Level 2/3 Gym Instructing and Personal Training Practitioner (RQF)

Modules

1. Anatomy physiology and kinesiology for exercise and health
2. Principles of health and wellbeing for exercise, fitness and health
3. Know how to support clients lifestyle management and enhance client motivation for exercise and physical activity
4. Principles of professional practice and health and safety in a fitness environment
5. Planning professional practice with effective consultations and assessments for gym-based exercise sessions
6. Instructing professional practice and effective exercise supervision in gym-based exercise sessions
7. Applying nutritional principles to personal training
8. Planning exercise Programme design for Personal Training Clients
9. Delivering exercise programmes for Personal Training sessions
10. Business acumen and the use of information technology for a personal trainer

Entry Requirements

Learners will need to be in a role where they are giving advice and guidance to clients (this can be in a range of different settings but they do need to be able to demonstrate their work). Learners will be required to provide video evidence of their progress and work, so access to a gym or appropriate home equipment is needed. Settings and locations with restrictions that may not permit this are not appropriate. This is a level 3 qualification which will require learners to have an excellent standard of written English. Learners will be expected to use an appropriate referencing system and support their own studies by conducting independent research.

Minimum age restriction

16

Average completion timeframe

The average completion time for this course is 12-18 months however it can be successfully completed in as little as 12 weeks with full-time study. You have up to 24 months to complete this course.

Assessment requirements

Assessments are completed through written assessments, self reflection, and video assessments. The video assessments require access to appropriate equipment - please see attached guidance document.

Placement or Practical required

See entry requirements - Learners will need to be working with clients, or have access to clients in order to complete this qualification. No placement or face-to-face practical is required. Assessments are completed via video submission and learners will be required to record themselves and evidence of their work and progess, and upload it for review.

If placement or practical required, when?

No placement is required but learners should have access to a gym or gym equipment. Learners will also need to have access to a demonstration client for the video assessment.

Exams required

No

Is Membership Required?

No Membership

Certification Timeframe

Please allow up to 12 weeks from your course completion date for your certification to arrive. Please note this can be longer if an EQA sample is required

Course Fees

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.

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

Assessment

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

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.

Qualifications

Focus

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the Focus award - Level 3 Diploma Practitioner in Personal Training (RQF) 603/5233/4

Career

If you aspire to become a Personal Trainer and potentially set up your own business, this course is an excellent way to get started. Through your studies, you will develop the knowledge and skills required to educate and engage clients in a gym environment, while facilitating and supporting them in the pursuit of their fitness goals. 

You could kick off your career in gym instructing and gain valuable experience by leading client consultations, designing gym programmes, and assisting clients on the gym floor. Or, you could dive straight into personal training, by taking up a position in a fitness club or studio and building your experience in this kind of environment. You could even opt for self-employment and work on building your own business and client base online or in-person.

Either way, completing this course will equip you for a successful career as Gym Instructor or Personal Trainer.

You also have the option to build on what you have learnt through further study by completing a related course with Leap Academy, so you can assist clients in a wider capacity. A natural progression would be completing our L4 Advanced Sports Nutrition qualification, so you could also create personalised nutrition plans for your clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out how this course has helped real-life learners – people just like you - to reach their goals and achieve success!