In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know before starting your journey—from the qualification requirements to the types of certifications available, and the job opportunities awaiting you once you’re qualified.
Do you need a PT qualification in order to become a personal trainer?
It’s strongly recommended, and for good reason! Let’s go into why:Although there aren’t currently aren’t any compulsory national licensing requirements in relation to personal trainer required qualifications, it’s generally very frowned upon. Without being qualified you’ll have a hard time finding work, especially from gyms and leisure centres. Even going freelance or working online, clients will want to know that their trainer has been educated in the field to give them peace of mind they’re in good hands.
Also, you’re going to have a really tough time getting liability insurance without a personal training qualification. This insurance gives you some protection if a client gets hurt in one of your classes, and being sued is no fun. Getting qualified relieves you of all these burdens that you definitely don’t want to get saddled down with.
So, what qualifications do you need to be a personal trainer? You don’t need a backlog of experience or a lengthy CV. By investing in a personal training course, you’ll gain the necessary Level 3 to start your career.
What do I need to learn in order to become a personal trainer?
While completing your PT training, you’ll learn a variety of skills that will aid your ability to excel in a personal training career. This includes taking an in-depth look at subjects like anatomy, physiology and nutrition. Having a solid understanding in these areas will enhance your knowledge tremendously and you’ll be able to apply your learning on the job.Not only that, but you’ll also be trained in programme design and delivery for clients, business acumen, how to train those with common medical conditions, and how to reinforce positive behaviour for your clients.
When you study with us, you’ll also be assigned a tutor who will teach you in these areas, answer all your questions and provide you with tons of support to elevate your career growth.
What kind of jobs can I find with a personal training qualification?
You can find a good variety of jobs to explore once you get your PT qualification. More than you might think!You could use your personal training qualification to apply to work in spas, resorts, and cruise ships if you’re feeling adventurous. As well as going on to be a fitness instructor or personal trainer, you could find yourself in a role as an exercise referral instructor, exercise to music instructor, or physical activity for children instructor.
There are still other opportunities beyond that which might pique your interest. You could go on to work as a workout developer, a nutrition coach, or go on to become a specialist trainer.
How much do personal trainers earn in the UK?
This is definitely something that needs to be considered before switching careers. So how much do PTs make? To start off, you’ll need a Level 2 in Gym Instructing qualification where you’ll work as a fitness instructor and be able to assist with classes and provide instructions to new members in the gym. The starting salary for a fitness instructor is currently £18,579.
How much do personal trainers get paid?
Entry-level personal trainers with a Level 3 earn an average of £24,000 a year. When gaining further experience in the industry, the salary can increase significantly, especially for self-employed personal trainers. It’s safe to say the majority of fitness instructors go on to get their Level 3.Don’t forget, there’s the option to work as an online personal trainer or work as a freelancer if you have other commitments.
How much does it cost to become a PT?
In order to gain a quality education and a highly coveted qualification for the industry you're looking to be a part of, it will naturally come with a price tag.However, at LEAP Academy, we believe the price of our PT courses perfectly mirrors the quality of education you will receive. That’s because we’re founded on a very specific set of standards which we believed were largely lacking in the health and fitness training industry.
These include:
Expert-Led PT Courses
Our courses are designed and taught by industry experts, professionals, and successful entrepreneurs, ensuring that you learn directly from those who have hands-on experience in the field. We believe that real-world insight is essential to building your foundation as a skilled personal trainer.
High-Quality Accredited Training
We don’t compromise on quality. All our courses are accredited by a leading independent awarding organisation, providing you with a qualification that meets rigorous standards and holds credibility in the fitness industry. Quality in education isn’t always guaranteed, so it's important to choose a course with proper independent accreditation.
Career-Oriented Development
At LEAP Academy, we aim to prepare you for more than just passing exams; our focus is on equipping you with practical skills to thrive as a professional. We go beyond basic requirements, including career-focused learning and examples that help you succeed in building a career you’re proud of.
Flexible and Inclusive Education
We believe that education should be accessible to all, regardless of location or schedule. That's why we offer 100% remote learning options for every course, along with monthly payment plans to help reduce financial barriers. Our goal is to make quality fitness training education affordable and available to anyone ready to take the leap.
Community-Driven Support
A strong support network is key to success, which is why we foster a community of learners who support one another throughout their training journey. This network helps build confidence and provides ongoing support, even as you step into your new career.
Want to become a personal trainer with us at LEAP Academy?
If you’re looking to get certified or build on your qualifications, LEAP Academy offers a comprehensive selection of health and fitness courses that cater to where you are in your health and fitness career.Should you still be looking to upskill after finishing off your Level 3, we also have excellent Level 4 courses that can boost not only your skills but your earning potential too. Check out the entire range of PT training courses on offer today on our website.
