It seems like a lifetime has passed since the Fitness Industry was represented by a loosely federated group of State-based Associations all trying their best to survive and serve one of the most dynamic industries in the country.
The advantages of our new national structure have already made their mark through Fitness Australia's national profile and partnerships for Preventative Health (Baker IDI and the Department of Health and Ageing); advocacy outcomes on issues such as music licencing, use of public space for fitness training and the new national industry employment award; and access to research that can demonstrate the impact the fitness industry is making on the Australian economy.
Our most well received and applauded innovation of the last operating year has been the introduction of Level 1, 2 and 3 Exercise Professional Registration to Fitness Australia's Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs). Lauded for levelling the playing field through greater definition of skill and expertise across the industry and particularly for being more transparent to the public, the initiative took a bold step forward in Fitness Australia's management of the industry's professional credentials.
As you will know your registration level is calculated in a matrix based on the highest level of fitness industry qualification held AND the number of years you have been registered or can prove you have been working in the industry. The calculation of an Exercise Professional's Registration level is based on the information we have access to - so now is your chance to be fully recognised for your skills and contribution to the fitness industry!
When Fitness Australia emerged from the two year change management program in 2008 we were in possession of eight (8) separate databases of professional information - each of which had been compiled in different, and sometimes creative ways.
To date, implementation of the new levels of Exercise Professional Registratoin has been carried out as follows:
- The Registration levels have been calculated based on the information in our database and have been issued to all active professionals to get them on their way in the new era of the Register of Exercise Professionals.
- For some exercise professionals, we have not had access to "Date First Registered" data. In other cases, we may not have a record of the highest qualification. Both of these factors affect how the Registration level is calculated and therefore a percentage of registered exercise professionals may have received a Credential that is different to what may be expected.
- Now is your opportunity to validate our industry data, and we ask you to kindly provide us with details that you believe will impact on your level of registration. Simply contact our Industry Support Team on 1300 211 311 or via registration@fitness.org.au so we can update your REPs profile and show you how easy it now is to maintain online.
We feel very strongly that the new level system and accurate data about our industry's capabilities will create improved links with government, and health sectors and enable the industry to more effectively meet the health and fitness needs of the Australian population.
We aim to provide you with the best possible service and high quality credentials that you will be proud to promote to your clients and potential clients as we work together for a fitter, healthier Australia.
Robert Barnes
General Manager | Operations
Fitness Australia
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