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Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training
The qualification that lets you coach clients one-to-one — programme design, nutrition principles and session delivery, with online learning, one-to-one tutor support and a hands-on practical workshop.
What’s included
- Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training (Focus Awards)
- One-to-one tutor support throughout your online learning
- 1 practical coaching workshop at Gain Forth Barbell Club, Belfast
- No theory exams — coursework and practical assessment
- Free resits if you need them
Level 2 Fitness Instructing qualification required for entry.
Course Overview
The Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training is the industry-standard qualification for coaching clients one-to-one. Building on your Level 2, it covers anatomy and physiology, applying nutritional principles, programme design, and planning and delivering personal training sessions that get results.
The course is delivered through our online learning platform with one-to-one tutor support throughout, alongside a hands-on practical workshop at Gain Forth Barbell Club, Belfast. Under Focus Awards there are no theory exams — you’re assessed through coursework and a practical assessment, with free resits if you need them.
Once qualified, you can work with clients on an employed or self-employed basis — and progress onto our Level 4 specialist qualifications in Strength & Conditioning and Nutrition as your coaching career grows.
Level 2 Fitness Instructing qualification required for entry.
Don’t have your Level 2 yet?
No problem — our Level 2 + 3 Diploma in Personal Training covers both qualifications in one course, taking you from complete beginner to fully qualified Personal Trainer.
Inside the course
What you’ll study
Level 3Personal Training units
- Anatomy, physiology and kinesiology for exercise and health
- Applying nutritional principles to personal training
- Planning exercise programme design for personal training clients
- Delivering exercise programmes for personal training sessions
- Business acumen and the use of information technology for a personal trainer
Attend one in-person practical workshop at Level 3. Dates are available every month, all year round, and you can book through the online platform.
How the course works
Online learning, real gym floors
One-to-one tutor support
You’re never left to figure it out alone — you have direct access to your tutor throughout your online learning, whenever you need guidance on theory, assignments or practical work.
1 practical coaching workshop
A hands-on day at Gain Forth Barbell Club, Belfast, where you practise coaching real clients under an experienced tutor — with dates available every month, all year round.
No theory exams
You’re assessed through coursework and a practical assessment — no exam hall, and free resits with tutor feedback if you don’t pass first time.
FAQs
What certification do I get?
You’ll gain the Ofqual-regulated Focus Awards Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training — the industry-standard qualification for coaching clients one-to-one.
The qualification is CIMSPA-recognised and internationally recognised, so you can work as a Personal Trainer across the UK and abroad, on an employed or self-employed basis.
Do I need any experience or previous qualifications?
You’ll need a Level 2 Fitness Instructing qualification to enrol — from any recognised provider. If you don’t hold your Level 2 yet, our Level 2 + 3 Diploma in Personal Training covers both qualifications in one course.
How am I assessed?
There are no theory exams. You’re assessed through coursework, completed online at your own pace with support from your tutor, plus a practical assessment where you demonstrate your coaching skills.
What if I don’t pass an assessment?
No need to worry — resits are free. If you don’t pass a piece of coursework or a practical assessment first time, your tutor will give you feedback on exactly what to improve, and we’ll support you through to a pass.
How long does the course take?
Complete in as little as 6-8 weeks. On this self-paced course, you decide the pace of learning and we’ll help you qualify in a timeframe that suits you.
Where and when are the practical days?
All practical days take place at Gain Forth Barbell Club, Belfast.
The Level 3 practical workshop runs every month, all year round — you book your day as you progress through the course, so your training fits around your life. Practical assessments are available on multiple days each month.
What are my progression routes?
Once qualified, you can specialise and grow your career with our Level 4 Strength & Conditioning and Level 4 Nutrition qualifications, our Female Coaching Specialisation, or broaden your class offering with instructor CPD courses such as BoxFit, Indoor Cycling, Circuits and Kettlebells.
Sign up now and start your journey
1Enrolment process
Sign up via the Add to Cart button below and choose your preferred payment method — including interest-free payment plans.
2Onboarding process
Once you enrol, we’ll email you an online form to gather your details, set up your online profile, and arrange a one-to-one onboarding call with a course tutor to get you started.
Course Fee
£799.00
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Where it leads
Where your Level 3 can take you
Once qualified, specialise with a Level 4 qualification — delivered with the same online learning, tutor support and practical days.
Ready to coach clients one-to-one?
The Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training is the industry-standard qualification to work as a Personal Trainer — CIMSPA-recognised, internationally recognised, and the gateway to our Level 4 specialisms.