Frequently Asked Questions
1: How do I become a personal trainer?
If you are considering becoming a personal trainer, make sure you choose a CIMSPA approved training provider who offers courses that get you the right type of PT qualifications. Then look at what fitness industry awarding body that the provider you are looking at uses – the largest and most recognisable in the fitness sector is Active IQ.
Then you will need to do a Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing (which will qualify you as a gym-based Instructor) followed by a Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training (which will allow you to work as an independent Personal Trainer).
With Study Active you can do these as one big course which is our most popular option. There is the option to opt for a higher-level package which includes Level 4 Advanced Personal Training and/or RSPH Level 4 Nutrition. The latter options are completely optional.
2: Are your Personal Trainer Courses Internationally recognised?
Our Personal Trainer courses are awarded by Active IQ, regulated by Ofqual and endorsed by CIMSPA. Anyone with a CIMSPA Personal Training qualification is eligible to join EREPS who will advise on international portability of health & fitness qualifications across Europe.
Due to our courses for personal trainer qualifications carrying these prestigious accreditation and associations this mean that there are many countries throughout the world that will fully recognise these fitness qualifications. There is no other PT qualification that we know of in the UK which is more internationally recognised than ours. You are of course always advised to check with the local fitness regulators for any specific country you wish to work in.
3: What courses do I need to complete to become a personal trainer?
To become a personal trainer, you will first need to complete a gym instructor qualification – however, with Study Active you can do both 'Gym Instructing' and 'Personal Training' as one larger course. Once qualified as a personal trainer, you further your career by taking additional fitness qualifications such as 'RSPH Level 4 Nutrition'. If you want to continue building on your professional development, by taking on additional qualifications such as the 'Pre & Post Natal Exercise' course.
4: What previous experience do I need to become a PT?
You do not need previous training experience within a gym setting, but it is recommended that a professional fitness trainer gains some experience or learn some new skills within a gym-based setting.
Often students of Study Active do gain some paid and unpaid work experience in a gym while they are studying (this could help you get into the industry quicker) while, others, may choose to begin working in a gym as an instructor upon course completion.
There is no hard and fast rule, everyone is different, the main point is that you feel comfortable and adequately equipped, before starting work. If you want to progress faster in the fitness industry, you can take more advanced fitness courses to improve your knowledge.
5: How long does it take to complete one of your courses?
The time it takes to complete our courses depends on you. Some people can complete the level 2 personal trainer course in 5 weeks while others may need a few months while part-time studying. Previous fitness knowledge and the weekly study hours that you can manage in your own time. Most of our gym & PT students study part-time and qualify within 3-6 months, however, those adding additional fitness courses to their package will naturally take longer.
6: Do I need experience in the health & fitness industry to become a personal trainer?
The only entry requirements to take the level 2 personal trainer course and is an active interest in health, fitness and a positive attitude while learning.
You will learn all there is to know to get started as a gym instructor and personal trainer with the level 2 gym instructor course.
While having prior experience is not necessary to earn your qualification (however, many of our students already have acquired some form of experience), it is recommended that you get as much exposure to the health & fitness sector as possible to give you that edge when applying for interviews and gaining entry as a fitness professional.
7: How much can I earn as a personal trainer?
This depends. And will vary depending on the area, services you offer, experience you have etc. A newly qualified gym instructor may charge between £20-25 p/h. While a more experienced PT may charge £35-50 p/h and more renowned PTs may charge £60-80 p/h or more!
It is important to remember that these figures are based on self-employed income, it is unlikely that you will find a gym paying the above figures as a salary, more so these are the amounts that PT’s can charge their own clients on a self-employed basis.
8: What governing boards are your personal training courses accredited by?
Our courses and qualifications are awarded by Active IQ who are the largest and most prestigious awarding body in the fitness sector. In addition to this our courses are regulated by Ofqual and endorsed by CIMSPA. Study Active is also a CIMSPA-endorsed training provider and a UK Active member and also have associations with the RSPH, association for nutrition and the national register of personal trainer (NRPT).
9: How long has Study Active been offering personal training courses?
Study Active first started delivering courses for gym instructors, and PTs back in 2012 making us one of the longest operating fitness training providers within the UK. Since then, the company has grown considerably to where it is today.
Study Active is now one of the leading providers of fitness courses in the country.
10: Do you provide personal training courses near me?
While you can study close to Study Active headquarters, our students can be found across
the country.
This is possible via remote study which incorporates e-learning, digital resources, webinars, skype tutorials etc. Students can access all the resources and learning materials without ever needing to attend the physical location.
We do recommend students visit our base for their gym-based practical input & assessments. However, you can instead record your practical assessment in a nearby gym and we can review the video.
11: Can I work as a gym instructor in any gym with this personal training qualification?
Our level 2 course is awarded by Active IQ, regulated by Ofqual and endorsed by CIMSPA. For this reason, you will not find a more recognised PT qualification within the UK. Most gyms in the UK (and many abroad) will accept this level 2 gym instructor qualification.
Some graduates will look to become employed as a gym instructor whilst they then train clients privately alongside this at the same gym. Other trainers may decide to operate their self-employed PT business from a base gym. This is a self-employed position, so do expect to pay a rental fee to the gym when training clients.
12: Are your gym instructor courses online?
Our nationally recognised online courses are accessed through blended learning. This means
you study your level 2 gym instructor course using online learning, digital resources whilst also being remotely supported by fitness tutors via webinars, skype/telephone tutorials and emails.
For practical assessments you can either come into us for practical input and assessments or you can record your gym and PT practical assessments and send them back to us on video. Do get in touch if you require more information on how our courses work.
13: Can I study part-time to become a PT?
Our accredited blended learning courses can be studied full or part time as the amount of study hours will vary on each individual. For example, someone may be able to dedicate 40 hours a week to studying study their level 2 gym instructor course and complete in a few short weeks, while another student may only be able to put in 10 hours a week and complete it over a few months - it is subjective to the individual, take your time and try to complete the gym instructor course in a manner that suits you best.
