Before you enrol
What you need to start
No Level 2, no prior qualification and no particular level of fitness. You need to be ready to put the hours in.
Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training
Level 2 & 3 Personal Trainer Course
One combined diploma, mapped to CIMSPA professional standards. Study online around the job you have now, with dedicated tutors who reply usually the same day.
- 3 to 6 monthsTypical study time
- 3 working daysMarking, with video feedback
- No entry requirementsStart any day
Choose your package
£1,599Full price £1,799
or £116.58 a month at 0%With your £200 code
Cast Iron Guarantee and 14 days to change your mindThe Coach package adds an assessment day, 3 CPD courses, the PT toolkit and CV prep to Core.
Recently enrolled
Darcy P · Level 2 & 3 PT DiplomaMatthew T · Level 2 & 3 PT DiplomaCleo O · Level 2 & 3 PT DiplomaKane L · Level 2 & 3 PT DiplomaMatthew H · Level 2 & 3 PT DiplomaElijah W · Level 2 & 3 PT Diploma
After a £200 deposit, 0% over 12 months, using the price with your code. Finance is subject to status. Payment options
£1,199Full price £1,399
or £83.25 a month at 0%With your £200 codeCast Iron Guarantee and 14 days to change your mindThe Coach package adds an assessment day, 3 CPD courses, the PT toolkit and CV prep to Core.
Recently enrolled
Darcy P · Level 2 & 3 PT DiplomaMatthew T · Level 2 & 3 PT DiplomaCleo O · Level 2 & 3 PT DiplomaKane L · Level 2 & 3 PT DiplomaMatthew H · Level 2 & 3 PT DiplomaElijah W · Level 2 & 3 PT Diploma
After a £200 deposit, 0% over 12 months, using the price with your code. Finance is subject to status. Payment options
- Awarding body
- Focus AwardsOfqual regulated
- Qualification
- Level 3 DiplomaQRN 603/5233/4
- How you study
- OnlinePracticals at your gym
- Entry
- No requirementsStart any day
- Time to complete
- 18 months21 if you pay in full
- Marking
- 3 working daysWith video feedback
The course
What this actually is
The Level 2 & 3 Personal Training Diploma is where most fitness careers begin. Instead of completing Level 2 and Level 3 separately, you move through one structured course that builds your knowledge, judgement and coaching step by step.
You learn how to coach real people, make decisions and adapt your approach. Business planning and client acquisition are part of the diploma. You leave knowing how to do the job.
Is this the right course?
Who this is for, and who it isn’t
This is for you if
- You’re starting from nothing and want the whole route in one go
- You want to become a supportive coach people come back to
- You want to build a flexible business, employed, self-employed or both
- You want to learn at your own pace, around work and family
- You want to avoid repeating work across two separate courses
Look elsewhere if
- You need a certificate in a few weeks, whatever it takes
- You want a box ticked rather than the skills to build a career
- You’re more interested in being an influencer than helping people
- You need classroom teaching, rather than online study with support
What you’ll learn
Level 2 and Level 3, taught once
Fifteen modules in three stages, in the order you need them. Choose a stage to see its modules.
01Anatomy and Physiology for Fitness Professionals
How the body moves, and how exercise affects it.
02Foundational Principles of Fitness
Overload, recovery, adaptation and progression.
03Consultations, Measurements and Goal Setting
Turning what clients tell you into a plan.
04Foundations of Programming
Safe, effective programmes for beginners.
05Programming Library
Movements and coaching ideas to keep and use.
06Groundwork: Coaching the Beginner
Cueing, demonstrations and how a session flows.
07The Gym Professional
Safety, professionalism and looking after members.
08Structured Progression
How training changes over weeks and months.
09Coaching with Intent
Adapting your approach to the person in front of you.
10Nutrition for Health and Fitness
Energy balance and behaviour change.
11Nutritional Review and Recommendations
Realistic recommendations clients can keep to.
12Leading the Consultation Process
Screening, testing and what the results mean.
13Advanced Programming and Periodisation
Planning training phases for longer-term goals.
14High Level Coaching and Professional Judgement
Movement analysis and evidence-based decisions.
15Building a Successful Personal Training Business
Pricing, finding clients, onboarding and keeping them.
Mock assessments and practice quizzes are built into the course.
Accreditation
Who awards it, and what it’s worth
Both Level 2 and Level 3 are covered, so there’s nothing else to take before you start working as a personal trainer.
- Awarded by
- Focus Awards
- Status
- Ofqual regulated
- Standards
- Mapped to CIMSPA professional standards
- You finish with
- Level 3 Diploma Practitioner in Personal Training
How you’re assessed
What you have to do
A mix of online theory papers, written coursework and practical assessment, spread through the course rather than saved for the end. You learn it, practise it, then get assessed on it. Marking within 3 working days, with personalised video feedback from the tutor who marked it.
