SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Diploma: Fitness 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
67691  National Diploma: Fitness 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Sport 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report.  SFAP - Sub-framework Assignment Pending 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Diploma  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Sport 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  247  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 9900/00  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2028-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
A qualifying learner who has achieved this qualification will be able to:
  • Design, implement and manage a physical activity programme for apparently healthy individuals* or groups and apparently healthy special populations** (pregnant, children, youth, older adult, athletes).
  • This qualification will enable the learner to screen, assess, monitor and manage health related fitness and wellness programmes, without direct supervision.
  • A qualifying learner will promote and provide safe and effective physical activity participation to meet participant/s fitness requirements as well as provide educated advice on lifestyle change for improved well-being. In addition, this qualifying learner will have the knowledge for appropriate referral to other health care providers.
    Further, a qualifying learner will be positioned to further their own learning, practice and career within the fitness and/or associated industries and through their own personal growth.

    Rationale:

    To date, there is no legislative framework that regulates the fitness industry in South Africa, as a result it has poised difficulties to maintain and monitor standards of qualifications being offered by education providers. The SAQA Act, 1995 through the National Qualification Framework, has given this industry an opportunity to develop acceptable fitness industry training standards.
    This fitness diploma aims to achieve the following:
  • Ensure that the fitness practices applied adhere to sound principles drawn from exercise science and safety principles.
  • Develop appropriate fitness skills and knowledge required by the broader fitness, sport and recreation industry.
  • Enhance the standards of fitness practitioners, thus giving credibility and respect to the whole industry.
  • Allow learners, options of broadening their scope of practice in other related areas of practice, e.g. Sport.
  • Align fitness education and training to the international fitness community. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that a learner wishing to enter a programme leading to this qualification will have NQF Level 5 Certificate or the equivalent thereof, together with a valid First Aid
    Certificate.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    This qualification may be achieved in part, through the recognition of prior learning. Any learner who believes he or she has all the competencies identified above should apply for recognition of prior learning from an accredited assessor of this diploma in fitness. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Fundamental:
    A minimum of 41 should be achieved in fundamentals.

    Core:
    A minimum of 166 credits should be achieved in core.

    Elective:
    A minimum of 40 credits should be achieved in the elective learning rules of combination. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    On achieving this qualification, the learner will be able to demonstrate the following outcomes as applicable to apparently healthy* individuals:
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of the fitness environment and the context in which physical activity takes place. **
    2. Conduct and interpret pre-participation screening for physical activity readiness.
    3. Assess, evaluate and monitor health related fitness components, and/or, components related to sports performance.
    4. Feedback and refer as it relates to physical activity and/or to athletic performance.
    5. Design and demonstrate exercise and/or sports conditioning programmes.
    6. Implement, monitor and modify exercise programmes.
    7. Motivate and support participants in making activity related and or wellness decisions and or sports performance related decisions.
    8. Demonstrate entrepreneurial, administration and business skills as well as the ability to incorporate IT technology.
    9. Demonstrate ability to discern the quality and validity of research information
    10. Manage, project and conduct oneself in a professional manner.

    NOTE
    1. * Apparently healthy:
    This risk stratification relates to individuals who are asymptomatic, with no more than one coronary risk factor (as defined in the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) risk stratification guidelines).
    2. ** Apparently healthy Special Populations
    As defined by ACSM guidelines for Special Populations such as Pregnant, Children, Youth and Older Adult, and in addition, athletes.
    3. *** Fitness Environment:
    Relates to, but is not limited to exercise training for physically challenged, HIV and exercise training in any environment (e.g. community health club, church hall, commercial fitness facility etc.) 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    In particular assessors should:

