Written Question · S2W-05606 · Session 2
Whether there are any recognised qualifications for the post of personal fitness trainer; whether it will produce guidelines for any such q…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any recognised qualifications for the post of personal fitness trainer; whether it will produce guidelines for any such qualifications, and whether it will ensure that proper regulation and accreditation of personal fitness trainers will take place as soon as practicable.
The answer
The Executive has acommitment to encourage more people to act as coaches and physical activitytrainers. This is essential if we are to meet our targets of increasingactivity levels in the population.
An SVQ level 3 in personaltraining is available from any accredited centre. There are also a number ofindependent companies in Scotland who deliver training to become a personal fitnesstrainer, but who validate their qualifications internally. These qualificationsare recognised by employers in the health and fitness industry.
At present, the Executivehas no plans to produce guidelines for qualifications offered by independentcompanies. This is a matter for the industry to consider to ensure that onlyappropriately trained and competent instructors are allowed to offer theirservices to the general public. Fitness Scotland, the recognised governing body in Scotland, maintaina register of qualified instructors and the public should be reassured thatinstructors on the Fitness Scotland Register are appropriately qualified.
An SVQ level 3 in personaltraining is available from any accredited centre. There are also a number ofindependent companies in Scotland who deliver training to become a personal fitnesstrainer, but who validate their qualifications internally. These qualificationsare recognised by employers in the health and fitness industry.
At present, the Executivehas no plans to produce guidelines for qualifications offered by independentcompanies. This is a matter for the industry to consider to ensure that onlyappropriately trained and competent instructors are allowed to offer theirservices to the general public. Fitness Scotland, the recognised governing body in Scotland, maintaina register of qualified instructors and the public should be reassured thatinstructors on the Fitness Scotland Register are appropriately qualified.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-05606 by reference.