Who we work with..
Love fitness, health, and helping people smash their goals? Then starting with the right PT qualification is the first step. But let’s be honest: with so many training providers out there, choosing the best personal trainer course can feel like a full-body workout in itself.
That’s where Which Personal Trainer Course comes in. We’re your no-nonsense PT comparison tool for UK-based, CIMSPA-approved training providers. No affiliate bias. No sales talk. Just clear, expert insight so you can pick a course that truly suits your goals, budget, and learning style.
Compare
The UK fitness industry is regulated, fast-growing and competitive. Whether you want to work in a gym, go freelance or run your own business, your qualification needs to hold weight.
Here’s what to look out for:
Don’t just pay more, choose better.
CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) is the official professional body for the UK fitness sector.
Why it matters:
Tip: Only trust providers listed as CIMSPA Training Provider Partners, not Employer Partners or “associated” names.
When you complete your course, your certificate will carry the name of an awarding body, and that name matters.
In the UK, the most respected awarding bodies for PT qualifications are:
Not valid in the UK: NASM, ACE, ACSM and other US-based credentials. Also, some providers may display logos they’re not officially linked to, so don’t be afraid to ask.
To work as a personal trainer in the UK, you need a Level 3 Personal Training Diploma. That’s your starting point.
Level 4 is optional and typically aimed at specialisms like:
Don’t confuse Level 4 Personal Training with Level 4 Nutrition or Medical Exercise. These are extras, not essentials.
If you want to work with clients with chronic medical conditions, consider a GP Referral qualification (now often called “Supporting Clients with Long-Term Conditions”).
Keep in mind:
All CIMSPA Level 3 PT courses include Level 3 Nutrition, covering general healthy eating guidance. Want to go further? A Level 4 qualification in nutrition (e.g. RSPH) allows deeper, evidence-based advice. But only dietitians and clinical nutritionists can legally write individual meal plans in the UK.
Short answer: not always. Some providers charge more to fund flashy ads or commission-based sales teams. Others offer genuine value at a fair price. That’s why we created side-by-side comparison tables (see below), so you can assess what you're really getting.
All CIMSPA-endorsed courses follow a standardised syllabus based on national professional standards. So the core content is the same, but support, tutors and delivery can differ a lot.
Every learner is different. Are you juggling a job? Already experienced in the gym? Or totally new to fitness?
Choose a course format that fits:
And don’t forget support:
Click to see an in-depth guide to these examples of leading Personal Trainer course providers:
If you have any questions please contact us.
Ready to compare side by side?
This chart acts as a useful tool to making the best Personal Trainer course decision for you. With a quick comparison of the features and qualities, each PT course can be compared alongside similar other courses. (Chart is updated periodically - please check direct for latest prices) Please note the providers listed are some examples of reputable personal trainer course providers who are all CIMSPA approved.
Choosing a course that fits your budget is key, but remember: higher price doesn’t always mean higher quality. Use this table to compare course fees from some of the UK’s leading training providers.
| Provider | Price | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Motion Fitness Education | £1,750 | More Info |
| T2 Fitness | £1,750 - £2,500 | More Info |
| FitIQ Education | £1300 for Level 3 PT £1600 for Combined Level 2 Gym Instructor & Level 3 PT | More Info |
| Power Academy UK | £599 - £1199 depending on course | More Info |
| FIT UK | £649 to £1299 depending on course | More Info |
| FitAsylum | £649 to £2225 depending on course | More Info |
| Apex Fitness Education | £99 to £2,400 depending on course | More Info |
Different learners need different formats. Whether you prefer online flexibility or face-to-face support, check what suits your style. Here’s a quick look at how each provider delivers their personal trainer course.
| Provider | Delivery |
|---|---|
| FitIQ Education | Blended |
| FIT UK | Blended Learning or Face-to-Face |
| T2 Fitness | Fully online/Blended |
| Power Academy UK | Online and Blended |
| FitAsylum | Online or Blended Learning |
| Motion Fitness Education | Online Study |
| Apex Fitness Education | Online with unlimited 1-1 support and practical workshops |
Some learners want to qualify quickly, while others prefer to take their time. Compare how long it typically takes to complete each provider’s personal training course.
| Provider | Duration |
|---|---|
| FIT UK | 3 - 8 days attendance (depending on course) plus self-study |
| Apex Fitness Education | 3-6 months |
| FitAsylum | 8 - 22 weeks depending on course |
| Motion Fitness Education | Flexible (Average Completion 12-16 weeks) |
| T2 Fitness | Fully online/Blended (online access + 10 live days) |
| Power Academy UK | Level 2 or Level 3 only - 6/8 weeks. Level 2 and 3 combined - 12/16 weeks |
| FitIQ Education | Level 3: 6 days blended learning |
The name on your certificate matters, especially to employers. This table shows which awarding body backs each course provider.
| Provider | Awarding Body |
|---|---|
| FitIQ Education | Active IQ |
| Power Academy UK | Active IQ |
| FitAsylum | Active IQ |
| FIT UK | Active IQ or Focus Awards |
| Motion Fitness Education | Focus Awards |
| T2 Fitness | Focus Awards |
| Apex Fitness Education | Focus Awards |
Flexible finance makes courses more accessible. See which training providers offer interest-free payment plans.
| Provider | Interest Free |
|---|---|
| Motion Fitness Education | Yes |
| T2 Fitness | Yes |
| Apex Fitness Education | Yes |
| FitIQ Education | Yes |
| Power Academy UK | Yes |
| FIT UK | Yes |
| FitAsylum | Yes |
CIMSPA endorsement is essential for any UK-recognised personal trainer qualification.
| Provider | CIMSPA Endorsed |
|---|---|
| Motion Fitness Education | Yes |
| T2 Fitness | Yes |
| Apex Fitness Education | Yes |
| FitIQ Education | Yes |
| Power Academy UK | Yes |
| FIT UK | Yes |
| FitAsylum | Yes |
The most common way of getting a government funded personal trainer course is through an Advanced Learner Loan, often referred to as a '19+ Loan'. This can only be used to apply for a Level 3 Personal Training Course or above.
| Provider | 19+ Funding |
|---|---|
| Motion Fitness Education | No |
| T2 Fitness | No |
| Apex Fitness Education | No |
| FitIQ Education | No |
| Power Academy UK | No |
| FIT UK | Yes |
| FitAsylum | Yes |
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