Network Magazine Autumn 2019 | Page 8

INSIGHT News, views and lessons learnt FIRST AID, CPR AND MORE NOW ELIGIBLE FOR CECS Industry registration body Fitness Australia has introduced new ways for Australian Registered Exercise Professionals (AusREPs) to obtain Continuing Education Credits (CECs). Those registered with Fitness Australia need to complete 20 CECs worth of ongoing education in every 2-year registration period. Two years of membership with Australian Fitness Network provides members with access to 16 of these CECs at no additional cost. ‘We’re listening to our AusREPs and acknowledging the importance of safety standards by introducing CECs for CPR and First Aid credentials by all AusREPs, as well as adding several new relevant and cost-effective ways to gain CECs, including through affiliated learning that’s been undertaken’ said Barrie Elvish, the recently appointed CEO of Fitness Australia. ‘Having an experienced and robust workforce like ours means that many of our Level 2 & 3 AusREPs work and learn across related 8 | NETWORK AUTUMN 2019 industries. These AusREPs can now claim CECs for upskilling with an appropriate education provider or association, outside of Fitness Australia, which complements their work as a Trainer or Instructor.’ In addition to claiming CECs for completing their First Aid (3 CECs) and CPR (1 CEC), AusREPs can earn credits for reading journal articles and research-based publications, affiliated education, completing a Unit of Competency in the VET Fitness training package; and in-house training. To see all of the ways to obtain CECs go to fitness.org.au/CECs. ‘With many so-called fitness experts around, it’s even more critical that continuous education plays a role in the career of an exercise professional. And not just any education, but upskilling through a system that meets a benchmark set by industry experts should be the aim for professionals’ explained Barrie. Source: Fitness Australia & Australian Fitness Network