If you’re a fitness professional looking to specialise in medical conditions, you’ve likely heard about Exercise Referral and Long-Term Conditions qualifications. But what exactly sets them apart?
In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between these two qualifications and how they can help you enhance your skills and expand your offerings.
In this blog and video, you’ll learn:
- The difference between Exercise Referral and Long-Term Conditions qualifications.
- The conditions covered in each qualification and how they differ.
- How the Long-Term Conditions qualification uses modern, engaging E-assessments.
- How to earn both qualifications at no extra cost.
- The flexible learning journey, including study materials and support.
- Why these qualifications are crucial for working with clients who have complex health conditions.
- Joining our Long-Term Conditions Qualification
First watch the 25 minute Video Tutorial: Exercise Referral Vs Long Term Conditions
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What is Exercise Referral?
The Exercise Referral qualification is designed to help fitness professionals work with clients who have been referred by healthcare professionals due to specific conditions. It has been a key fitness qualification for over two decades and focuses on 14 foundational conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and more.
While this qualification is still widely recognised, its syllabus has not kept pace with the latest research, referral practices, or the growing number of conditions clients face today. In other words, while it’s a solid qualification, it’s becoming somewhat outdated compared to newer, more comprehensive programmes.
What is Long-Term Conditions?
In contrast, the Long-Term Conditions qualification is a modern evolution of the Exercise Referral course. Officially known as the Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Clients with Long-Term Conditions, it covers a broader scope of 27 conditions, including Fibromyalgia, Cancer, Parkinson’s Disease, Chronic Fatigue, and Eating Disorders.
This qualification is designed to be more aligned with the latest evidence-based practices, ensuring fitness professionals are better equipped to help clients manage and recover from a wider range of health conditions.
The Long-Term Conditions diploma reflects the more dynamic role that fitness professionals now play in healthcare, empowering them to support clients dealing with complex, chronic health challenges.
Are Both Qualifications Recognised?
Yes! Both the Exercise Referral and Long-Term Conditions qualifications are recognised by a variety of organisations, including:
- Insurances
- Medical professionals
- Employers
- Referral schemes
- Future qualifications
Most importantly, both qualifications are Ofqual-regulated, meaning they meet the required standards set by the UK government for education and training.
Key Differences Between the Two Qualifications
The Long-Term Conditions qualification is a newer qualification (introduced in 2022), and it comes with several key updates:
- Assessment Journey: The Exercise Referral qualification traditionally relied on worksheets and manual-based assessments. The new Long-Term Conditions qualification uses E-assessments, which are a more modern, open-book, online exam style. This approach is generally more engaging for learners, allowing them to study at their own pace while still being assessed in a meaningful way.
- Learning Style: Many learners find the E-assessment approach much more enjoyable and conducive to deeper learning. Unlike the old style, which could feel repetitive, the new assessment format encourages learners to continue exploring topics and gain new insights even during the assessment process.
- Updated Content: The Long-Term Conditions qualification has expanded its scope to include new research and practices, covering a wider variety of conditions. This ensures that fitness professionals are equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge to help clients.
- Learning Materials: The new course includes a physical manual, downloadable PDFs, video tutorials, and cheat sheets to support learners throughout their journey. There’s also lifetime access to a login area, so you can revisit materials whenever needed.
How to Earn Both Qualifications
If you’re interested in both qualifications… Our partnership with Active IQ allows you to earn two Level 3 Diplomas at no extra cost:
- Level 3 Diploma in Long-Term Conditions
- Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral (with just one additional practical assessment)
Most learners choose to complete the Long-Term Conditions qualification alone, but for those who still prefer the traditional Exercise Referral route, both certifications are available without any extra cost.
Why This Matters
Health conditions are on the rise, and many clients now face complex health challenges that require specialised support. For fitness professionals, this means adapting exercise plans to suit clients with medical conditions that require special consideration. Without an Exercise Referral or Long-Term Conditions qualification, you cannot work with clients who refer a PAR-Q or have specific medical conditions.
Equipped with these certifications, you can empower clients to live better, healthier lives by providing them with personalised, safe, and effective exercise plans. These qualifications also help you stand out in the competitive fitness industry, showcasing your ability to support a wide range of clients.
The Learning Journey
Everyone learns differently, which is why we offer a variety of learning methods to suit your needs. You’ll receive a physical manual, downloadable PDFs, and access to online learning, which can be downloaded in MP3 and MP4 formats. Plus, there’s always support available via email, phone, and our Facebook community to keep you accountable.
The course is designed to be completed in 16 weeks based on 3-4 hours of study per week, but you have up to 3 years to complete it. For those looking to complete it quicker, some learners have completed the course in just 10 days.
Ready to Get Started?
The Long-Term Conditions qualification is a great way to enhance your fitness career, providing you with the tools and knowledge to support clients with complex health conditions. Whether you choose to specialise or simply expand your skill set, this qualification ensures you stay ahead of the curve.
Click the link to enrol today and start your learning journey right away
What conditions are included in the Long-Term Conditions Qualification?
Long-term conditions qualification is for FITPROs to work with clients who have chronic health conditions. It covers 27 conditions and teaches pathophysiology, safe exercise, and nutrition recommendations.
The 27 conditions include:
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Low Back Pain
- Total Joint Replacement
- Cardiovascular Disease and Dyslipidaemia
- Hypertension
- Heart Disease and complications including Angina
- Asthma
- C.O.P.D.
- Type 1 and 2 Diabetes
- Obesity
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety & Stress
- Schizophrenia
- Substance Abuse
- Eating Disorders
- Dementia
- Stroke
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Hypo & Hyper-Thyroidism
- Connective Tissue Disease
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & ME
- Cancer
- Fibromyalgia
How to get qualified to Train Clients with Long-Term Conditions?
Become a specialist in offering health-related activity advice and supporting clients that fail a PAR-Q or have Health Conditions.
This is your opportunity to set yourself apart from other FITPROs, expand your knowledge, and confidence, and link up with healthcare professionals.
Dedicated to More
Hayley “5 Reasons Every Personal Trainer Should Be Long-Term Conditions Qualified” Bergman
Parallel Coaching
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