Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training

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Course Introduction:

The Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training is one of the most respected and recognised qualifications for those looking to work professionally as a personal trainer. This course builds on your Level 2 knowledge and equips you with the skills, understanding, and confidence to train clients on a 1-to-1 basis or in small groups, across a range of goals and fitness levels. Whether your aim is to work in a commercial gym, set up your own business, or specialise in a niche area like strength training or injury prevention; this course is your foundation.

 

Course Pre-requisites:

Before starting, learners must have:

• A recognised Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing (Active IQ or equivalent).

• A genuine interest in helping others improve their health and fitness.

• Basic computer literacy (for online elements and coursework submission).

 

Module Breakdowns:

 

Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise and Health

As a PT, understanding how the body works is essential to prescribing safe, effective programmes. You’ll apply this knowledge when designing training sessions, spotting limitations, and explaining progress to clients.

• Structure and function of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and nervous systems.

• How these systems adapt to different types of training and recovery.

 

Nutrition for Exercise, Health, and Fitness

Clients look to you for guidance. This unit gives you the confidence to support fat loss, muscle gain, and overall wellbeing, while staying within your professional scope.

• Basic principles of nutrition and healthy eating.

• How to support client goals through appropriate nutrition advice.

• Legal and professional boundaries around nutrition.

 

Lifestyle and Medical Factors

You’ll work with a wide range of people, many of whom may have underlying health considerations. This module helps you keep them safe and progress them sensibly.

• Common lifestyle risks (e.g. inactivity, stress, poor sleep, alcohol, smoking).

• Recognising red flags and referring clients appropriately.

• Understanding how medical conditions and medications affect exercise.

 

Client Consultation and Behaviour Change

Results come from consistency. This unit teaches you how to engage and retain clients through relationship-building, behaviour change theory, and goal alignment.

• Effective communication, goal setting, and motivational techniques.

• Conducting consultations and assessments professionally.

• Building rapport and improving adherence.

 

Programme Design and Planning

This is your bread and butter. You’ll leave this unit knowing how to confidently create intelligent training plans based on real client goals, needs, and limitations.

• How to design progressive, tailored fitness programmes.

• Working across various goals (e.g. strength, fat loss, hypertrophy, endurance).

• Exercise selection, structure, progression and periodisation.

 

Delivering Personal Training Sessions

Your ability to deliver a session is what clients remember. This unit prepares you to lead confidently and adapt in real time which is essential for client safety and success.

• Session structure, cueing, coaching, and technique correction.

• Using appropriate teaching styles for different learning types.

• Managing risk, modifying exercises, and maintaining client motivation.

 

Professional Practice and Business Skills

Being a great trainer is only part of the job; this unit helps you build a sustainable business, market yourself effectively, and operate within legal and ethical frameworks.

• Setting up as a self-employed PT.

• Marketing yourself, handling payments, and managing time.

• Legal responsibilities, GDPR, insurance, and professional boundaries.

 

Assessment Methods

• Theory exams (multiple choice): Anatomy & Nutrition.

• Coursework & case studies: Programme planning and client profiling.

• Practical assessment: Delivery of a personal training session.

• Portfolio of evidence: Tracking your learning and professional development.

 

What You’ll Achieve

By the end of this course, you’ll be fully qualified to:

• Work as a CIMSPA-recognised Personal Trainer.

• Design and deliver tailored, effective training programmes.

• Coach clients towards their goals with confidence and professionalism.

• Launch your own personal training business or join a team in a commercial or private gym.