2ndPASS Revises Screening Standards for Talent Introduction and Launches Corporate Training Programs Following Establishment of New Standards for Exercise Instructors

2ndPASS Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, President: Daichi Akino, hereinafter referred to as 2ndPASS), which operates a specialized talent introduction and training school for personal trainers, announced that it will revise the screening standards for candidates in its talent introduction service and begin offering corporate training programs for trainers employed by fitness clubs, gym chains, and other organizations. This initiative is based on the "Safety Standards for Exercise Instruction" and "Knowledge and Skills Required for Exercise Instructors Engaged in Exercise Instruction" established by the Liaison Council of Exercise Instructor Organizations on June 25, 2026.

Background of the New Standards

Personal training is a profession that can be practiced without public certification, and there are many cases of instruction being provided by uncertified individuals. In April 2026, the Nikkei Shimbun reported that some private certifications do not require practical skills tests. This has created a challenge for companies hiring trainers, as the presence of a certification alone does not sufficiently confirm their knowledge and practical skill levels.

On May 27, 2026, the Consumer Safety Investigation Commission released a "Consumer Accident Investigation Report Pursuant to Article 23, Paragraph 1 of the Consumer Safety Act," requesting the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry to encourage industry organizations to establish and operate mechanisms for accident prevention and damage mitigation.

In response, the Liaison Council of Exercise Instructor Organizations, an industry body, established the "Safety Standards for Exercise Instruction" and "Knowledge and Skills Required for Exercise Instructors Engaged in Exercise Instruction" on June 25, 2026. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is promoting their dissemination to related businesses through fitness-related organizations. This marks the first time that the level of knowledge, skills, and safety management required of exercise instructors has been codified across the industry.

2ndPASS's Response

1. Revision of Screening Standards for Talent Introduction

2ndPASS reviewed the curriculum of its personal trainer training school and the candidate evaluation process for talent introduction against the newly established standards.

As a result, while confirming that most items were already addressed, the screening standards have been revised to align with the new standards.

Going forward, for talent introduction to fitness clubs, 24-hour gyms, personal gyms, etc., the following aspects will be incorporated into the screening process to help reduce the risks faced by accepting companies during hiring:

• Knowledge and Skills: Evaluation based on 10 domains including anatomy, exercise physiology, nutrition, safety management, and emergency response.

• Safety Standards: Evaluation based on 15 items including pre-session preparation, explanation at the time of contract, and confirmation points for each session.

2. Launch of Corporate Training Programs

With the establishment of the new standards, fitness clubs and gym chains are expected to need to raise the level of knowledge, skills, and safety management of their existing trainers to meet the new standards.

Based on the curriculum developed at its personal trainer training school, 2ndPASS has launched corporate training programs that cover the 10 domains of knowledge and skills and safety standards. This supports a comprehensive approach, including not only screening new hires but also improving the skills of existing staff.

Main Target Companies

Fitness clubs, 24-hour gyms, personal gyms, general sports clubs, rehabilitation-focused day services, etc.

*Inquiries are welcome from companies considering hiring new trainers (talent introduction) and companies considering adapting existing trainers to the new standards (training programs).

Future Development

2ndPASS will continue to strengthen the quality of introduced personnel and the support system for client companies and in-house trainers, taking into account industry standard trends.

Message from the President

Daichi Akino, President of 2ndPASS Co., Ltd.

We believe that the essence of personal training lies in possessing the knowledge and skills to protect the safety of clients, rather than simply having a qualification. The establishment of these standards is a welcome step for the industry, and we have been pursuing these standards even before they were formalized. We will continue to responsibly address the quality of the talent we introduce and the training needs of companies.

About 2ndPASS

Operates 20 personal trainer training schools nationwide, with over 2,000 graduates who have gone on to diverse careers such as employment, independent practice, and gym management. Partners with over 3,100 training facilities.

Company Name: 2ndPASS Co., Ltd.

Location: 4-7-18 Honcho, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Representative: Daichi Akino, President

Established: May 1, 2025

Business Activities: Operation of personal trainer schools, career support for fitness professionals (including talent introduction services)

URL: https://2ndpass.co.jp/

Inquiries Regarding This Matter

2ndPASS Co., Ltd.

President Daichi Akino

Email: akino.daichi.dol@2ndpass.jp

References

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry: Reports on Accidents in Personal Training, etc.

Liaison Council of Exercise Instructor Organizations: "Safety Standards for Exercise Instruction" (PDF)

Liaison Council of Exercise Instructor Organizations: "Knowledge and Skills Required for Exercise Instructors Engaged in Exercise Instruction" (PDF)

Consumer Affairs Agency: "Consumer Safety Investigation Commission Consumer Accident Investigation Report" (Accidents in Personal Training)