ITASCS Pathway Now Accredited by the IUSCA and Regulated by the IQF-IRC

The IQF-Independent Regulatory Council (IQF-IRC) is pleased to confirm that the Italian Strength and Conditioning Society (ITASCS) has been formally accredited by the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA).

This milestone signifies that the ITASCS educational and certification pathway has met the rigorous standards required for accreditation on the International Qualification Framework (IQF) and is now subject to ongoing regulation by the IQF-IRC.

About the Accreditation
The IUSCA is an internationally recognised accrediting body for strength and conditioning education, and a licensed accreditor for qualifications aligned with the IQF. Through a comprehensive quality assurance process, the IUSCA has reviewed all aspects of the ITASCS programme, including:
•    Curriculum structure and content
•    Learning outcomes and instructional methodology
•    Tutor qualifications and learner support
•    Assessment procedures and internal quality assurance
The result is full accreditation of the ITASCS certification pathway as an IQF Level 6 and Level 7 programme, aligning it with international standards for professional S&C practice.
 

IQF-IRC Regulation
Now under the regulatory oversight of the IQF-IRC, the ITASCS pathway is subject to the same standards of scrutiny, moderation, and verification as all other IQF-aligned qualifications. This ensures consistency, transparency, and global recognition of the certifications issued under this programme.
 

The IQF-IRC plays a central role in maintaining the integrity of the IQF by:
•    Validating that all accredited programmes meet the required level descriptors
•    Auditing assessment systems and learner outcomes
•    Ensuring portability and professional equivalency across borders
•    Providing a framework for mutual recognition between accrediting bodies
 

Certification Eligibility and Progression
Under this structure, graduates of the ITASCS pathway are now eligible for formal IUSCA certification and corresponding IQF registration. Depending on the learner’s academic background and practical experience, this includes:
•    IUSCA IQF Level 6 Accredited International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner (aISCP) – for those with an undergraduate degree and at least 750 hours of verified practical experience
•    IUSCA IQF Level 7 Accredited Master International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner (aISCP*) – for those holding a master’s degree and 1500+ hours of experience
•    IUSCA IQF Level 4 Certified Strength and Conditioning Practitioner – for learners without a degree but who meet the standards for independent-level practice
These designations are recognised internationally and carry eligibility for professional S&C insurance in over 120 countries.
 

A New Standard for Non-University Certification
Importantly, ITASCS becomes the first non-university organisation to receive IUSCA accreditation and IQF-IRC regulation, marking a significant step forward for the profession. This model allows high-quality, practice-based organisations to offer legitimate, portable, and rigorously assessed qualifications outside of the traditional university setting, while still meeting international benchmarks.
 

Conclusion
The accreditation of ITASCS by the IUSCA, and its regulation by the IQF-IRC, reflects a shared commitment to elevating the global standards of strength and conditioning education and certification. It demonstrates how independent organisations can operate within a unified international framework, ensuring that learners, employers, and regulators alike can trust in the quality and integrity of S&C qualifications.

ements, little to no formal assessment, and no third-party verification of teaching quality or learner competence.

Such courses may be marketed as “certified” or “accredited,” yet upon closer examination, they are often endorsed rather than accredited, or recognised by non-regulatory entities. While they may provide valuable learning for some participants, they should not be conflated with formally regulated professional certifications.

What Sets Accredited and Regulated Certifications Apart
A genuinely accredited and regulated Level 4 certification is fundamentally different in scope, structure, and recognition. These qualifications are subject to independent regulation and quality assurance through national or international bodies, such as Ofqual in the UK or the IQF-Independent Regulatory Council (IQF-IRC) globally.

Key characteristics of regulated certifications include:
•    Mapped learning outcomes and curriculum design aligned with national or international qualification frameworks
•    Externally verified assessment procedures that test applied knowledge and competence
•    Ongoing internal quality assurance and tutor monitoring
•    Eligibility for professional insurance and formal employment in S&C-related roles
•    Portability across regions or countries, often through mutual framework alignment (e.g., RQF ↔ EQF ↔ IQF)

Examples of regulated Level 4 certifications include:
•    IUSCA Level 4 Certified Strength and Conditioning Practitioner, accredited through the IQF and regulated by the IQF-IRC (International recognition).
•    Active IQ Level 4 Certificate in Strength and Conditioning, regulated by Ofqual and recognised within the RQF (Regional recognition). 

These programmes require evidence of applied competence, often including case study assessments, video-based coaching evaluations, and structured knowledge testing. They are developed in consultation with industry experts and validated through formal qualification development processes.

The Risk of Misleading Titles
A common issue arises when training providers market CPD-style workshops as “Level 4 Awards,” which can mislead prospective learners into believing they are receiving a regulated qualification. In some cases, these courses are delivered over a few days, with no robust assessment or verification. While they may serve as introductions to the field, they do not meet the standards of a recognised professional credential.

This misalignment can lead to confusion among employers, insurance providers, and even the learners themselves, who may assume they are qualified to practice independently in a regulated environment.

Why Regulation Matters
Regulation provides structure, credibility, and assurance. It guarantees that a qualification has been developed with input from subject matter experts, benchmarked to a clear standard, and delivered in a consistent and quality-controlled manner. It also ensures that assessments are meaningful and that the resulting certificate is a valid representation of the holder’s competence.

Without regulation, there is no consistency in what “Level 4” means—one provider’s Level 4 Award may bear little resemblance to another’s in terms of rigour, content, or industry value.

Conclusion
The title of a qualification does not define its value, but rather, its regulation does. While Level 4 “Awards” may offer entry-level knowledge or CPD enrichment, they are not equivalent to accredited and regulated certifications. For those seeking professional recognition, employment readiness, or insurance eligibility, only regulated certifications, such as those overseen by Ofqual or the IQF-IRC, provide the required assurance.

As the strength and conditioning profession continues to mature, so too must the qualifications that underpin it. Clarity, quality, and regulation are not optional. They are essential pillars of credibility and progression within the field.