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Qualifications Being Withdrawn

Qualifications Being Withdrawn

For qualifications withdrawn on 31 October 2025, please see our alternative qualifications document and FAQs.

 

For qualifications withdrawn on 31 March 2026, please see our alternative qualifications document and FAQs.

 

 

As part of our ongoing review to keep our qualification portfolio relevant and up to date, we have identified existing qualifications with low registrations or where more suitable alternatives are now available.

 

Following this review, we will be withdrawing a number of qualifications from regulation, effective 31 July 2026.

 

Learners will have one year from the date of registration to complete a Level 1 qualification, two years to complete a Level 2 qualification, or three years to complete a Level 3 qualification and above.

 

In some instances, we’re able to offer you suitable replacement qualifications across a range of subject areas. Please download our recommended replacement qualification document or read the FAQs below for further information.

 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss suitable alternatives, please contact [email protected]

Full list of qualifications

Gym Instructing and Personal Training:

 

 

Pilates:

 

 

Sports Massage:

 

 

Health and Fitness:

 

 

Leisure:

 

 

Specialist Clients:

 

 

Nutrition and Health:

 

 

Specialist Training:

 

 

Education:

 

Frequently asked questions

Why are these qualifications being withdrawn?

 

As part of our ongoing review to keep our qualification portfolio relevant and up to date, we have identified existing qualifications with low registrations or where more suitable alternatives are now available. Following this review, we will be withdrawing a number of qualifications from regulation, effective 31 July 2026.

 

As the leading awarding organisation in the sports, leisure, and wellbeing sector, we remain committed to providing high-quality qualifications that meet the evolving needs of learners and providers. We will continue to expand and enhance our portfolio to reflect sector demand.

 

When do the changes happen and what do I need to do now?

 

You can continue registering learners on these qualifications until their operational end dates. Where applicable, we have provided a recommended alternative qualification document. Now would be a good time to start familiarising yourself with the qualification specification, but we’ll ensure you’re supported every step of the way as you transition onto a new qualification from 1 August 2026.

 

What do I need to do if I choose to deliver an AIQ suitable alternative qualification?

 

If you do not currently have approval for the AIQ suitable alternative qualification, you can apply for this here. If you already have approval to deliver the suitable alternative qualification, you can start registering your learners onto the alternative qualification right away.

 

What do I need to do if there isn’t an AIQ suitable qualification available?

 

If there isn’t a suitable alternative AIQ qualification available in our portfolio, we would advise contacting our external verifier team by emailing [email protected] who can provide advice and support.

 

Will I need to pay the NCFE annual fee if I have transitioned from a withdrawn Active IQ qualification to a replacement NCFE qualification?

 

No. If you have transitioned from an Active IQ qualification to a replacement NCFE qualification, you will continue to pay the AIQ annual fee only. If, however, you extend your approval into additional NCFE qualifications, then you will need to pay the NCFE annual fee in addition to the AIQ annual fee from August 2026.