What does a “Level 3 personal trainer” mean? | Exercise.com Learn: Your Fitness Business Resource

What does a “Level 3 personal trainer” mean?

To become a personal trainer in England, you need to obtain a Level 3 certification. In most cases, you need a Level 2 certification prior to studying for your Level 3, though some programs will allow you to study for your Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications at the same time.

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist. He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life. He has been featured in Shape, Healthline, HuffPost, Women's...

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UPDATED: Oct 21, 2021

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Get the Basics...
  • To become a personal trainer in England, you need to obtain a Level 3 certification.
  • A Level 3 personal trainer has met the requirements set forth by the Register of Exercise Professionals.
  • In most cases, you need a Level 2 certification prior to studying for your Level 3.
  • However, some programs do allow you to study for the two certificates simultaneously.

Level 3 is an England-based certification. In England, you must complete this certification to become a personal trainer. The program needs to comply with the Register of Exercise Professionals guidelines.

Most Level 3 programs require you to have already completed a Level 2 qualification before enrolling. These Level 2 qualifications include the Level 2 Certificate in gym and fitness instructing, the Level 2 diploma in health, fitness, and exercise instruction, and the Level 2 diploma in instructing exercise and fitness.

Some programs will allow you to study for your Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications at the same time.

These combination packages allow you to get both certificates in a shorter period of time. You might choose to do this program if you wish to start working right away as a personal trainer and not work as a group fitness instructor.

Once you’re certified, check out our all-in-one Fitness Business Management Software to see how you can manage your new client roster efficiently. Request a demo now.

What Do You Learn in a Level 3 Personal Training Program?

There are a few different types of personal training programs, and they might have some slight differences. Most of them will last several weeks. Almost all programs recognized by the Register of Exercise Professionals consist of 10 modules covering various personal training topics.

Some of the topics included in the course are anatomy, physiology, cardiovascular training, and general training principles, physical activity promotion, health, and safety. You will also learn how to develop a training program based on your client’s needs and fitness level. Additionally, you will learn how to put together a diet plan and give nutritional advice.

Many of these programs are available online for distance learners, so it is not necessary to live in the United Kingdom to take these classes.

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What Else Is Required to Become a Personal Trainer in England?

In addition to the Level 3 certification course, you should get a First Aid certificate and personal trainer insurance. The Health and Safety Executive-recognized first aid certificate is also known as the Emergency First Aid at Work certificate. It is important to understand how to prevent injury and administer basic first aid in the case of an emergency during training. You need to renew your first aid certificate every three years.

It is also a good idea to get personal trainer insurance if you plan on working for yourself, even though it is not a mandatory requirement. If you do not have insurance and a client gets injured during a training session, it could be your responsibility to compensate the client. If you work for a fitness center, a healthcare facility, or another large company, you should be covered by your employer’s insurance.

What Is a Level 2 Certification Course?

You’ll need to pass your Level 2 certification before moving on to Level 3. Level 2 programs teach the basics of fitness instruction. There are no pre-requisites for this certification, but experience in a gym is helpful. In a Level 2 program, you will learn human anatomy, physiology, safety in a fitness environment, and the principles of health and exercise. You will begin to learn how to implement an exercise program and work effectively with your clients.

A Quick Review

Remember that a Level 3 personal trainer is someone who has obtained a Level 3 fitness certificate that complies with the Register of Exercise Professionals in England.

In the United Kingdom, you cannot be a personal trainer without this certificate.

You usually need to obtain your Level 2 diploma or certificate in addition to your Level 3. If you are self-employed, it is also a good idea to have personal trainer insurance and a first-aid certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which personal training certification is the best one?

All of the various personal training certifications have different requirements, costs, study materials, exam details, recertification requirements, and continuing education credits (CECs) or units (CEUs). It’s important to do your homework and review all of the details before deciding on which one is best for you. Additionally, the requirements in England may differ from the training requirements set forth by the United States.

How long should I study for a personal training certification exam?

It varies among individuals. If you recently finished a degree with courses covering most of the content in the exam, you might be able to take it more quickly than someone who does not have that background. W

How much money do personal trainers make?

This varies depending on location, experience, and how many clients you are training. Check out this article on personal training salaries by location.

Where can I train my personal training clients?

There are a number of places where you could train your clients like a gym, a park, your home, their home, or your own studio.

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