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Global Recognition of
IQF IUSCA-Certified Practitioners

The International Qualification Framework (IQF), independently regulated by the IQF-Independent Regulatory Council (IQF-IRC), provides a standardized, globally recognized framework for Strength and Conditioning (S&C) certifications issued by the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA).

 

These certifications, including the IUSCA IQF Level 2 Certified Strength and Conditioning Instructor, IUSCA IQF Level 4 Certified Strength and Conditioning Practitioner, IUSCA IQF Level 6 Accredited International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner (aISCP), and IUSCA IQF Level 8 Master International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner (mISCP) are specifically designed for scientific S&C practice.

 

Such practice includes roles such as:

  • Performance enhancement for athletes and sports teams.

  • Sport-specific programme design and injury risk reduction.

  • Roles within universities, athletic departments, or sports organisations.

  • Private S&C consultancy or applied research in sport science.

 

Currently, most countries have no governmental regulations in place governing who can deliver S&C services. This is partly the driving force behind the development of the IQF, to help support professional standards and competencies for the global S&C profession.

 

Fundamentally, this means that IQF IUSCA-certified practitioners are supported in over 120 countries for employment, practitioner insurance, and career progression within the scientific scope of S&C practice, as defined by the IUSCA. However, in certain countries, additional government-issued licenses may be required for general fitness instruction or personal training roles (e.g., gym-based training for weight loss or wellness), which fall outside the IUSCA’s defined scientific S&C scope.

 

Below is a comprehensive list of countries where IQF-aligned certifications for scientific S&C practice are valid under the IUSCA's S&C Practitioner Pathway. For countries marked with an asterisk (*), additional licensing requirements or regulations apply for general fitness-related roles.

 

Countries Where IQF IUSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning Practitioners Can Practice

 

​United Kingdom

United States

Australia

South Africa

Ireland

Canada

New Zealand

Egypt

Germany

Brazil

India

Morocco

France

Argentina

Pakistan

Algeria

Chile

Bangladesh

Tunisia

Italy

Colombia

Sri Lanka

Libya

Netherlands

Mexico

Nepal

Kenya

Belgium

Peru

Maldives

Nigeria

Sweden

Venezuela

Malaysia

Ghana

Norway

Uruguay

Singapore

Senegal

Finland

Ecuador

Thailand

Ivory Coast

Denmark

Bolivia

Vietnam

Cameroon

Austria

Paraguay

Indonesia

Ethiopia

Switzerland

Costa Rica

Philippines

Uganda

Poland

Panama

Hong Kong

Tanzania

Czech Republic

Guatemala

Taiwan

Rwanda

Slovakia

Honduras

Japan

Zambia

Hungary

El Salvador

South Korea

Zimbabwe

Slovenia

Nicaragua

China

Botswana

Estonia

Dominican Republic

Mongolia

Namibia

Latvia

Jamaica

Kazakhstan

Mozambique

Lithuania

Trinidad & Tobago

Uzbekistan

Malawi

Croatia

Barbados

Kyrgyzstan

Madagascar

Romania

Bahamas

Tajikistan

Mauritius

Bulgaria

Belize

Turkmenistan

Seychelles

Greece*

Guyana

Russia

UAE

Cyprus*

Suriname

Papua New Guinea

Qatar

Portugal*

Spain*

Antigua & Barbuda

Fiji

Saudi Arabia

Turkey*

Saint Lucia

Samoa

Bahrain

Saint Kitts & Nevis

Vanuatu

Kuwait

Saint Vincent & Grenadines

Oman

Jordan

Lebanon

Israel

 

*Countries with Additional Licensing Requirements

In these countries, IQF-aligned certifications remain suitable for scientific S&C practice (athletic performance, sport-specific training, academic roles, consultancy). However, additional government-issued licenses or registrations may be required for general fitness instruction or personal training contexts (e.g., gym-based training for wellness or aesthetic goals). Practitioners should verify local regulations to ensure compliance.

  • Greece* A license from the Ministry of Sports or the Hellenic General Secretariat of Sports is mandatory for general fitness instruction and personal training. IQF certifications are fully valid for scientific S&C roles with athletes, sports teams, and in academic or performance settings.

  • Cyprus* General fitness instruction requires specific licensing. IQF certifications are recognised for scientific S&C practice, including sport-specific and academic contexts.

  • Portugal* Fitness professionals may need recognition from the Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude (IPDJ) for general fitness roles. IQF certifications remain valid for scientific applications, elite sport environments, and consultancy roles.

  • Turkey* National registration is required for certain general fitness roles. IQF certifications are valid within professional sports, universities, sports federations, and performance settings.

  • Spain* Regional requirements may vary. Formal registration often needed for youth work. IQF certifications remain valid for scientific applications, elite sport environments, and consultancy roles. 

 

Important Notes

  • Scope of Practice: IUSCA IQF certifications focus specifically on scientific Strength and Conditioning, defined as exercise prescription for performance enhancement, injury prevention, and athletic development. This differs from general fitness instruction for wellness or aesthetic purposes. In countries marked (*), practitioners must obtain additional licensing to offer general fitness or personal training services.

  • Verification: Recognition of IQF-aligned certifications is based on alignment with global frameworks (e.g., European Qualifications Framework) and collaboration with over 150 international institutions. However, local regulations and employer policies may vary. Practitioners are strongly encouraged to:

    • Contact national sports or fitness regulatory authorities for verification.

    • Request a Letter of Portability from the IUSCA (courses@iusca.org) to document qualification recognition.

  • Legal Compliance: Practitioners must adhere strictly to the scientific S&C scope defined by the IUSCA and ensure they possess any required additional licenses for general fitness roles in countries marked (*).

     

Further Resources

 

For specific inquiries regarding recognition, portability, or verification, please contact the IUSCA directly at: courses@iusca.org

Image by Hartono Creative Studio

©2024 by IQF-IRC. 

Disclaimer: The IQF-Independent Regulatory Council (IQF-IRC) is an independent regulatory body that aligns its qualification framework with global standards and regulatory organizations. Please note that the IQF-IRC is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by these organizations. Our alignment with these bodies is based on our independent assessment of their frameworks and standards to promote transparency and comparability of qualifications. Any mention of these organizations' names, logos, or trademarks is solely for informational purposes and does not imply any endorsement, partnership, or official approval. For official information and accreditation, please refer to the respective official websites of these organizations.

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