This qualification combines the study of the Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing and also the Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training and results in an overal qualification of Level 3 Gym and Personal Training Diploma.
T
he course will provide the knowledge and skills to enable you to pursue a career in personal training. You will be taught how to prescribe, plan and deliver safe and effective exercise programmes for your clients.
This course is a blended learning course which allows you the flexibility to study theory elements online at a time convenient to you using comprehensive e-resources.
There will be 10 days of face-to-face workshops covering the practical components. First, you will study the Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing and the associated exam. This allows a smooth progression to study the Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training.
While this is a combined course you can take the Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing and the Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training independently.
Dates and times
The times of the 10 face-to-face practical workshops will run 9am-5pm.
There are courses in October 2025 and February 2026.
October 2025 course dates
The Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing element of the October 2025 course will run on
- Saturday 11th October 2025
- Sunday 12th October 2025
- Saturday 25th October 2025
- Sunday 26th October 2025.
The examination will be held on Saturday 8th November 2025.
The Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training element of the course will run on:
- Saturday 15th November 2025
- Sunday 16th November 2025
- Saturday 22nd November 2025
- Sunday 23rd November 2025
- Saturday 13th December 2025
- Sunday 14th December 2025.
The examination will be held on Saturday 10th January 2026.
February 2026 course dates
The Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing element of the February 2026 course will run on
- Saturday 14th February 2026
- Sunday 15th February 2026
- Saturday 21st February 2026
- Sunday 22nd February 2026
The examination will be held on Sunday 1st March 2026.
The Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training element of the course will run on:
- Saturday 14th March 2026
- Sunday 15th March 2026
- Saturday 28th March 2026
- Sunday 29th March 2026
- Saturday 11th April 2026
- Sunday 12th April 2026.
The examination will be held on Saturday 26th April 2026.
Location
This course will be held at our main campus, Twickenham.
Price
The full cost is £1,795. The deposit cost is £300.
St Mary's University staff and students can receive a 10% discount. Please use the booking link on the Discounted short courses page (St Mary's login required).
Content
Whilst enrolled on the Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training course you will develop your knowledge and skills needed to plan and instruct gym-based exercise programmes for adults. You will also learn how to effectively support clients who take part in exercise and physical activity.
The e-learning components will cover:
- principles of anatomy and physiology for exercise (Level 2)
- applied anatomy and physiology for exercise, health and fitness (Level 3)
- professionalism and customer care for fitness instructors
- health and safety in the fitness environment
- principles of exercise, fitness and health
- principles of nutrition and their application to exercise and health
- understanding lifestyle, health, wellbeing and common medical conditions
- encouraging positive health and fitness behaviours in clients
- professionalism and business acumen for personal trainers.
You will be given access to the e-learning resources before your taught sessions so you can study these before the practical sessions which will take place on our campus in Twickenham.
The face-to-face sessions are delivered over 10 days and cover:
- exercise and physical activity client support
- gym-based exercise planning
- gym-based exercise instructing
- programming personal training with clients
- delivering personal training sessions.
You will study alongside students taking our gym instructor course and personal training course individually.
During these sessions you will also revise the topics you learnt via the e-learning resources.
Assessment
This course is assessed via:
- coursework
- multiple choice exam
- portfolio of evidence
- practical demonstration.
Requirements
This is an entry level qualification for anyone without formal qualifications who wish to enter the fitness industry.
This qualification is designed for those 18-years-old and over. It is recommended that learners should have achieved a level of education equivalent to five GCSEs at grades A*-C, however, exemptions may be made for adult returners with relevant experience.
The Level 3 certificate is intensive and therefore requires independent home-based study on theoretical aspects.
Some experience of gym-based exercises, including free weights is highly recommended. A sporting background is advantageous as well.
The course requires physical exertion and individual participation is essential, therefore, a degree of good health and physical fitness is necessary. There is also an element of communication (discussing, presenting, reading and writing) involved.
It is advisable that you have a current First Aid Certificate.
Award
Upon successful completion of all units set by the external body, Active IQ, you will be awarded the Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training (RQF).
CIMSPA endorses this Active IQ qualification as being fit-for-purpose and eligible to be considered for inclusion in the 2017 16-19 Performance Tables as a Substantial Vocational Qualification.
Select a course
Please select which course you would like to book on to:
For more information about this course please contact the Short Courses team: