
Professional Diploma in Personal Training
Become a Level 3 certified and globally recognised fitness professional
Delivery method
Online / Hybrid-Live
Certified status
Level 2+3
Programme duration
12 - 52 weeks
Diploma price
£1,790
Delivery method
Online /
Hybrid-Live
Certified status
Level 2+3
Programme duration
12 - 52
weeks
Diploma price
£1,790
No experience or qualifications needed!
Our Diploma in Personal Training is perfect for anyone looking to start a career in fitness. You'll learn all the essential skills, from foundational fitness knowledge to advanced personal training strategies.
If you already have a Level 2 gym or group exercise instructor certification, you can receive credit for some of the assignments and exams in our programme and bypass certain modules. This way, you can spend more time on the advanced personal training topics and real-life case studies.
Important: Before you can receive credit and bypass modules, we'll need to see proof of your Level 2 certification. If you don't have a Level 2 certification, you'll need to complete all parts of the programme.
Our Diploma in Personal Training offers comprehensive training, combining both Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, providing you with the knowledge and skills to excel in both employed and self-employed roles.
Accelerate your learning:If you already hold a Level 2 gym or group exercise instructor certification, you may be able to bypass certain modules and earn prior attained credit for some assignments. This allows you to focus more on advanced personal training topics and real-world case studies.
Our courses are accredited by Active IQ and endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Management Sports and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), two of the UK's most respected fitness and health sector bodies. This means you'll receive a high-quality education that meets the industry's highest standards.
With Active IQ and CIMSPA accreditation, you'll be well-prepared to pursue a successful career in personal training and fitness instruction, safe in the knowledge that your qualification is respected by employers all over the world.
Hybrid-live learning offers a flexible approach to education that combines the best of live tutor led workshops with the convenience of online learning, and in-person practical assessments.
Key Benefits:
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Total flexibility: Learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. With no fixed start dates or assessment deadlines, you can easily balance your studies with your life.
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Personalised support: Your dedicated course tutor is here to guide you every step of the way, offering expert feedback, guidance, and support.
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Engaging workshops: Our inspiring tutors lead bi-weekly webinars to ensure you fully grasp each module and receive expert guidance.
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Comprehensive assessment: Our experienced assessors observe your skills firsthand through in-person practical assessments. This provides immediate feedback and validates your expertise.
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Unlimited access: Access course materials and resources from anywhere with an internet connection.
With our hybrid-live learning model, you can enjoy a personalised, flexible, and comprehensive education that sets you up for success.
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Active Global is committed to providing you with not just a qualification, but a competitive edge. Our industry-leading graded level outcomes set us apart, offering you the opportunity to showcase your skills and abilities to potential employers in a more meaningful way.
Graduating from our diploma isn't just about passing. We offer three levels of achievement: Pass, Merit, and Distinction.
Benefits of graded level outcomes:
A higher graded level outcome can significantly boost your job prospects and earning potential. Employers are increasingly seeking candidates who can demonstrate a deep understanding of their field and a commitment to excellence - standing out from the crowd.
Our graded level outcomes provide a clear and tangible way to showcase your skills and abilities to potential employers, giving you a competitive advantage in the job market.
View our FAQs for full details on how the grading levels are awarded.
Learn from the best, learn your way, and stand out from the crowd.
Active Global is committed to providing you with the highest quality personal training education, designed by industry leaders for the benefit of future aspiring Personal Trainers.
Our founder and lead tutor, Steve, has been at the forefront of the fitness industry for over two decades. With a proven track record of success in both personal training and fitness business across the world, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our courses.
By choosing Active Global, you'll join a community of passionate and dedicated fitness professionals who are making a difference in people's lives. Our programme equips you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this dynamic and rewarding industry.
Enrol in our Diploma in Personal Training and start your journey toward a fulfilling career in fitness.
Course overview
Enjoy the flexibility of online learning whilst also benefiting from live workshop tuition and graded outcomes.
Created and delivered by an incredible tutor team who have trained over 3,000 learners and led some of the best performing PT teams in the world with reputed brands.
Ready to learn more?
Steve, our founder, shares his passion for the Diploma in Personal Training.
Hear exactly what is involved in the study programme and how the course is designed to set you up in the best way to succeed in a vibrant fitness and personal training career.
With a focus on practical application and real-world experience, our comprehensive curriculum will prepare you to meet the demands of the modern fitness industry and achieve your career goals.
The course is delivered in three phased core modules:
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Module 1: Fundamentals of Human Function
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Module 2: Principles of Exercise and Activity Science
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Module 3: Professional Client Management and Business Acumen
Our curriculum has been meticulously designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective personal training and fitness services. From foundational theory to practical application, you'll learn how to meet the unique needs of your clients and build a successful PT business.
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Each of the three core modules are made up of four study units:
Module 1: Fundamentals of human function
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the human body and its nutritional needs, along with insights into the fitness industry.
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Health and fitness industry market insights: Understand the current trends and opportunities in the fitness industry.
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Components of optimal human function: Explore the essential elements of health, fitness, exercise and well-being.
