Level 3 Exercise Referral Course (CIMSPA Endorsed CPD)

NCFE Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Clients with Long-term Conditions
NCFE Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Clients with Long-term Conditions
NCFE Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Clients with Long-term Conditions
NCFE Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Clients with Long-term Conditions
CPD

NCFE Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Clients with Long-term Conditions

Become a qualified specialist supporting clients with chronic health conditions

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Course Overview

The Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Clients with Long-Term Conditions is a specialist qualification designed for fitness professionals who want to expand their expertise and support clients living with chronic health conditions and work as an Exercise Referral Specialist. It provides the essential skills and knowledge to help people manage conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, COPD, and mental health issues through safe and effective exercise.

Regulated by Ofqual and awarded by Active IQ, this diploma teaches applied anatomy and physiology, health behaviour change, and exercise prescription tailored to individual client needs. You’ll learn to develop and deliver exercise programmes that promote long-term health, wellbeing, and quality of life.

The course allows you to study at your own pace with full tutor support, video tutorials, webinars, and online assessments.

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Suitability & Pre-requisites

Join thousands of successful graduates who transformed their careers with
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Who Is This Course For?


This course is ideal for qualified fitness professionals who want to specialise in working with clients living with chronic or long-term conditions. It’s particularly suited to Personal Trainers and Gym Instructors looking to broaden their scope of practice and make a lasting impact on clients’ health.
By completing this qualification, you’ll gain the skills to work safely and confidently with clients managing medical conditions, helping them improve their fitness, wellbeing, and overall quality of life.

Entry Requirements


To enrol on this course, learners must hold one of the following qualifications:

- A suitable Level 2 qualification in fitness or gym instructing (excluding instructing children)
- A suitable Level 3 qualification in Personal Training
- Level 3 Diploma in Instructing Pilates Matwork

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, our support team can confirm your qualifications before you enrol. Learners should be at least 16 years of age and comfortable with independent online study.
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Learning Experience

Join thousands of successful graduates who transformed their careers with our award-winning training programs.
Flexible Blended Learning
  • A combination of online study and practical experience.
  • Interactive e-learning platform with engaging video lessons, interactive quizzes, and digital manuals.
  • Move forward at a pace that suits you, backed by full guidance from our committed tutor team
Interactive Content & Support
  • Support of webinars and/or workshops led by expert tutors.
  • Get one-on-one tutorial support via phone/teams and email whenever you need it.
  • Our system keeps track of your progress and is accessible 24/7, so you can train whenever it suits you.
What You'll Learn
  • Understand the physiological and psychological considerations of a wide range of long-term conditions including diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, COPD, and mental health conditions.
  • Develop skills to plan, adapt, and deliver safe and effective exercise programs tailored to clients with long-term conditions, including managing medication, symptoms, and risk factors.
  • Learn behaviour change techniques and lifestyle advice to support clients in managing their conditions and improving their overall health and wellbeing.
Unlock Unmatched Career Support
FREE Access to the Career Growth Accelerator Programme for graduates of any Study Active accredited course.
  • Personalised Career Support: One-on-one guidance with CV coaching, interview prep, and career planning.
  • Freelancer Resources: Access free downloadable templates to streamline admin tasks and boost your business.

Exclusive Home of Premier Global

Study Active are exclusive custodians of the Premier Global brand, widely known as the gold standard for health & fitness education since 1992. Today we continue the Premier Global legacy of quality, integrity and trust.

Excellent Rated on Trustpilot 

Don't just take our word for it, see what others have to say.
  • 5 stars: 21 (84%)
  • 4 stars: 4 (16%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
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Jamie Blackford
The course was set well and clear to understand.

The course was set well and clear to understand. It was well structured and well detailed learning and exams were very good and useful.

C
Callum Cuffy
Great support from my tutors

I enjoyed the independent learning with great support from my tutors.

K
Kian Brown
I would recommend this course

The course was a great insight to supporting clients with the smallest detail noted. The tutors were very helpful and offered help whenever it was needed.
I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to enhance their knowledge regarding clients with morbidities and comorbidities.

L
Laura Spurr
I very much enjoyed the course.

I very much enjoyed the course. It has definitely expanded my knowledge basis which is exactly what I wanted to achieve.

S
Simon Clohessy
Excellent course.

Excellent course, learned a lot – content was interesting and lots of support from tutors.

H
Holly Flynn
My experience was great

During my time studying this course I found my experience was great, tutors were hands on, always checking in and providing great feedback which I believe was a great support during this course for me

A
Alice Rayner
Enjoyed the course.

I enjoyed the course and found the tutors helpful.

O
Orlando Fearon
Recommend Study Active to anybody.

A very good experience, I was well supported and would recommend Study Active to anybody.

A
Ashley Mitchell
Been a good experience learning online with Study Active.

It has been a good experience learning online with Study Active, all of the course was hard but I got there in the end with the handy support from the tutors along the way. Nothing was too much of a task with their help!

A
Abi Hamilton
Study Active have been helpful and supportive.

Study Active have been helpful and supportive and have been responsive when needed.

M
Mitchell Pennant
Studying with Study Active was very straightforward and simple.

Studying with Study Active was very straightforward and simple. All the material I needed was readily available and easy to access, plus, I knew that I had a tutor always available if I ever needed help. Overall it was a brilliant course that I would definitely recommend to others.

J
Jade Firth
I found the course very interesting and the e-learning useful

I found the course very interesting and the e-learning useful, the tutors were very helpful and understanding of any problems I came across, did their best to help and give guidance throughout the course.