    A. Generally ensure that:
    1. An understanding of all the elements of fitness, their inter-relatedness and their connection to the external environment is demonstrated.
    2. Participant/s risks, needs, and goals are considered and provided for through screening and assessment.
    3. Critical reviews of assessments are used to monitor and improve performance.
    4. Information is researched and used in planning an exercise programme.
    5. Modifications are provided taking into account the needs and abilities of the participant/s.
    6. The success of programmes is evaluated through ongoing monitoring of progress against stated objectives.
    7. Various elements appropriate to participants needs and goals are considered and used to develop an exercise programme and specific exercise prescription.
    8. Various leadership techniques are used which are appropriate for leading or instructing exercise session/s.
    9. Various communication techniques are used which are appropriate for interviews, advising or individual exercise instruction.
    10. A business and administration system is maintained which meets the expectations of the participant/s and preserves the integrity of records.

    B. Check that the learner demonstrates an ability to consider a range of options and make decisions about:
    1. The fitness and health needs of participants
    2. The type of exercise/s to be recommended and taught
    3. Appropriate follow up, adjustments and or modifications to exercise programme/s
    4. The specific needs and aims of special populations in relation to their health, fitness and wellness.
    5. Appropriate options, skills and techniques for enhancing the various components of a healthy lifestyle
    6. Appropriate communication and lay counseling skills which will help participants to lead a healthier and more balanced lifestyle

    C. Check that the learner demonstrates an understanding of:
    1. The principles of exercise science and how they are applied
    2. The various factors which contribute to healthy lifestyle
    3. Basic principles and methods of exercise training
    4. Various methods of motivation with the relevant leadership and communication skills
    5. Clear and empathetic principles of communication, including lay counseling skills

    D. Check that the learner demonstrates the ability to:
    1. Critically evaluate the use of, and explore alternatives to methods of exercise taught in any given situation or range of situations.
    2. Justify decisions on any aspect of exercise programming, lifestyle management or wellness promotion
    3. Reflect on the appropriateness of decisions made in exercise programming and on modifications that have been recommended from time to time.
    4. Critically reflect on any feedback given during or after supervision.
    5. Monitor and improve their own performance based on critical reviews and evaluation of their exercise programming, instruction or leadership
    6. Monitor and improve their own performance based on critical reviews and evaluation of their organizational methods, administration or business planning

    Integrated assessment:

    Integrated assessment at the level of qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and actions across unit standards to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent in relation to the purpose of the qualification.
    Integrated assessment must judge the quality of the observable performance, but also the quality of the thinking that lies behind it. Assessment tools must encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. Some assessment practices will be of a more practical nature while others will be of a more theoretical nature. The ratio between action and interpretation is not fixed, but varies according to the type and level of qualification.
    A broad range of task-orientated and theoretical assessment tools may be used, with the distinction between practical knowledge and disciplinary knowledge maintained so that each takes its rightful place. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been benchmarked against fitness qualification frameworks from New Zealand, Australia and United Kingdom, and it has shown a substantial degree of similarity. This qualification is therefore comparable to those mentioned and in some cases exceeds those standards. The scope of practice of the learners that complete this qualification has been determined in part with referencing from the American College of Sport Medicine and American Heart Association`s joint position statement.
    The standards have been specifically benchmarked against the Australian and New Zealand fitness qualifications and consideration has also been given to the fact that they also create portability for Unit Standards between fitness, sport and recreation qualifications. This similarity allows for easier recognition of the SA qualifications and Unit Standards and for an internationally comparable qualification. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has been developed for professional fitness practitioners and consultants in the fitness industry, and it is intended to uplift the standards of fitness in South Africa.
    This qualification will provide articulation with a range of qualifications, in sport coaching, sport science, and sport management. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this qualification, or assessment against this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to agreed ETQA procedures.
    Therefore anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution, which is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an application to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • A minimum of two years practical, relevant occupational experience.
  • Declared competent in all the outcomes of the National Assessor Unit Standards as stipulated by SAQA.
  • Detailed documentary proof of educational qualification, practical training undergone and experience gained by the applicant must be provided (portfolio of evidence).
  • Meet any other stipulated requirements by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    As per the SAQA decision to re-register all provider-based qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework that meet the criteria for re-registration, this qualification has been re-registered from 1 July 2018. As per the SAQA decision to re-register all provider-based qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework that meet the criteria for re-registration, this qualification has been re-registered from 1 July 2018. Scope of practice:

