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CONTINUING EDUCATION- Progress your fitness instructor qualification to Diploma (DEHF)
If you hold the Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness (or equivalent) then continue your education by  completing the Diploma in Exercise and Health Fitness (DEHF) NFQ Level 7. The purpose of  the DEHF is to provide an opportunity for aspiring exercise & health fitness professionals to follow a pathway from certificate at NFQ Level 6 to diploma at NFQ Level 7 by  accumulating European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits on a stage by stage basis.

DEHF Overview

DEHF Pathway

Stage 2 Modules

Stage 3 Modules

Degree Options

Diploma in Exercise & Health Fitness (DEHF)

Aim of the DEHF:

The purpose of the DEHF is to provide an opportunity for aspiring exercise & health fitness professionals to follow a pathway from certificate at NFQ Level 6 to diploma at NFQ Level 7 by accumulating European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits on a stage by stage basis. (See pathway).  Stage 1 offers the Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (CEHF), while Stage 2 provides opportunities for further specialisation in specific areas within the industry (e.g. Personal Training).   Those who proceed onto Stage 3 – either Tutor Education or to Practitioner Education can either choose to focus their work as NCEF Tutors or, in choosing Strand 2 – Practitioner Education, choose to work at higher specialised levels within the industry, as specialist instructors and/or in supervisory management positions.  

The DEHF programme provides a unique structure through which the programme participant can access from a basic level of second level education into a certificate programme in exercise and health fitness (Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness - NQF Level 6) and  can then take  the opportunity  to progress further into specialist qualifications while in employment and then onwards to Tutor Education or Practitioner Education in Exercise & Health Fitness, culminating in the Diploma in Exercise & Health Fitness. Credit is awarded at the various stages, accumulating to the proposed credit requirements for diploma level (NFQ Level 7). By providing a structure through which the qualification can be obtained on a stage by stage basis the principle of lifelong learning is strongly supported and enhanced.

Employment and Educational Opportunities:
Employment potential for those who complete DEHF Specialist Modules is dependent upon the area of specialisation.  Personal Trainers usually gain employment  on  a  free  lance  basis  and/or  in  conjunction  with  business arrangements with  health,  fitness  &  leisure  facilities.  Pilate's & Corrective Exercise Specialists can also work on a free lance basis either on a one to one or in a group setting. The knowledge & skills acquired in this module often complement those of the Personal Training module.

Employment for Team Sports Fitness Trainers is mainly with sports teams at club, county, provincial and international levels. Many GAA sports teams, from club level upards now employ Team Sports Fitness Trainers. Health Related Activity for Children Specialist Instructors often work as leaders of physical activity sessions for children aged 4-12 years in Leisure Centres and in community environments, such as After-School Centres and Summer Camps whist Health Related Activity for Teenagers Specialists HRAT Specialists continue this work with an older age group.

Inclusive Physical Activity Specialists provide expertise within health, fitness & leisure facilities and or in community settings. These instructors specialise in promoting and providing inclusive physical activity programmes for participants who have specific physical and/or sensory disabilities.

Studio Cycling Instructors usually teach group classes within Health, Fitness & Leisure facilities or with teams and clubs.The Fit for Life-Lifestyle Management Specialist mainly provide their expertise in community based, private and workplace settings as does the Older Adult Specialist with additional opportunities to work in Retirement Homes and with Active Retirement groups.  Aqua Specialists work in settings which have appropriate water facilities and those who specialise in Facility Operations often gain employment in supervisory management positions within the industry.

Those who proceed onto Stage 3 - either Tutor Education or to Practitioner Education can either choose to focus their work as NCEF Tutors at Stage 1 CEHF or Stage 2 Specialist level or, in choosing Strand 2 - Practitioner Education, choose to work at higher specialised levels within the industry, as Specialist Instructors and/or in supervisory management positions.