Membership Category Criteria
Student Member
We are currently accepting student membership applications, this membership option is £60 per annum and does not include insurance. We can support you though your learning journey and throughout your therapy career. (T&Cs apply) For further information on how to arrange a student membership please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (This option is not availalbe if you already hold a practitioner level 4 qualification)
Level 3 Sports Massage Qualifications
We are not currently accepting any membership applications for NEW Level 3 qualifications (including massage for sports and massage for performance) If you hold an historic qualification, gained prior to 2014 or one issued between 2014 and 2024 and would like to arrange a call to discuss your options please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as there are so many variables in standards, delivery, face to face training days and qualfication recognition.
AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP this membership category is due to be launched in May 2024, it will have limited scope of practice and insurability but will alllow you to access all our resources, closed online learning opportunities, coffee evenig chats, mentorship and password protected areas of our social media and website. Further details will appear here in due course.
Practitioner status membership categories
For all membership categories listed below you will need a valid first aid certificate (minimum EFAW). We do not currently accept online first aid courses for any membership categories.
First aid course should contain practical CPR element. Examples of acceptable qualification; Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) First Aid at Work (FAW), First Aid for Sports And Exercise (FASE) or Appointed person. Sports Trauma or Pitchside FA are recommended for all pitchside or sports team roles.
Soft Tissue Therapist Level 4 Member
Level 4 Sports Massage Therapy
Soft Tissue Therapist Level 5 Member
Level 5 Sports Massage Therapy
Soft Tissue Therapist Diploma member
Diploma Sports And Remedial Massage, Diploma Sports Massage
HND/FdSc/ADip Sports Therapist Member
HND, FdSc or ADip Sports Therapy
Graduate Sports Therapist Member(GST)
BSc or MSc Sports Therapy, BSc Sports and Exercise Therapy or other relevant industry Degree
Graduate Sports Rehabilitator Member(GSR)
BSc Sports Rehabilitation, MSc Sports Rehabilitation
Graduate Sports Member BSc or MSc relevant sports degree with rehabilitation, injury management or soft tissue modules.
*WE HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE THAT SOME TRAINING PROVIDERS FOR ENTRY LEVEL QUALIFCATIONS OR CPD ARE FALSELY ADVERTISING STA APPROVAL ON THEIR WEBSITES TO ADD VALIDITY AND VALUE TO THE COURSES, PLEASE CHECK WITH THE STA OFFICE BEFORE BOOKING ONTO A COURSE*
Certain qualifications, advertised as meeting National Occupational Standards do not meet our stringent membership criteria, however, to enable you to benefit from our affiliate member scheme, we will work with you to provide the necessary support to identify a progression route through our membership categories.
Unfortunately, The STA do not accept any qualifications issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, Any online Skills Academy, Distance Learning Academy, Open Study College, BSY Group, NCFE, ABC awards, UK Public College, Active Health Group or Active Health Awards.
- The STA do not recognise Level 6 Diplomas or Master Diplomas that do not appear on a qualification framework for any membership category.
- Membership levels for the Sports Therapy Association are based on the industry agreed National Occupational Standards (NOS).
- If you are unsure about your qualification, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for clarification.