• Author: Darryn Hlabangana

    VTQ timely delivery of results: term-time checkpoint open

    VTQ timely delivery of results: term-time checkpoint open

    Posted:

    In October 2023, Ofqual announced measures to embed timely delivery of results for vocational and technical qualifications (VTQ) in 2024 and beyond. These plans are designed to ensure parity between VTQs and other qualifications by making sure learners expecting results for progression receive these as expected with their peers.

    Key information

    To make this possible, we will need our centres to confirm the details of learners expecting results for progression at two points during the year:

    Term-time checkpoint: 01 March – 23 March 2025
    Final term-time checkpoint: 02 June – 15 June 2025.

    This process is an Ofqual requirement. We expect all YMCA Awards centres that have learners in scope to engage with the timely results process, ensuring that full and correct information is shared by our deadlines. This is to prevent delays and implications for learners, and/or possible sanctions for your centre.

    Key dates

    EventDeadline
    Term time checkpoint23/03/2025
    Final term-time checkpoint15/06/2025
    Final assessments must be completed by centres18/07/2025
    Completion of external quality assurance23/07/2025
    Latest date for certificate claims01/08/2025
    Date of final certificates released to centres11/08/2025

    Qualifications in scope

    You can find a list of qualifications in scope for 2025 here.

    Requirements for the term-time checkpoint (01 March – 23 March 2025)

    At the Term-time Checkpoint, we are asking centres to provide the following information for all learners expecting a result to support progression in August 2025:

    Learner name
    Learner number
    ULN
    Qualification title
    QN
    If any reasonable adjustments are being applied
    Estimated final assessment date (must be before 18 July 2025)
    Estimated last day learners are available for resubmission

    Please take the time to review this video below to familiarise yourself on how to submit learner information: Learners Expecting Results

    Centres will also need to provide contact information for a Senior Designated Contact (SDC) by completing this form. This is an Ofqual requirement, and they will be our point of contact to ensure results information is available on or before results day. The SDC does not need to be the existing main centre contact for YMCA Awards but must be contactable throughout July and August to support us to resolve any issues with issuing results on time.

    Requirements for the final term-time checkpoint (02 June – 15 June 2025)

    At the final term-time checkpoint, we’ll ask for confirmation of information shared during the term-time checkpoint including:

    Details of learners expecting results to support progression (see term-time checkpoint)
    Details of any delays to assessment or achievement, which may impact our quality assurance checks
    Confirmation of the expected final assessment date
    Confirmation of the SDC and their contact information

    Post-16 qualification reform: new suite of Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications

    Post-16 qualification reforms: new suite of Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications

    YMCA Awards have developed a suite of Level 2 and Level 3 Qualifications as part of the reforms to post-16 qualifications in England. These qualifications have been approved by IfATE, Ofqual, and the Department for Education (DfE), as part of cycle 1 of the reform and will receive government funding from 1 August 2025. These qualifications ensure learners gain high-quality, industry-recognised skills across a range of fitness and wellbeing specialisms.

    YMCA Awards Employer Engagement Strategy has been key to the ongoing development and review of our qualifications and a driver for the introduction of the new technical qualifications. Through a variety of channels, YMCA Awards is consistently gathering valuable feedback and insights from industry stakeholders, ensuring that our qualifications are not only current but aligned with the transforming nature of the fitness sector.

    From August 2025, only qualifications developed under the IfATE process will be eligible for guaranteed funding.

    To support training providers in delivering these newly approved qualifications, we’ve compiled a comprehensive comparison of the structure and assessment changes between our existing legacy qualifications and the new technical entry qualifications, alongside details of funding linked in the qualification titles below.

    SubjectIFATE approved qualificationDifferences document
    Gym InstructorLegacy qualification:

    YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing (603/2767/4) 

    IfATE approved qualification:

    Level 2 Extended Technical Occupational Entry in Exercise and Fitness: Gym Instructor (Diploma) (610/4592/5)     		Click here to view
    Group Exercise Instructor: Circuit TrainingLegacy qualification:

    YMCA Level 2 Award in Group Exercise Instructing: Circuit Training (603/7151/1)

    IfATE approved qualification:

    Level 2 Technical Specialist in Exercise and Fitness: Group Exercise Instructor (Circuit Training) (Award) (610/4600/0)     		Click here to view
    Group Exercise Instructor: Indoor CyclingLegacy qualification:

    YMCA Level 2 Award in Instructing Group Exercise: Indoor Cycling (603/7151/1)

    IfATE approved qualification:

    Level 2 Technical Specialist in Exercise and Fitness: Group Exercise Instructor (Indoor Cycling) (Award) (610/4601/2)    		Click here to view
    Personal TrainingLegacy qualification:

    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training (Practitioner) (603/2438/7) 

    IfATE approved qualification:

    Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Exercise and Fitness: Personal Trainer (Diploma) (610/3995/0)    		Click here to view

    Please note, we are still awaiting details of advanced learner loans, LLE and study programme funding but will communicate when we are able to share further information.

