The European Health & Fitness Association (EHFA) set the standards for fitness industry in the Europe Union. It is an independent body for the registration of all professionals in the fitness industry, and also acts as an accrediting body for training providers. Since 2012 EHFA introduced EQF (the European Qualification Framework) levels for all certificates and diplomas used across Europe. EQF is a common reference framework in Europe that links qualifications systems of different countries together or, in other words, acts as a translation device for various European and foreign qualifications.
The European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS)
Those personal trainers who would like their qualification gained in the USA (or any other country) to be recognized in Europe would need to join the European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS). EREPS registration is based upon the EQF levels and Personal Trainer qualification falls under EREPS EQF level 4. Simply speaking, in order to become recognized as a qualified personal trainer in Europe a candidate must hold a qualification/certification eligible for EREPS registration, i.e. accredited through EHFA.
It is also possible to register with EREPS for those who hold non-EHFA approved qualifications, have substantial industry experience and graduates. However, in that instance not a full but a provisional membership status is granted. Provisional status is given for a period of 12 months and allows to work as a personal trainer but only with assistance.
Keep in mind, that a personal trainer is required to hold adequate liability insurance in order to register with EREPS (the recommended minimum cover depends on a country). €30.00 per annum registration fee applies and 10 hours a year of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is required to maintain the membership with EREPS. In addition to the EREPS registration personal trainers need to register with the chosen country’s national registration body.
Internationally Accredited Personal Trainer Certifications
Currently, only three certifying organizations (NASM, ACE and G-SE) in the United States offer certifications for personal trainers that are accredited through EHFA. This means, that NASM, ACE and G-SE certified personal trainers are eligible to register with EREPS and become recognized personal trainers in Europe. With this in mind, those personal trainers who are about to start their personal training career in Europe should be considering one of those three personal trainer certification courses for an easier registration. You can see an up-to-date list of all EHFA approved training providers for personal trainers in different countries here.
Working As A Personal Trainer in Europe Legally
EREPS registration, however, is not a statutory requirement to work as a personal trainer in Europe legally. Different European countries may have different statutory regulations regarding fitness professionals, including personal trainers. For instance, it is not illegal to work as an unregistered or unqualified personal trainer In the UK or Germany, whereas in France it is required to have a licence to practise as a fitness professional. EREPS certificate can be used to apply for the licence and/or to register with other mandatory bodies in different European countries.
National Registration:
REPs Ireland 〉〉
REPs Belgium 〉〉