1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF)

Overview

^{This qualification is equivalent to Level 4 on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)*.}

To find out how to apply to deliver this qualification see the How to Apply section. There are no costs involved in applying or becoming a 1st4sport recognised centre.

Developed in partnership with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) the 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF) provides learners aged 18 and over with the advanced level of knowledge needed to deliver a comprehensive strength and conditioning coaching programme, by applying the principles of performance profiling and goal-setting. This will enable them to seek employment as a strength and conditioning coach in a number of settings, which may include a sports club, or with an individual athlete or team.

The qualification is also excellent continuous professional development (CPD) for exercise and fitness industry professionals via The Register of Exercise Professionals¹ (REPs) – an ideal way to improve and broaden their skill set.

¹The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) is a public register that recognises the qualifications and expertise of health-enhancing exercise instructors in the UK. For more information, visit: www.exerciseregister.org.

^{*Please note there may be exceptions to the above. Further information about the EQF can be found on the EQF Portal.}

Prerequisites

Learners are required to be:

• be at least 18 years of age
• hold the 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport, or have a minimum of 12 months’ experience in delivering strength and conditioning coaching on a regular basis.
  

Prior to certification learners are required to:

• hold a current first-aid certificate that includes CPR.

Structure

The qualification is divided into the following units:

Materials

Unlike many other awarding bodies, who just supply you with the basic qualification standards, we go that extra mile to support you by providing:

• full and comprehensive Learner Packs, which include a full set of structured learning and assessment tasks to help you deliver and assess the qualification
• tutor/assessor guidance notes, which include sample answers to support you when assessing your students
• online qualification administration, enabling you to process learners quickly and effectively, and making the records we hold on your learners accessible to you at the click of a mouse.

To support recognised centres, tutors, assessors and internal verifiers in the delivery and assessment of the qualification, 1st4sport in partnership with the RFU will provide the following resources:

• Administrative guidance and tools for recognised centres
• Qualification Specification
• Tutor/Assessor and Verifier Guidance Pack
• Learning and Assessment Materials Guidance Pack.

For learners, the qualification is supported by the following resources in partnership with the RFU:

• 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF) Learner Pack Part One
• 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF) Learner Pack Part Two

Fees

Fees are charged per learner and provide registration and certification for the qualification, as well as a 1st4sport Learner Pack, learning resources and a Certificate. There are no costs involved in applying or becoming a 1st4sport recognised centre. Further information on fees is available in your qualification application pack.

How to Apply

Organisations new to 1st4sport

If you are not already a 1st4sport recognised centre, you need to apply to become one. The first step is to check you can meet the Centre Recognition and Qualification Approval Criteria for this qualification and submit the forms to us.

You can find more information on this process by visiting: Five Steps to Becoming a 1st4sport Recognised Centre.

Please note: you will not be able to become recognised or approved until you have confirmed that you can meet these criteria.

Existing 1st4sport recognised centres

If you are already a 1st4sport recognised centre and would like to seek approval to deliver this qualification, please check that your centre can meet the Qualification Approval Criteria.

You can find more information on this process by visiting: Four Steps to Becoming Approved to Deliver an Additional Qualification.

Please note: you will not be able to become approved until you have confirmed that you can meet these criteria.

QCF

This qualification sits on the new QCF. Further information about the benefits of the new framework can be found by visiting the Ofqual website.

All learners being registered for QCF qualifications are required to have a Unique Learner Number (ULN) issued by the Learner Register. To be approved to offer this QCF qualification, you will need to demonstrate that you can access and verify learners’ ULNs with the Learner Register. For more information about this process, please visit the Learning Records Service website.