Standards For People| Building the Standards
Standards Development
The EuropeActive Standards are shaped by the Professional Standards Committee (PSC), an independent body. Over 18 years, 200+ experts contributed to its development.
Guided by the Sector Skills Alliance for Fitness and Physical Activity (SSA), the PSC includes representatives from employers, education, and relevant agencies.
The Training Provider Coalition (TPC), composed of experienced providers, directs the PSC in updating and developing standards and educational frameworks for EuropeActive.
The PSC brings together key stakeholders dedicated to developing Standards for individuals, programs, and facilities in the European fitness and physical activity sector. Aligned with EuropeActive's strategy, our primary focus is to advocate for the use of EuropeActive Standards, promote best practices, and elevate professionalism throughout the sector. We rely on insights, research, and guidance from the Sector Skills Alliance of Fitness and Physical Activity.
EuropeActive's Professional Standards Committee (PSC) functions independently, backed by support from the EuropeActive Secretariat and Executive.
Vision:
We aim to lead in shaping the occupations and professional registration within Europe's health and fitness sector.
Mission:
Our goal is to establish educational benchmarks for roles in the European health and fitness sector, ensuring credibility, recognition, and standardized education levels.
Our current PSC members:
Julian Berriman, Director
Julian Berriman, MA in Leisure Management and BSc (Hons) in Osteopathy, brings 25+ years of fitness industry experience. He's a certified teacher and trainer, mentoring individuals across all skill levels.
For over 20 years, Julian led Research and Development at a prominent UK training provider. He authored fitness qualifications and oversaw their quality at a leading Awarding Organisation.
As EuropeActive’s Professional Standards Committee Director, Julian drives the development of EuropeActive’s Sector Qualifications Framework. These standards shape accreditation for trainers across Europe.
Committed to forging global partnerships, Julian leads the PSC’s mission to advance fitness professionals' roles in Europe, aligned with EuropeActive’s vision for increased physical activity participation.
Dr. Anna Szumilewicz |Deputy Director
Anna Szumilewicz, PhD in Exercise Science, is an Associate Professor at Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport (AWFiS). Collaborating with EuropeActive since 2011, she shapes EA’s Standards across EQF levels and contributes to projects focusing on qualifications' relevance to the EQF and Skills Cooperation in Active Leisure.
In Poland, Anna advises the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, contributes to vocational education and research institutes, and has earned prestigious awards for her contributions. Her research delves into exercise professionals' competencies within the European Qualification System and the impact of exercise on women’s health, particularly during the pre- and postnatal phases. Anna has developed the "FemFit Mama" training program for pregnant and postpartum women, implemented in Polish fitness clubs. Her numerous scientific papers on women's health-related physical activity reflect her dedication to advancing fitness education and women’s health.
Anna Bogdanova | Deputy Director
Anna Bogdanova is a personal trainer specialised in creating long-lasting change with micro-interventions - movement and habits that prevent and relieve stress & pain and enhance strength and resilience. Anna has written several books on the subject, the latest is “Painless”.
Anna has received “Talent 100” award for “taking over, where health care system lets go” and teaching her clients to create better quality of life through training and lifestyle changes.
Anna has an academic background in business administration, psychology and behaviour design, which she combines with ongoing education in training physiology, modern pain theory, movement therapy and stress management.
The Accreditation Process
How the European Standards & E-Reps Work Together
EuropeActive Standards define fitness roles and skills. They're aligned with EQF, simplifying qualifications across Europe. These standards also guide EREPS in recognising and registering fitness professionals who apply to the e-reps register
Should Include
Links to Application Process and Pricing
Lifelong Learning
Ongoing development is vital for fitness pros. Staying updated and improving skills are essential in the dynamic fitness world. It keeps trainers sharp, adapting to changing client needs and industry trends, enhancing expertise, and lifting the whole profession
If you provide training or learning materials, you can get them officially recognized through the EREPS Approved Lifelong Learning Programme (EREPS LLP).
There are two main categories for recognition:
Category 1: These are courses or workshops that add to the main EuropeActive standards. They're checked by an EREPS LLP Officer to make sure they're good quality.
Category 2: This category includes any learning that isn't in Category 1. It could be things like conferences, online courses, podcasts, or reading materials related to fitness.
Note: Category 2 applications are only accepted from EuropeActive Accredited Training Providers, National Registers, and existing EREPS relationships.
Get Started With Accreditation
Standards For Places | FitCert
FitCert: Elevating Fitness Club Standards for Safety and Quality
FitCert is a European certification for fitness clubs, relying on the new European standards EN17229 to ensure safety and reliability in fitness facilities. It enables clubs to demonstrate adherence to these standards, providing high-quality operations and safe environments for users. By being listed on the FitCert Register, clubs showcase their commitment to excellent customer service, professionalism and user safety.
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Need Support with Accreditation?
Reach out to our Accreditation Manager, Charlie Heywood. She'll be delighted to help!
