Diploma in Strength & Conditioning
Achieve your full potential with our qualification in
Strength & Conditioning.
- Duration:
2-6 months 27hrs online + 16hrs in person - Qualification:
Level 5 Diploma in Strength & Conditioning
- Fees:
€1399 - Location:
Online / Blackrock
- Requirements:
Level 3/4 Diploma in Personal training or higher - Assessment methods:
Blended learning (80% online 20% in-person)
APECs strength and conditioning diploma is now part of an accelerated degree into year 2 of a health science course
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Browse Lesson Plan
The exercise anatomy & physiology module highlights all the different components that make up our living breath body. The module also examines the responses and adaptation to physical activity over time.
Communicating effectively with clients is a very important part of being a strength & conditioning coach. The communication module of our course sets you up to communicate effectively and efficiently with your clients. The module will cover everything from the pitch and tone of your voice right through to the different communication methods such as para verbal, non-verbal, body language and listening skill. Learners will be introduced to reflective writing and the benefits of reflective practice within a coaching environment.
This module covers the importance of an initial movement screen, different types of movement screens that can be used, common dysfunctions to look out for and exercises that can be implemented to target these dysfunctions. This module also provides tools and PDFs to help you ask the right questions as well as build a profile on your client.
The coaching science module provides insight into the scientific foundation that underpins the work of all coaching practices. The module translates the science of coaching into real-life practice application and shows personal coaches the link between theory and practice and how to apply their learning efficiently for the benefit of their clients.
The training science module is the nuts and bolts of the course and focuses on all the different training systems that can be used to help your client improve their performance. Everything from Energy system development right through to strength and hypertrophy, power and speed development.
In this module we will take a look at the main macronutrients fat, carbohydrates and protein, why the body needs them and their importance for sporting performance. This module will also cover the importance of hydration and methods to assess water loss and how to rehydrate during or after a competition.
Exercise programming takes the training systems that was taught in the training science modules and shows coaches how to program for the most effective outcomes. This module covers exercise selection; the implementation of our systems approach to programming; different loading methods, how to program for the advanced athlete and how to bring all of this together to generate a structured training plan.
Coaching is an iterative process that requires self-evaluation to improve your services you provide as a coach. Self-evaluation enables you to honestly assess your strengths and also areas you need to improve upon as a coach. The session evaluation module training tool helps you evaluate your sessions in two ways: objectively, by checking whether you have achieved the outcomes of your session with your athletes; and subjectively, by getting feedback from your athletes, colleagues and mentors.
The online coaching module provides coaches with access to 6 months of free online programming software. The module runs through every aspect of online coaching including a full demonstration of the RYPT platform which allow fitness trainers to create and sell programs to the clients they work with.
APEC’s Strength and Conditioning Diploma involves an in-depth exploration of exercise programming and the human body to maximise sporting performance.
The course entails an elite education of underpinning theories and tools that translates science into practice. We aim to produce graduates who will apply knowledge to the sport and exercise environment and harness the human body’s physiological mechanisms to enrich individual development.
Uncover the biomechanics of movement, player screening and assessment, advanced programming for strength, power, speed, agility, and energy system development. Be nothing but the best through APEC’s superior Diploma in Strength and Conditioning.
71 video lessons (27h 10m)
Course Information
The APEC Diploma In Strength and Conditioning provides coaches with the systems and methods used to train elite level track, court and field-based athletes and teams. Once you register for your Strength & Conditioning course you will be given access to online modules covering all the various components of the strength and conditioning qualification.
You will be required to complete all online modules and a real-life athlete case study. Once both have been completed you can then attend the course practical days to complete your strength and conditioning diploma.
Once you have completed the course, you will be capable of working as part of a multidisciplinary team as a fully qualified Strength and Conditioning coach.
Course Length: The course is designed for you to study at your own time and pace. The typical completion time ranges from 2 to 6 months. Learners who devote full-time effort to the course can complete it in as little as 4-6 weeks.
Entry Requirements: Learners must have a Level 3 & 4 Personal Training qualification and should be competent in literacy and numeracy for efficient communication.
Accreditations: The Level 5 Strength & Conditioning course is accredited by Focus Awards & CIMSPA.
Cost: €1399. No extra fees for certification or exams.
Offer & Payment Options: APEC offers flexible payment terms- €51 per month to make payments manageable.
What You’ll Qualify With: On successful completion of the S&C Diploma, you will qualify with:
- 20 CIMSPA points and entry onto the CIMSPA register with Level 5 status
- 17 CPD points
- Level 5 Diploma in Strength & Conditioning
- Level 3 Certificate in Athletic Movement Screen
- Level 3 Certificate in Strength & Power Development
- Level 3 Certificate in Speed Development
- CPD in Plyometrics
- CPD in Energy System Development
- CPD Long Term Periodisation Planning
- Free online programming software
Progression Routes
Learners wishing to undertake this qualification can progress and pursue the following qualifications:
- Level 5 Diploma in Performance Nutrition
- Level 5 Diploma in Health Coaching
Completion of your Strength & Conditioning qualification will require you to complete both theory and practical assessments.
Level 5 S&C Assessments
- Multiple choice paper on anatomy and physiology – 70% pass mark required
- Multiple choice paper on the principles of training science – 70% pass mark required
- Multiple choice paper on the principles of coaching science – 70% pass mark required
- Online interactive assignments and quizzes after each module – 100% complete
- Practical Assessment on delivering strength/power based gym session
- Practical assessment on delivering a customised track/field speed session
- Coursework on health and safety, programme and periodisation design – Pass Required
The Level 5 Diploma in Strength and Conditioning is designed for learners who have completed levels 3 and 4 of Personal Training, aspiring to advance to the specialised field of strength and conditioning. The APEC Level 5 Diploma in Strength and Conditioning instructs learners how to increase athletic performance by using a systematic approach to enhancing athletic traits such as speed, strength, and power, as well as avoiding sporting injuries.
