press release: Active IQ
Gold company profile | Active IQ
PRESS RELEASE
Active IQ launches new suite of reformed qualifications to meet industry demands
14 Aug 2025
New suite of reformed qualifications / Active IQ
This includes the rollout of 11 updated qualifications that reflect current employer demands and future-proof the skillsets of personal trainers, instructors and specialists. Areas covered range from working with adolescents and older adults to antenatal and postnatal fitness, all carefully aligned to modern industry needs and seeking to plug gaps identified in Active IQ’s 2024 Skills Gap Report.
The areas of focus were identified through a combination of stakeholder interviews and employer feedback, demonstrating Active IQ’s desire to maintain the relevance of its qualifications. The approved technical qualifications, all eligible for government funding, ensure accessibility and relevance for training providers, employers and learners.
Lee Buck, Head of Product Development at Active IQ, said: “This launch is a significant step forward for our sector. These reformed qualifications have been designed with real purpose; they’re approved technical qualifications, eligible for funding and developed to reflect what today’s employers and learners truly need.
“What sets Active IQ apart is our ability to offer a comprehensive suite of approved qualifications, giving centres the flexibility to build programmes that truly reflect the priorities of their local communities. It’s about creating meaningful pathways into the industry and making sure learners are equipped not just for today, but for the future.”
Active IQ is currently the only awarding organisation offering a full suite of approved qualifications in the sector, enabling centres to design tailored programmes that reflect community needs and employer priorities.
To further support providers and learners, Active IQ has streamlined its offer to simplify choices and create clear, recognised pathways to employment to help address confusion in the job market and ensure learners can focus on gaining the most relevant credentials.
Each qualification is supported by enhanced digital learning resources, including a flexible e-learning platform and interactive digital assessments, making it easier for learners to access and engage with content at their own pace.
Training providers can now explore the full breakdown of the reformed qualifications, including content themes, delivery support and progression pathways, in Active IQ’s detailed provider guide. A demo version of the learner platform is also available here.
More press releases and updates from Active IQ:
Social media companies are being urged to take greater responsibility for the role they play
in shaping public health behaviours.
The leading awarding organisation for the physical activity sector, Active IQ, is urging
social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to take greater responsibility for the
role they play in shaping public health behaviours.
Active IQ, the UK's leading Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation for the physical
activity sector, has introduced its 2025 Quality Charter, reinforcing its commitment to
excellence in education and training.
David Stalker, President of EuropeActive and a CIMSPA chartered fellow is joining Active IQ
from July 2024.
Active IQ, the UK’s leading Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation for the physical
activity sector, has announced the launch of four new technical qualifications with approved
funding from the Department of Education.
Active IQ: news from HCMmag.com and FitTechGlobal.com
Managing director of awarding body, Active IQ, Jenny Patrickson, is leaving to focus on
consultancy, advisory and non-executive director roles.
Active IQ is preparing to launch a Level 3, nested wellbeing qualification that covers
coaching for positive behavioural change, mental resilience and lifestyle programming.
Active IQ: featured in HCM and Fit Tech magazines
Show preview: Elevate 2026
Welcome to Elevate 2026
Sponsored: Active IQ – Trust your trainer
Active IQ is calling for greater accountability in online fitness advice with the launch of a new trustmark
Sponsored: Active IQ - Raising the game
Active IQ is raising professional standards with the launch of its
Quality Charter explains Lisa Skelton, head of business development
Insight: Future talent
How do we attract the next generation of group
exercise instructors? Abi Harris asks what it will
take to make the sector a compelling career choice
Talking point: Weight loss drugs
As the uptake of weight loss medications grows, Kath Hudson asks the experts what the fitness industry needs to do in order to be part of the conversation
Active IQ
Tel: 01480 467950
Email: [email protected]
Address:
Q6 Quorum Park,
Benton Lane,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE12 8BT,
UK
Jenny Patrickson, managing director
Active IQ video gallery:
Key personnel
Jenny Patrickson, managing director
Lisa Skelton, head of business development
Lisa Skelton, head of business development
Key customers
We work with over 500 approved centres in the UK and globally, including private training providers, colleges, employers, leisure service providers, universities, colleges, schools, nursery settings, prisons, young offender institutes and international centres.