    To support your curriculum planning and the transition from legacy to technical entry qualifications we are hosting “Introduction to Technical Entry” workshops on

    Tuesday 25th February 2025 -10.30
    Wednesday 19th March 2025 -14.30
    Please register here

    If you would like to discuss the post-16 reforms in more detail, please schedule a call with our Business Development Team by emailing lianne.clark@ymca.co.uk.

    2025 VTQ timely issue of results

    2025 VTQ timely issue of results

    Posted:

    In October 2023, Ofqual announced measures to embed timely delivery of results for vocational and technical qualifications (VTQ) in 2024 and beyond. These plans are designed to ensure parity between VTQs and other qualifications by making sure learners expecting results for progression receive these as expected with their peers.

    In line with these plans, we’re asking centres to confirm the details of learners who need to receive results for our qualifications alongside GCSEs and A levels. This is to ensure that learners expecting results for progression to higher and further education receive results at the same time as their peers.

    For YMCA Awards training providers, the 2025 VTQ Timely Issue of Results process will be similar to last year, whereby centres nominate a Senior Designated Contact (SDC) and provide information on all learners expecting results for progression during 2 checkpoint windows (including an estimated final assessment date).

    The dates for the term time checkpoint windows are:

    • Term-time checkpoint: 1 March – 23 March 2025
    • Final term-time checkpoint: 1 June – 15 June 2025

    As a YMCA Awards approved centre, it is your responsibility to ensure that full and correct information is shared by our deadlines. This is to prevent delays and implications for learners, and/or possible sanctions for your centre.

    Qualifications in Scope for the 2025 VTQ Timely Issue of Results

    We expect the centres delivering the following qualifications to share information on learners who are planning to progress to further or higher education.

    QualificationQN
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness Instructing, and Personal Training (Practitioner)603/3504/X
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Gym and Group Exercise Instructor (Circuit Training), and Personal Training610/2794/7
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer610/2789/3
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Personal Trainer610/2787/X
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral603/3103/3
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training (Practitioner)603/2921/X
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Performance Massage610/0701/8
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training (Practitioner)603/2438/7
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training (Practitioner) in Indoor and Outdoor Environments603/3505/1
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training (Practitioner), Outdoor Exercise and Sports Conditioning603/3510/5
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy601/5011/7
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Pilates600/4015/4
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Pilates (Practitioner)603/3855/6
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga600/1227/4
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga (Practitioner)603/3617/1
    YMCA Level 3 Extended Certificate in Spectator Safety Supervision603/7364/7
    YMCA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Leisure Management600/1911/6
    YMCA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Personal Training501/0158/4

    We expect all other YMCA Awards qualifications to be out of scope of the timely results process, but welcome discussions with centres if they disagree.

    Action 1: Nominating a Senior Designated Contact

    Please complete this form to nominate an SDC for your centre.

    The nomination of an SDC is an Ofqual requirement, and they will be our point of contact to ensure results information is available on or before results day. The SDC does not need to be the existing main centre contact but must be contactable throughout July and August to support us to resolve any issues with issuing results on time.

    Please submit a new form for each SDC. We would ask that centres nominate no more than 2 members of staff, and that your SDC is a registered user on Y-Connect.

    Action 2: Confirm the details of learners expecting results for progression

    No formal action is required at this stage; however, we would ask that you review internally to understand if you will have learners in scope for this process. Learners should be aware of their result requirements by January 2025.

    This information will be collected through Y-Connect and we’ll be in touch nearer the time to confirm how centres can share this information. Details of learners awaiting results for progression and tracking data will also be shared with our regulators.

    Lessons learned from the timely results process in Summer 2024

    Many of the learners that centres identified as in scope for the timely results process in Summer 2024, did not progress to further or higher education. We’ve identified the following lessons learned that you may wish to consider before submitting the details of your learners and Senior Designated Contact (SDC) for Summer 2025.

    1. We can issue certificates for learners as soon as we have all the information on achievements. This means that where centres are able to submit their claims prior to the end of term, we can work with them to resolve issues before they leave for the summer break.

