National Council for
Exercise & Fitness
Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer
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 Training
Body Conditioning
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Studio Fitness, Exercise to Music
Step Training
Resistance Training
Flexibility
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 Accredited
Level 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:
Human Movement Studies
Lifestyle, Fitness, Wellness & Nutrition
Fitness Assessment and Programme Design
Management & Work Placement
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) First Aid Response
Studio Classes in Exercise to Music & Free Movement (Practical)
Resistance Training with Weights, Machines, Kettlebells (Practical)
Circuit Training, Body Conditioning, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Bootcamp Training (Practical)
Step Training, Flexibility, Foam Rolling (Practical)
Final Examinations (Theory and Practical)
Academic Year 2026/27 Fees
Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (CEHF) 2026/27
The fee for the 2026/27 academic year is €3,725.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Option 1: Full Payment
Pay the full fee of €3,725 on acceptance of your place.
This includes a non-refundable deposit of €995.
Option 2: Split Payment
A 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, 12th August 2026.
Note for Leaving Certificate 2026 Applicants
Full fees (€3,725) are due on acceptance of your place.
Important Information
Once 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 Options
The 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 Requirements
Applicants must hold the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of Grade O6 in five Ordinary Level subjects, including:
Mathematics
Irish (or another language)
English
An 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 Statement
Applicants must submit a supporting statement (500–1,000 words) with their application.
This statement should explain:
Your reasons for applying to the programme
Your interest in the field of health and fitness
Any relevant experience or personal attributes
Non-EU Applicants
Non-EU nationals must also provide:
A valid Study Visa
Copies of passport documentation
Proof of employment for the last five years
Additional Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate good communication skills and a genuine interest in working with people.
The NCEF reserves the right to conduct interviews, if required.
Option 1 - 2026/27 Academic Year
Venue: University of Limerick
*Provisional Start Date: Monday 7th September 2026
*Finish Date: End of April 2027
*Contact Days: Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays
(These days may be subject to change and students must be available Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm).
Time: 10am to 5/6pm
Note, the information above is provisional and may be subject to change.
Option 2
Colleges of Further Education
The following Colleges of Further Education run an intensive CEHF programme in conjunction with their sports programmes. For further information on this option, please contact the following colleges directly:
Applications are now open for the 2026/27 academic year! Apply here