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  • Post-16 qualification reforms: new suite of Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications

    YMCA Awards have developed a suite of Level 2 and Level 3 Qualifications as part of the reforms to post-16 qualifications in England. These qualifications have been approved by IfATE, Ofqual, and the Department for Education (DfE), as part of cycle 1 of the reform and will receive government funding from 1 August 2025. These qualifications ensure learners gain high-quality, industry-recognised skills across a range of fitness and wellbeing specialisms.

    YMCA Awards Employer Engagement Strategy has been key to the ongoing development and review of our qualifications and a driver for the introduction of the new technical qualifications. Through a variety of channels, YMCA Awards is consistently gathering valuable feedback and insights from industry stakeholders, ensuring that our qualifications are not only current but aligned with the transforming nature of the fitness sector.

    From August 2025, only qualifications developed under the IfATE process will be eligible for guaranteed funding.

    To support training providers in delivering these newly approved qualifications, we’ve compiled a comprehensive comparison of the structure and assessment changes between our existing legacy qualifications and the new technical entry qualifications, alongside details of funding linked in the qualification titles below.

    SubjectIFATE approved qualificationDifferences document
    Gym InstructorLegacy qualification:

    YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing (603/2767/4)

    IfATE approved qualification:

    Level 2 Extended Technical Occupational Entry in Exercise and Fitness: Gym Instructor (Diploma) (610/4592/5) 
    Click here to view
    Group Exercise Instructor: Circuit TrainingLegacy qualification:

    YMCA Level 2 Award in Group Exercise Instructing: Circuit Training (603/7151/1)

    IfATE approved qualification:

    Level 2 Technical Specialist in Exercise and Fitness: Group Exercise Instructor (Circuit Training) (Award) (610/4600/0)
    Click here to view
    Group Exercise Instructor: Indoor CyclingLegacy qualification:

    YMCA Level 2 Award in Instructing Group Exercise: Indoor Cycling (603/7151/1)

    IfATE approved qualification:

    Level 2 Technical Specialist in Exercise and Fitness: Group Exercise Instructor (Indoor Cycling) (Award) (610/4601/2)
    Click here to view
    Personal TrainingLegacy qualification:

    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training (Practitioner) (603/2438/7)

    IfATE approved qualification:

    Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Exercise and Fitness: Personal Trainer (Diploma) (610/3995/0)
    Click here to view

    Please note, we are still awaiting details of advanced learner loans, LLE and study programme funding but will communicate when we are able to share further information.

    To support your curriculum planning and the transition from legacy to technical entry qualifications we are hosting “Introduction to Technical Entry” workshops on

    Tuesday 25th February 2025 -10.30
    Wednesday 19th March 2025 -14.30

    If you would like to discuss the post-16 reforms in more detail, please schedule a call with our Business Development Team by emailing lianne.clark@ymca.co.uk.