    If centres are not expecting to submit claims before the summer break, they should not identify learners as in scope for this process.

    2. The SDC provided was not always able to provide the information we needed to resolve issues with claims.

    It may be that when appointing your SDC, you select a senior member of staff to ensure that they are contactable through the summer break. However, you must have a process in place that enables your SDC to answer questions about claims, such as:

    • Where learners are no longer expecting results for progression
    • Whether we should issue a partial certificate for achieved units or await reassessment
    • When reassessment is scheduled to take place if the learner has not fully met the requirements of the qualification

    3. Roughly 20% of the learners identified by centres as requiring results for progression to further and higher education used a YMCA Awards qualification on their UCAS application.
    Where centres waited until after the UCAS deadline to submit their learner information, we were able to better target our chasing activities, reducing the burden on centres.

    Bridging the Gap: How YMCA Awards and MH1 Global Are Pioneering Mental Health and Wellness Integration

    Bridging the Gap: How YMCA Awards and MH1 Global Are Pioneering Mental Health and Wellness Integration

    Ryan Palmer

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    In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, the pursuit of wellness has transcended beyond traditional fitness regimes, expanding into a comprehensive approach that integrates physical health, mental wellness, and overall well-being. Recognising this shift, YMCA Awards has partnered with MH1 Global and their partners Refer All, to launch the groundbreaking suite of mental health and wellness qualifications, covering a Level 2 Award in Supporting Mental Health: Early Intervention, a Level 2 Award in Supporting Wellness and a Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Wellness through Lifestyle Behaviour Change. The Level 3 qualification marks a significant step forward, offering a holistic solution that addresses both wellness and mental health, while bridging the gap between the fitness, wellness, and healthcare sectors. The smaller awards allow learners to add to their skills at their own pace and top up to Level 3 in the future as they progress through their careers.

    A Comprehensive Response to Public Health Challenges 

    The United Kingdom is currently facing critical public health challenges, including rising rates of physical inactivity, obesity, substance misuse, and mental health issues. These problems not only impact individual well-being but also place enormous pressure on public services like the NHS. While the healthcare system bears much of the responsibility for addressing these challenges, there is a growing recognition that it cannot do so alone. An estimated 15-20 million people (about the population of New York) across over 170 occupations contribute to public health, often without realising the extent of their impact. 

    The collaboration between YMCA Awards and MH1 Global is a strategic response to this need, bringing together expertise in fitness and mental health to create a qualification that equips professionals with the skills needed to support holistic health. The YMCA Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Wellness through Lifestyle Behaviour Change is not just another credential; it is a transformative tool designed to empower professionals to make actionable differences in people’s lives, addressing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. 

    A Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness 

    The Level 3 qualification stands out for its comprehensive and modular structure. The course is divided into four units, including topics such as Mental Health Awareness, Determinants of Health and Health Inequalities, Professional Practice for Health Navigators and central to the qualification supporting lifestyle behaviour change. This blend of Level 2 and Level 3 units ensures that learners acquire a broad and deep understanding of wellness, which they can apply in real-world settings. 

    What makes this qualification particularly significant is its focus on person-centered advice and interventions, within scope of practice to give guidance on physical activity, nutrition, weight management, and crucially, mental health. This approach positions them as essential partners in the healthcare ecosystem, capable of driving meaningful change through practical, real-life applications. For instance, the assessment includes behavior change conversations with real clients, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical implementation. 

    Meeting the Growing Demand for Health Navigators 

    The YMCA Level 3 Certificate was meticulously designed to align with the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) Health Navigator Professional Standard. This alignment ensures that the qualification meets the high standards set by the industry and addresses the specific needs of employers. Health navigators play a critical role in guiding individuals towards comprehensive health solutions, integrating fitness, lifestyle, and preventative health strategies. As the demand for these professionals continues to rise, this qualification offers a timely and relevant solution, preparing graduates to excel in various settings, from fitness centers to community health organisations. 

    Significance of the YMCA Awards and MH1 Global Collaboration 

    The partnership between YMCA Awards and MH1 Global is more than just a collaboration; it is a pioneering effort to address the holistic needs of individuals and communities. MH1 Global brings a wealth of expertise in mental health outcome tracking, ensuring that the qualification not only addresses physical well-being but also integrates mental health support, a crucial aspect often overlooked in traditional fitness qualifications. Learners are trained to understand how the use of the Mental Health Questionnaire (MHQ) can track the impact of interventions. 

