France creates 'Sport-Santé' add-on certificate for adapted exercise coaches
France's Ministry of Sports, Youth and Associative Life has created a new add-on certificate called 'Sport-Santé', which is attached to three existing state sports diplomas. The order dated 1 October 2026 was published in the official journal on 1 November 2026. It sets out six skills that certificate holders must show, focused on adapted physical activity for people with chronic illness, risk factors, or age- and disability-related loss of autonomy.
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What does it mean?
People who coach sports can now earn an extra certificate that shows they know how to help people with long-term illness, chronic disease, or health risks exercise safely. It is added on top of certain existing state sports diplomas, such as the diplôme d'Etat, which is a nationally recognized coaching qualification. Coaches who hold it can design and run tailored exercise programs for these groups.
Who is affected?
Sports coaches who hold the listed state diplomas and want to work with people with chronic illness, health risks, or age- and disability-related loss of autonomy.