Skip to main content

Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing and Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training

QCF418

This combined ActiveIQ-accredited course is designed for those wishing to become both a qualified Gym Instructor and Personal Fitness Trainer.

Course Duration

Up to 2 years.

Course Outcome

You receive the Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing qualification and Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training. You will be a fully qualified gym instructor and personal trainer.

Entry Requirements

Recommended that students have experience of gym based exercises.

Assessment

Exams, practical and video assessments. Coursework.

Study Options

This course is only available to study online.

Study Options

 
£1,529.00
or £50.43 /month*
Course code: QCF418

*Pay monthly option available via Snap Finance on payment page in checkout

visamaestromastercardpaypalamexdiscoverdinerselo

Course overview

  • Discover all you need to know to become a qualified Gym Instructor and Personal Fitness Trainer.
  • Gain entry on to the CIMPSA at Levels 2 and 3
  • Study the theory course at home
  • Receive 3 days of practical training at a gym in Birmingham

Become a CIMSPA recognised Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer!

This combined ActiveIQ-accredited course is designed for those wishing to become both a qualified Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer. It is suitable for beginners and students without any prior qualifications in fitness training.

Once you have completed the Level 2 qualification, you are fully qualified to work in a gym or fitness centre. On completion of the Level 3 qualification, you are fully qualified to run fitness classes, deliver one-to-one personal training sessions, offer nutrition advice and even start your own business.

You will have 2 years to complete the course so you can work at your own pace. Completed coursework can be handed in by email. You will also have a personal tutor who offers you support every step of the way.

Boost your career opportunities and equip yourself with the skills you need for your success!

  • Structure and function of the cardiovascular system in relation to health and fitness.
  • Structure and function of the skeletal system structure in relation to health and fitness.
  • Structure and function of the myofascial system in relation to health and fitness.
  • Structure and function of the nervous system in relation to health and fitness.
  • Structure and function of endocrine system in relation to health and fitness.
  • The role of the energy systems in relation to physical activity, exercise, and training.
  • Structure and function of the digestive system in relation to health and fitness.

  • How to access credible information about nutrition for health and exercise.
  • Common nutritional terms related to health and exercise.
  • The nutrients needed to maintain health.
  • How nutrients from food are used to fuel and recover from physical activity.
  • How to estimate daily energy and nutrient requirements for clients with different goals.
  • The risks of poor nutritional and lifestyle practices.
  • Nutritional considerations for specific client groups.
  • Analysing client’s dietary habits and identify areas for improvement.

  • Lifestyle factors that affect a client’s health and wellbeing.
  • Commonly medical conditions and how they may impact a client’s lifestyle. Inc Hypertension, Obesity, Cardiorespiratory disease, Diabetes and Stress.
  • How to risk-stratify and when to refer clients with common medical conditions.

  • The importance of communication skills to effectively communicate and engage with clients.
  • Techniques used to effectively communicate and engage with clients.
  • Techniques used to support clients making lifestyle behaviour changes.
  • Communication style
  • How to create a positive environment that motivates and empowers clients, to meet their desired goals.
  • How to collect and interpret health screening and fitness assessment data.
  • Technological advancements that can help clients increase their activity levels and stay motivated and focused.
  • How to monitor and interpret client data from a range of current information technology (IT) applications.
  • Facilitating goal setting and action planning.

  • Principles of safe and effective personal training programme design.
  • Principles of periodisation and how they can be used effectively to meet client’s goal and needs.
  • Integrating the use of alternative environments safely and effectively into personal training sessions.
  • Considerations for planning and delivering group personal training sessions.
  • The scope and professional boundaries of personal training pre- and post-natal women.
  • The scope and professional boundaries of personal training older adults.
  • Designing safe and effective personal training programmes and session plans.
  • Instructing safe and effective exercise technique.
  • Monitoring and motivating clients during exercise sessions.
  • Reviewing a client’s progress and satisfaction

  • The legal and professional requirements for personal training.
  • Health and safety in the workplace.
  • The requirements of a self-employed individual.
  • The legal and professional requirements for the management of personal information and records.
  • Marketing techniques and tactics.
  • How to close a sale.
  • How to set budgets and manage finances in a personal training business.
  • How to monitor and interpret business data from a range of current information technology (IT) applications.
  • How information technology (IT) applications are used to support effective business planning and delivery.
  • The professional and personal importance of continuing professional development (CPD).
  • Strategies to develop a successful personal training business.

  • The skeletal system and the effects of exercise.
  • The neuromuscular system and the effects of exercise.
  • Cardiovascular and respiratory systems and the effects of exercise.
  • How energy is produced in the body and the effects of exercise on energy production.
  • The structure and function of the digestive system.
  • Health and wellbeing.
  • The components of fitness and the effects of exercise.

