NCEF Level 1 Upgrade

The CEHF Upgrade programme is a unique opportunity for NCEF/PEAI Level 1 graduates to upgrade their existing qualification, which existed before 2006, to the current University of Limerick accredited Level 6 NFQ Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness (CEHF).

Upgrading to the CEHF will update your knowledge & skills and broaden your opportunities for recognition, access, transfer and progression within the Irish educational system, within Europe and worldwide.

The CEHF is an award for life and does not require recertification.

All NCEF courses and modules are accredited by the University of Limerick (UL).

On successful completion of the course, you will graduate from the University of Limerick with a Level 6 NFQ Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness. ​ * University of Limerick Accredited * Level 6 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) * Level 5 on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) * Europe Active/EREPs Exercise for Health Specialist (SQF Level 5) * 60 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) Credits

The NCEF Level 1 Upgrade course covers the following modules:

• SS2001 Human Movement Studies

• SS2011 Lifestyle, Fitness, Wellness & Nutrition

• SS2021 Fitness Assessment and Programme Design

• SS2031 Management & Work Placement

• SS2051 Studio Classes in Exercise to Music & Free Movement

• SS2061 Resistance Training

• SS2071 Circuit Training, Body Conditioning, HIIT and Bootcamp Training

• SS2081 Step Training & Flexibility

The CEHF Upgrade course fee is €1,495

This fee includes:

• Registration with the University of Limerick

• University of Limerick Student ID card

• Access to the CEHF Upgrade course content, resources and material on the University of Limerick virtual learning environment, BrightSpace

• Mentoring/Tuition through your Course Leader

• CEHF Student Manual

• Examination/Assessment Fees

• Membership of Fitness Professionals International, the NCEF Graduate Directory

• UL Examinations Board ratification and official UL transcript of results

• Official University of Limerick Graduation

Payment Option 1 Full fee payment of €1,495 (inclusive of non-refundable deposit of €995) on acceptance of your offer from the NCEF Head Office.

Payment Option 2 €995 non-refundable deposit on acceptance of your offer from the the NCEF Head Office. Balance of €500 due to the NCEF Head Office 6 weeks prior to course start.

Please note that once registered, all fees paid are non-refundable and 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.

On successful completion of the CEHF, graduates may ‘step into’ Year 2 of the Higher Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness to advance their skills and complete specialist modules such as Advanced Personal Training, Strength & Conditioning for Athletes & Teams, Pilates & Corrective Exercise, Physical Activity Specialist for Chronic Conditions, Active Ageing for Older Adults, Children’s Fitness, Wellness Coaching and many other specialist qualifications.

* Current, up to date, recertified NCEF Level 1 certificate.

* Current PHECC First Aid Response certificate.

If you hold the entry requirements above, please apply online here.

If your NCEF Level 1 certificate expired some time ago and you have not recertified in recent years, you must apply for this course through the NCEF/UL Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme. Please click here for an RPL application form.

The CEHF Upgrade course is available in all academic semesters i.e. Autumn, Spring and Summer and the course runs over one academic semester, approximately 4 months.

Spring 2026: Commences Monday 26th January 2026. Finishes late-April 2026

Summer 2026: Commences Monday 18th May 2026. Finishes Mid-August 2026

Autumn 2026: Commences Monday 7th September 2026. Finishes Mid-December 2026

The Upgrade course is delivered as an e-learning programme through the University of Limerick’s virtual learning environment, Brightspace. This means you can study from home via distance learning, with no classroom-based tutorials.

You will, however, have the full support of a Course Leader, who will guide you throughout your studies. In addition, you will receive a comprehensive, full-colour CEHF student manual, which includes QR codes linking directly to exercise video demonstrations with voiceover.

All lectures are pre-recorded with voiceover, allowing you to study anytime, anywhere. There is no timetable for live classes, giving you complete flexibility to learn at your own pace.

The CEHF Upgrade course is available in all academic semesters i.e. Autumn, Spring and Summer. Please click here to apply.