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Applied anatomy and physiology: Gain a solid foundation in human anatomy and physiology.
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Principles of nutrition: Learn about the role of nutrition in health and fitness.
Module 2: Principles of exercise and activity science
Develop the skills to design and deliver effective training programmes for clients with diverse needs and backgrounds.
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Training approaches and systems: Explore the principles of exercise science and its application in personal training.
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Coaching and instruction skills: Develop effective coaching and instruction techniques.
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Directive exercise practices: Learn how to design and deliver safe and effective exercise programmes based upon validated health and fitness assessment directives.
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Periodisation and programme design: Understand the principles of periodisation and programme design.
Module 3: Professional client management and business acumen
Learn how to build strong relationships with clients, maintain professional standards, and establish a successful personal training business.
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Supporting clients through healthy lifestyles: Learn how to guide clients towards healthy lifestyle choices.
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Consultative coaching and client needs analysis: Develop effective client assessment and consultation skills.
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Professional standards and practices: Understand the ethical and professional standards of personal training.
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Business and marketing strategy: Develop a successful business and marketing plan for your personal training career.
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Live workshops delivered by our tutor team are held every fortnight to ensure that you always have an opportunity to connect with your tutor and any other learners at the same stage of the programme as you in an engaging and collaborative setting.
In support of the three phased modules, we recommend that all learners attend at least one live workshop at the beginning of each module. Our learners will be better prepared, benefitting from an extra layer of real world learning in addition to the online course materials.
Workshop 1:
Get to know the human body, unlock the secrets of the fitness industry and how to level up your fitness expertise.
Workshop 2:
How to create tailored fitness programmes and workouts for diverse clients.
Workshop 3:
How to find clients and work with them to ensure initial and ongoing success.
The Diploma in Personal Training assessments are the end of course exams. There are three theory assessments and three practical assessments:
Open book, multiple choice theory exams:
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Level 2 Principles of anatomy, physiology and fitness.
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Level 3 Applied anatomy and physiology for exercise, health and fitness.
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Principles of nutrition and their application to exercise and health.
Practical assessments:
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Observed online client consultation (to support case study assignment).
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Observed fitness environment induction.
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Observed 1-to-1 personal training session (for the same client from your case study assignment and consultation).
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Alongside the final practical and theory exams, during the course, learners will need to produce two real world case studies and six coursework assignments.
Case study 1: Periodised (three phase) training programme for a newly acquired client, including:
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Initial needs analysis questionnaire and food diary.
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Physical activity readiness questionnaire and health commitment statement.
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Educational guidance documentation for supporting client success.
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Online (video recorded) 1-to-1 consultation appointment and follow up feedback support.
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3 x training regimes, including workout plans for each scheduled day of the week - each phase/regime will progress safely, effective and suitably for the client's individual needs.
The programmes designed and submitted for your periodised training plan case study will form the basis of your final practical assessment - where you will teach a live PT session with your client.
Case study 2: Professional fitness business plan proposal, including:
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Initial business evaluation.
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Market research.
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Business overview.
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Financial performance forecast.
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Go to market strategy (and budget).
Assignment 1: Personal training competencies worksheet.
Assignment 2: Supporting clients and encouraging positive behaviour change worksheet.
Assignment 3: Professionalism and customer care worksheet.
Assignment 4: Health and safety in the fitness environment worksheet.
Assignment 5: Observational analysis and programming adaptations task.
Assignment 6: Personal and professional development plan.
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In addition to the lesson content, live workshops, course assignments and assessments, learners have unlimited access to tutor guidance via video call, phone and chat messenger as well as access to an extensive range of further learning and revision resources including:
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Downloadable programming templates.
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Online calculators.
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Interactive quizzes and gamified revision tests.
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Industry reports, articles and press releases.
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Blog posts.
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Discounted access passes to industry events.
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Course content
Discover the comprehensive curriculum, interactive workshops, and assessments that make up our Diploma in Personal Training.
Explore the modules and lesson unit topics, course assignments, and resources designed for your success.
How long does the course take?
The Diploma in Personal Training typically takes learners twelve weeks to complete, including all assessments.
Allowing for all modules of learning, live workshops, coursework assignments and final assessments to be achieved, a twelve week pace is based upon each phased module of the course lasting four weeks each, with learners dedicating an average of twelve hours per week to their studies.
Being a fully flexible course, you can extend the learning schedule to suit your lifestyle. You will have one year from date of enrolment to complete your course - providing more than enough time to pace your studies and benefit from your unlimited tutor support to successfully complete your course.
Our course advisors will work with you to design your ideal study schedule before you begin your first lesson - we have a blueprint for every type of learner, depending on your availability to commit time to your learning and attend the live workshops.
Most learners take between three to four months to complete the full course, but you are in the driving seat - pace the course as you need, be confident in your course submissions module by module and work with your tutor to make any reasonable adjustments you may require.
Your tutor will be with you every step of the way for as long as you need during the 12 month validity of your course enrolment and registration.
