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.
This should be checked on the CIMSPA website. 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 a freelance or independent PT).
If you are on this page, you fast-track these steps by doing this Master PT package which includes the Level 4 Advanced Personal Training and/or RSPH Level 4 Nutrition.
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 prestigious 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 an international gym to make sure that the qualifications will be accepted.
3: What courses do I need to complete to become an advanced personal trainer?
To become a general personal trainer, you will first need 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 become an advanced personal trainer by taking additional fitness qualifications such as the 'RSPH Level 4 nutrition', 'supporting clients with long-term conditions' or 'pre & post-natal exercise'. The fastest route you will find is by taking this Master PT package as it combines 3 vital PT courses.
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 aspiring
personal trainers gain some experience and new skills within a gym environment.
Often Study Active students get 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 upon completion of their course.
Ultimately, you should choose what you think will work best for you. Everyone is different,and starting work with more fitness knowledge may work better for you. If you want to progress faster in the fitness industry, this course will help you improve your knowledge, and if you're not sure you can ask your support tutors.
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 the “fast track” course in as little as five weeks whilst 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 or those choosing to do this L4 master PT package will take longer than average.
6: Do I need experience in the health & fitness industry to become a trainer?
The only entry requirements to joining Study Active and taking this advanced 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.
While having prior experience is not necessary to earn your qualification, it is recommended that you get as much working exposure to the industry to give you that edge when applying for interviews. This advanced PT package will give you an edge in interviews should you be unable to gain experience before or during the course.
7: How much can I earn as a personal trainer?
This depends.
Some key factors that you should consider are the area, demographic, services you offer, the you've mastered, and the experience you have and so forth.
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, which is probably what you are aspiring towards if you are taking this package.
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 and the National Register of Personal Trainers (NRPT).
Further, our level 3 Nutrition course contains the AfN CPD Nutrition Essentials for Fitness and Leisure.
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 longest-running fitness training providers in the UK. The company has grown considerably since then. 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 entry-level to advanced personal trainer courses, check out what we offer today!
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.
We do recommend students visit our base in Hertfordshire for their gym-based practical input
& assessments. Alternatively, feel free to record your practical assessment in a nearby gym and send it to us for review. If you have any other questions, do reach out.
11: Can I work as a PT in any gym with this personal training qualification?
Our Level 4 course package is awarded by Active IQ, regulated by Ofqual and endorsed by CIMSPA. You will not find a more recognised PT qualification. This particular qualification goes beyond the industry standard in the UK.
You will be guaranteed interviews at any nationwide gym and those abroad will also accept our qualifications.
Newly qualified personal trainers will look to become employed within a gym to gain experience. However, others may decide to undertake client consultations and PT sessions from a gym they have an existing relationship with.
This is a self-employed position, so do expect to pay the gym a rental fee when training clients.
12: Are your courses online?
Our nationally recognised online courses are delivered via blended learning. This means this
advanced 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?
Our accredited blended learning 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 advanced personal trainer package for 40 hours a week and complete it in a few short weeks or complete this over a few months by opting for 10 weekly study hours.
If you have any other questions, please contact us using our contact form below or email us
at info@studyactive.co.uk