  • The legal and professional requirements for fitness instructing.
  • How an instructor can help all types of customer to have a positive exercise experience.
  • Products and services offered by fitness instructors and facilities.
  • Skills and behaviours needed to deliver effective customer care.
  • The value of first impressions.
  • How to communicate clearly and effectively with customers.
  • Personal and professional development.

  • Health and safety in the workplace.
  • Hazards and risks in a fitness environment.
  • Normal and emergency operating procedures in the workplace.
  • Maintaining a safe and effective fitness environment.
  • The cleaning requirements in fitness environments.
  • Safe working practices relating to the control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) Regulations.

  • How to consult and support clients to change behaviours.
  • The importance of a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating.
  • How technology can be used to support exercise adherence.
  • Established protocols for health screening and fitness assessment of gym-based clients.
  • Consult/interview and support clients to change their exercise behaviour.

  • Planning a safe and effective gym-based exercise session.
  • Planning a safe and effective gym-based session.
  • Delivering a safe and effective gym-based session.
  • Encouraging clients to increase physical activity and exercise adherence.

Awarding body

Active IQ are one of the UK’s leading awarding organisations for the active leisure, learning and wellbeing sector and are recognised and regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA. They design qualifications that support clearly defined career pathways for the active leisure sector.

Your qualification is accredited by Active IQ, one of the UK’s leading Ofqual approved awarding bodies in the health, fitness and active leisure sector.

Extra information

You will have up to 2 years to complete both courses. This is plenty of time to study in as much or little time as you need. You will also receive 12 months tutor support for each course, so you can feel confident that you’ll get the help you need.

The Level 2 course will take you approximately 230 hours to complete and the Level 3 course will take you approximately 430 hours. Studying around your work and family commitments has never been easier.

You will study this course online, which will enable you to learn when and where you want, as long as you have access to an internet connection you are able to study.

You will receive access to an online learning platform including a variety of visual, audio and text-based presentations. You will also have a personal tutor to support you through your course, so help is only a click away!

Level 2 Certificate

This course is assessed by a variety of methods, including a multiple-choice examination, practical assessment, video assessment and coursework.

Once you have passed all theory units and assessments, you will be able to book on for your practical assessment. The practical sessions are run throughout the year and will take place at a venue in Birmingham. You must make sure you are able to travel to Birmingham in order to attend your practical assessment. Available dates will be subject to a waiting list.

On your assessment day, you will be assessed on:

  • Programme delivery
  • Group induction

Multiple-choice Examination
Your multiple choice exam will be completed online at home the day before you attend your practical assessment, therefore access to a PC will be required.

Principles of anatomy, physiology and fitness Level 2 A/616/7499

There are 50 questions within this paper. To achieve a Pass you will need to score 35 out of 50 marks.

Level 3 Course

This course is assessed by a variety of methods, including a multiple-choice examination, practical assessment, video assessment and coursework.

Once you have passed all theory units and assessments, you will be able to book on for your practical assessment. The practical sessions are run throughout the year and will take place at a venue in Birmingham. You must make sure you are able to travel to Birmingham in order to attend your practical assessment. Available dates will be subject to a waiting list.

On your assessment day, you will be assessed on:

  • Programme delivery
  • Group induction

Multiple-choice Examinations
Your multiple choice exam will be completed online at home the day before you attend your practical assessment, therefore access to a PC will be required.

Paper 1

Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise, Health and Fitness Level 3 F/615/4012

There are 40 questions within this paper. To achieve a Pass you will need to score 28 out of 40 marks.

Paper 2

The Principles of Nutrition and their Application to Exercise and Health Level 3 J/615/4013

There are 40 questions within this paper. To achieve a Pass you will need to score 28 out of 40 marks.

Once you have passed your theory and practical elements to your courses, you will receive your Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing and Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training qualification. These are fully recognised by CIMSPA.

This qualification enables you to become a fully qualified Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer.

FAQs

This course comprises the Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing and the Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training. You must pass the Level 2 course before proceeding onto the Level 3 part of the course.

Students must be 16 or over to enrol on this course and a degree of physical fitness is necessary to complete the practical assessments. It is also recommended that you have some experience of gym-based exercise, including free weights, and basic level communication skills.

You may start at any time and have two years to complete this bundle (one year per course). This bundle is truly flexible and adaptable around your lifestyle.

Once you have passed your theory, you may book to confirm your attendance. Simply email your tutor who will advise you on assessment dates. Alternatively, call us whenever you’re ready and we’ll provide you with the details for arranging this. The practical sessions are run on a student demand basis, with 8 students taking the practical sessions at a time.

  • Practical assessments & examination based in a fitness centre in Birmingham
  • Comprehensive study materials
  • Dedicated personal tutor support
  • Dedicated learner services
  • Accreditation
  • Assignment marking and feedback
  • FREE CV writing service
  • FREE employability guide to help you impress future employers

That's not a problem. We want to make sure you're 100% confident about enrolling on the course and starting your study. So, just give our team of education specialists a call on 03300 563 100 and they'll do their best to help.