physical Activity and Lifestyle Strategies for Managing Low Back Pain.
• Active IQ Level 4 Certificate In Physical Activity and Weight Management for Obese and Diabetic Clients.

VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy

The VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy is a technical level qualification aimed at developing the knowledge, understanding and technical skills needed for a career as a Sports Massage Therapist, either employed or self-employed. This qualification has been specifically designed for the 16-19 and 19 plus age group and is based on the national occupational standards for massage, namely CNH1, CNH7 and CNH20.

This qualification was developed collaboratively with the following organisations; Active IQ, Central YMCA Qualifications, CIBTAC, ITEC and VTCT with input from the industry through the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and the General Council for Massage Therapies (GCMT).

What does this qualification cover?

The content of this qualification is comprised of all the required elements needed to work effectively and efficiently as a sports massage therapist. This includes anatomy and physiology, professional practice, an understanding of the principles of health and fitness and how to provide sports massage treatments. The level 3 sports massage therapist will be able to work safely and effectively on dysfunctional tissue in a range of contexts, including, pre-event, post-event, intra-event and for maintenance purposes.

The structure of the qualification is comprised of 5 units which are all mandatory.

• Anatomy and physiology for sports massage – USP41 – Unit ref: J/506/7220
• Principles of health and fitness – USP42 – Unit ref: R/506/7222
• Understand the principles of soft tissue dysfunction – USP43 – Unit ref: Y/506/7223
• Professional practice in sports massage – USP44 – Unit ref: D/506/7224
• Sports massage treatments – USP45 – Unit ref: T/506/7228

What could this qualification lead to?

Learners who complete this qualification will be able to gain employment and obtain insurance to work as sports massage therapists.

Progression

• VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Sports massage therapy

• VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training (Gym-based exercise)

Assessment

This qualification will be delivered, assessed and assured in line with the:

• CNHC code of conduct, ethics and performance

• Skills for Health’s QCF assessment principles

• VTCT assessment guidance and evidence requirements

Support

• Skills for Health

• General council for massage therapy

• CHNC

NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing & Personal Training

What does this qualification cover?

This qualification provides learners with the knowledge, understanding and practical skills needed to work as a Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer in a variety of settings.

The qualification is mapped to the CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer professional standards.

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification is designed for learners who want to work as a Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer in a range of settings.

What are the entry requirements?

Learners should be aged 16 or above to undertake this qualification.

How is this qualification structured?

To be awarded the Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training, learners must achieve 12 mandatory units.

How is it assessed?

It is internally assessed with an externally quality-assured portfolio of evidence.

What related qualifications can you progress to?

Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to:

• Level 2 Awards for Instructing Core Group Exercise (Group Cycling, Kettlebell Training, Circuit Training, Suspension Training)
• Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity suite
• Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral
• Level 3 Diploma in Increasing Participation in Sport and Active Leisure in Community Settings
• Level 3 Diploma in Sport
• Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy
• Apprenticeship in Leisure Team Member
• Apprenticeship in Personal Training.

Career opportunities

Learners who achieve this qualification could progress into employment or self-employment as a Gym Instructor or Personal Trainer.

VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral

Who is this qualification for?

The VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral is a technical level qualification that provides learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills to work as an exercise referral instructor, planning and delivering safe and effective programmes for patients with several medical conditions.

Why is this qualification most suitable?

Learners must have one of the qualifications below, or equivalent qualifications which give entry to the Register of Exercise Professionals:

• VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Gym, Exercise to Music or Aqua)
• VTCT Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training
• VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Mat Pilates
• Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga

What does this qualification cover?

The content of this qualification is comprised of all the required elements to work effectively as an exercise referral instructor which includes: anatomy and physiology for exercise and health, professional practice, nutrition and understanding of medical conditions and reasons for referral. Learners will also be able to plan and deliver, safe and effective exercise programmes for individuals with specific medical conditions. The qualification consists of 6 mandatory units.

What could this qualification lead to?

On successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to gain employment as an exercise referral instructor and will be eligible for registration on the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) at Level 3.

Learners can progress onto specialist level 4 instructor qualifications such as low back pain and obesity and diabetes.

This qualification is fully endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).