Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness

The Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness (CEHF) qualifies you to supervise and instruct on the gym floor including the cardio, machine weights and free weight areas. You will also be qualified to teach group exercise classes in:Circuit TrainingBody ConditioningHigh Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)Studio Fitness, Exercise to MusicStep TrainingResistance TrainingFlexibility​You are trained to conduct fitness assessments on individuals and groups and design exercise programmes suitable for a variety of fitness levels and different needs and goals.​All graduates are qualified in First Aid Response (FAR) from the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC).

All NCEF courses and modules are accredited by the University of Limerick (UL). On successful completion of the course, students will graduate from the University of Limerick with a Level 6 NFQ Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness.​University of Limerick AccreditedLevel 6 Minor on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)Level 5 on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)Europe Active/E-Reps Exercise for Health Specialist (SQF Level 5)60 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) Credits

The course consists of 9 modules and final examinations:Module CodeModule TitleSS2001Human Movement StudiesSS2011Lifestyle, Fitness, Wellness & NutritionSS2021Fitness Assessment and Programme DesignSS2031Management and Work PlacementSS2041Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) First Aid ResponseSS2051Studio Classes in Exercise to Music & Free Movement (Practical)SS2061Resistance/Strength Training with Weights, Machines, Kettlebells (Practical)SS2071Circuit Training, Body Conditioning, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) (Practical)SS2081Step Training, Flexibility, Stretching and Foam Rolling (Practical)SS2092Exercise & Fitness Skills Application Summative Assessments

Academic Year 2027/28 Fees Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (CEHF) 2027/28 The fee for the 2027/28 academic year is €3,725.PAYMENT OPTIONS Option 1: Full PaymentPay the full fee of €3,725 on acceptance of your place.This includes a non-refundable deposit of €995.Option 2: Split PaymentA non-refundable deposit of €995 is due on acceptance of your place.The remaining balance of €2,730 must be paid in full by Wednesday, 11 August 2027.Leaving Certificate 2027 Applicants: Course fees are due in full on acceptance of your place on the course. We align our offers with the CAO first-round offers - please be prepared to accept our offer and pay full fees in line with this. Important InformationOnce registered, all fees paid are non-refundable and non-transferable.For your protection, Learner Protection insurance is in place with Arachas Insurance, in compliance with Section 65(4)(a) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012. This ensures cover in the unlikely event that NCEF ceases to provide the programme before completion.Funding OptionsThe CEHF is not eligible for SUSI funding.However, you may qualify for support under the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). Please contact your local Department of Social Welfare office for details.

Entry Requirements – Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (CEHF)Academic RequirementsApplicants must hold the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of Grade O6 in five Ordinary Level subjects, including:MathematicsIrish (or another language)EnglishAn approved equivalent or higher qualification will also be accepted.Other qualifications or standards will be considered under the NCEF/UL Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Scheme.Supporting StatementSupporting Statement RequirementApplicants must submit a supporting statement outlining their reasons for applying, their understanding of the course, and how it aligns with their personal and professional goals.Statements should be written in the applicant's own words and reflect genuine experiences and motivations. Applications will be reviewed for the use of AI-generated content.Non-EU ApplicantsNon-EU nationals must also provide:A valid Study VisaCopies of passport documentationProof of employment for the last five yearsAdditional RequirementsApplicants should demonstrate good communication skills and a genuine interest in working with people.The NCEF reserves the right to conduct interviews, if required.

2027/28 Academic YearOption 1Venue:University of LimerickProvisional Start Date:Monday 07 September 2027Finish Date:Late April 2028Timetable/Schedule:Provisionally Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays 10am to 5pm however, this can change and students must be available Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm to accommodate timetable changes.Option 2Colleges of Further EducationThe following Colleges of Further Education run an intensive CEHF course in conjunction with their sports programmes. For further information on this option, please contact the following colleges directly:Cork College of Further Education & Training (Formerly CSN), Cork Colaiste Íde College of Further Education, Finglas, DublinWaterford College of Further Education, WaterfordOrmonde College of Further Education, KilkennyThe Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness is also delivered in the Irish Defence Forces and the Irish Prison Service.

Applications are now open for the 2027/28 academic year! Apply here