    (The MHQ is a psychometric tool that measures the trajectory of mental health using 11 lifestyle factors as markers.)  The data driven (MHQ) can then be embedded into organisations to track the impact of the interventions with data points before, mid-way and post intervention. 

    This collaboration is significant because it represents a strategic alignment between the fitness, wellness, and healthcare sectors. By working together, these sectors can offer more comprehensive support to individuals, helping them achieve optimal health in all areas of their lives. The qualification empowers learners to deliver interventions that promote mental health and well-being, making them key players in the wider public health workforce. 

    A Future-Ready Qualification 

    Launched on July 1, 2024, the YMCA Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Wellness through Lifestyle Behaviour Change is a forward-thinking qualification designed with flexibility and future enhancements in mind. The curriculum allows for the addition of specialised upskill modules, such as smoking cessation, menopause navigation, and stress management, ensuring that it remains relevant as the wellness landscape evolves. 

    The qualification has already generated significant interest. This strong early reception highlights the qualification’s potential to become a cornerstone in the educational landscape, effectively bridging the gap between academic training and industry needs. 

    Conclusion: A Catalyst for Change 

    In a world where the lines between healthcare and wellness are increasingly blurred, the need for qualified professionals who can support through early interventions has never been greater. The YMCA Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Wellness through Lifestyle Behaviour Change, developed in collaboration with MH1 Global, is more than just a qualification; it is a catalyst for change. By equipping professionals with the skills to support holistic health, this qualification is set to make a profound impact on the well-being of communities, driving collaboration between sectors and setting the stage for a healthier, more connected future 

    In case you missed it… Recap of new and updated qualifications

    In case you missed it… Recap of new and updated qualifications

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    The last 12 months has seen our Product Team launch a huge range of new and updated qualifications. To help you to understand what this means for your centre and learners, we’ve pulled together a summary of the key changes

    Menopause qualifications (September 2024)

    QualificationeLearning available?Manuals available?
    YMCA Level 3 Award in Understanding Menopause and Interventions to Support Health and Wellbeing (610/4378/3)YesNo
    YMCA Level 3 Award in Supporting Participation in Physical Activity: Menopause (610/4379/5)Expected Q1 2025No

    Designed in partnership with UK Women in Action and Rachel Hubbard of RBHFitness, these qualifications provide an understanding of menopause to equip fitness professionals with the knowledge and skills to support individuals at various stages of menopause.

    The smaller award is designed to empower learners to engage in initial conversations regarding the menopause and signpost to mainstream medical or alternative support organisations.
    The larger award provides learners with a greater understanding of the stages of menopause including the effects of declining hormones and the risks to health. Learners completing this qualification will be able to programme and adapt exercise sessions to meet the needs of individuals at the different stages of the menopause (within their scope of practice).
    These qualifications are endorsed by CIMSPA and align to their Women and Girls Population Specialism Professional Standard.

    To meet the subject matter qualification approval requirements for these qualifications, centres will need to provide evidence of any training they have completed. We’ll check this against the requirements of the qualification to provide further guidance.

    Where no training has previously been completed, to meet the subject matter approval requirements centre delivery staff will be required to register and complete:

    eLearning to upskill centre staff of the course content:

    • Fundamentals of menopause and implications for health and wellbeing (R/651/2777) is available now
    • The effect of declining hormones on health and wellbeing for individuals transitioning through the menopause (T/651/2778) is expected in 2025 Q1.
    Remote training events to upskill centres on the content of:

    • The effect of declining hormones on health and wellbeing for individuals transitioning through the menopause (T/651/2778) whilst eLearning is in development. If you complete this training, you will not need to complete the eLearning when in launches in 2025.
    Register delivery staff on the qualification and complete the assessments as part of the first cohort.

    Fees for upskilling to deliver these qualifications:

    QualificationTotal (including VAT)
    YMCA Level 3 Award in Understanding Menopause and Interventions to Support Health and Wellbeing (610/4378/3)
    Including registration and eLearning    		£102
    YMCA Level 3 Award in Supporting Participation in Physical Activity: Menopause (610/4379/5) (before Feb 2025)
    Including registration, eLearning (unit 1), remote training (unit 2)    		£172
    YMCA Level 3 Award in Supporting Participation in Physical Activity: Menopause (610/4379/5) (from 1 Feb 2025)
    Including registration and eLearning (units 1 and 2)    		£138
    Register your interest

    Padwork qualification (September 2024)

    QualificationeLearning available?Manuals available?
    YMCA Level 2 Award in Instructing Padwork (610/4411/8)NoNo

    Based on employer demand, we’ve created a brand-new regulated qualification to support learners to plan, deliver and evaluate padwork sessions. This qualification compliments our existing Kettlebell and Suspended Movement qualifications, enabling learners to work with either a large group, small group or on a one-to-one basis, depending on their existing scope of practice.

