Instructors who graduated with NCEHS prior to 2006 can now apply to upgrade and convert their qualification to ensure that their knowledge and competence meets the standards required to achieve the EQF Level 4,  Advanced Fitness Instructor / Personal Trainer Level.  

This course is open to instructors who hold the following qualifications: 

• National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies & Personal Training (Pre-2006)
• National Certificate in Exercise & Fitness (NCEF)
• ITEC Gym Instruction & Aerobic Instructor 
• EQF Level 3 Fitness Instructor

Instructors who didn’t qualify through NTC must submit a copy of their original fitness instructor qualification with their application form. Please note, instructors must have completed both Resistance Training (Gym Instruction) and Exercise to Music as part of their original qualification. 

Candidates may opt to attend none, either or both of two onsite tutorial days which will prepare them for the practical examinations.



Resistance Training and Personal Training Workshop Day

• Overview of the final practical assessment process. Candidates will be informed of what is expected of them during the assessment.

• Programme planning and design focusing on 1-2-1 training.

• Teaching Practice to include a technical review of the main RT exercises and demonstrations.

• Reflective Practice – candidates will have the opportunity to review and reflect on their performance and competence by evaluating themselves and others.

Exercise to Music Workshop Day

• Overview of the final practical assessment process. Candidates will be informed of what is expected of them during the assessment.
 
• Choreography skills and Musical Phrasing. Candidates will have the opportunity to plan and teach a 64 count combination in preparation for the final assessment.
 
• Review of the structure of an ETM Class to include warm up, aerobic phase and cool down, with practical drills and group work. 

• Teaching Practice to include a technical review and demonstration of some of the main conditioning exercises and stretches.

• Reflective Practice – candidates will have the opportunity to review and reflect on their performance and competence by evaluating themselves and others.

Assessment Process

Candidates will be assessed by the following methods:

• Submission of completed NCEHS Learner Workbook - this must be submitted on the assessment day.
• Plan, design and instruct a personalised 1-2-1 session with a client to include both cardiorespiratory and resistance training, followed by an evaluation of the session.
• Plan, design and instruct an exercise to music session whilst working to the beat and musical phrase. This will include warm up, aerobic phase, cool down, conditioning and stretching and will be followed by an evaluation of the session.

Each of the optional workshop days costs €230.00 with a discounted fee of €200.00 available to NCEHS graduates.

Assessment costs €150.00 for all candidates.

You can enroll online by selecting the course and payment option which best suits your requirements on the right hand side of this page. 

Alternatively you can contact us by telephone on 01 882 7777 (Dublin) or 021 430 1222 (Cork).

You may also download an enrollment form and brochure in the Downloads panel to the left, and send completed forms to: National Training Centre, 15 - 16 St. Joseph's Parade, Dorset Street, Dublin 7. 

You may also contact us at anytime to discuss any queries you have or to arrange an appointment to visit our facilities.

All National College of Exercise and Health Studies tutors are expert in their chosen field with some having represented Ireland at international level in health fitness competition.

All senior tutors have many years of experience working in the health fitness profession and, having obtained a H. Dip. in Education have learned the skills required to deliver complex information to learners of mixed ability.

All tutors have dedicated areas of speciality to enhance the learning experience for NCEHS students.

National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies & Personal Training

Conversion and Upgrade Programme

Schedule for workshop and assessment days 2013

Exercise to Music Workshop Day - (10:00 to 17:00)

Saturday March 23rd 2013

Saturday June 29th 2013

Sunday September 1st 2013

Resistance Training Workshop Day - (10:00 to 17:00)

Sunday March 24th 2013

Sunday June 30th 2013

Sunday September 8th 2013

Assessment Day - (Depending on Allocated Time)

Sunday April 21st 2013

Sunday July 28th 2013

Saturday October 5th 2013

Do I need to hold any other qualification in order to participate on this programme ?

Yes. You will need to hold a primary fitness instructor qualification which has been issued by NCEHS prior to January 2006 (NCEHS graduates since January 2006 already hold an EHFA accredited EQF Level 4 qualification). Qualified fitness instructors who hold NCEF or ITEC qualifications are also eligible. The qualifications must cover both Resistance Training and Exercise to Music to meet eligibility requirements. In this instance ITEC refers to the U.K. based organisation and not the Irish Training and Education Centre. Graduates of some Institutes of Technology who currently hold EQF Level 3 qualification in Gym Instruction and Exercise to Music can also complete this course to upgrade to EQF Level 4.

What will I be qualified to do when I complete this course successfully ?

On successful completion you will be a fully qualified fitness instructor and personal trainer at EQF Level 4 and you will be entitled to full membership of REPS Ireland.

Is this qualification accepted internationally ?

Yes. The National Qualification in Exercise Health Studies and Personal Training is the only complete course available in Ireland which is fully accredited by the European Health Fitness Association at EQF Level 4 and which allows for international recognition. We have graduates working in many countries worldwide.

How long does this course last ?

The National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training (Conversion / Upgrade) varies in length depending on the options chosen by individual candidates.

How much does this course cost ?

The National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training (Conversion / Upgrade) costs vary depending on the options chosen by individual candidates.

Where is this course available ?

The National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training (Conversion / Upgrade) is available at the National Training Centre in Dublin .

How will I be assessed ?

Candidates will be assessed by the following methods:

• Submission of completed NCEHS Learner Workbook - this must be submitted on the assessment day.
• Plan, design and instruct a personalised 1-2-1 session with a client to include both cardiorespiratory and resistance training, followed by an evaluation of the session.
• Plan, design and instruct an exercise to music session whilst working to the beat and musical phrase. This will include warm up, aerobic phase, cool down, conditioning and stretching and will be followed by an evaluation of the session.

Can I pay by installments ?

No - there is no installment payment option available for this programme.

Are there grants available to cover tuition fees ?

The National Training Centre is a FÁS approved training provider. National Training Centre’s approved Training Programmes and Trainers have been placed on the FÁS/EI National Register of Trainers.  The registration number of National Training Centre is 903336. Many of our students receive funding for part or all of their course fees through FÁS, the Department of Social Protection, and local Employment and Development projects. Individual students must contact their local office to enquire about eligibility.