About this qualification 

This qualification aims to develop a learner’s further knowledge and skills in gym instruction, to pursue a career in personal training. The role of a personal trainer is to coach clients (on a one-to-one or small group basis) towards their health and fitness goals. Personal training plays an important role in improving the health of the nation, creating opportunities to get more people, more active, more often. 

This qualification has been designed in partnership with employers and covers the knowledge and skills identified in the industry as essential for the personal trainer role, covering the design of exercise programmes and instruction, nutritional advice and overall lifestyle management. The qualification also provides the learner with a comprehensive understanding of business, finances, sales and marketing to enable the personal trainer to build and retain a stable client base.

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification is designed for gym instructors wishing to pursue a career in the health and fitness sector as personal trainers and individuals who already hold a gym instructor qualification, wishing to become employed as a personal trainer.

What are the entry requirements? 

Learners must be aged 16 or over.  

Learners wishing to undertake this qualification should have achieved a suitable level 2 qualification in gym instructing or fitness instructing. The course requires physical exertion and individual participation is essential, therefore a degree of physical fitness is necessary. There is an element of communication (discussing, presenting, reading and writing) involved and learners should have basic skills in communication pitched at level 2. 

How is this qualification structured? 

To be awarded this qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 6 mandatory units. 

How is it assessed? 

Internally assessed and externally quality assured portfolio of evidence. 

How many credits are required to complete it? 

To be awarded this qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 37 credits from 6 mandatory units. 

Is employment or completion of work/industry placement required for this qualification? 

Work/industry placement experience is not required for this qualification.  

What related qualifications can you progress to?

• further education: 

• • sports massage therapy 

• • adapting physical activity for antenatal and postnatal clients 

• • apprenticeship in personal training. 

Funding for our qualifications 

Find out more about funding for this and other qualifications on our funding page. 

Useful links

Mandatory policies and fees | NCFE 

Endorsed by