Frequently Asked Questions - Exercise Specialist

It's only natural that you'll have questions about our level 4 courses and how these are delivered and supported? We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions below, although if there is anything else that you'd like to know, feel free to reach out to our Careers Team on the number below.

• Do I need any prior qualifications to enrol?

  In order to enrol on a specialist Level 4 course, you must already hold, or be working towards a Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral (or equivalent). Don’t worry however if you haven’t yet booked your place on this course because we have a variety of packages below that combine and discount the Level 4 and exercise referral qualifications when they are booked together.

• What can I expect to learn on my Level 4 course?

  This largely depends on the specific pathway you select. Generally, speaking, you’ll gain a deep understand of your chosen medical condition and how to effectively programme exercise and physical activity for individuals with these conditions.

  Our level 4 programmes are all presented by leading doctors in their respective fields, meaning that you get the most accurate and reliable information about the content and pathway you are studying.

  You’ll also learn about the medications used to control these conditions, their side effects and how to assess and monitor patients’ progress throughout their exercise journey. These qualifications really are packed with lots of advanced knowledge and skills to enable you to meet the specific needs of their target population.

• How will I be supported on my Level 4 course?

  As a HFE student you’ll be supported continuously throughout the course. During the home-study phase of the programme, you’ll have a dedicated Learner Support Tutor who will guide you through your course. The practical element of the course is delivered by a team of highly qualified and experienced fitness industry and medical professionals.

  In addition to our team, these courses are also extremely well resourced. You’ll receive training manuals, awarding winning online learning materials, mock exams, interactive worksheets, video lectures and much more. Our support and resources really are second to none.

• What career opportunities are available once I qualify?

  As a Level 4 Exercise Specialist a number of employment and career opportunities are open up. A popular career path is to work in a formal exercise referral scheme, providing specialist exercise instruction to clients referred by their GP.

  Other opportunities also include working privately with patients suffering from these specific conditions, working with weight management groups, physiotherapists, chiropractors and podiatrists to provide specialist exercise advice. It’s perhaps important to stress here that even when you’ve completed these qualifications, you’ll still be required to work alongside clinicians and other members of the medical community.

• Are your Level 4 courses accredited?

  Our Level 4 courses are certificated by Active IQ and are fully recognised by all fitness industry employers. They are also recognised by the industry’s professional body, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

  We have also had our level 4 programmes endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine, to provide our graduates with an extra accreditation and recognition of their achievements.

• How difficult are these courses?

  These qualifications are designed for exercise professionals (not doctors) so you don’t have to worry about failure. All of the content that you need to know is provided and our team of expert tutors will explain exactly what you need to do – all you need to do is work hard and follow the programme.

  The Level 4 Exercise Specialist courses do not have knowledge-based assessments and so you don’t have to worry about passing any tricky exams. What you will, however, need to do is develop a sound understanding of the relevant medical conditions and your ability to assess, design and instruct exercise to patients with these conditions effectively.