    Find out more

    Long-term conditions qualifications (August 2024)

    QualificationeLearning available?Manuals available?
    YMCA Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Participation in Physical Activity: Long-Term Health Conditions (610/4227/4)NoExpected Q1 2025
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Participation in Physical Activity: Long-Term Health Conditions (610/4680/2)NoExpected Q1 2025

    Responding to centre feedback, we’ve replaced our legacy Exercise Referral qualifications with new Long-Term Conditions qualifications. Offered as a Diploma (including A&P) and a Certificate (without A&P), these qualifications remove a lot of the theory content from the legacy qualifications to provide a more focus on understanding the specific health conditions covered, and programming, adapting and delivering exercise for clients with these conditions.

    The qualifications partially map to the CIMSPA Long Term Conditions population specialism professional standard, covering:

    Hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and hyperlipidaemia
    Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
    Coronary heart disease (post-phase IV rehabilitation) and peripheral vascular disease
    Diabetes type 1 and 2
    Obesity
    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma
    Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and joint replacement
    Osteopenia and osteoporosis
    Low back pain
    Depression, stress and general anxiety disorder (GAD).

    Centres currently delivering our Exercise Referral qualifications will meet the approval requirements for the updated qualifications and we’ll be running standardisation events throughout November and December 2024.

    Register your interest

    Pilates Matwork and Reformer qualifications (August 2024)

    QualificationeLearning available?Manuals available?
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Instructing Pilates Matwork (610/4340/0)Partial coverageYes
    YMCA Level 3 Certificate in Instructing Studio Reformer: Groups (610/4341/2)NoNovember 2024
    YMCA Level 3 Certificate in Instructing Pilates Studio Reformer: Groups and one-to-one (610/4342/4)NoNovember 2024
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Instructing Pilates Studio Reformer: Groups, One-to-One and Advanced Repertoire (610/4343/6)NoNovember 2024
    YMCA Level 3 Award in Instructing Pilates Studio Reformer: The Advanced Reformer Repertoire (610/4344/8)NoNo

    We’ve replaced the Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Pilates (Practitioner) with a new qualification aligned to the CIMSPA Pilates Matwork Instructor professional standard.


    During this redevelopment, we took the opportunity to address centre feedback that theory content within our legacy qualifications was not always sufficiently contextualised to Pilates. The new qualification provides learners with the option to complete units shared within our Gym Instructor, Group Exercise Instructor and Personal Training qualifications, or a more contextualised version of the unit.


    In a first for the sector, we also launched the first regulated Studio Reformer and Pilates Studio Reformer qualifications. These qualifications are designed to meet the EMD UK scopes of practice (Pilates-based and Pilates method) created in conjunction with the ‘Society for the Pilates method’.

    Mental Health and Wellness qualifications (August 2024)

    QualificationeLearning available?Manuals available?
    YMCA Level 2 Award in Supporting Mental Health: Early Intervention (610/4380/1)Expected Q1 2025Expected Q1 2025
    YMCA Level 2 Award in Supporting Wellness (610/4039/3)TBCExpected Q2 2025
    YMCA Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Wellness through Lifestyle Behaviour Change (610/4040/X)TBCExpected Q3 2025

    Designed in partnership with MH1 Global and employers, we’ve expanded our mental health awareness qualification into a suite of products aligned to the CIMSPA Health Navigator professional standard.

    Health navigator’s signpost and support new or returning participants to physical activity or other lifestyle interventions. Designed to target the universal emerging role within the NHS’ comprehensive personalised care model, these qualifications enable learners to:

    Build connections with local organisations and services to support healthy lifestyles.
    Provide interventions to raise awareness of the benefits of healthy lifestyle behaviours.
    Support individuals and groups with lifestyle behaviour change information and support.
    Provide inclusive, person-centred brief advice and extended advice within scope of practice.
    Signpost individuals to other services and opportunities to improve health and wellness.

    We recognise that there are not many subject matter qualifications currently available to support deliver of the following units:

    Determinants of health and health inequalities (J/651/1189)
    Professional practice for health navigators (M/651/1190).