Plans for the next 12 months
Active IQ has been actively engaging
with employers over the past 18
months to develop new and updated
qualifications for the upcoming year. We are tremendously excited to
launch these, which include innovative
assessments and digitally advanced
content.
Furthermore, Active IQ is continuing its expansion in international markets, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia following our success as growing market leaders in the UAE.
We will maintain our presence at leading industry events both in the UK and overseas to connect and engage with key stakeholders and to discuss quality education for the active leisure and wellness sector.
Furthermore, Active IQ is continuing its expansion in international markets, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia following our success as growing market leaders in the UAE.
We will maintain our presence at leading industry events both in the UK and overseas to connect and engage with key stakeholders and to discuss quality education for the active leisure and wellness sector.
Testimonial
"Success isn't just about reaching a destination, it's about embracing the journey and committing to growth every step of the way. At Study Active, we understand that providing exceptional learning experiences means partnering with those who share our values of innovation and quality. That's why we chose to team up with Active IQ - they're not only a modern and flexible partner, but they're also dedicated to helping us provide the best resources and support to our students. Utilizing their business insights into trends and demands, we can ensure that we're providing what our students need to succeed. From webinars to e-clinics, we're able to onboard tutors more efficiently and offer a plethora of additional courses to help our students and teachers alike reach their full potential.”
– Study Active
– Study Active
Testimonial
“The quality of Active IQ’s provision is excellent and I consider them a trusted provider. The business development team was very supportive of my idea to focus this training on students. After excellent feedback from a couple of staff colleagues, I decided to pilot the Level 2 in Mental Health Awareness with a cohort of 308 students. It proved so successful that we are now rolling it out across our entire student body by incorporating it into the curriculum.
“Mental health issues among students are not going away anytime soon. If anything, they could become worse for those students who have had no exams and lack experience in managing the stress and pressure of these. Young adults need all the help they can get to support their mental health as they study and prepare to start work.
“I would strongly recommend other colleges to look at the Active IQ Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness. It stands apart from the majority of qualifications that comprise off-the-shelf generic materials. This qualification captures the imagination of the learners and makes the topic relevant. It has had a significant impact on a lot of our students and we are now rolling it out across the entire college as we believe everyone can gain from having these skills and knowledge.”
– Mike Ridley, head of department - General Further Education, Bishop Burton College
“Mental health issues among students are not going away anytime soon. If anything, they could become worse for those students who have had no exams and lack experience in managing the stress and pressure of these. Young adults need all the help they can get to support their mental health as they study and prepare to start work.
“I would strongly recommend other colleges to look at the Active IQ Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness. It stands apart from the majority of qualifications that comprise off-the-shelf generic materials. This qualification captures the imagination of the learners and makes the topic relevant. It has had a significant impact on a lot of our students and we are now rolling it out across the entire college as we believe everyone can gain from having these skills and knowledge.”
– Mike Ridley, head of department - General Further Education, Bishop Burton College
Testimonial
"I am extremely pleased with the level of service Active IQ has provided me, and the apprentices on the Teaching Assistant Standard and Early Years Educator Standard. The team provided us with “how to guides” which were extremely helpful to enrol learners on EPA Pro and upload evidence of work to present apprentices to gateway. Using the guides, and guidance from Active IQ staff I was easily able to present learners to gateway and observe their status throughout the EPA process.
"I am particularly impressed with the support End-point Assessors provided for the apprentices as some were nervous about the process and assessment. The assessors spent time to introduce themselves, talk through the End-point Assessment requirements, and successfully booked a convenient day and time for the EPA to take place. Each assessment was booked promptly and within a week or two of me presenting learners to gateway – an incredible turn around!"
– Jennifer Walker, curriculum leader early years, Education and Social Sciences, Bolton College
"I am particularly impressed with the support End-point Assessors provided for the apprentices as some were nervous about the process and assessment. The assessors spent time to introduce themselves, talk through the End-point Assessment requirements, and successfully booked a convenient day and time for the EPA to take place. Each assessment was booked promptly and within a week or two of me presenting learners to gateway – an incredible turn around!"
– Jennifer Walker, curriculum leader early years, Education and Social Sciences, Bolton College
Search news, features & products:
Find a supplier:
