Level 3 Diploma in Exercise & Fitness: Personal Trainer

Overview

By completing this qualification, existing gym instructors can expand their scope of practice to deliver personal training. This qualification meets industry requirements to become a Personal Trainer, as set out within the CIMSPA Personal Trainer professional standard.

The purpose of this qualification is to enable learners to:

• Consult and assess clients’ needs and support them towards their health and fitness goals.
• Plan, deliver and evaluate indoor and outdoor personal training sessions for individuals and small groups.
• Apply methods of marketing and promoting their own personal training business.

Units Covered

• Anatomy and physiology for exercise and fitness professionals (H/650/4852)
• Nutrition for physical activity and exercise (F/650/6219)
• Consultation and assessment for personal training (K/650/4863)
• Plan, deliver and evaluate personal training (M/650/4865)
• Plan, deliver and evaluate outdoor training (J/650/4862)
• Business acumen for health and fitness professionals (F/650/7416)

Course Content

Learners will cover underpinning knowledge and skills for a personal trainer including:

• Anatomy and physiology for exercise and fitness professionals
• Nutrition for physical activity and exercise
• Consultation and assessment for personal training
• Plan, deliver and evaluate personal training
• Plan, deliver and evaluate outdoor training
• Business acumen for health and fitness professionals

Assessment

To achieve the YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Personal Trainer (610/2787/X), learners must achieve six mandatory units. Assessments include:

• Questions and answers
• Client consultation and assessment
• Information resources
• Nutrition case study
• Creation of a progressive exercise programme
• Observation of practical skills
• Evaluation documents
• Showcase presentation
• Professional discussion

Accreditation

CIMSPA Endorsed

Entry Requirements

Aged 16+

Delivery

Six days spread over three months (three weekends, once each month).

Cost

£1000

Course Dates

Autumn Start 2025/2026

• Session 1: Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October 2025 – Level 2 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Gym Instructor
• Session 2: Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd November 2025 – Level 2 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Gym Instructor
• Session 3: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December 2025 – Level 2 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Gym Instructor
• Session 4: Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th January 2026 – Level 3 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Personal Trainer
• Session 5: Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th February 2026 – Level 3 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Personal Trainer
• Session 6: Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th March 2026 – Level 3 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Personal Trainer

Spring Start 2026

• Session 1: Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th April 2026 – Level 2 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Gym Instructor
• Session 2: Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd May 2026 – Level 2 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Gym Instructor
• Session 3: Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th June 2026 – Level 2 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Gym Instructor
• Session 4: Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th July 2026 – Level 3 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Personal Trainer
• Session 5: Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd August 2026 – Level 3 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Personal Trainer
• Session 6: Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th September 2026 – Level 3 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Personal Trainer