TQH LEVEL 3
Diploma in Exercise Referral.
Pending
300 GLH
420 TQT
42 Credits
Aligned with CIMSPA, SkillsActive & NICE Guidelines
The TQH Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral prepares fitness professionals to safely support patients referred for exercise by medical practitioners and allied health teams[cite: 25, 33, 34]. Regulated by CCEA Regulation, this qualification equips instructors to interpret clinical referral data, understand disease pathophysiology, and implement evidence-based physical activity protocols across community and healthcare environments[cite: 27, 33, 34].
Approved delivery centres equip learners to design, deliver, and evaluate tailored exercise interventions for individuals presenting with low-to-moderate risk chronic conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, COPD, and musculoskeletal disorders[cite: 28, 34, 35]. Guided by CIMSPA professional standards, SkillsActive NOS (SKAER1–SKAER3), and NICE guidelines, candidates develop the rigorous clinical judgement required to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary care pathways[cite: 28, 30].
Achievement Summary
Clinical Pathophysiology & Conditions Students master the pathology, disease progression, pharmacological interactions, and exercise considerations for conditions including hypertension, diabetes, COPD, asthma, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and mental health[cite: 33, 35, 43].
Evidence-Based Programme Design Learners gather medical information, apply risk stratification, and utilize FITT training principles to plan, justify, and adapt progressive 12-week exercise programmes tailored to patients with complex comorbidities[cite: 34, 35, 43, 78].
Supervised Practical Delivery Learners safely instruct, monitor, and adapt individualised exercise sessions in real time, communicating effectively and dynamically adjusting intensity, regressions, and progressions in response to clinical status[cite: 34, 43, 44, 82].
Professional Standards & Scope of Practice Candidates operate strictly within defined professional boundaries, complying with GDPR and medical data protocols, collaborating with referring clinicians, and signposting higher-risk cases[cite: 29, 34, 43, 58].
| Unit Component | Level | GLH | Credits | Portfolio | Practical |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied anatomy and physiology for exercise, health, and fitness | 3 | 45 | 7 | ✔ | — |
| The principles of nutrition and their application to exercise and health | 3 | 45 | 7 | ✔ | — |
| Understanding Professional Standards and Responsibilities in Exercise Referral | 3 | 45 | 7 | ✔ | — |
| Understanding medical conditions for exercise referrals | 3 | 55 | 7 | ✔ | — |
| Planning Exercise Programmes for Referral Patients | 3 | 55 | 7 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Delivering Exercise Programmes to Referred Patients | 3 | 55 | 7 | ✔ | ✔ |
Grading & Assessment Policy
Learners must successfully achieve all six mandatory units to be awarded a Pass grade[cite: 28, 35]. Evidence of clinical understanding, programme planning, and practical delivery must be uploaded and quality assured via the TQH platform[cite: 40, 45].
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