Founded in 1979, HFPA was one of the first organisations internationally, to recognise and act upon the need for representation and specialised training for the Sport & Fitness industry. Over a period of 30 years HFPA has led the initiative to create unity and set professional standards for the Southern African fitness industry. This initiative has now taken on an international perspective as we work closely with several other countries striving towards the same goals. HFPA’S 28 YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENT | - 1979 - The first to offer professional representation to the SA fitness industry, to negotiate on it’s behalf and to satisfy the specific needs of the industry.
| - 1979 - The first to provide professional education and training for the SA Fitness Industry.
| - 1981 - Established a professional relationship with Pretoria University, Sport and Training Institute for Continuing Education seminars.
| - 1983 - Introduced competitive Aerobics into South Africa and ran the SA National Aerobics Championship annually until 1991.
| - 1985 - Presented the first SA Fitness Industry Convention, which became an annual event featuring international presenters
| - 1986 - Invited by SAASSPER, as a founder member of the National Exercise Leaders Committee, to set educational standards and establish an “umbrella body” for the fitness industry.
| - 1988 - Successfully negotiated Professional Indemnity Insurance cover for qualified fitness instructors.
| - 1989 - Appointed as a Continuing Education Provider for the IDEA Foundation ( now the American Council on Exercise – ACE )
| - 1990 - Appointed by IDEA Foundation (ACE ) and Columbia Assessment Services, USA, to administer the Aerobics Certification Examination in South Africa.
| - 1992 - Appointed to administer the newly introduced ACE Personal Trainer Examination in South Africa.
| - 1992 - Joined forces with the Educational Assessment Service of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) to provide National Certification Examinations for fitness professionals.
| - 1993 - Accepted as a member of the NSC (National Sports Council) representing the fitness industry.
| - 1994 - Appointed International Liaison in Africa for IHRSA ( USA based – International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association ) .
| - 1995 - Held the first National General meeting of Personal Trainers at the SA Fitness Industry Convention in October 1995.
| - 2000 – Appointed as Exclusive Licensee (Africa) to present the Cancer Wellfit Program, an award winning continuing education programme.
| - 2000 – Appointed as Exclusive Licensee (South Africa) to market Continuing Education Courses by Desert South West Fitness Inc. (DSWF), the worlds largest provider of continuing education courses for the Fitness Industry
| - 2001 – HFPA courses are accredited by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) on the Higher Education level.
| - 2002 –Registered by the Department of Education as a Private Higher Education Institution for the courses as shown on Certificate No. 01HC05
| - 2005 – Our Principle is elected as vice Chairman of the SGB (Standards Generating Body) for
Fitness in SA.
| - 2005 – Courses are fully accredited by the Fitness Standards Council (FSC) who are based in North America & represented internationally.
| - 2006 – HFPA is awarded “Affiliate” Status by the NBFE (National Board of Fitness Examiners) USA. This qualifies HFPA graduates to write the NBFE examinations, which HFPA offers in South Africa.
| - 2006 - HFPA Exercise Science courses are accredited in the UK by “Skills Active”, the UK accrediting body for courses in Sport, Recreation & Fitness.
| - 2008 – Virgin Active and HFPA enter into an agreement to offer the HFPA Diploma in Exercise Science (Personal Trainer) ‘in-house” to Virgin Active staff members.
| - 2009 HFPA Dubai is licensed by Core Direction
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HFPA EDUCATION PROGRAMMES GENERAL INFORMATIONAccreditation:
HFPA is registered by the Department of Education for the courses as shown on certificate no. 2001/HE07/002
HFPA National Diploma in Exercise Science is accredited on the higher education level by the CHE (Council for Higher Education). HFPA is registered as a higher education (tertiary) institution by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority).
Courses are listed on the NQF (National Qualifications Framework). See: www.saqa.org.za Our Certificate and Diploma in Exercise Science have been awarded full accreditation by the FSC (Fitness Standards Council), which is based in North America and represented internationally.
We have been awarded “Affiliate” status by the NBFE (National Board of Fitness Examiners) USA. This qualifies HFPA graduates to write the NBFE examinations, which we offer in South Africa. HFPA Exercise Science courses are accredited by “Skills Active” in the United Kingdom. With this accreditation we are able to register with REPS (Register of Exercise Professionals). Our graduates can then on application, register as Exercise Professionals with REPS, which is the registering body in the UK & New Zealand & has an arrangement with Fitness Australia. Courses adhere to the highest international certification standards. 
Our comprehensive Training Programmes include: - Lectures & Workshops
- Extensive “hands on” practical training
- Experiential Training (internship)
The inclusion of Sport Conditioning & Coaching Science in both the 1st & 2nd year of the Diploma in Exercise Science course provides the graduate with additional skills which open up more opportunities for employment or self-employment in the workplace. HFPA study manuals and textbooks are updated regularly and students on course are provided with the latest scientific information. | 
