Advancing practice, expanding impact

When you talk to Clare Dunn, Associate Director of Engagement at CIMSPA there’s an unmistakable enthusiasm for the next chapter of professional development within our sector. 

“Practitioner status represents a real mark of professional quality,” Clare says. “But for many professionals, it’s also the start of something bigger. Becoming an Advanced Practitioner means broadening your skills, deepening your impact and showing that you can make a difference across diverse populations.” 

That difference increasingly centres on one of the most pressing challenges facing the UK today, which is supporting people living with long-term health conditions. Around 15 million people in England alone have at least one chronic condition such as arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, mental health conditions or musculoskeletal (MSK) issues. It’s a figure that continues to rise, and one that demands physical activity professionals who understand how to help people manage, adapt and improve their quality of life through movement. 

“This is where our sector has a huge opportunity,” says Clare. “By expanding their skills and expertise, trainers, instructors and coaches can play a genuine role in improving national health and wellbeing.” 

From Practitioner to Advanced – how to expand your reach 

For those already holding Practitioner-level professional status, advancing is straightforward in principle and deeply rewarding in practice. 

To be issued Advanced Practitioner status, members need to demonstrate competence not only against their occupational professional standard (for example, as a Personal Trainer or Group Exercise Instructor) but also against a population, environment or technical specialism professional standard. 

One of the most impactful is the Working with People with Long-Term Health Conditions professional standard. 

“This is about moving beyond general fitness delivery,” explains Clare. “It’s about equipping yourself to work confidently and safely with clients managing complex, long-term health needs and that’s exactly what the Long-Term Conditions standard is designed for.” 

She continues, “When you’re trained to understand conditions like Parkinson’s, arthritis or cancer, you’re no longer adapting sessions on instinct alone. You’re working from a foundation of evidence-based knowledge – knowing how medications might affect exercise tolerance, how fatigue or pain can fluctuate, and how to tailor progressions that build confidence as well as strength. It’s about facilitating meaningful, sustainable health improvements.” 

Learning that enables you to make a difference 

The CIMSPA endorsed training directory lists a range of endorsed qualifications that align with this standard. Each is designed to build knowledge, confidence and the ability to adapt exercise for specific conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular disease and MSK disorders. 

Each of these courses is CIMSPA-endorsed, meaning the learning outcomes are mapped to the national professional standard. They provide clear, recognised evidence towards Advanced Practitioner accreditation. 

“Our aim is to make professional growth both accessible and meaningful,” says Clare. “When a personal trainer or group exercise instructor completes one of these courses, they’re not just ticking a box: they’re learning to make physical activity truly inclusive and life changing.” 

The pathway from Practitioner to Advanced Practitioner is more than a badge of seniority because it’s about professional integrity, evidence and a commitment to lifelong learning. 

“The professionals who are choosing to take this step aren’t just advancing their own careers,” Clare adds. “They’re helping to redefine what the fitness and physical activity workforce can achieve. They’re bridging the gap between healthcare and community wellbeing.” 

For many, that shift in focus brings new opportunities such as working in partnership with health professionals, developing specialist referral pathways, or attracting clients who might never have felt confident entering a gym before. 

Your next step 

If you already hold Practitioner status, the route to Advanced Practitioner is to complete an endorsed qualification aligned to a population, environment or technical specialism professional standard, such as Working with People with Long-Term Health Conditions. 

All endorsed courses can be found in the CIMSPA endorsed training directory. To find courses mapped to a specific professional standard use the built-in filters to focus on training that meets your needs. 

“Professional development is about progression with purpose,” says Clare. “By stepping up to Advanced Practitioner status, you’re not only enhancing your career; you’re helping to shape a more inclusive, health-focused sector for the future.” 

Explore endorsed training mapped to the Working with People with Long-Term Health Conditions professional standard on the CIMSPA Careers Hub.