Athletic Movement Screening
Movement Screening is the process of analysing movement tasks to understand individual utilisation and application of the human body. The movement strategies an individual adopts contribute to their physical performance or mechanisms of injury.
Strength Development
Any athletic development programme must be underpinned by strength training as it is key to unlocking any other strength qualities. Strength training helps athletes to strengthen supporting muscles, balance muscular imbalances, improve mobility, correct posture, stabilise joints, acquire new movement patterns, improve coordination, peripheral abilities, improve power output and much more.
Power Development
Power Training focuses on overcoming resistance but also concentrates on the ability to overcome the resistance in the shortest period. Power training can be improved by increasing force or velocity or by using a mixed-methods approach. A combination of unloaded and loaded exercises can be used to maximise power development to enhance program variety. This enables athletes to operate throughout the entire power continuum to maximize power output.
Speed Development
Attaining a high sprint velocity over a short distance is vital for successful performance in team and field sports. Accelerating from a stationary position or a moving start requires high force generation capacity to overcome the body’s inertia. Thus, training techniques involving a high external resistance are useful for developing acceleration. While training for field sports, any gains resulting from strength and power training must be translated into performance-specific movements, such as sprinting.
Energy System Development
Energy System Development (ESD) is a training method that aims to increase the efficiency of energy metabolism to improve athletic performance. To accurately prescribe ESD, it is important to know the energy demands of your sport as well as your baseline levels of energy metabolism. After a base level of conditioning is present, the majority of ESD should be geared towards improving athletic performance. After identifying each athlete’s peak VO₂ and anaerobic threshold, strength and performance coaches can accurately prescribe training programs.
Programming & Periodisation
Periodization is a generally accepted approach to manage athletic performance by the sub-division of training programs into sequential, specifically focused training periods. Periodization implements structured variability into the training process to maximise performance in the most critical phases of the competitive season and/or improve the long-term athletic development of athletes.
APEC offers a blended learning approach to education allowing you to complete your qualifications at your own time and pace depending on your personal circumstances and lifestyle. With our award-winning online e-learning platform, you can now complete 80% of your Strength & Conditioning Diploma online.
Contact us once you’ve finished your online theory study to schedule your practical examination in one of our many performance centres across the country.
Online Learning
As APEC provides 80% of the theory-based learning associated with the course online, you may begin studying on the day you enrol and proceed through the course modules at your own pace. APEC has a staff of dedicated tutors who are available via phone or email 7 days a week, making learning even easier.
Our award-winning e-learning platform is completely custom built and is tailored to your learning needs. Learning is provided through the platform in the form of digitised and animated video-led content. To aid your learning, online training materials such as online programming software, spreadsheet files, and athlete evaluation packs are available. Furthermore, APEC has one of the most comprehensive digital exercise libraries to assist you in improving your movement skill knowledge.
You are not obligated to finish your course within a specific time limit, so you can take as much or as little time as you need to achieve the qualification.
Plans & Pricing
Diploma in Strength & Conditioning
- Level 5 Diploma in S&C
- Certificate in Athletic Screening
- Certificate in Strength & Power
- Certificate in Speed & Agility
- Certificate in Plyometrics
- Certificate in Energy System Development
- CPD in Programming
- CPD in Periodisation
From:
€ 1,399
Sign up with Humm for as little as €51 euro a month
Diploma in Strength & Conditioning and Diploma in Performance Nutrition Package
- Level 5 Diploma in S&C
- Level 5 Diploma in Nutrition
- Certificate in Nutrition For Health
- Certificate in Nutrition For Physical Activity & Sport
- Certificate in Communication
- Certificate in Behaviour Change
- Free online programming software
From:
€ 2,798
Sign up with Humm for as little as €51 euro a month
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- Digitalised and animated videos
- Interactive learning process
- Case study & MCQ based assessment
- Watch on your desktop, phone, or TV
- Study at your own time and pace
- New courses added every month
Careers and Progression
Upon completion of your Strength & Conditioning Diploma, you will be eligible to register as a qualified Strength & Conditioning coach and start advertising your services straight away.
APEC also provides post-course support to help direct you towards employment with a large gym chain or with one of our many successful students who now run and operate bespoke gyms after finishing their education with APEC.
Career Support
At APEC, we go the further mile in helping our students. We are not just focused on providing you with great service during the course, but we also want to help you give your S&C career the best start possible.
Once you have finished the course you can arrange a consultation with our post-course career support team who will guide you through different career options.
The career support team will assist you with CV analysis, and will also help you get your CV into the hands of corporate and bespoke gym owners. Guaranteed interviews and upcoming health, fitness and wellness jobs will be posted on our internal message forum available to all students who enrol for APEC diplomas.
Progression Route
We at APEC take pride in our further education approach. After the completion of your Strength & Conditioning Diploma, further education diplomas in Performance Nutrition and Health Coaching at level 5 will be available to you.
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Testimonials
Former MMA Fighter, owner of Urban Gym
I found the S&C Diploma phenomenal for both time and money. With APEC, you will receive far more than just a certificate on completion. They give you the practical tools to make a real difference in people’s lives and get confident using these tools. You will also join a coaching family that supports one another and aims to help you succeed in your career.
Bristol Bears
The content is really good, it’s easy to comprehend & you can learn it in your own time. The tutors are very forgiving and helpful and the interaction with them is easy and friendly
Northampton Saints
The course really helped me understand how different forms of training can affect me and help me improve as an athlete and professional. It has enabled me to go on and do an accelerated Strength and Conditioning degree at Hartpury.