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The National Council for Exercise & Fitness (NCEF) provides and facilitates comprehensive education and training for Exercise and Health Fitness Professional Instructors in Ireland.

The NCEF was initially established in 1987 by the Physical Education Association of Ireland (PEAI) in association  with  Thomond  College  of  Education (now  integrated  into  the  University  of  Limerick).

The initiation of the scheme was also supported by the Sports Section, Department of Education at that time. The NCEF is an academic affiliate of the University of Limerick since June 2006.  The Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness (CEHF) is the first stage in a pathway to the Diploma in Exercise & Health Fitness (DEHF). All NCEF programmes are awarded by the University of Limerick (UL). The NCEF is a registered company limited by guarantee. It operates on a not-for-profit basis and is overseen and guided by a Board of Trustees. Board members consist of representation from the PEAI, UL, NCEF and from business, education, employer and leisure industry backgrounds.

An internal management structure, governed by comprehensive strategic planning, guides the programmes, policies and procedures of the NCEF and diligently upholds its standards. Within this structure and in conjunction with the academic regulations of the University of Limerick, all programmes are developed, operated and stringently monitored. New policies are developed and implemented on an ongoing basis and specific procedures are closely followed.

The NCEF Head Office is located at the University of Limerick and both certificate

and diploma pogrammes operate nationwide both in industry based commercial settings and in educational establishments.

Public service bodies such as the Departments of Justice and Defence, FÁS, and others have acknowledged the quality of NCEF qualifications by continually placing students on these programmes. The NCEF also provides intensive programmes to students within Institutes of Technology, to Physical Education & Sports & Exercise Science students at the University of Limerick and in Colleges of Further Education, based on recognition of prior learning.

NCEF Programmes of Study are accredited by the European Health Fitness Association (EHFA). EHFA is the EU approved industry standards setting body for the European health and fitness sector.

The NCEF is fully bonded therefore all fees are protected.

NCEF Exercise & Health Fitness Professionals can avail of discounted professional insurance with an approved body, through the NCEF National Register Scheme (NNR).

NCEF Background