What Qualifications do Personal Trainers Need
Introduction
The career change to personal training may seem like the right move for you. Perhaps you have all the essential skills to become a personal trainer, and you’re wondering what the next steps are with respect to qualifying to become a PT. This article answers your questions, presenting the qualifications required to become a personal trainer, and explaining what each qualification entails.
To begin your career as a personal trainer, you must first acquire the Level 2 Qualification in Gym Instruction. You must then also acquire the Level 3 Qualification in Personal Training. Taking the PCFA Combined Level 2 and Level 3 Personal Trainer Course equips you with both qualifications. The PFCA L2 & L3 PT Course is also CIMSPA recognised, and the PFCA is CIMSPA accredited.
Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instruction
As a standard, the L2 Certificate in Gym Instruction is aimed to teach a degree of knowledge from which those that achieve the qualification can plan and deliver safe fitness programmes. This qualification on its own however will not qualify the achiever as a Personal Trainer!
The standard Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instruction will usually include teaching the following areas:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Health, Safety and Welfare in the Gym
- General Exercise for Fitness and Health
- Supporting Gym Members with their Exercise
- Planning Gym-Based Exercise (Individual & Group)
- Instructing Gym-Based Exercise (Individual & Group)
Completion of the Level 2 Certificate shows competency of the individual to be safe in the gym; there are gym instructor careers available with this qualification, however most will complete the L2 with the intention of then acquiring the Level 3 Certification to become a personal trainer.
Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training
After completing an L2 in Gym Instruction, you must complete an L3 Personal Training Course to qualify to become a Personal Trainer. The Level 3 Personal Training Course goes deeper into the topics covered by the Level 2, teaching you the theory and practical elements behind personal training.
When looking for a Level 3 Personal Trainer Course, make sure that you look for one that is CIMSPA accredited. This ensures that the course you are paying for is fully up to date with the newest and most reliable information and teaching methods, and also taught and examined to the highest standard. A CIMSPA accredited PT course is seen as the gold standard in the industry.
The L3 PT will teach information including but not limited to
- Advanced Anatomy and Physiology: Knowledge of the human body’s systems and how they respond to exercise.
- Advanced Exercise Programming: Designing and implementing personalised training programs for various fitness goals.
- Nutrition and Lifestyle Coaching: Providing guidance on nutrition to support clients’ goals. Coaching clients on adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Client Assessment and Screening: Conducting comprehensive fitness assessments. Identifying potential health risks.
- Business and Marketing Skills: Entrepreneurial skills for establishing and managing a personal training business. Be sure to also check out our PT Business Accelerator Course, Grow.
- Legal and Professional Responsibilities of Personal Trainers: Understanding legal obligations, professional standards, and codes of conduct. Understanding client confidentiality and ethical considerations.
- Advanced Training Techniques: Mastery of various training modalities and advanced exercise techniques.
- Professionalism and Continued Education: With emphasis on the importance of ongoing professional development.
Conclusion
This article has presented the qualifications that are required for personal trainers. To summarise, both the Level 2 and Level 3 Qualifications can be acquired through completing the PFCA Combined Level 2 and Level 3 Personal Training Course. The course is CIMSPA accredited, so you know that you are getting industry leading knowledge and teaching from the very best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the first qualification needed to begin a career as a personal trainer?
To start a career as a personal trainer, you must first acquire the Level 2 Qualification in Gym Instruction.
Can the Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instruction alone qualify someone as a personal trainer?
No, the Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instruction alone does not qualify an individual as a personal trainer. Most individuals pursue the Level 3 Certification after completing Level 2 to become a personal trainer.
What subjects are covered in the standard Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instruction?
The standard Level 2 Certificate covers Human Anatomy and Physiology, Health, Safety, and Welfare in the Gym, General Exercise for Fitness and Health, Supporting Gym Members with their Exercise, Planning Gym-Based Exercise (Individual & Group), and Instructing Gym-Based Exercise (Individual & Group).
What does the Level 3 Personal Training Course focus on?
The Level 3 Personal Training Course covers Advanced Anatomy and Physiology, Advanced Exercise Programming, Nutrition and Lifestyle Coaching, Client Assessment and Screening, Business and Marketing Skills, Legal and Professional Responsibilities of Personal Trainers, Advanced Training Techniques, and emphasises Professionalism and Continued Education. Be sure to check out more information in our general Personal Training FAQs.
Why is it important to look for a CIMSPA accredited Level 3 Personal Trainer Course?
Choosing a CIMSPA accredited Level 3 Personal Trainer Course ensures the course is up-to-date, follows the highest standards, and is recognised as the gold standard in the industry, providing the most reliable information and teaching methods.
