Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training (RQF)

Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training (RQF)

This course is for anyone who already holds a valid Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing or Fitness Instructing, and is looking to complete the next phase of their studies so they can personally train clients in a fitness environment.

This Level 3 qualification is designed to provide you with all the knowledge required to get started in this career, but it’s also been made to get you qualified in a fun and engaging way.

You will learn all about human anatomy, physiology, and nutrition, from a team of industry-leading Personal Trainers who will give you an ideal foundational knowledge to build upon. From there, you will learn how to run client consultations, plus how to plan and deliver personal training programmes.

Once completed, you’ll be set to secure Personal Trainer jobs, but you’ll also have the continued support of the LEAP Academy team well into your career.

Key topics covered in this course include:

• Applied anatomy and physiology
• Nutrition for physical activity
• How to deliver client consultations
• How to plan and deliver personal training programmes
• Engaging a client and maximising their experience
• Business fundamentals for a Personal Trainer

Our online fitness courses are developed and delivered by industry experts that are paving the way in the industry. Though you will be learning from the comfort of your home, every effort has been made to ensure your learning experience is an engaging and enjoyable one. As such, the course materials are delivered through a combination of written materials, interactive learning elements, and course videos.

Check out the video below for an example of the content you can expect in this course! You can also find out more detailed information about the course contents, team and potential career opportunities in the tabs above.

Modules

Unit 1: Applied Anatomy and Physiology

On completion of this unit you will understand:

• The cardiorespiratory system and its relation to exercise
• The skeletal system and its relation to exercise
• The muscular system and its relation to exercise
• Postural and core stability
• The nervous system and its relation to exercise
• The endocrine system and its relation to exercise and health
• Energy systems and their relation to exercise

Unit 2: Nutrition for Physical Activity

On completion of this unit you will understand:

• The principles of nutrition
• Key nutritional strategies and guidelines
• Understand how to use nutritional tools
• Collecting and analysing nutritional information
• Apply the principles of nutrition

Unit 3: Lifestyle Management & Motivation for Personal Training

On completion of this unit you will understand:

• Lifestyle and health promotion
• Principles of behaviour change and exercise adherence
• Implementing strategies to encourage exercise adherence and long-term behaviour change
• Health conditions and medically controlled diseases

Unit 4: Planning and Delivering Personal Training Programmes

On completion of this unit you will understand:

• Obtaining client information to inform programme planning
• Conducting client consultations
• Conducting health & fitness assessments
• How to instruct and adapt personal training sessions to meet the needs of different clients
• Observing and adapting exercise technique
• Designing small group training sessions
• Demonstrating professional conduct

Unit 5: Business Acumen for Personal Trainers

On completion of this unit you will understand:

• Creating business & marketing plans for personal training businesses
• Managing finances related to a personal training business

Entry Requirements

In order to enrol on this course, learners must hold a valid Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing or Fitness Instructing.

For anyone without such a qualification, our online Level 2/3 Gym Instructing and Personal Training Practitioner (RQF) combined course is an excellent starting point. For learners with prior qualifications, you can check if yours meets these requirements by first contacting our team.

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

A minimum course payment of 25% must be paid before we are able to register you on the course and book your unit 1 exam. Until this threshold is met, you will be unable to sit your unit 1 exam, although you are welcome to continue working your way through the course content.

Equipment Requirements:

For you to sit a remotely invigilated assessment, you’ll need the following equipment/environment:

• Laptop/desktop with webcam and microphone (Microsoft Windows or a Mac, Chromebooks cannot be used)
• Wi-Fi connection (Min 1Mbit/s upload | Min 10Mbit/s download)
• Smartphone or tablet (Apple iOS 8.0 / Android 4.1 or higher)
• Suitable test environment (quiet room with no distractions)

Your laptop/desktop will run the assessment software and your smartphone or tablet will be used to record you and the assessment. The assessment itself cannot be sat on a smartphone or tablet.

