National Council for
Exercise & Fitness
Strength & Conditioning
The NCEF Strength & Conditioning for Athletes & Teams specialist module is for qualified Fitness Instructors who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills to work as an S&C specialist with athletes and sports teams.
You will be qualified to work with and train sports teams and athletes in their physical preparation for a season or specific event. The S&C coach plays a vital and integral part of the success of any team or athlete.
You will work on improving their overall performance by ensuring they are in optimal condition to meet the specific demands of their sport.
All NCEF courses and modules are accredited by the University of Limerick (UL).
University of Limerick Accredited
30 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits towards the Higher Certificate/Diploma/B.Sc. in Exercise & Health Fitness through a flexible learning pathway and also towards other University qualifications in Europe who follow ECTS credit value system.
Europe Active Level 5 Exercise Specialist Module
Successful students will receive an NCEF Certificate of Completion.
The S&C specialist module is aimed at improving the sports performance of teams and athletes through physical preparation.
Content includes:
Physical & Psychological Considerations
Factors Affecting Performance
Training & Fatigue
Group Performance
Motivation
Stress & Strain
Team Building
Testing & Training
Fitness Assessment/Testing
Endurance
Off Season Training
Microcycles
Resistance/Strength Training
Core & Corrective Exercise
Developing Speed
Reaction Time & Assessment
Agilty
Coordination & Balance
Plyometrics & Power
SAQ
Flexibility
Hydration & Nutrition for Athletes
Planning & Periodisation
Advanced Programme Design & Periodisation
Annual Training & Competition Plan
Tapering & Peaking
Burnout
Off Season
Sports Analysis
Sessions with industry-recognised & accredited Master Trainers are also scheduled into the S&C timetable throughout the semester.
Strength & Conditioning Fees
The fee for Strength & Conditioning (S&C), module only, is €1,895.
Payment Options
Option 1: Full Payment
Pay the full fee of €1,895 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 €900 must be paid minimum 6 weeks before the module begins.
If you are completing Strength & Conditioning as part of the Higher Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (Year 2), the cost is already included in your full programme fees.
Learner Protection
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 secured with Arachas Insurance. This ensures cover in the unlikely event that NCEF ceases to provide the programme before completion.
NCEF Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (CEHF) Graduates and Current Recertified NCEF Level 1 Graduates:
Completed online application form
PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) is a prerequisite for the Strength & Conditioning specialist module & an industry requirement.
Expired NCEF/PEAI Level 1 holders (1987-2006) or those with equivalent health/fitness/exercise qualifications:
Please apply through the NCEF/UL Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme (RPL).
Click here for an RPL application form
PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) is a prerequisite for the Strength & Conditioning Specialist module & an industry requirement. All candidates must provide a current FAR certificate on application.
Academic Year 2025/26
Commencing in the University of Limerick on Tuesday, 27th January 2026
Provisional contact days are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 5pm, however as per UL policy, students must be available Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm in the event that the timetable changes and classes are rescheduled.
Applications for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic year are now open for a Spring start! Click here