An Overview of Regulatory Bodies Relevant to Strength and Conditioning (S&C): IQF, RQF, EQF, Ofqual, IQF-IRC and More

As the profession of strength and conditioning (S&C) continues to develop globally, the need for clearly defined standards and quality assurance mechanisms has become increasingly evident. Central to this is the role of regulatory bodies and qualification frameworks, which provide consistency, transparency, and credibility across educational programmes and certifications. This article outlines the key regulatory structures relevant to S&C, including general education regulators and sector-specific frameworks developed to meet the unique needs of the profession.

Regional and Global Regulatory Bodies and Frameworks

Regional bodies, such as the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), are responsible for regulating qualifications, examinations, and assessments. Ofqual ensures that awarding bodies and qualifications meet rigorous standards for quality, validity, reliability, and comparability. It also maintains the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which provides a clear system for categorising qualifications by level and size.

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Many countries have equivalent regulatory agencies, often aligned with national qualifications frameworks. These include the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), the South African NQF, and the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). At the European level, the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) enables cross-border comparison.

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This has now been expanded to the global level, with the International Qualification Framework (IQF), which provides a meta-framework for mapping qualifications across different national systems. It was designed to align with international benchmarks such as the EQF and RQF, while incorporating the distinct competencies and professional roles found within the field of applied sport science and athletic performance.

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Oversight of the IQF is provided by the IQF-Independent Regulatory Council (IQF-IRC), an international body tasked with ensuring that all IQF-aligned qualifications meet robust standards for educational delivery, assessment validity, and professional relevance. 

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Unlike general regulators, the IQF-IRC applies its expertise specifically to S&C, sport science, and related disciplines. It draws on the best practices of organisations like Ofqual but contextualises these within the practical realities of performance coaching and sport-specific training.

Importantly, the IQF-IRC also facilitates global portability and mutual recognition. For example, an individual holding an IUSCA Level 4 or Level 7 certification—regulated by the IQF-IRC—can present their qualification in another country with greater assurance that its credibility will be understood and respected.

The IQF and its underlying research are documented in the peer-reviewed articles: 
https://doi.org/10.47206/ijsc.v4i1.372 
https://doi.org/10.47206/ijsc.v5i1.582 

Comparing the Frameworks: RQF, EQF, and IQF
While the RQF and EQF provide broad classification systems for qualifications across all sectors, the IQF offers a vertically and horizontally integrated model tailored to S&C. This includes clearly defined practitioner roles at each level (e.g. Instructor, Practitioner, Master Practitioner) and alignment with practical competencies, hours of applied experience, and quality-assured assessments.

•    RQF: UK-specific framework, used by Ofqual-regulated qualifications. Levels range from Entry Level to Level 8.
•    EQF: European meta-framework for comparing qualifications across EU member states. Also ranges from Level 1 to Level 8.
•    IQF: Global framework for S&C and sport science, incorporating the EQF/RQF and other regional frameworks, but contextualised for the applied sport and performance professions. Includes practitioner role titles and practical hour requirements.

Conclusion
The role of regulatory bodies in S&C education is essential. General regulators such as Ofqual play a critical role in ensuring that awarding bodies meet consistent and transparent standards. However, sector-specific regulation, through bodies such as the IQF-IRC, adds a vital layer of relevance and practical alignment.

By integrating international best practices with the specific demands of the S&C profession, the IQF and IQF-IRC provide a pathway towards global consistency, professional recognition, and high-quality certification standards. For practitioners, employers, and educators alike, understanding and engaging with these regulatory frameworks is essential to ensuring both credibility and career progression in the field.