At the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) conference in Edinburgh in June it was announced that after extensive discussions and mapping it has been agreed that REPs will recognise SQA qualifications in Fitness.

When candidates complete HNC Fitness and Exercise they will receive entry to REPs Level 2. Candidates completing the NPA Fitness they will receive entry to REPs level 1. The existing SVQ level 2 Instructing Exercise and Fitness gives entry to REPs level 2. This follows months of meetings between REPs, the SQA, other agencies and employers.

SQA Qualifications Manager, Paul Gallacher, said: "This process will enable the health and fitness industry to give recognition to our candidates wherever they choose to work in Scotland, the UK and Europe. It certainly shows the quality of these SQA Fitness awards while giving SQA a competitive edge."

With just over 1500 Scottish members REPs is increasingly being seen by employers in Scotland as a way of demonstrating to the public the qualifications and competence of their fitness staff.

Throughout May the Register held a number of discussions the SQA, Fitness Scotland, the National Governing Body for fitness in Scotland, and key employers to further enhance the support REPs can give to the Scottish fitness industry.

REPs Registrar Jean-Ann Marnoch added: "I am delighted that SQA qualifications are now mapped to National Occupational Standards and that Scottish students can benefit from the efforts of SQA staff who have made this possible.

"We are dedicated to professionalising the industry throughout the entire United Kingdom and are especially pleased all the hard work in Scotland has come to fruition.

"The members we met at our convention in Edinburgh were incredibly enthusiastic and passionate about working within the industry and we hope to support them in anyway we can."

More than 100 delegates attended the REPs Scottish convention held at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena. Keynote presentations were delivered by: Dave Clark, from the Scottish Institute of Sport, on strength training and performance; Dr Colin Moran from the University of Glasgow who spoke on the importance of exercise within different population groups; Flora Jackson, from the Physical Activity Alliance, on how to increase physical activity in Scotland and Richard Blackmore from the FIA on improving standards of clubs and centres in Scotland.

Members were also able to take part in a choice of six educational workshops on realistic Pilates lessons, the importance of physical activity and exercise in cardiovascular disease, working with clients with mental health problems, leadership and accountability, goal setting techniques, postural analysis and correction, exercise and pregnancy and planning and prioritising.