
Start your career as a Personal Trainer
Gain your nationally recognised Level 3 Gym Instructing and Personal Training qualification with flexible online learning, tutor support, practical workshops and no traditional exams.
£0 upfront for eligible learners
Advanced Learner Loans can help cover the tuition fee for eligible learners aged 19+.
Start Application NowDesigned for people who want to change career, upskill or start coaching clients
You do not need to already work in fitness. The course helps you build confidence step by step, with tutor support and flexibility around work and life.
Can I study alongside a full-time job?
Yes. The course is designed to be flexible around you, with live sessions, recordings and 1-to-1 tutor support opportunities.
Do I have to attend every live session?
No. Attending live is recommended, but recordings will be shared and tutor support is available to help you stay on track.
Do I need to be good at exams?
No. This is a coursework-based qualification using workbooks, observations, recordings and practical evidence.
A practical route into the fitness industry
The page focuses on the things learners really want to know: time commitment, flexibility, funding, assessment and support.

Work towards a Level 3 qualification
Build the professional knowledge and practical evidence needed to progress into gym instruction and personal training.

Learn around your life
Study alongside work, family and other commitments. We recommend attending at least one live session and a 1-to-1 wherever possible, but we will work with you to keep you progressing.

Build client and business skills
Learn how to consult with clients, plan programmes, review progress, communicate professionally and begin building your PT career.
You will be able to show what you can do
These are the practical skills and career-ready behaviours you will develop throughout the course.
Consult with clients
Carry out professional consultations, screening and goal-setting conversations to understand and support your clients.
Plan effective programmes
Design safe, structured and progressive gym-based exercise programmes tailored to individual goals and needs.
Coach with confidence
Deliver effective exercise instruction, demonstrations and coaching with professionalism and confidence.
Support lifestyle goals
Provide guidance on nutrition, wellbeing and behaviour change to help clients build healthy, sustainable habits.
Submit practical evidence
Use recordings, observations and workbook activities to build a portfolio that shows your skills in real situations.
Prepare for work
Develop the knowledge and skills to start your career, attract clients and grow your Personal Training business.
From application to qualification
Apply
Register your interest and check if the course is right for you.
Loan approval
Apply for your Advanced Learner Loan if eligible.
Join a cohort
Once approved, we will place you into a cohort that works best for you.
Learn and practise
Complete online learning, live sessions, recordings and practical tasks.
Build evidence
Submit workbooks, observations, session recordings and case studies.
Qualify
Complete your portfolio and move towards working with clients.
Train now with no upfront tuition fee for eligible learners
Applications are open now. Cohorts will start from August, and we will join you into a cohort that works best for you once your loan has been approved.
What is an Advanced Learner Loan?
An Advanced Learner Loan helps eligible learners aged 19+ pay for approved further education qualifications. It can help cover the cost of your tuition, so you can start studying now and repay later once your income is above the repayment threshold.
What is an Advanced Learner Loan?Get support, practise skills and prepare for assessment
Workshops help you apply the learning with tutor guidance.
Workshop 1
Consultation, assessments, health screening and exercise planning.
Workshop 2
Nutrition, motivation, lifestyle management and client adherence.
Workshop 3
Gym inductions, coaching techniques, instruction and supervision.
Workshop 4
Client case studies, personal training sessions and business planning.
Assessment that shows what you can do
This is a coursework-based qualification, making it accessible for learners with different education backgrounds, support needs and confidence levels.
- Workbooks and written tasks
- Observed practical delivery
- Recorded gym induction and PT sessions
- Client case study and business case study
- Professional discussions and portfolio completion

Clear answers before you apply
When does it start?
Applications for Advanced Learner Loans are open now. Cohorts will start from August.
Will I need to attend live?
Live attendance is recommended, but recordings will be available and tutor support can help you stay on track.
Can I study in the evenings?
Yes. The course is flexible, but you will need time for learning, communication, coursework and filming.
What experience do I need?
No pre-course qualification is required. Safeguarding and first aid are recommended because of the nature of the work.
Do I need to be good at exams?
No. This qualification uses coursework, workbooks, observations and recordings rather than traditional exams.
What happens after my loan is approved?
We will help place you into a cohort that works best for you and support your onboarding.
“If you are looking to change career or start working with clients, this course is designed to help you build confidence, complete your qualification and take your next step into the fitness industry.”
Start your application today
Complete our short application form and a member of the Sport Structures team will contact you to discuss Advanced Learner Loan funding, answer your questions and help you join the next available cohort.