How long it takes
Study around your life
Most people finish in 3 to 6 months if they can give it plenty of time, or 9 to 12 months studying part-time. Work out your own estimate.
5 hours30 hours
Your estimate24 weeksAbout 5.5 months at 8 hours a week
Based on 187 guided learning hours. Your own time will vary.
Fees and finance
Core or Coach
Both include this diploma, the same support and the Cast Iron Guarantee.
Coach
RecommendedAdds an assessment day, 3 CPD courses, the PT toolkit and career help. 18 months
£1,599with your code
£1,799 without the code
From £116.58 a month
Master Coach
PT Diploma, Level 4 and all three specialisms
£4,795with your code
£4,995 without the code
From £382.92 a month
Want to go further?
Everything in Coach, plus more. Prices with your code
- Specialist Coach £2,198Adds one specialism track of your choice. 24 months From £166.50 a month
- Advanced Coach £2,799Adds a Level 4 in S&C or Nutrition. 24 months From £216.59 a month
Payment calculator
Work out your monthly payments
Choose a package
£50
Your monthly paymenta month for months, after a deposit
- Course price
- Deposit
- Interest
Package prices include your code. Finance is subject to status. Pay in full and get 3 extra months, plus CPD credit to spend on CPD courses.
Download Info & Price Guide →On every package
The Cast Iron Guarantee
Finish the course. If you are not satisfied, you get your money back. Read the terms for how it works and how to claim.
- 1Complete and passWithin your package’s study period
- 2Take part properlyAnd act on your tutors’ feedback
- 3Tell us earlyIf something’s wrong, so we can fix it
- 4Claim within 14 daysOf finishing, if it wasn’t put right
Before you start
14 days to change your mind
14 days from enrolment to change your mind, for any reason. If your package includes in-person elements and you attend one inside the 14 days, the cancellation right ends at that point.
After you finish
The Cast Iron Guarantee
A separate promise that applies once you’ve completed your course. It isn’t a cancellation right, and the 14-day period doesn’t affect it. You don’t have to choose between them.
Support built around you
You’re never studying alone
Self-paced isn’t the same as on your own. You have dedicated tutors to speak to and learn from.
Same day
Usually the same day, always within 24 hours.
3 days
In working days, with personalised video feedback.
7 days
A week, weekends included.
Unlimited
While your course access is active.
Our 3-day marking promise
3x faster*Every piece of work marked within 3 working days, with personalised video feedback on how you coach. It comes as standard on every package.
*Over three times faster than the 10 working days other providers publish.
Personalised video feedbackWhat happens next
From enrolling to your first piece of feedback
- 1
Get access straight away
Your account is live as soon as you enrol. No cohort to wait for.
- 2
Work through the modules
Study at your pace, around work and family.
- 3
Use the support
Replies usually the same day, marking within 3 working days.
- 4
Qualify
Unlimited resits while your course access is active.
- 5
Join The Create Club
Keep learning and stay in touch with people you studied alongside.
Common questions
Questions people ask before enrolling
Do I need a Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification first?
No. This diploma covers Level 2 and Level 3 in one course, so you can start with no prior qualification.
What is a Level 3 Personal Training Diploma?
It’s the qualification you need to work as a personal trainer with your own one-to-one clients.
How long does it take?
Most people finish in 3 to 6 months if they can give it plenty of time, or 9 to 12 months studying part-time. Use the study time calculator for your own estimate.
Why do some providers say you can pass in weeks?
It’s possible to finish quickly if you study full time, and some of our learners do: Mo went from an idea to employed PT at PureGym in seven weeks. Most people study around work, so they take longer.
What support will I get?
Replies usually the same day and always within 24 hours, marking within 3 working days with personalised video feedback, and support seven days a week.
Will I be ready to work as a personal trainer?
Yes. You finish qualified and ready to start coaching, and your confidence keeps growing on the gym floor.
When do I get my certificate?
If you pay in full, it’s issued as soon as you qualify. If you pay monthly, it’s issued once your course is fully paid.
Can I change my mind?
Yes. You have 14 days from enrolment to change your mind, for any reason.
Do I need a Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification first?
No. This diploma covers Level 2 and Level 3 in one course, so you can start with no prior qualification. You need to be 16 or over.
What is a Level 3 Personal Training Diploma?
It’s the qualification you need to work as a personal trainer with your own clients, and the one employers and insurers ask for.
Ready when you are
This time next year, you could be the one they ask for
Get the Info & Price Guide with your code, or book a 10-minute call. No sales pitch.
- Every course, package and price
- Your enquiry code, valid for 14 days
- Four ways to pay, including 0% plans up to 12 months
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Level 2 & 3 Personal Trainer Course
Packages from £1,599 with your code · from £116.58 a month · 0%
Coach · £1,599or £116.58/mo