European Register of Exercise Professionals

Introduction

The European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS) operates as an independent body for the registration of all instructors, trainers and teachers working across Europe in the exercise and fitness industry. It is a pan-European system, based on independent national registers, culminating in a central European database.

Through its quality assurance process, EREPS gives recognition to exercise professionals who are qualified to do their job giving consumers, employers and partners in medical professions the necessary level of confidence in their professionalism. It also provides a structure for increased mobility of workers. Registration means that an exercise professional has met prescribed minimum standards of good practice; including the adoption of a Code of Ethical Practice and that they are committed to raising standards through a process of continuing professional development.

EREPS is regulated by the European Health & Fitness Association (EHFA) Standards Council using an accepted official European qualification framework which describes the knowledge, skills and competencies exercise professionals need to achieve for registration.

The status of registration that EREPS grants to its members is based upon the levels of the European Qualification Framework (EQF) and is usually described by the principle occupations of the fitness industry which are determined by EHFA – such as personal trainer or group fitness instructor. For more information on the EQF and EREPS levels and occupations please go to the EREPS website at: http://www.ereps.eu/Qualifications.asp

The EQF encompasses general and adult education, vocational education and training, as well as higher education. It applies to all types of qualifications from those achieved at the end of compulsory education to those awarded at the highest level of academic and professional or vocational education and training. The EQF reference levels have moved the focus away from the more traditional approach, which emphasises learning inputs (length of a learning experience, type of institution) to learning outcomes (the skills, knowledge and competencies). Learning outcomes are what a learner knows, understands and is able to do after a course of learning, and this is how EREPS recognises achievement and awards status of registration.

It is an important principle and objective of EREPS that it is able recognise the competency of existing workers and therefore, at the discretion of the Director, entry to EREPS can be on a provisional basis which allows for these members during their first period of registration (12 months) to convert to full membership.

There are many tens of thousands of existing exercise professionals across Europe who should have their competency and position within the fitness industry recognised through registration with EREPS and who are likely to find themselves given provisional entry. It is also possible to gain entry to EREPS through related exercise and fitness higher education awards, and new graduates will also usually be given provisional entry.

Full and provisional status

Exercise professionals who have an EHFA approved qualification (a schedule of these training providers is listed on the EREPS website) are given full membership when they join. Those who hold older qualifications, non-EHFA approved qualifications, or have a range of training and good industry experience and perhaps with some lower level qualifications/fitness training, and many graduates, will usually be given provisional status.

EREPS recognises the often immense amount of experience, knowledge and skills that many provisional members already have, and we are anxious to make sure that registration with provisional status does not adversely affect their ability to work in the industry. However, EREPS must have credibility with employers and consumers and with Governments across Europe to show that its members are competent, are working as responsible exercise professionals, and are accountable through the EREPS Code of Ethical Practice. Therefore, it is essential that individuals with provisional status are assisted so they can quickly move to become full members, and this is why usually there is only a 12 month period allowed for this to take place.

Having provisional entry does not prevent you or any member of EREPS from working or from obtaining liability insurance, but it is important that employers and members of the public are aware of your position. Provisional members will usually have 12 months (that is to your re-registration) to convert to full membership.

Conversion from provisional to full membership of EREPS

It is possible for there to be automatic conversion from provisional to full membership at any time during the first period of registration by submitting further evidence for consideration. It is also possible to appeal against the status awarded by EREPS if you feel that there has been an incorrect or inappropriate decision. Please contact the EREPS office if either of these situations applies to you. It is more likely that most provisional members will use the EREPS conversion process which is:
• Free of charge
• Available for all members to use, and will be translated into main European languages
• Meets all EREPS CPD requirements for re-registration for the first year

There are three steps or stages to the process of conversion:

1. Members have entry to the EREPS reference and learning area on the website which has three components or parts to complete:

• To read through the reference area relevant to your individual status of registration (this is given on your certificate of registration and membership card);
• The reference area is divided into sections and you will need to successfully complete the work books at the end of each section. You can access the reference area as many times as you wish and take as long as you need.
• When you feel ready and sufficiently familiar with the content of the reference area and process of using the work book tests, you then apply to EREPS to complete an exam of 1 hour duration which is based on 40 randomly selected questions from the reference area relevant to your status of registration

2. During your first year of registration you will also need to complete a log book of professional experience, and a template is given for you use in the members area;

3. Arrange for 2 testimonies confirming your good practice and adherence to the EREPS Code of Ethical Practice and these should accompany your re-registration application.

Other EHFA approved training providers may offer a conversion process, and they are able to certify that you have met standards, and that you should be awarded full membership.

Full details of the EREPS conversion process is given in the members’ area of the website.