Everything you need to know about joining CIMSPA as a:
Tai Chi for Health and Wellbeing Instructor Practitioner
Qigong for Health and Wellbeing Instructor Practitioner
Tai Chi and Qigong for Health and Wellbeing Instructors, teach, lead, and motivate groups and individuals through intentionally designed, Tai Chi based exercise classes. Instructors can provide class design and instruction according to the desired results of the participants.
CIMSPA has worked closely with the Tai Chi Union of Great Britain (TCUGB) to develop the professional standards for Tai Chi and Qigong for Health and Wellbeing instructors. We understand having two separate memberships with our organisations is not ideal and we are working to make sure we can provide you with a more seamless membership experience in the future.
Entry requirements
You must hold BOTH:
- A group exercise or coaching qualification that covers the group exercise instructor or coach professional standard - see our directory HERE.
- A Tai Chi or Qigong for Health and Wellbeing course that covers the Tai Chi or Qigong professional standard.
RECOGNISED COURSES:
Apply for your membership
Step 1 – prepare your evidence, apply and pay
- Evidence of your qualification and CPD or letter of portability is to be provided in PDF, JPEG or PNG format.
- Debit / Credit Card or Direct Debit payment options are available.
Step 2 – We will process your application
- You will receive email updates as we review your application.
- We will let you know if we require any further information from you.
- You will receive an email confirming that your Membership has been approved.
Tai Chi and Qigong Instructor Practitioner membership cost: £36* per year (inc VAT)
*Discounts apply if your organisation is a CIMSPA employer partner.
Membership benefits - Practitioner
Take complete control of your career progression and stay at the forefront of our sector
- Recognition and status as a member of the sector’s only chartered professional body.
- Exclusive member logos to showcase your professional status
- Enhance your career prospects - many of our employer partners commit to only employing CIMSPA members.
- Access FREE endorsed CPD eLearning with SkillGate.
- Discounts on endorsed qualifications and CPD from a range of training providers.
- Sector job opportunity information from our jobs board and partner network.
Highlight – SkillGate
- Your CIMSPA membership includes FREE access to hundreds of online CPD courses with the SkillGate.
- The CPD on offer ranges from “bite-sized” quick eBriefings to certificate courses that award multiple CIMSPA CPD points.
Build your professional network through CIMSPA’s community of members, partners and events
- Shareable profile on the CIMSPA membership directory – the definitive listing of qualified sector professionals – connecting you with potential employers and customers.
- Receive digital access to S&PA Professional, S&PA Extra and the CIMSPA member bulletin – our quarterly magazine and monthly digital newsletters.
- Access to member-only webinars featuring cross-sector experts.
- Make connections through CIMSPA and partner events and conferences, and at our professional development boards and consultations (by invitation).
Benefit from a range of discounts and offers across key categories identified by members and provided by our partners*
CoverMe
Get the exclusive ability to download CoverMe’s Instructor app for free and an exclusive offer of a 3-month subscription at half price for CoverMe’s Venue app.
FitPro
With professional level memberships only (Practitioners, Managers, and Chartered Members), enjoy a complimentary Core membership from FitPro, and gain access to discounted learning, monthly educational webinars and a subscription to the FitPro digital magazine, amongst other benefits and discounts.
UK Coaching
Gain access to UK Coaching Fitness and/or Sports Massage Cover. You can ensure you enjoy peace of mind by being protected with specialist insurance from our preferred provider, UK Coaching.
*Terms and conditions apply for all offers.
Contribute to the continued improvement of the sport and physical activity sector
- Be at the forefront of the sector with the very latest news, guidance and resources.
- Be the first to hear about opportunities to be involved with CIMSPA consultations and insight, helping to influence sector policy and future research.
- Take part in focus groups and committees to help shape the sector’s future.
Ready to get started now?
Tai Chi and Qigong Instructor FAQs
- How do I know if the training I have taken meets the entry requirements to be a Tai Chi or Qigong for Health and Wellbeing Instructor?
- Are TCUGB Gradings transferable?
- Should TCUGB members also join CIMSPA?
- Is CIMSPA membership now compulsory to continue teaching Tai Chi or Qigong?
- Many of us have worked in the health and well-being sector for decades, yet do not have CIMSPA membership, or certification from any CIMSPA accredited instructor training programme, or a BCCMA coaching award. Is there any advice for these people?
- If an individual, delivering Tai Chi or Qigong, can now apply for CIMSPA membership then why would they need to continue to belong to the TCUGB?
- I am unclear about who is going to assess and decide on the actual Tai Chi and Qigong standards. I am hoping for some clarity about that?
Training that meets the entry requirements is endorsed by CIMSPA against technical specialism professional standards.
As at June 2023, these courses are recognised:
- Tai Chi and Qigong for Rehabilitation and Well-Being (8-day course)
- Tai Chi Qigong (TCQ) for Well-Being (2-day course)
- Qigong Teacher Training
TCUGB are working on mapping across the grades and will advise in due course.
Involvement with CIMSPA and the standards is not a requirement of TCUGB membership and may not be of interest or suitable for many TCUGB members.
CIMSPA Membership gives you professional recognition and confirmation your qualifications meet the industry agreed professional standards.
Currently no, however many employers now impose, holding accreditation in the relevant membership category with us, as a pre-requisite to employment with them. CIMSPA membership may not be suitable or of interest to many TCUGB members.
This is currently under review between TCUGB and CIMSPA to identify transferable experience and qualifications – Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
TCUGB are the experts in Tai Chi and Qigong, the value you get from them will be far greater than anything you would get from a non-specific governing body or membership organisation. We offer professional recognition for your qualifications and training however, TCUGB remain the experts in this technical specialism.
The standards have been written and agreed by leading experts in the field. TCUGB have been instrumental in the writing and agreement of the now industry agreed professional standards for Tai Chi and Qigong.
Membership join FAQs – Practitioner
- I hold an overseas qualification that is not recognised by CIMSPA, can I still apply for Practitioner or Associate membership?
- I have completed an endorsed qualification with an education provider, how can I use this to apply for practitioner membership?
- I hold a UK qualification that is not recognised by CIMSPA, can I still apply for Practitioner membership?
- What will happen if my application for entry into the Practitioner or Associate membership category does not meet the requirements?
EREPS/REPS Ireland
We have an agreement with and can accept a Letter of Portability during your membership application from the following organisations, providing it is transferrable to your chosen CIMSPA membership category:
Other countries
If your qualification was completed in a country outside the above organisations’ jurisdiction, please email info@cimspa.co.uk with a copy of your letter of portability or qualification, confirming the country of issue, for further support.
If you have successfully met the professional standard following completion of your CIMSPA endorsed course for your chosen practitioner category, your professional qualification certificate issued by CIMSPA and awarded by your education provider will clearly confirm this and should be submitted with your application.
If your qualifications have not been mapped to the industry professional standards, they may be submitted for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. For further information, please email info@cimspa.co.uk
Your membership will be approved within the affiliate membership category to bring you onboard as a CIMSPA member. We will email you with guidance to support you with your next steps towards becoming a practitioner or associate member.
Need to discuss your membership?
If you’re unsure on any aspect of your CIMSPA membership application, get in touch or call our membership hotline on 0343 836 0200