Become a Qualified Personal Trainer
Fully Funded by the Government
Start your new career in fitness with a nationally recognised Level 3 Diploma. Apply today with no upfront cost using the Advanced Learner Loan.
CIMSPA Recognised
Active IQ Awarded
Ofqual Regulated
Government Approved
Why Study with CMS Fitness Courses?
100% Online Study
Fully Funded
with Government Advanced Learner Loan
No Credit Checks
Flexible Study
Learn at Your Own Pace
Personal Tutor Support
Throughout Your Journey
Career Progression Support
CV guidance, job application support, career advice.
Government Advanced Learner Loan Explained
- Course fully funded by a government-backed Advanced Learner Loan
- Repayments only begin when you earn over £25,000 per year
- Flexible online learning – fit study around your work and life
- Supportive tutors and structured resources throughout your journey
- Eligible if you’re 19+ and have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
- No credit checks or household income assessments required
Course Investment
£2,225
100% Funded
No upfront costs, pay only when you're earning £25,000+ per year
About The Course
| Course Accreditation & Details | |
|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Active IQ |
| Certification | Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing & Personal Training |
| Ofqual Accreditation Number | 603/2693/1 |
| Duration | 2–9 months |
Entry Requirements
- Aged 19 or over
- UK resident for 3+ years
- No previous qualifications required
What You'll Learn
- Principles of Anatomy and Physiology of Fitness
- Professionalism and Customer Care for Fitness Instructors
- Health and Safety in the Fitness Environment
- Conducting Client Consultations to Support Positive Behaviour Change
- Planning and Instructing Gym Based Exercise
- Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise, Health and Fitness
- Lifestyle, Health and Common Medical Conditions
- Encouraging Positive Health and Fitness Behaviours in Clients
- Programme Design and Delivery for Personal Training
- Professionalism and Business Acumen for Personal Trainers
How It Works
Apply Online
Quick application to check eligibility for government funding.
Enrol & Start
Once approved, begin your online learning with tutor support.
Get Certified
Receive your fully recognised Level 3 Diploma qualification.
Student Success Stories
"Thanks to CMS and the Advanced Learner Loan, I qualified as a PT with no upfront costs. The tutors were brilliant."
Laura M.
Qualified Personal Trainer
"Thanks to CMS and the Advanced Learner Loan, I qualified as a PT with no upfront costs. The tutors were brilliant."
Laura M.
Qualified Personal Trainer
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for the funding?
Most learners aged 19 or over can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to fund their Personal Training qualification fully.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be aged 19 or over on the first day of your course
- Have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the last 3 years prior to the course start date
- Be enrolling on an eligible Level 3 qualification – such as the Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training (qualification reference 603/2693/1)
- Be a UK national or have settled/pre-settled status, or meet the broader residency criteria set out by Student Finance England
You do not need to:
- Pay anything upfront – the loan covers 100% of your course fee
- Undergo a credit check
- Provide proof of income or employment
Repayments only start when you’re earning over £25,000 per year, and even then, they’re affordable and based purely on what you earn, not what you borrowed.
If you’re unsure about your residency status or want help understanding your eligibility, our team is on hand to guide you through the process.
When can I start?
You can start your Personal Training course as soon as your funding is approved, and that can be as quick as within 24 hours.
- Enrolment is open all year round, so there are no fixed term dates or waiting lists.
- Once you’ve confirmed your course place and submitted your Advanced Learner Loan application, our team will support you through the next steps.
- In many cases, the entire process – from application to enrolment to learning platform access – can be completed in just one working day.
That means you could be studying within 24 hours of applying, with instant access to your online course, tutor support, and everything you need to get started on your new career path.
Ready to begin? The sooner you apply, the sooner you start.
Do I need previous experience?
Not at all. There’s no need for prior qualifications, industry experience or fitness background.
Whether you’re:
- Just starting and looking for a career change
- Returning to study after a break
- Passionate about fitness and want to turn that interest into a profession
This course provides everything you need to succeed from day one. You’ll be guided step-by-step through all the fundamental knowledge, practical skills, and behaviours expected of a qualified Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer.
With structured learning, expert tutor support, and access to high-quality online resources, you’ll build your confidence and competence at your own pace.
All you need is commitment, motivation, and the desire to work in the fitness industry – we’ll support you with the rest.
Where are the practical workshops held?
Our Personal Training qualification is designed to be as flexible as possible, so you can choose the delivery method that suits you best.
100% Online Option:
You can complete the entire course – including practical assessments – fully online, without needing to attend any workshop days.
Most of our learners record their practical assessments in a local gym, using a smartphone on a tripod, along with Bluetooth microphones for clear audio between themselves and their client.
As part of your final assessment, you’ll be required to submit:
- 5 recordings in a gym environment, demonstrating your ability to plan and deliver effective training sessions.
- One of these recordings must include 3 friends or family members participating together, allowing you to showcase your ability to manage group exercise safely and effectively.
- 2 additional recordings, which can be completed at home, where you’ll demonstrate client consultation skills.
This flexible model is ideal if you prefer to study and complete your assessments at your own pace, in familiar surroundings.
🏋️ Face-to-Face Support Available:
If you’d prefer an in-person experience, we also offer optional practical support and assessment days at our private training venue in Batley, West Yorkshire.
These sessions provide the opportunity to:
- Gain additional tutor support
- Practice in a professional training space
- Complete practical assessments with guidance and feedback
During your enrolment, we’ll talk through both assessment pathways and help you choose the one that fits best with your lifestyle, experience, and learning preferences.
Is this qualification recognised by gyms and employers?
Absolutely. This qualification is one of the most widely recognised and respected personal training qualifications in the UK – and internationally.
- Awarded by Active IQ – the UK’s largest awarding organisation for health, fitness, and wellbeing qualifications, known for its rigorous quality standards and employer recognition
- Endorsed by CIMSPA – the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity, which is the national professional governing body for the sector
- Both CMS Fitness Courses and Active IQ are official CIMSPA-endorsed training providers, ensuring complete alignment with industry standards
- Regulated by Ofqual – this qualification sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England, meaning it’s nationally accredited and government-approved
- Backed by the UK Government through the Advanced Learner Loan scheme, giving learners financial support to train professionally without upfront cost
This is the qualification to hold in the UK if you want to work as a Personal Trainer in gyms, health clubs, studios, or as a self-employed coach.
Better still, it’s recognised across Europe and highly respected in Australia, the Middle East, and many other regions.
Whether you plan to work locally or globally, this course gives you the credentials to succeed and the confidence to stand out.
Check Your Eligibility
Fill out the form below to get started on your fitness career journey
"*" indicates required fields
Registered in England and Wales under company number: 4108137
VAT number: 143 4089 23
Incoming and outgoing calls may be recorded for quality, training and assessment purposes.