    Therefore, to support centres to meet the approval requirements, we’ll be holding 3-hour training events to get your staff up to speed on this content and its delivery.

    Register your interest

    Direct to occupational competence Level 4 Sports Massage Therapy qualification (March 2024)

    QualificationeLearning available?Manuals available?
    YMCA Level 4 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy (Soft Tissue Dysfunction).Partial coverageYes

    This qualification combines the learning content from our Level 3 Diploma in Performance Massage and Level 4 Certificate in Massage Therapy (Soft Tissue Dysfunction), enabling learners to access roles as a Sport Massage Therapist with no requirement for a prerequisite qualification. This could be used to support a career change or further learning to become a Sports Therapist or Rehabilitation Therapist.


    This combined qualification embeds our next generation qualification principles into the qualification design to streamline assessments and to provide greater access to deliver using a blended learning approach.

    Find out more

    Bridging the gap to EMD UK professional recognition (February 2024)

    QualificationeLearning available?Manuals available?
    YMCA Level 2 Award in Anatomy, Physiology and Fitness Principles for EMD UK Professional Membership (610/3661/4)YesYes

    Designed in collaboration with EMD UK, this qualification provides an easy-access, low-cost pathway to upskill learners who have studied non-regulated or licensed group exercise programmes. By completing this qualification, learners will meet the minimum requirements for membership to the national governing body for Group Exercise, EMD UK.


    Made up of two units, this qualification shares content with the larger YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Exercise and Fitness: Group Exercise Instructor (610/2791/1). This means that it is fully supported by our next generation eLearning in Suada and centres approved to deliver the Level 2 Certificate in Group Exercise Instructing have already been approved.


    The price for centres for this qualification is £25 for the qualification and £35 + VAT for the Learning.


    If you wish to offer this qualification to learners, you must charge £245. This price has been set by EMD UK to ensure a level playing field for this CPD course.

    Find out more

    Next generation Exercise and Fitness qualifications (January 2024)

    QualificationeLearning available?Manuals available?
    YMCA Level 2 Award in Exercise and Fitness: Group Exercise Instructor (610/2792/3)NoPartial coverage
    YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Exercise and Fitness: Group Exercise Instructor (610/2791/1)Partial coveragePartial coverage
    YMCA Level 2 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Group Exercise Instructor (Professional Studio Instructor) (610/3583/X)YesYes
    YMCA Level 2 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Gym and Group Exercise Instructor (Circuit Training) (610/2793/5)Partial coverageYes
    YMCA Level 2 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Gym Instructor (610/2784/4)YesYes
    YMCA Level 3 Award in Delivering Physical Activity in Different Environments: Outdoors (610/4041/1)YesExpected November 2024
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Gym and Group Exercise Instructor (Circuit Training), and Personal Training (610/2794/7)YesYes
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer (610/2789/3)YesYes
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Personal Trainer (610/2787/X)YesYes

    Our suite of next generation Gym Instructor, Group Exercise Instructor and Personal Trainer of qualifications re-imagine how we prepare fitness instructors for the workplace. Designed with employers, we created these qualifications to empower learners to build strong links between knowledge and skills, better preparing them for the real world.


    These qualifications have been designed to develop fitness instructors who are:

    Impactful and engaging communicators
    Self-reliant and resilient
    Clear about the limitations of their own scope of practice

    We do this through our staged approach to assessment, which empowers learners to build confidence throughout their course. Our new assessments better support learners to build links between knowledge and skills, preparing them to work with real clients.

    Find out more

    Benefiting from the Suada learning experience

    Benefiting from the Suada learning experience

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    Did you know that you can also upgrade your learners’ eLearning experience without switching qualifications? Our next generation fitness qualifications map to the same CIMSPA professional standards as our legacy qualifications. This means that your learners can take advantage of the new Suada learning experience without you needing to make a change to your qualification delivery.

    The table below shows how legacy qualification units map to next generation eLearning content:

