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Global Recognition of IUSCA IQF-Certified Strength and Conditioning Practitioners

  • Nov 13, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Oct 17

The International Qualification Framework (IQF), 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.


These certifications are designed to support recognition 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 and verified list of countries recognising IQF-aligned certifications for scientific S&C practice. For countries marked with an asterisk (*), additional licensing requirements or regulations apply for general fitness-related roles.


Countries Recognizing IQF-Certified Strength and Conditioning Practitioners


The following countries recognise IQF-aligned certifications for professional scientific S&C practice. This recognition enables practitioners to utilise protected titles (e.g., Certified Strength and Conditioning Practitioner, Accredited International S&C Practitioner), eligibility for international S&C practitioner insurance, and employment in roles such as S&C coach, consultant, or sport scientist.

Europe

Americas

Asia-Pacific

Africa & Middle East

United Kingdom

United States

Australia

South Africa

Ireland

Canada

New Zealand

Egypt

Germany

Brazil

India

Morocco

France

Argentina

Pakistan

Algeria

Spain

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*

Antigua & Barbuda

Fiji

Saudi Arabia

Turkey*

Saint Lucia

Samoa

Bahrain

Spain*

Saint Kitts & Nevis

Vanuatu

Kuwait


Saint Vincent & Grenadines


Oman




Jordan




Lebanon




Israel

Countries with Additional Licensing Requirements


In these countries, IQF-aligned certifications remain fully valid 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.


Important Notes

  • Scope of Practice: IUSCA 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

 
 
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