1: How do I become a personal trainer?
If you are looking to become a personal trainer, make sure you choose a CIMSPA-approved training provider.
Take a look at the 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 a freelance or independent PT).
You can fast-track by doing higher level packages which includes the Level 4 Advanced Personal Training and RSPH Level 4 Nutrition. Once qualified you can opt to further your career development by taking on courses such as the pre and post natal client course which will allow you to understand how to work with a greater range of clientele.
2: Are your PT Courses Internationally recognised?
Anyone with a CIMSPA personal training qualification is eligible to join EREPS which will advise on the international portability of health & fitness qualifications across Europe. As all our personal training qualifications carry these internationally recognised accreditations and associations, most countries will recognise these qualifications. We do still advise you to reach out to the country's local fitness regulators or gyms to make sure that the qualification(s) will be accepted.
3: What courses do I need to complete to become a personal trainer?
To become a personal trainer, you willfirstneed to complete a gym instructor qualification (L2 or L3 course) or the bigger 'gym instructing' and 'personal training' package.As a qualified personal trainer, you can take on additional fitness qualifications such as the 'RSPH Level 4 nutrition', 'supporting clients with long-term conditions' or 'pre & post natal exercise' to further your professional development.
4: What previous experience do I need to become a PT?
You do not need previous gym or training experience, but it is recommended that new students gain some experience and new skills within a gym environment.
Often our students get some paid and unpaid work experience in a gym while they are studying while, others, may choose to begin working in a gym upon completion of their course.
Ultimately, you should choose what you think will work best for you. Everyone is different, and starting work with a few courses behind you,may work better for you. If you want to progress faster in the fitness industry, this course will help you improve your knowledge and help you work with more types of clients.
5: How long does it take to complete one of your courses?
The time taken to complete our course is largely up to you. Some people complete “fast track” courses in five weeks while others may take several months of part-time study.
Most of our gym & PT students study part time and qualify as a personal trainer within 3-6 months, however those adding additional fitness courses to their package will take longer. There is no set time limit, so no need to rush while studying.
6: Do I need experience in the health & fitness industry to become a personal trainer?
The only entry requirements to joining Study Active and taking this personal trainer course are an active interest in health, nutrition, fitness, and a positive attitude to learning.
Through one of many courses, you will gain the skills and knowledge needed to help clients reach their goals and learn how to exercise correctly and efficiently. It is recommended that you get as much working exposure to the industry to give you that extra edge when applying for interviews.
7: How much can I earn as a personal trainer?
This depends.
The more experience you have, the more you can earn, the locality can also change what you can earn too!
A newly qualified instructor may charge around £20-25 p/h, while a more established PT may charge between £35-50 p/h. Elite and experienced PTs can charge upwards of £60-80 p/h, though in some cases, you can earn beyond this figure.
Do note, that these figures are based on self-employed income from personal training sessions, most gyms are unlikely to be paying the above figures as a salary.
8: What governing boards are your personal training courses accredited by?
Our courses 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. Study Active is also a UK Active member and has associations with the RSPH, Association for Nutrition and the National Register of Personal Trainers (NRPT).
9: How long has Study Active been offering personal training courses accredited by?
We started delivering fitness courses back in 2012 making us one of the most established fitness training providers in the UK.
We won the 2023 UKActive Education Provider of the Year award and were rated at the very highest CIMSPA rank ''Enhancing'' by CIMPSA, so you know you are in good hands with Study Active.
From beginner to advanced training courses that can greatly enhance your professional development, check out what we offer!
10: Do you provide personal training courses near me?
While we have a physical location, Study Active students are from across the country.
We provide the very best remote study via 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.
Feel free to record your practical assessment in a nearby gym and send it to us for review. Or visit our base in Hertfordshire for your gym-based practical input & assessments. If you have any other questions, do get in touch!
11: Can I work as a PT in any gym with this personal training qualification?
If you are doing the pre and post-natal client course, you likely have a level 2 or level 3 qualification, allowing you to work as a PT in most gyms. Like our other courses, this course is awarded by Active IQ, regulated by Ofqual and endorsed by CIMSPA and will be accepted in all gyms across the country.
You will be guaranteed interviews at any nationwide gym and those abroad will also accept our qualifications.
12: Are your personal training courses online?
Our courses are delivered via online blended learning. This means this personal trainer course package will primarily be studied through online learning and a wealth of digital resources that we provide.
Tutors will also remotely support you via webinars, skype/telephone tutorials and emails. For your practical assessments, you can either come to us or record and send us back your videos. Many of our other courses follow a similar format, so do get in touch for more info.
13: Can I study part-time to become a PT?
All of our personal training courses can be studied full or part-time. The amount of study hours you undertake each week is entirely up to you. You can choose to study this pre and post natal course for 40 hours a week and complete it in a few short weeks or complete it over the course of a few months by opting for 10 weekly study hours.
14. What can I do once I have my Personal Trainer Certification?
Once you have become a qualified fitness trainer, you can start to create fitness programmes and workouts aimed at helping to motivate clients to achieve their fitness goals.
You can use your knowledge gained from this course to train pregnant and postnatal women.
If you have any other questions, please contact us using our contact form below or email us at info@studyactive.co.uk