    Legacy unit(s)Next generation unit
    Anatomy and physiology for exercise and fitness instructors (K/616/7823) and
    Applied anatomy and physiology (A/616/4747)    		Anatomy and physiology for exercise and fitness professionals (H/650/4852)
    Providing a positive customer experience in the exercise environment (M/616/7824)Providing a positive customer experience to exercise and fitness participants (J/650/4853)
    Lifestyle management and health awareness (K/616/7949)Principles of physical activity, exercise, and training approaches to develop fitness and health (K/650/4854)
    Health awareness and lifestyle management (R/650/4855)
    Gym-based programme planning and preparation (D/616/7950) and
    Gym-based programme delivery and professional instruction (H/616/7951)    		Supporting clients in a gym-based environment (T/650/4858)
    Plan, deliver and evaluate gym-based training (Y/650/4859)
    Nutrition to support physical activity (L/616/4753)Nutrition for physical activity and exercise (F/650/6219)
    Promoting wellness through client motivation and interaction (J/616/4749) and
    Bespoke exercise programme design (F/616/4751) and
    Customised exercise programme instruction and communication techniques (J/616/4752)    		Consultation and assessment for personal training (K/650/4863)
    Plan, deliver and evaluate personal training (M/650/4865)
    Business acumen for a successful Personal Training Practice (Y/616/4755)Business acumen for health and fitness professionals (F/650/7416)

    With prices starting from as little as £30 + VAT per learner per unit, get in touch if you’d like to discuss how you can utilise our next generation eLearning content in your current delivery model.

    New flexibility within legacy fitness qualifications

    New flexibility within legacy fitness qualifications

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    As you’re likely aware, we launched our next generation fitness qualifications at the start of this year. However, qualification funding reform has meant that many of our centres are currently unable to take advantage of the innovations implemented within these qualifications.

    Following your feedback, we’ve added new flexibility within our legacy fitness qualifications. Learners now have the option to complete:

    the anatomy and physiology unit from our next generation qualifications, utilising assessments in Suada; or
    the existing unit with the invigilated external assessment.

    For more information on how to implement these changes with your learners, we’ve created a series of adaptation documents which explain which assessments remain the same and where you will need to make changes.

    You can find the adaptation documents by:

    1. 1. Logging into Y-Connect
    2. 2. Selecting “Product Library” from the menu
    3. 3. Selecting your chosen qualification
    4. 4. Selecting the Adaptations document from the Documents tab

    You’ll need to notify us in Y-Connect of the A&P pathway your learners are completing so we can ensure they’re enrolled on the correct assessments. We’ve created a short video guide on how to this here.

    If you’ve already registered learners, please get in touch so we can update your learners’ registrations.

    Next Generation Qualifications – Standardisation Training Dates

    Next Generation Qualifications – Standardisation Training Dates

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    We’ve released additional dates for standardisation for next generation qualifications. Click the links below to book on to our next online events.

    YMCA Level 2 Extended Technical Occupational Entry in Exercise and Fitness: Gym Instructor (Diploma) (610/4592/5)

    Tuesday 21st October 3-4.30pm
    Book your place

    YMCA Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Exercise and Fitness: Personal Trainer (Diploma) (610/3995/0)

    Thursday 23rd October 3-4.30pm
    Book your place

    How we determine the level and size of our qualifications

    How we determine the level and size of our qualifications

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    Have you ever wondered what makes a qualification a “level 2 award” or a “level 3 diploma”? In this blog post we outline how we make decisions about level of demand, guided learning hours (GLH) and total qualification time (TQT).

    Determining level of demand

    When designing our qualifications, we aim to produce content that targets:

    The level of demand provided within the relevant IfATE occupational standard or predefined specialist areas and duties.
    The level of demand of existing qualifications, including those endorsed against relevant CIMSPA professional standards. CIMSPA professional standards outline the knowledge and skills required for their practitioner membership (the sector’s minimum deployment standard).

    This includes careful consideration of the action verbs used (e.g. Identify, describe, explain etc) against the requirements for occupational competence and our regulators’ levelling descriptions (see Ofqual levelling descriptors). However, the overall level of each unit is only determined after its content has been finalised.

    The levelling descriptors use a hierarchical ordering of cognitive skills and allocates specific levels according to the depth/detail of:

    knowledge and understanding
    application and action
    autonomy and accountability.

    The unit is then assigned the level which corresponds to the predominant levelling criterion used by its content.

    Determining the size of a qualification

    The size of a qualification (Award, Certificate, Diploma) is determined by the total qualification time (TQT) assigned to the qualification. TQT is an estimate of the total amount of time – measured in hours – that the average learner would reasonably need to be able to show the level of achievement necessary for the award of a qualification.

    TQT is made up of the following two elements:

    The number of hours which an awarding organisation has assigned to a qualification for guided learning (see below).
    An estimate of the number of hours a learner will reasonably be likely to spend in preparation, study or any other form of participation in education or training, including assessment, which takes place as directed by (but not under the immediate guidance or supervision of) a lecturer, supervisor, tutor or other appropriate provider of education or training.

