Higher Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness - Year 2

The Higher Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness is a two-year course. Year 1 provides a common foundation for all students, while in Year 2 students can tailor their studies by selecting from a range of specialist pathways/qualifications aligned with their interests and career goals.Upon successful completion of Year 1, students will have developed the knowledge and practical skills required to supervise and instruct clients across all areas of a fitness facility, including cardiovascular equipment, resistance machines, and free weights. They will also be qualified to deliver a variety of group exercise classes, including:Circuit TrainingBody ConditioningHigh Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)Studio Fitness and Exercise to MusicStep TrainingResistance TrainingYear 2 provides our students with the opportunity to become Advanced Specialists by choosing a specialist pathway in areas such as:Advanced Personal TrainingStrength & Conditioning for Athletes & TeamsPilates & Corrective ExercisePhysical Activity Specialist for Chronic ConditionsActive Ageing for Older AdultsBusiness Facility OperationsFit for Life Wellness CoachingChildren's Fitness NCEF graduates with the Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (CEHF) can seamlessly progress into Year 2 of the Higher Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness, providing an excellent opportunity to further specialise, enhance their qualifications, and expand their professional skill set.Year 2 is designed to help students develop expertise in areas of personal interest while building a diverse portfolio of industry-recognised qualifications that can support career advancement across the fitness, health, and wellness sectors.To achieve the Higher Certificate qualification, students must successfully complete 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits from the Year 2 specialist modules.These credits are completed within one academic year and can be taken as follows:30 ECTS credits in the Autumn Semester and 30 ECTS credits in the Spring Semester, or30 ECTS credits in the Spring Semester and 30 ECTS credits in the Summer Semester.This flexible structure allows students to continue their education while choosing a study pathway that best suits their personal and professional commitments. View the Year 2 specialist options here.Graduate Career Opportunities

All NCEF courses and modules are accredited by the University of Limerick (UL). On successful completion of this 2-year course, students will graduate from the University of Limerick with a Level 6 Major NFQ Higher Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness.​University of Limerick AccreditedLevel 6 (Major) 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)120 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) Credits

Year 2 is where students take their fitness career to the next level. To achieve the Higher Certificate qualification, students must successfully complete 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits from the Year 2 specialist modules.In Semester 1 (Autumn), all students complete the Advanced Personal Training suite of modules, building the advanced coaching, programming, and client management skills that underpin successful careers in the fitness industry.In Semester 2 (Spring), students can personalise their learning experience by choosing from a range of specialist pathways, allowing them to develop expertise in areas that align with their passions and career goals. Whether aspiring to work with athletes, older adults, children, health-focused populations, or in business and facility management, students can select from the following elective modules:Strength & Conditioning for Athletes & Teams (30 ECTS Credits) Pilates & Corrective Exercise (30 ECTS Credits) Physical Activity Specialist for Chronic Conditions (30 ECTS Credits)Children's Fitness E-Learning (15 ECTS Credits) Fit for Life Wellness Coaching E-Learning (15 ECTS Credits) Active Ageing for Older Adults E-Learning (15 ECTS Credits) Business Facility Operations E-Learning (15 ECTS Credits)

Academic Year 2027/28 Fees Fees for Year 2 of the Higher Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (HCEHF) 2027/28 are €3,725. Option 1️⃣: Payment of Full FeesPayment in full of €3,725 (inclusive of €995 non-refundable deposit) is due on acceptance of your place on the course.Option 2️⃣: (Split Payment) Total fees €3,725Non-refundable deposit payment of €995 due on acceptance of your place on the course. The balance of fees, €2,730 is due on or before Wednesday, 11 August 2027, at the latest.Once students are registered, all fees paid are non-refundable/non-transferable.For your security and in compliance with Section 65(4)(a) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012, Learner Protection arrangements have been put in place with Arachas Insurance, should the NCEF cease to provide this programme before learners have completed awards.

Applicants should hold the following:- ➡️NCEF/UL Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (CEHF)OR➡️ Current recertified NCEF/PEAI Level 1 Certificate in Exercise & Fitness Instruction (Pre-2006). *All applicants must hold a current and valid PHECC First Aid Response qualification. Applicants who are not yet certified or their certification has expired, may submit proof of registration for an upcoming FAR course and provide their certificate upon successful completion. Evidence of certification must be submitted before final modular assessments take place. Other health/fitness qualifications will be considered under the NCEF/UL Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Scheme. NCEF reserves the right to interview if required.

Graduates of the Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (CEHF) can progress directly into Year 2 of the Higher Certificate and choose the study pathway that best suits their personal and professional commitments. Year 2 offers a flexible learning experience, allowing students to build specialist knowledge while working towards a nationally recognised higher education qualification (NFQ Level 6 Major Award).Autumn/Spring IntakeYear 2 of the Higher Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness begins with Advanced Personal Training delivered in person on campus in the University of Limerick during Semester 1 Autumn (September to December).In Semester 2 Spring (January to April), students can choose two paths:1️⃣ On-Campus Learning Study on campus, attend in-person classes, with teaching scheduled between Monday and Friday. or2️⃣Flexible Online Learning Study from home by selecting from our e-learning specialist modules through the University of Limerick's Brightspace virtual learning environment. Learning is self-paced, with pre-recorded lectures and resources available 24/7, allowing you to study at times that suit your personal and professional commitments. Throughout the semester, you will receive support and guidance from your Module Leader.SemesterDeliveryAdvanced Personal Training (30 ECTS Credits)Autumn (Sept-Dec)On-Campus LearningStrength & Conditioning for Athletes and Teams(30 ECTS Credits)Spring (Jan-Apr)On-Campus LearningPhysical Activity Specialist for Chronic Conditions(30 ECTS Credits)Spring (Jan-Apr)On-Campus LearningPilates & Corrective Exercise(30 ECTS Credits)Spring (Jan-Apr)On-Campus LearningHealth Related Activity for Children(15 ECTS Credits)Spring (Jan-Apr)Online LearningBusiness Facility Operations(15 ECTS Credits)Available Spring (Jan-Apr)andSummer (May-Aug)Online LearningFit for Life - Lifestyle Management Wellness Coaching(15 ECTS Credits)Available Spring (Jan-Apr)andSummer (May-Aug)Online LearningActive Ageing for Older Adults(15 ECTS Credits)Available Spring (Jan-Apr)andSummer (May-Aug)Online Learning

Applications are now open for the 2026/27 Spring intake and 2027/28 Autumn intake! Click Here