
The Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral course provides a pathway to working within the area of exercise referral.
Those keen to pursue a route into GP Referral will be given an excellent insight into the exercise referral process as well as various disease states and their implications for exercise.
To be safe and effective when prescribing exercise for many of the populations studied in the course, a significant level of knowledge of their condition and the ability to apply that knowledge in a practical exercise situation will be vital. The course will give you the necessary level of qualification and the confidence to enable you to work with these potentially more demanding and sensitive groups.
Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral syllabus does not qualify learners to prescribe an exercise programme for a client entering Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation. Learners need to obtain a recognised Cardiac Rehab Phase IV qualification to work with this particular group of clients.
The Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral is recognised at Level 3 on REPs and carries 20 CPD points.
Expected Course Length: 2-3 months
Accredited Achievement: Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral
To book - choose your preferred course dates below
Assessments will take place on the Monday 12th April 2021
Day 1: Mon 1st Mar
Course Details
How Do I Start?
When you enrol on the Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral (GP Referral) you will receive your joining instructions via email giving you access to your learning resources.
The resources are divided into unit order providing you with the relevant manuals, worksheets, case study documents and mock exams required to help you complete your learning and prepare for your workshop/assessment days.
Pre-workshop Learning
It is recommended that you complete and email your knowledge based worksheets to us before you attend the workshop.
They include:
- Unit 2: Professional Practice for Exercise Referral Instructors worksheet
- Unit 3: Understanding Medical Conditions for Exercise Referral worksheet
- Unit 5: Planning Exercise Referral Programmes with Patients worksheet
The submission of any work is not final and can be amended once marked by one of the CMS team and feedback was given. However, we insist that all work submitted is fully completed to a high level prior to submission.
Theoretical Exams
As part of your Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral, you will need to pass two theoretical paper-based multiple-choice exams. If you currently hold your Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training qualification you may not need to sit these exams. CMS Fitness Courses will require a copy of your certificate to confirm exemption.
- Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise and Health
- Unit 4: Applying the Principles of Nutrition to a Physical Activity Programme
The exams are sat on day 3 of the workshop. If you refer an exam you can book to re-sit the exam on one of our planned re-sit days. You can re-sit an exam as many times as needed, however CMS Fitness Courses has a responsibility to ensure that teaching and learning occur in between each exam to promote learner development and quality of delivery.
Workshop Attendance
Can you please attend wearing appropriate leisure clothing as the workshops will include physical activity and we cannot guarantee access to changing rooms and showers. In addition, you are expected to provide your own refreshments. For the respect of other users of our venues, please bring a gym towel.
Throughout the Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral workshop days our experienced tutors will support you to ensure your full participation and give guidance on what work needs to be completed and by when, to ensure that you can successfully complete the workshop.
Case Study
Your unit 4 & 5 case study must be submitted and marked as passed by one of our assessors prior to the practical assessment day or you will not be allowed to progress onto your practical assessment. The documents for your case study are available on your Virtual Learning Environment and include:
- Client Information collection sheet
- Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)
- Session Plan and Exercise Recommendations
- Gym Programme Card
- Modification summary
If you are attending the 3 days workshop your tutor/assessor will provide guidance during the workshop days on what work needs to be completed and by when so you can complete the work in between the workshop days.
If you are attending the 1-day course, you will be supported by our tutors via phone and email. Please note, your case study documents must be submitted and marked as passed prior to your attendance on the first workshop day. Failure to submit and pass your unit 4 & 5 case study will result in you not being able to attend the practical assessment.
Practical Assessment
Your practical assessment involves you delivering your programme card under assessor observation. Please note students may be required to bring their own participant to the assessment day.
All components of the assessment will be explained by your workshop tutor.
Workshop | Session 1 | Session 2 | Session 3 | Session 4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Principles of Exercise Referral | Primary Prevention of CVD | Hypertension | Obesity & Diabetes |
Day 2 | Osteoporosis & Arthritis | Back Pain & Joint Replacement | COPD & Asthma Exercise Prescription | Programme Writing & Case Study Overview |
Day 3 | Case study hand in | Practical Assessment | Practical Assessment | Practical Assessment |
All learners on the Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral are supported with:
- E-Learning
- Manual
- Workshop Day(s)
- Personal Tutor phone and e-mail support
e-Learning is a compulsory part of this training programme.

Learners wishing to complete the Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral should be:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Hold a REPs recognised Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (GYM / ETM) or equivalent
- The course requires physical exertion and individual participation is essential, therefore a degree of physical fitness is necessary

Course Cost: £425
Payment Options: Credit or Debit Card Online or Call 01924 470 477
Option 1: Pay the full balance
Option 2: £150 deposit and set up an interest-free payment plan.

Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise and Health – Multiple Choice Exam Paper
Professional Practice for Exercise Referral Instructors – Worksheet
Understanding Medical Conditions for Exercise Referral – Worksheet
Applying the Principles of Nutrition and Physical Activity – Multiple Choice Exam Paper & Case Study
Planning Exercise Referral Programmes with Patients – Worksheet & Case Study
Instructing Exercise with Referred Patients – Practical Assessment, Self-Evaluation & Worksheet
Please note: Students may be required to bring a participant to some assessment days.
