Course Coordinator
Paulo Miguel Pinto Moreira Santiago
Relevant Areas
Qualification in the relevant area(s) for this course (Article 40-F of Decree-Law n. º 65/2018), must be demonstrated with the approval in the following subject, attested in the certificate of secondary education or legally equivalent qualification:
- Biology or
- Physical education
DGES Registry
Course registered at the General Directorate of Higher Education with the number R/Cr 6/2025
Area of Education and Training
813 - Sports
Publication in the Official Gazette
Waiting for publication
Study Program Evaluation
This Higher Technical Professional Course is a vocational training course taught as part of polytechnic higher education and lasts 4 semesters, corresponding to 120 ECTS. The course is organised into general and scientific training, technical training and on-the-job training (internship), and each student is awarded with a Higher Technical Professional Diploma at level 5 of the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning.
Professional profile
The Higher Technical Professional Course in Physical Exercise aims to train professionals who are able to elaborate, manage and supervise, in an autonomous and specialised way, the planning and conduct of training, learning and personal development processes for clients in different contexts and for different objectives.
Professional opportunities
Students who hold the Professional Certificate in Physical Exercise Technician (TEF) will have access to a wide range of career opportunities in the sport, health and well-being sector. The main opportunities include:
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Personal Trainer: Developing individual training plans, providing personalised advice and guidance to achieve specific goals such as weight loss, muscle gain or physical fitness;
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Fitness instructor: Group classes such as pilates, yoga, functional training, spinning, step and other group exercise modalities;
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Physical trainers in sports clubs: Designing and supervising training programmes for athletes, including physical preparation and support during competitions;
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Fitness centre coordinator: Managing teams of instructors, organising timetables/activities and supervising the operation of fitness centres;
- Rehabilitation and health centre technician: Assist with physical rehabilitation exercises, working in partnership with physiotherapists and other health professionals;
- Fitness and wellness entrepreneur: Set up your own projects, such as gyms, online exercise platforms or health and fitness consultancies.
With the Professional Certificate in Physical Exercise Technician(TEF), graduates are qualified to work in a variety of contexts, helping to promote health and improve people's quality of life.