Fitness Instructor

Continuing Education

Application Form

Student Services

NCEF National Register

Locations

Jobsboard

Recognition of Prior Learning

Courses

Frequently Asked Questions

                          Return to full list of FAQ’s

Q1. What are the entry requirements for the Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness?
All candidates must hold the Leaving Certificate with minimum Grade D3 in five Ordinary Level subjects (including Maths, Irish or another language, and English) or equivalent.
Applicants who do not hold the Leaving Certificate can apply through the UL/ NCEF Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme (RPL). This involves submission of a Portfolio of Learning (POL).
Candidates should have a commitment to encouraging others to take part in healthy exercise, a desire to become a safe and effective instructor and have a confident, enthusiastic and adaptable personality, good communication skills and like working with people.
Experience of participation in a fitness activity or a particular sport is important whilst good rhythm and co-ordination is also desirable.

Q2. Is there a maximum or minimum age limit?

Candidates should be a minimum of 18 years of age. There is no maximum age limit, we like to encourage applicants from all walks of life and one of our oldest successful graduates was 60 years of age +

Q3. What is involved in Module 4 Work Placement Experience on the Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness programme?

Work Placement is spread throughout the programme. Part of it is arranged by the students themselves in their own time and in addition to this master trainers/instructors in specialist areas are also brought in to provide their expertise. A section of the work placement is with an employer (Shift record) but the main elements involve participation in a variety of exercise classes e.g. Step, circuit, spinning etc. This is designed to expose the students to a wide variety of teaching styles and methodologies, to give them ideas for their teaching and also to assist them in polishing/fine tuning their timing and coordination. Students are also required to complete a Work Placement Report of between 2,000 and 2,500 words.

Q4. Does the Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness qualify me to work with 15, 16 or 17 year olds?

No. Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness qualified instructors are educated & trained to provide instruction in exercise to music, step aerobics, circuit and resistance training , to assess fitness levels and to plan safe, effective and enjoyable physical activity /fitness programmes for the adult population (individuals or groups 18 years of age or over). Those qualified instructors who wish to work with children (aged 4 – 12 years) are advised to take the Specialist Unit - Health Related Activity for Children. This unit offers credit towards the UL accredited Diploma in Exercise & Health Fitness .

Q5. What will I be qualified to do when I complete the Certificate Programme?

Upon successful completion of the Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness (UL Accredited) you will be a qualified as an Exercise and Health Fitness Instructor, with the knowledge and qualification to provide instruction in exercise to music, step aerobics, circuit and resistance training. You will also be qualified to assess fitness levels and to plan safe, effective and enjoyable physical activity /fitness programmes for the adult population