Laptop/desktop Requirements:

You’ll need to have access to a laptop/desktop that has the following set-up:

• Broadband speed/bandwidth: - Minimum 1Mbit/s upload speed - recommended upload speed is 1.5Mbit/s - Minimum 10Mbit/s download speed - Tethering via a mobile phone is not supported. Tip: You could try connecting your computer directly to your Wi-Fi router using an ethernet cable to improve and/or guarantee your connection. You can test your broadband speed/bandwidth here: https://www.speedtest.net/ The operating systems supported are Windows 8 or higher, and MAC OS X (latest and previous releases). Chromebooks are not supported therefore shouldn’t be used
• Wi-Fi connection – you should be positioned where the signal is strongest
• Web browser – you’ll need the latest version of Google Chrome
• Webcam required – maximum resolution of 1280 x 720
• Microphone required
• Audio required
• If possible, turn off any updates on devices
• Ensure that your laptop/desktop is plugged in for the duration of the assessment

Note: Attempting to use a laptop or device that is intended for work purposes may have restricted access and admin rights installed. This may cause issues when trying to access the ProctorExam platform and therefore it is recommended that you use a personal laptop or device.

Review the following list of technology not currently supported by ProctorU.

Not Supported: 

• Connecting from within a virtual machine. You will be asked to reconnect using your host operating system to take your exam
• Apple Boot Camp
• Remote Access Software
• Inactive Version of Windows and Test Builds/Test Mode
• Microsoft Edge browser 
• Windows 10 and 11 in S mode or Surface RT
• Linux operating systems
• Google Chromebooks (with Guardian Browser)
• Google Chromebooks for Live+ or Review+
• Tablets (Nexus, iPad, Tab, Note, etc.)
• Smartphones

Guidance from Proctor U

Review the following minimum and recommended requirements for your camera, operating system, upload/download speeds, RAM, ports, microphones, and browsers. 

Additional Requirements: 

• A functioning microphone (some web cameras have them built-in); the microphone should not be part of headphones.
• Headphones are generally not permitted,  check with your testing organization to determine if headphones are permitted
• A compatible browser: Guardian (If applicable), Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox
• If you are using a work-issued device, Admin access is required to Download

Review the following list of technology not currently supported by ProctorU.

Not Supported: 

• Connecting from within a virtual machine. You will be asked to reconnect using your host operating system to take your exam
• Apple Boot Camp
• Remote Access Software
• Inactive Version of Windows and Test Builds/Test Mode
• Microsoft Edge browser 
• Windows 10 and 11 in S mode or Surface RT
• Linux operating systems
• Google Chromebooks (with Guardian Browser)
• Google Chromebooks for Live+ or Review+
• Tablets (Nexus, iPad, Tab, Note, etc.)
• Smartphones

The course is assessed through a variety of methods, depending on the unit. We have outlined the assessment structure below:

The first unit is assessed through:

• Multiple-choice theory exam (*You will be provided with a mock exam to help you prepare for the assessment)

Later units are assessed through a combination of:

• Written assessments
• Video submissions
• Programme cards
• Reflection documents

Please note that each assessment will be explained when you reach them during your studies.

*Please note that you will need to have paid 15% of the overall course cost before we are able to book your first examination.

Innovate Awarding

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training. This course is accredited by Innovate Awarding.

Innovate Awarding is an Ofqual regulated awarding organisation with an innovative and dynamic approach. They develop off-the-shelf, customised and fully bespoke qualifications across a growing number of sectors – all on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). 

This course is the ideal next step for anyone working in the fitness sector, or aspiring to, who already holds a Level 2 fitness qualification.

By gaining this Level 3 qualification, you will be able to pursue a career in personal training and even set up your own business! This is because your qualification evidences that you’ve gained the level of skills and knowledge required to engage, facilitate, educate and support clients in the gym environment.

Once you’ve obtained your qualification, you can secure a personal training position within a fitness studio or club. This is an excellent way to build your confidence and gain experience. However, if you’re ready to go it alone, you can also go down the route of self-employment and build your own business and client base either online or in person.

Whatever path you choose, this course provides you with the knowledge and understanding required to become a successful Personal Trainer.

Should you wish to, you can progress your knowledge and career even further by completing related courses and qualifications at a higher level. Our online Level 4 Advanced Sports Nutrition qualification will enable you to write personal nutrition plans for clients, so you can help them in a wider capacity.