Level 3 Personal Trainer Course

To work as a personal trainer in the UK, you need a Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification that’s recognised by CIMSPA and awarded by an Ofqual-regulated Awarding Organisation, such as Focus Awards.

If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll either need to complete a Gym Instructor course first, or enrol on a Level 3 PT course that includes both Level 2 and Level 3. Once you’ve completed both levels, you’ll be fully qualified to work with clients in gyms, studios, or even run your own PT business.

All TRAINFITNESS Level 3 PT courses meet the required standards and with our CIMSPA “Enhancing” rating (the highest possible), you’ll be in good hands.

Read more about UK fitness qualifications here.

A Level 3 PT Course leads to the recognised qualification required to work as a personal trainer in the UK. Some courses include the Gym Instructor qualification, while others don’t. If it’s not included, you’ll need to already hold a CIMSPA-recognised Gym Instructor qualification.

The Level 3 part of the course builds on knowledge gained in the gym instructor unit, giving you the advanced skills needed to become a certified personal trainer. You’ll learn how to design and deliver tailored exercise programmes, understand anatomy and physiology in more depth, and apply key nutrition principles to support client goals.

Yes, but only if you choose a Level 3 Personal Trainer Course that includes the Gym Instructor qualification as part of the package. These are often referred to as PT Diplomas and are designed for people starting from scratch, with no previous qualifications.

If the course doesn’t include a Gym Instructor unit, then you’ll need to already hold a CIMSPA-recognised Gym Instructor qualification before you can enrol on Level 3. That’s because the skills and knowledge you gain in the gym instructor unit lays the groundwork in areas like anatomy, health and safety, and client interaction, all of which are built upon at Level 3.

So in short, yes you can do Level 3 without Level 2, as long as it’s bundled into the course you choose.

There’s no prerequisite if you choose a Personal Trainer Level 3 Course that includes the Gym Instructor qualification. Everything you need is covered within the course.

If the course doesn’t include a Gym Instructor unit, you’ll need to already hold a CIMSPA-recognised Gym Instructor qualification before enrolling. That’s because Level 3 builds on the core knowledge taught at Level 2, including anatomy, client care and programme design.

That said, whether you’re starting fresh or already qualified, having a genuine passion for fitness and being a regular gym-goer definitely helps. If you enjoy training and want to help others do the same, you’re in the right place.

Not sure which option is right for you? We offer both combined and standalone Level 3 PT courses to suit where you’re at in your fitness journey.

It really depends on your study option and your study habits. If you choose Distance Study, it tends to take a little longer as it’s more self-paced. Our In-Person and Live-Virtual study options are typically faster, with a more structured timetable and live, tutor-led clinics to keep you on track.

How quickly you complete the course also comes down to how much time you can dedicate to your studies. If you’re consistent and commit time each day, you could complete your personal trainer level 3 course in as little as 8 weeks.

But there’s no rush, depending on the PT Diploma you’re studying, you’ll have up to 12 months to finish. So whether you want to fast-track your new career or fit study around a busy schedule, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve got loads of articles to help you study in our blog. Here’s one about the best study habits to have to succeed.

The cost of a Level 3 Personal Trainer Course depends on a few key factors including the PT Diploma you choose (Practitioner, Specialist or Master), whether the course includes the Gym Instructor qualification and your study option (Distance, In-person or Live-Virtual).

Generally speaking, Distance Study is the most affordable route, while In-Person and Live-Virtual options cost more due to the added structure, tutor interaction and scheduled live, tutor-led clinics.

Here is a rough guide on the current pricing of our Level 3 PT courses including Gym Instructor. Click the diploma name to view the current pricing.

We also offer interest-free finance and flexible payment plans, making it easier to start your course without the upfront cost. You can spread payments over several months and get started straight away.

Yes, when you complete your personal trainer level 3 course with us, you’ll receive a CIMSPA-recognised qualification and an official certificate from an Ofqual-regulated Awarding Organisation, such as Focus Awards.

Depending on the study option you choose, you’ll be awarded a Level 3 or Level 4 qualification, both of which are internationally recognised, opening doors to opportunities in the UK and abroad.

Plus, TRAINFITNESS is rated “Enhancing” by CIMSPA, their highest rating for any training provider. So you can be confident you’re training with a provider that meets the highest industry standards.

You can read more about UK Personal Trainer Qualifications here.

The answer really depends on your goals, but here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the best option for you.

The Practitioner Diploma is the basic qualification you need to work as a personal trainer in the UK. It meets the minimum industry requirement and gets you started, but it’s quite limited in terms of career development and earning potential.

If you want to stand out and earn more, you’re better off choosing either a Specialist or Master Diploma.

A Specialist Diploma is ideal if you’ve got a particular interest in an area of fitness, like nutrition, women’s health, or strength & conditioning, and want to focus on working with specific types of clients. It’s our most popular option, giving you the chance to carve out a niche in the industry.

A Master Diploma is the best PT course of the lot. Not only is it the best value for money, but it also offers the highest earning potential. It’s technically a Level 4 PT course as it includes a range of highly specialised units. With this qualification, you can work with a broader client base and position yourself as an expert in the field.

If you’re asking, “what’s the best Level 3 PT course?”, the Master Diploma is the one to go for.

A Level 3 PT qualification is your gateway to working professionally as a personal trainer in the UK and internationally. With it, you can:

• Train clients one-on-one in gyms, health clubs, or private studios
• Start your own PT business or work freelance
• Offer online personal training and remote coaching programmes
• Design personalised fitness plans and track client progress
• Give general nutrition advice to support client goals
• Work with a range of clients to improve their health, fitness and wellbeing

It’s the industry-standard qualification and the minimum you need to get insured, apply for jobs, or register with CIMSPA.

If you’ve done a Specialist or Master Diploma, you’ll also be qualified to work with more specific client groups and offer a wider range of services, which can help increase your earning potential and set you apart from the crowd.

Want to learn more about employment rights in the fitness industry? You can read more about your rights in the fitness industry here.

Earnings can vary quite a bit depending on where you work, your experience and the type of clients you train. But on average, a newly qualified level 3 personal trainer in the UK can expect to earn between £20–£30 per hour.

As you gain experience and build a client base, that can quickly rise. Many PTs go on to earn £35–£50+ per hour, and those offering specialist services or working in high-end gyms or private studios can earn even more.

In terms of annual salary:

• New PTs typically earn between £18,000–£25,000 per year
• Experienced PTs often earn £30,000–£45,000+
• Specialist or Master-level PTs with established client bases and niche services can earn £50,000 or more annually

If you’ve completed a Specialist or Master Diploma, you’ll have the skills to work with specific client groups and offer more advanced services, which often means you can charge higher rates and increase your overall earning potential.

Some personal trainers also boost their income by offering online coaching, group sessions, or creating fitness content, giving you even more ways to earn with your qualification.

You can read more about how much you can expect to earn as a personal trainer here.