Become a Qualified Personal Trainer

Build the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to work as a Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer with the Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training.

Whether you want to work in a gym, support clients to achieve their goals or build your own personal training business, this qualification can help you take the next step.

Funding may be available through an Advanced Learner Loan, subject to eligibility. We will support you through the application process.

Start a Career That Makes a Difference

“Personal trainers do more than deliver workouts.” They help people improve their health, build confidence, stay motivated and make positive lifestyle changes.

This programme prepares you for opportunities including:

Personal Trainer
Gym Instructor
Fitness Coach
Freelance or self-employed trainer
Membership Sales Consultant
Sports Coach
Leisure Industry Assistant
Gym Manager or gym owner

Qualified learners may work in gyms, leisure centres, sports clubs, hotels, resorts, spas or directly with clients in their homes.

Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training

The qualification is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to work as both a Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer. It is mapped to the professional standards of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity — CIMSPA. Successful learners can apply to join the CIMSPA Exercise and Fitness Directory as a practitioner.

Fitness and Exercise Science

Anatomy and physiology
The muscular and skeletal systems
Exercise, movement and biomechanics
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Energy systems and exercise performance
Nutrition and hydration

Working With Clients

Conduct client consultations
Complete health screening and fitness assessments
Understand client goals, needs and barriers
Motivate clients and encourage long-term exercise
Support health, wellbeing and lifestyle change
Review client progress and adapt programmes

Planning and Delivering Exercise

Plan safe and effective gym programmes Deliver gym inductions Demonstrate correct exercise techniques Use cardiovascular machines, resistance equipment and free weights
Deliver personal training sessions
Monitor client safety, intensity and performance
Progress and adapt exercises for individual clients

The qualification includes dedicated learning on business acumen for personal trainers, helping you understand how to create, market and manage your own services.

How You Will Be Assessed

The programme is assessed through a portfolio of evidence, which may include:

Written assignments
Practical observations
Client consultations
Exercise programme plans
Personal training sessions
Fitness assessments
Client reviews
Business and marketing activities
Professional development planning

You will be required to demonstrate that you can safely plan, deliver and review gym-based exercise and personal training sessions. The qualification is internally assessed and externally quality assured.

Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training. FEE: £2,882

Pay Now

Pay the full course fee yourself in one payment.
This is the simplest option for those who would prefer to fund their training directly, with no loan application, credit agreement or ongoing payment schedule.

Best suited to those who:
Have the funds available to pay upfront do not want to take out a loan or finance agreement
Want to complete payment before beginning the programme
Payment will be required before your place is fully confirmed.

Pay Later - Advanced Learner Loan

Those eligible may be able to fund the full £2,882 course fee through a government-backed Advanced Learner Loan.

There are no upfront course-fee payments to make. The Student Loans Company pays the approved course fee directly to the training provider on your behalf.

Repayments are linked to your income rather than the amount borrowed. Under the current terms, repayments normally begin from the April after you complete or leave your course, and only when your income is above £25,000 per year. You repay 9% of the income you earn above the repayment threshold. Repayments stop if your income falls below the threshold.

For example, someone earning £30,000 per year would currently repay approximately £37 per month. Interest is applied to the loan in line with the government’s applicable repayment terms.

Pay in Instalments - Payl8r

Spread the £2,882 course fee over a series of manageable payments through our external PayLater finance provider.

Rather than paying the full amount upfront, you can apply for a payment plan and, subject to approval, repay the cost over an agreed period.

Your payment amount, repayment period and any interest or charges will be clearly explained by the finance provider before you enter into an agreement.

Applications are subject to eligibility and affordability checks
Finance is provided by an external company, not by the training provider terms, interest rates and repayment periods may vary
You should review the full agreement carefully before accepting it

This option may suit those who want to begin their training now while spreading the cost across regular monthly payments.

FEE: £2,882

Qualification fee: £2,882

You can fund the programme through: Advanced Learner Loan

Eligible learners may be able to access an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the course fee. The loan is not based on household income, and there are no upfront course fees to pay when an approved loan is in place.

Our team will guide you through the application and help you understand the information required.

Commercial Payment

You can also choose to pay for the programme privately.
Advanced Learner Loan availability and approval are subject to eligibility and the relevant funding rules.

Who Is This Programme For?

This programme could be right for you when you:

Are passionate about health, fitness and exercise
Want to become a qualified Personal Trainer
Want to work in a gym or leisure environment
Would like to start your own personal training business
Enjoy motivating and supporting other people
Are prepared to complete both practical and written assessments
Are aged 16 or over

You do not need to already work in the fitness industry, but you should have an interest in exercise and be able to meet the practical, literacy, numeracy and health and safety requirements of the programme.

Take the First Step Towards Becoming a Personal Trainer

Discuss your career goals
Explain the programme and assessments
Check your eligibility
Talk you through funding options
Help you apply for an Advanced Learner Loan
Arrange your programme start