M
Mahfuz Choudhury
I found this course very educational.

I found this course very educational and learnt a lot though the course, the content that comes with this course was good and I was able to expand my knowledge. They are very professional and quick to respond to any enquiries/emails.

A
Amy Young
Very happy with my experience

Quick, informative and painless. Very happy with my experience and would definitly recommend and use again.

J
Juliet Price
Opened up knowledge

One that opened up knowledge in this great area of health and fitness so more can be given to clients.

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Petra Mack
The experience has been positive.

The experience has been positive and I have learned a lot from this course.

G
Gary Turton
Would not hesitate to recommend

Great support, very professional, would not hesitate to recommend.

J
Justin Lane
The team at Study Active were quick to respond to any questions.

Very detailed course with lots of information on working with GP referred clients. The team at Study Active were quick to respond to any questions.

J
Joanna Leeds
Overall a very good experience.

I found the course very informative and I enjoyed the framework and content. The tutors were very helpful and quick to respond. Overall a very good experience.

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Anne Nixon
Extremely supportive.

Very professional and extremely supportive. Outstanding.

A
Alex Crump
Plenty of support when required.

Plenty of support when required, easy to communicate with and clear direction on next steps at all time.

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Cara
Positive Experience

I've thoroughly enjoyed doing my Level 3 PT and Nutrition through Study Active. I found the tutors very helpful and supportive. Anything I've missed out in my assessments, they've given me plenty of time to make amendments.
I was very nervous on the day of my practical, but Chris put me completely at ease and I actually enjoyed doing my practical assessment.

Thank you Study Active team.

Y
Ysobel Grant
The e learning was clear and easy to refer back to.

I have passed my course and felt that I had full support in completing my course. The e learning was clear and easy to refer back to. Thank you

I
Iain Falconer
Happy with course content

Overall very happy with course content, level of support and pace of course.

H
Heather Walker
Really enjoyed doing the course.

I really enjoyed doing the course. The course was well structured and organised. It provided me with a lot of information on various medical conditions and has given me the confidence to work with people with these medical conditions.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the course take?
Most learners complete the course within 8–12 weeks, depending on prior experience and study time. You’ll have full access for 12 months from enrolment, giving you complete flexibility to study at your own pace.
Is this qualification recognised?
Yes, this qualification is regulated by Ofqual and endorsed by CIMSPA (the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity). It is awarded by Active IQ and recognised across the UK fitness and health industries.
What will I learn during this course?
You’ll learn to design, adapt, and deliver exercise programmes for clients with long-term conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, COPD, and mental health challenges. You’ll also develop an understanding of medication management, risk factors, and behavioural strategies for long-term adherence.
Who can take this course?
This course is open to qualified fitness professionals who hold a recognised Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Fitness Instructing or Personal Training,
How is the course delivered?
Study Active delivers the course online through an interactive e-learning platform. You’ll have access to webinars, video tutorials, and digital resources, plus ongoing tutor support to help guide your progress.
How will I be assessed?
You’ll complete multiple-choice exams, case studies, and written coursework.
What qualification will I receive?
Upon successful completion, you’ll achieve the Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Clients with Long-Term Conditions — a nationally recognised qualification accredited by Ofqual and endorsed by CIMSPA.
What career opportunities does this qualification provide?
This qualification enables you to work with clients referred through GP or exercise referral schemes, or those living with long-term health conditions. It can also lead to advanced study opportunities such as Level 4 Certificates in managing specific conditions like obesity, diabetes, or low back pain.
Can I study this course while working full-time?
Yes — the course is delivered entirely online and designed for flexibility, so you can fit your studies around work or personal commitments.
What support will I receive?
You’ll have access to full tutor support via phone, email, and Teams. Our expert tutors will guide you through your studies, and you’ll also receive comprehensive online materials, recorded webinars, and ongoing progress tracking.
What qualification will I achieve and what are the course specifications?
Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve the Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Clients with Long-term Conditions (RQF) (Qualification Number: 603/5836/1). This qualification is designed for fitness professionals who want to develop the specialist knowledge and skills required to support clients living with one or more long-term health conditions. Throughout the course, learners will explore a range of common long-term conditions, behaviour change strategies, lifestyle interventions, and safe and effective exercise prescription to help clients manage their symptoms and improve their overall health and wellbeing. The qualification equips fitness professionals with the confidence to work with individuals living with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory conditions, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental health conditions, enabling them to deliver tailored, evidence-based support that promotes long-term positive health outcomes. In addition, this qualification is recognised by CIMSPA and contributes towards your ongoing professional development within the fitness industry.
Can reasonable adjustments be made to assessments?
Reasonable adjustments may be available where appropriate for learners with disabilities, impairments, neurodiversity, long-term health conditions or additional learning requirements. Adjustments are considered individually and in accordance with our Reasonable Adjustments Policy, qualification requirements and any applicable awarding organisation requirements. Please contact us as early as possible if you think you may require an adjustment.
Can I complete this course if I have a disability or learning requirement?
Yes. We welcome enquiries and applications from disabled learners and learners with additional support requirements. Depending on the course, it may contain both theoretical and practical elements, so the support or reasonable adjustments available will depend on your individual circumstances and the requirements of the qualification. Please contact our team if you would like to discuss your requirements before enrolling. We can explain how the course is delivered, what the practical requirements involve and what reasonable adjustments may be available.
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