We understand life can throw curveballs every now and then. If for any reason you require more than twelve months to complete your course, speak with your tutor and see if an adjusted learner arrangement and re-registration plan may be possible for your circumstances.
Our user-friendly learning hub is designed to provide you with a seamless and flexible learning experience. Access all your course materials, from engaging videos and interactive quizzes to essential documents and assignments, through our secure online platform.
Whether you’re using a laptop, mobile or tablet, you can easily navigate through the platform to attend live workshops, interact with your tutor, and submit your work for marking. Your unique learner ID ensures a secure and personalised learning journey.
Our flexible learning platform empowers you to apply your newfound skills in real-world settings. While studying online, take the opportunity to hit the gym, practice with friends, family, or colleagues, and immediately put your course learnings into practice. This hands-on approach allows you to solidify your understanding and develop practical skills.
With our in-person observed assessments, you'll receive valuable feedback on your delivery skills from experienced coaches who have been there and done it before. Benefit from their insights and real-world experience as they guide you toward becoming a top-tier personal trainer.
Take control of your learning journey!
Our flexible assessment system puts you in the driver's seat. Once you feel confident in your knowledge and skills, book your final practical assessment at a time that works best for you. Coordinate with your tutor to schedule an assessment that aligns with your availability and your readiness for success.
Whether you're a fast learner or prefer a more leisurely pace, our programme accommodates your individual needs. If you require additional time or support, don't hesitate to reach out to your tutor. We're here to help you succeed at your own pace.
Course format
Designed for the modern fitness industry, offering a convenient and effective way to learn.
Online / Hybrid-live delivery via the Active Global learning hub offers a fully flexible and accessible learning experience, encompassing interactive task based modules, live workshops, and enhanced tutor support.
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Featured Courses
Upon completion of the Diploma in Personal Training, you'll earn a globally recognised certification. Our accreditation ensures that you possess the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the fitness industry, both domestically and internationally.
You will receive two certificates upon graduation, a Diploma certificate from Active Global and an e-certificate from Active IQ, our industry awarding body. Certificates are issued immediately upon achievement of all course modules.
Once you have received your certificates, you will be able to use your unique graduation ID to obtain public liability insurance as a fully qualified, professional personal trainer.
As a certified personal trainer, you'll have a wide range of career opportunities available to you. Here are just a few:
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Private Gym or Fitness Studio: Work independently as a personal trainer at a local gym or fitness studio.
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Freelance Personal Trainer: Build your own client base and offer personalised training sessions.
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1-to-1 Specialist Coaching or Small Group Training: Become a niche expert or expand your client base by looking after multiple clients at a time.
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Cruise Ship Fitness Director or Wellness Destination Trainer: Explore some of the most beautiful places around the world whilst earning and furthering your training experience.
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Corporate Wellness Programmes: Develop and implement fitness programmes for employees of large corporations.
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Online Personal Training: Provide virtual training sessions to clients around the world and build a thriving community based business.
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Celebrity Personal Trainer: Work with high-profile individuals and become a fitness influencer.
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Sports Performance Coach: Specializse in training athletes to improve their performance.
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Further increase your knowledge and skills further with Continued Professional Development courses such as: Longevity Coaching, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Clinical Nutrition, Strength and Conditioning.
With a globally recognised certification and a passion for fitness, you'll be well-equipped to pursue the career of your dreams.
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Our expert tutor team will guide you through the process of setting up your own personal training business, and this will begin right from the moment you start your course.
One of the coursework case studies is to create an in-depth business plan and go to market strategy. We will help you sculpt your business plan to be relevant to your future career aspirations so it will not only count towards your diploma credits, but also serve as an invaluable tool to help you realise your career ambitions upon graduation.
You will also have access to extensive resources to help you market your services, set up effective pricing strategies, and build client acquisition campaigns.
Our dedicated careers advisors and recruitment partners will help you find the perfect role in the fitness industry!
We'll provide you with personalised coaching on interview techniques, resume writing, and networking strategies to ensure you land your dream job.
Stay ahead of the curve with ongoing professional development opportunities. Attend industry conferences, webinars, and workshops to learn about the latest trends and best practices in personal training and the wider health and fitness industry.
Our team will provide you with personalised guidance and mentorship to help expose you to as many opportunities as possible and support you in reaching your career goals.
Course outcomes
Upon successful completion you will get...

Gain global accreditation
Recognised by industry-leading organisations and regulatory bodies worldwide, including ActiveIQ, CIMSPA and Ofqual, the Active Global Diploma in Personal Training opens doors to exciting careers and global networking.
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Kim Ingleby
A brilliant, established, highly knowledgeable and empathetic team. I wholeheartedly recommend them as exceptional tutors, mentors and presenters.
Gokay Kurtuldum
The course delivery was exceptional, all of the tutors were so inspiring and I'm so grateful for their help.
I am where I am today because of this course.
Nick Collins
The flexibility and online aspect of this course was a lifesaver for me. Great lessons, great instructors. Steve, Paul and team were awesome!
Laura Whittle
Can’t rate enough!
Steve's professionalism, knowledge and pure passion is impressive. Would definitely recommend to anyone