Article by Alex Constantinou

With so many personal trainer course providers around, for example the fantastic CIMSPA endorsed providers listed here at WPTC, people really are spoilt for choice. Whilst there is no such thing as “the best provider” there is a course such a thing as “the best provider for you” but how do we find the best provider for oneself? Well, a good start is to be armed with a list of questions to ask any potential provider. To find out the kind of questions you may wish to ask, we caught up with Alex Constantinou from The Fitness Circle to get his take on nine things that you should ask your provider when choosing a personal trainer course. Over to you Alex!

Disclaimer: this article is intended for information only and does not constitute advice. The views are of the author only and are not necessarily those of WPTC.

If you're ready to take the plunge and become a personal trainer, the first step is to find a training provider.

While there are many options available, the right personal trainer course for you depends on a range of factors.

Before making a decision, it's important to know which questions to ask. We've picked 9 questions to help you narrow down your search.

1: Is Your Personal Trainer CIMSPA-Approved?

We'll start with the most important question. Course accreditation is a key consideration, because there's a significant difference between a course that covers fitness principles and one that will help you find employment.

Before paying for a course, make sure it's Ofqual regulated, CIMSPA endorsed and awarded by a recognised awarding organisation. Awarding organisations endorsed by CIMSPA include:

• Focus Awards
• YMCA
• Active IQ
• Transcend

If you find a course provider but aren't sure whether they're endorsed, you can check out CIMSPA Careers Hub.

2: How Are Your Courses Delivered?

Everyone has a preferred learning style, and finding a course that matches yours ensures ongoing motivation. For example, some courses are in a classroom environment, which can be beneficial if you prefer a more hands-on experience.

If you'd prefer a more flexible learning style, online courses are great choices. You can fit the course around your work and other commitments, while also receiving an accredited certification.

3: What Are the Total Course Costs?

Most personal training certification providers clearly list the payments upfront, but you should still double-check for hidden costs. If you need to complete an examination, ask the training provider if there are any costs associated with resits.

You can also find a personal training course that offers payment plans, allowing you to split the cost into convenient instalments. However, it's essential to check your total costs, as some providers may charge interest.

4: How Much Tutor Support Will I Receive?

This question is particularly important if you choose an online personal trainer course. While online learning is flexible, some students worry they won't have the same level of support as in a classroom environment.

The right personal training course provider will be able to clearly demonstrate the level of support students receive and should have experienced fitness professionals as tutors.

Ask how you get in touch with tutors, their average time to reply, and whether the support team has proven experience in the health and fitness sector.

5: Can I See Some Learning Materials?

Some course providers will be happy to show you the types of learning materials they use, which can include PDF downloads, video lessons, mock quizzes, and real-life case studies.

Reviewing the learning materials helps you determine whether it's the right course for your needs, or whether you should explore other course providers.

Accredited fitness qualifications all move you towards the same goal, but that doesn't mean that the course materials are the same. Some will focus on traditional textbook learning, while others provide a more diverse experience.

6: Do you Offer any Personal Training Course Bundles?

You're taking a personal training course to build your fitness career, so it's always worth checking whether the provider offers any bundles. For example, if you're new to the industry, you can save money by combining the Level 2 Gym Instructing certificate with a Level 3 PT diploma.

Some will offer other fitness courses, including nutrition for sport and physical activity, as well as other certifications. These bundles are beneficial for continuing professional development, and they can also save money.

7: How Long Will I Have to Complete the Course?

The amount of time you have to finish your course depends on whether it's online or in-person. Online courses are more flexible, but the provider may set a timeframe for access.

For example, you could have 12 months to complete the course, which gives you plenty of time to study at your own pace. However, if you study at a physical training location with practical assessments, then the time it takes will depend on the schedule.

8: What is the average pass rate on your personal trainer course?

If you're investing in a course, you want to make sure that it will help you become a successful personal trainer. Ideally, every training provider would be able to provide you with their average pass rate, but this isn't always the case.

Even if they can't tell you, it's still worth asking. Checking testimonials from other students and reading case studies can also help you get an idea of whether it's the right personal training course for you.

9: What Support do you Offer When I Become a Qualified Personal Trainer?

Whether you want to find work in a gym or health club or start your own business, post-course support is an important factor when choosing a training provider.

The fitness industry is full of opportunities for passionate individuals, but some training providers offer more intensive support, including:

• Ongoing Support: You've got the certification; now it's time to find employment. Some personal training courses offer post-qualification interview support and networking opportunities.
• Partnerships With Gyms: You can possibly get interviews from local and national gyms, helping you kickstart an exciting new career.
• Job Opportunities: Some courses offered by local gyms or health clubs also provide jobs to the highest-performing students.
• Marketing Support: If you want to build a successful career as a freelancer or start your own business, access to marketing advice and support is always beneficial.

The Bottom Line

Taking some time to find the best personal training course for your needs ensures a seamless learning experience. So, don't be afraid to ask these questions to potential providers. Here are some key points to remember:

• Decide whether you'd be happier with a classroom-based or online learning course provider.
• Always choose an Ofqual regulated and CIMSPA-endorsed qualification.
• Get a clear idea of the course's cost and ask whether the provider offers bundled courses.
• Check to see whether you'll have access to a dedicated team of tutors with fitness industry experience.
• Ask about average pass rates or check reviews from former students.
• See whether the provider offers post-qualification support

This article was written by Alex Constantinou of The Fitness Circle. You can find out more about The Fitness Circle at the following link The Fitness Circle or visit their WPTC profile here WPTC - The Fitness Circle.