    Guided learning includes: 

    Face to face delivery (learning delivered by a lecturer, supervisor, tutor or other appropriate member of the training team).
    eLearning with a lecturer, teacher or tutor present/available in real time (the learner and tutor can be either remote or in the same physical place during eLearning).
    Invigilated assessment (external tests sat under controlled or open book conditions).
    Internal assessment carried out by the learner with a lecturer, teacher or tutor present/available in real time (the learner and tutor can be either remote or in the same physical place during assessment).

    It does not include unsupervised learning such as: 

    eLearning that the learner carries out unsupervised and with no real time support from a lecturer, teacher or tutor.
    Assessment internally carried out by the learner without a lecturer, teacher or tutor present/available in real time (for example, completing a Learner Assessment Record (LAR) at home).
    Any additional further study, revision and training activities that the learner does unsupervised to support their learning.

    Our process for determining the level and size of a qualification

    1. Independent review of the qualification content by two subject matter experts

    Subject matter experts review the content within the qualification specification – with reference to their own experience, similar qualifications and the Ofqual levelling descriptors – to assign values for:

    The expected tutor support and guidance time (GLH) required to support the average learner to reach the knowledge, skills and behaviour expectations of the qualification.
    The GLH plus the expected personal and independent study time required by the average learner to reach the knowledge, skills and behaviour expectations of the qualification, including working with real clients (TQT).
    The level of demand for each assessment criterion (AC) and/or learning outcome (LO).

    Often this activity is completed using members of the YMCA Awards team, who have a lot of experience teaching and assessing qualifications within health, exercise and wellness. We supplement the decisions from our internal team with external subject matter experts we call “Technical Contributors”.

    2. Standardisation with Lead Quality Manager

    All subject matter experts involved in reviewing GLH, TQT and levelling meet, along with our Lead Quality Manager/Quality Manager (also a subject matter expert). They discuss their guided delivery, independent study time and level of demand values. Where values differ, the subject matter experts explain the rationale for their decision.

    The Lead Quality Manager/Quality Manager applies their knowledge of our centres to support discussion of the rationales to reach consensus on the appropriate values.

    3. Sign off

    The Responsible Officer reviews the evidence and justification for GLH, TQT and level of demand to confirm the correct process had been followed to reach the values.

    Where evidence is sufficient to support justification of GLH, TQT and level of demand values, the judgements are confirmed as signed off.

    4. Ongoing review

    Once a qualification has launched, we collect feedback from our centres on level of demand, GLH and TQT to ensure that the values assigned remain appropriate. Feedback can come through surveys, as part of our external quality assurance process or through other interactions with our training providers.

    Where feedback suggests that we have under- or over- estimated the level of demand, GLH or TQT, we review the qualification and make changes where this is appropriate to ensure our qualifications remain fit for purpose.

    MH1 Global Presents: Menopause in the Workplace 

    MH1 Presents: Menopause in the Workplace 

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    Last year, we announced that we had partnered with MH1 Global to create a new suite of qualifications related to wellness. Read more about their latest workshop.

    MH1 Global is the mental health movement for health and fitness professionals, delivering face to face mental health awareness/first aid training, education courses, workshops and CPD courses. We’re excited to draw your attention to MH1’s latest workshop:

    Menopause in the Workplace: Let’s get comfortable talking about the menopause.

    Until recently, Menopause in the workplace wasn’t spoken about, but this is changing. MH1’s workshop aims to help people feel more comfortable discussing menopause, offering three perspectives: workplace, clinical, and self/others support. 

    Topics and areas covered in the workshop include: 

    Part One: Menopause in the Workplace
    Part Two: Menopause a Clinical Overview
    Part Three: Menopause for Self and Others
    Part Four: Panel Discussion

    Dr Nicholle Green, a specialist menopause doctor will be the guest clinician alongside fabulous menopause consultants June Potts and Amantha King who both have extensive experience in the workplace space. 

    Date: Wednesday 26th June 2024 9.45-15.45  

    Venue: University of Bolton Arena, Arena Approach, Horwich, Bolton. BL6 6LB 

    (Light lunch and refreshments included) 

    MH1 have kindly offered a special offer of £85 per ticket, a saving of £35 off the regular price to all YMCA Awards providers. 

    To take up this opportunity, complete this form.

    Please feel free to share with your HR team/People Managers/Workforce Managers and any other relevant team members. 

    Menopause in the workplace has a huge bearing on the workforce for all staff, not just the female ones. We would therefore encourage all staff members to take up this exciting opportunity. 

    Book now