Introduction
This qualification has been approved by IfATE, Ofqual and DfE to be recognised as an Additional Specialist Technical Qualification. This qualification builds on the outcomes within an occupational standard and enables an individual to specialise in an occupation having achieved the specialist qualification in addition to their attainment of outcomes set out in the standard.
This qualification is available for first delivery from 1st August 2025.
The purpose of this Additional Specialist Technical Qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to be able to plan, prepare and deliver safe and effective water-based exercise sessions. Learners are given an understanding of the principles of instructing water-based exercise, how the properties of water affect exercise and the additional health and safety requirements for delivering sessions in a water-based environment.
This qualification includes the essential knowledge and skills that are needed to meet the requirements of the physical activity sector’s minimum standards for deployment.
Entry requirements
A suitable Level 2 fitness instructing qualification, for example:
- Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing.
- Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Group Training.
- Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing.
Or
- Level 2 Swimming Teaching qualification.
And
- Some experience of water-based exercise is useful.
- The course requires physical exertion and individual participation is essential, therefore a degree of physical fitness is necessary.
- There is an element of communication (discussing, presenting, reading and writing) involved and learners should have basic skills in communication pitched at level 2.
Qualification structure
Learners must complete the mandatory unit.
Qualification Guidance – Active IQ Level 2 Technical Specialist in Instructing Water-based Exercise (Award)
Assessment
- Knowledge assessment.
- Assignment.
- Observation and questioning.
Fees breakdown
£35 Registration / Certification, eLearning (if available) & eManual fee
Career progression
This qualification provides progression onto:
- Active IQ Level 2 Technical Specialist in Instructing Circuit Training (Award).
- Active IQ Level 2 Technical Specialist in Instructing Kettlebell Training (Award).
- Active IQ Level 2 Technical Specialist in Instructing Studio Cycling (Award).
- Active IQ Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Personal Training (Diploma).
- Active IQ Level 3 Technical Specialist in Sports Massage Therapy (Diploma).
- Apprenticeship in Personal Training.