    The above qualifying learner is defined by specific electives within this qualification e.g.
    Fitness Specialist, Athletic Conditioning Trainer or Coach, Lifestyle Consultant or Lay Counsellor,
    The scope of practice is also determined by the guidelines referenced in, American College of Sports Medicine and American Heart Association`s joint Position Statement: Cardiovascular Screening, Staffing and Emergency Policies at Health/Fitness Facilities. Official Journal of the American College of Sport Medicine, 1998:1009-1018. (Attached Appendix - Risk Stratifications). 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  10212  Maintain Fitness Environment and Equipment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  2 
    Core  10211  Operate Professionally in a Fitness Environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Core  13923  Advise special populations on nutritional requirements and ergogenic aids  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  10213  Apply anatomical and biomechanical principles to physical activity  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Core  14483  Apply entrepreneurship to the administration of a sport or fitness business  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  10210  Apply principles of sport and exercise physiology  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Core  10215  Conduct a screening procedure  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  13924  Deal with common injuries, illnesses and special considerations in the context of physical activity  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  10217  Design exercise programmes  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  13921  Identify and describe the anatomical & bio-mechanical differences unique to each special population  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  13920  Identify and describe the physiological characteristics unique to special populations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  9224  Implement policies regarding HIV/AIDS in the workplace  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Core  10223  Implement strategies for behaviour change and lifestyle coaching  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  20 
    Core  10220  Include persons with disabilities in sport, recreation or fitness activities  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  7868  Monitor and maintain health, safety and security  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Core  10218  Motivate and encourage participation in physical activity  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Core  13922  Perform assessments and fitness tests for special populations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  20 
    Core  13925  Present information in a public setting  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  10214  Promote an awareness of nutritional principles  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  10208  Provide for safety and risk management in sport and fitness  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  10216  Test and evaluate health related fitness components  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Core  13927  Utilise personal development training for personal growth  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  10219  Utilise wellness concepts for lifestyle change  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  7547  Operate a personal computer system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Fundamental  8618  Organise oneself in the workplace  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  8561  Function in a Team  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  14503  Plan and conduct a research project  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  9242  Analyse external factors influencing people who have special needs  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  8647  Apply workplace communication skills  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Fundamental  8648  Demonstrate an understanding of professional values and ethics  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  8664  Examine social features as pertaining to the workplace  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Elective  14466  Apply the principles and methods of sport fitness conditioning  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  20 
    Elective  14484  Design implement and instruct exercise programmes for older adults and increased risk  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  20 
    Elective  14501  Design, implement and instruct exercise programmes for children and youth  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  20 
    Elective  14487  Design, implement and instruct exercise programmes for pregnancy  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  20 
    Elective  10221  Lead and instruct exercise programmes for individuals and groups  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Elective  10222  Lead and instruct exercise programmes for individuals and groups to music  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Elective  14475  Periodise training and the training year  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  20 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
    NQF Level    		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
    Assurance
    Functionary    		 NQF Sub-Framework
    67706  National Diploma: Fitness  Exercise Teachers Academy - Cape Town  Level 5  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L5  247  2018-12-31  CHE  HEQSF 
    21890  National Diploma: Fitness  Generic Provider - Field 02  Level 5  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L5  247     CATHSSETA  OQSF 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Accredited Provider
    67706  National Diploma: Fitness  Exercise Teachers Academy - Cape Town  
    21890  National Diploma: Fitness  1. EXERCISE TEACHERS ACADEMY
    2. Northlink College
    3. SPORTS SCIENCE INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AFRICA
    4. Trifocus Fitness Academy (Pty) Ltd
    5. Xtyle Fitness and Entertainment Academy NPC  


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.