Official Announcement: World Fitness & Running Federation (WFRF & Running)

Subject: Accreditation of the Federation’s Academy with EQF, NQF, and CPD Standards in Coaching and Refereeing

The World Fitness & Running Federation (WFRF & Running) – one of the most recognized international bodies in fitness, athletics, and related sports – hereby announces:

The WFF & Running Academy has successfully aligned all of its Coaching and Refereeing/Umpiring courses with three key international standards and has received official certification.

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Definitions of the Standards

1. EQF (European Qualifications Framework)

An 8-level system that makes professional and academic qualifications comparable across all European countries.

Application for our Academy:

· Level 3 and 4 EQF Coaching certificates are equivalent to an advanced professional diploma.
· Level 4 and 5 EQF Refereeing certificates are eligible for registration in official European systems.
· Graduates can work in 39 member countries of the Council of Europe by directly citing their EQF level.

2. NQF (National Qualifications Framework)

The local version of the EQF in each country, aligned with national laws and government regulations.

Application for our Academy:

· Our qualifications are officially recognized in countries such as England (RQF), Germany (DQR), and Turkey (TQF).
· Referees holding our certificates can cite their NQF level to apply for official national refereeing licenses.
· This standard allows qualifications to align with state systems, enabling employment in national sports organizations.

3. CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

A system for continuously updating professional knowledge and skills.

Application for our Academy:

· Every coaching and refereeing certificate issued by the WFRF & Running Academy includes a unique CPD reference number.
· Certificate holders must complete 30 CPD units (equivalent to 30 hours of additional training) every two years.
· Failure to complete the required CPD will deactivate the certificate, making it invalid for officiating in official competitions.
· CPD units can be earned through: attending seasonal workshops, officiating international competitions, publishing technical articles, or completing online courses.

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Benefits for Academy Graduates

For Coaches:

1. Eligibility for international professional liability insurance (citing EQF level).
2. Ability to teach in European-standard fitness clubs.
3. Registration in national exercise referral schemes (e.g., Germany, UK).
4. Priority hiring by affiliated national federations.

For Referees/Umpires:

1. Valid credentials for officiating in WFRF-sanctioned international competitions.
2. Pathway to higher refereeing levels (International A and B) by accumulating CPD units.
3. Eligibility for equivalency with national refereeing systems in member countries.
4. Access to the WFF international database of certified referees.

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Full Certificate Wording

World Fitness & Running Federation (WFRF & Running)

Hereby certifies that the WFRF & Running Academy has designed, delivered, and accredited all of its Coaching (Beginner to Advanced) and Refereeing (Regional to International) courses according to the following standards:

✅ EQF (European Qualifications Framework) – Levels 3 to 5
✅ NQF (National Qualifications Framework) – Aligned with the systems of 12 member countries
✅ CPD (Continuing Professional Development) – Includes a mandatory 2-year, 30-unit recertification program

Graduates of this Academy may, by citing their international certificate registration number, benefit from:

· Qualification equivalency through international scientific cooperation offices.
· A professional coaching or refereeing card valid for 2 years.
· Free or discounted CPD courses as active members of the Federation.

Certificate Validity Period: January 2024 – January 2029
International Tracking Code: WFRF-RUN-EQF-2024-001

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Final Summary

By obtaining these three certifications, the World Fitness & Running Federation (WFRF & Running) has demonstrated its commitment to professionalization and educational transparency. The distinction between a simple participation certificate and an internationally traceable professional qualification is now clear for both coaches and referees.

For verification of certificates or collaboration on CPD courses, please contact the WFRF & Running Education Department.

Public Relations Department
Developing human capital through global standards