The City of Dublin ETB is co-
funded by the
Government of
Ireland and the European Union.
Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor
SPORTS, RECREATION AND EXERCISE 6M5147 NFQ LEVEL 6
PLSS Code 500673 | Fee €350
As a learner on the Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor programme at Íde College of Further Education, you have the opportunity to achieve the prestigious NCEF (National Council for Exercise & Fitness) Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (CEHF) alongside your QQI Level 6 award. Coláiste Íde is one of only a small number of colleges in Ireland selected to partner with NCEF in delivering this highly respected qualification.
The NCEF qualification is accredited by the University of Limerick and is recognised throughout the Irish fitness industry, giving graduates a significant advantage when seeking employment as fitness instructors and personal trainers. It provides a direct pathway to further NCEF professional qualifications and enhances both employment and self-employment opportunities within the growing health and fitness sector.
Combined with Ide’s state-of-the-art leisure complex, expert tuition, and over 40 years of excellence in sports education, learners graduate with the practical skills, professional confidence, and industry-recognised qualifications needed to succeed in the fitness industry or progress to higher education in sport, exercise, and health-related disciplines
Learners have access to exceptional facilities, including a state-of-the-art leisure complex featuring a fully equipped gym, fitness suite, aerobics studio, sports clinic, and reception area. Continuous investment in equipment, supported through modernisation initiatives from SOLAS, ensures that learners train using professional-standard facilities and resources.
The college welcomes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including graduates of QQI Level 5 Sports programmes from across Ireland. Mature students are also encouraged to apply, and relevant experience is recognised where appropriate.
Graduates have excellent progression opportunities, with many advancing to degree programmes in Sport Science, Physical Education, Health Promotion, Exercise Science, and related disciplines. Others use their qualification to enter employment immediately or establish their own successful fitness businesses. Whether your ambition is to work with clients in a gym, lead group fitness classes, continue to university, or become your own boss, this programme provides the qualifications, practical experience, and professional credibility to help you succeed.
If you're serious about a career in fitness, this is the real-world qualification that will prepare you for the next step.
Entry Requirements
In general you need to have a minimum of 5 passes at ordinary level in the Leaving Certificate or its equivalent. Applications are welcome from students with Leaving Certificate Vocational, Leaving Certificate Applied or FETAC Level 4 qualifications. Exceptions can be made where special circumstances apply on a case by case basis. The Leaving Certificate is not a requirement for mature students and appropriate experience can be considered as meeting the entry requirement for most courses. You must be medically certified evidence of fitness to participate in exercise.
We also welcome applications from mature students on all our courses.
What Will I Study?
A full QQI Level 6 Award is attained on successful completion of eight modules. This must include all mandatory module listed for the programme. You will be assessed throughout the programme by a combination of continuous assessment, assignments and by exams in certain modules. On successful completion of each module, you will be awarded a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
QQI Level 6 Mandatory Modules
- Exercise and Fitness (6N5345)
- Sports Industry Practice (6N4650)
- Work Experience (6N1946)
QQI Level 6 Elective Modules
- Team Leadership (6N1948)
- Health Promotion (6N2214)
- On Site Massage (6N3478)
- Sports Nutrition (6N4651)
- Sports Anatomy and Physiology (5N4648)
NCEF (National Council for Exercise & Fitness)
Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (CEHF)
What Qualifications Will I Get When I Finish The Course?
QQI Sports, Recreation and Exercise 6M5147 NFQ Level 6, ITEC, NCEF (UL)
Career Opportunities and Progression
There are approximately forty Higher Education Institutions including Universities, Technological Universities and private colleges offering places on a range of courses to QQI full award certificate holders. QQI’s information page Going to higher education using my QQI Award provides answers to some of the more frequently asked questions.
Intending applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked awards, any additional module requirements, applications processes and scoring systems with the Admission Offices of the participating Higher Education Institutions or visit visit cao.ie.
Full awards can be used for graduates to progress to Level 7 and Level 8 programmes in Higher Education such as In certain cases, graduates who hold a QQI Level 6 qualification, or who have other relevant educational and/or work experience equivalent to year 1 of an undergraduate programme, may be considered for Advanced Entry. Applicants must contact the Admissions Office of the relevant institutions for further information - visit cao.ie for further information. Full awards can also be used for entry to UK, European and International universities:
UCD BSc (Hons) Health & Performance Science
SETU Carlow BSc (Hons) Sports Rehabilitation & Athletic Therapy
TUD Tallaght BSc (Hons) Sports Science and Health
TUD Blanchardstown
Full information can be found here.
Graduates go on to secure employment in the sports and leisure industry across a range of organisations in both the public and private sectors, including gyms, health clubs, leisure centres, hotels, swimming pools and cruise ships.
Duration
1 Year
Course Code
6321
