At WPTC we get asked all the time “what is the best personal trainer course package?”, “are these PT course package deals for real?”, and extremely often; “what PT course package is the best one to go for?” Sound familiar?! If so, please do read on..

If you’ve been researching how to become a Personal Trainer, chances are you’ve come across a wide range of course packages that promise extra value. Words like “Guru,” “Expert,” “Advanced,” or “Ultimate” are thrown around freely by many providers, often bundled with CPD (Continuing Professional Development) workshops or online modules on niche topics like bootcamps, fat-loss formulas, or even “celebrity training secrets.”

On the surface, these packages can look like a great deal – more content, more certificates, more “value”… right? Well, not always and it really depends!

The Truth About “Value-Packed” PT Course Bundles

We all like a deal, right? Knowing this, many training providers market their PT course packages to appear more valuable by adding CPD courses to the core qualifications. While CPD can be beneficial for expanding your knowledge, not all CPD is created equal.

Here’s the catch: some of these bundled CPDs may be non-accredited. That means they’re not officially recognised by industry bodies like CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity), and they don’t count towards your formal qualifications. These CPDs may be fun and informative, but from a professional standpoint, they may hold little to no monetary or career value.

So, while a course may be sold as a “£3,000 value” package, if much of that value is made up of non-accredited extras, you’re not getting quite the deal it appears to be.

Whilst non-accredited CPD may be useful in certain topics, be wary of providers that put extra momentary value on bundling up packages including random CPD titles that you may not even need!

What PT Course Package Is Worth Paying For?

This is one of the main questions asked all the time, no one wants to waste money, right? So, our advice is you need to ask yourself – “What do I need to start my PT career” or “What do I need to actually move my fitness career forward?”

Well let’s take a look.

· Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer qualifications – These are essential to get insured and start working in the industry.
· Additional Qualifications – things like Level 3 Exercise Referral, Level 3 Pre & Postnatal Training, Level 4 Nutrition or Level 4 Strength & Conditioning are all regulated and carry recognised credentials.
· CIMSPA-Accredited CPD – These have more credibility than non-accredited CPD and can boost your CV, making you more attractive to employers or clients.

In short: qualifications and CIMSPA-accredited CPD offer real value. Non-accredited CPDs? Perhaps less so.

What Fitness Qualifications Do I Actually Need to Achieve my Personal Training Career Goals?

We see this all the time, it’s easy to get excited about a bundle full of shiny extras, but if you don’t need those courses – or worse, don’t end up using or even starting them – you’ve spent money for nothing. And in some cases, the pressure of “all that content” can be overwhelming and slow down your progress.

If your goal is simply to qualify and start training clients, then a basic package with Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer qualifications may be all you need. You can always add additional qualifications or targeted CPD later, once you’ve figured out what direction your fitness career is going in.

If, however, you plan on focusing your PT career on a specific niche like Nutrition or S&C then in such a case a package that includes qualifications in these areas may be a good option.

Final Thought When Choosing a PT Course Package: Choose Value, Not Just Volume

So, let’s summarise our final thoughts and key decisions when choosing the correct personal trainer course package. When picking a PT course provider, don’t be dazzled by inflated “value” claims. Look for:

· Clear breakdowns of what’s accredited and what’s not
· Qualifications that match your actual career goals
· Flexibility to add more as your career grows
· Providers who take time to understand your needs, not just upsell

The best provider isn’t the one with the biggest bundle – it’s the one who offers you the best value for your individual journey – trust us on this!

So, let’s look at some examples. If you are just looking to enter the sector and are not sure which areas to specialise in, then why look further than a good old Level 2 Gym & L3 PT course package – this will certainly be cheaper than a bigger package. If however, you are perhaps quite fitness savvy and know exactly where you want to go, then a package may be a good option, so if someone has a genuine interest in say advanced nutrition then going for a package that included Level 2 Gym, Level 3 PT and Level 4 Nutrition may well be worth exploring.

Another example could be if someone was looking to work clinically in a diabetes & weight loss clinic, then a package that contain Level 4 Diabetes could work – however if working in such fields is not for you then, as interesting as it may be, it may not be the best choice to essentially spend money on a qualification you will not use. Similar comment for Level 4 Low Back Pain, interesting, well yes, but is it needed? Maybe if you are looking to work clinically in this area, maybe supporting a physio or if your focus is on posture, however if this is not in your career plan then your hard-earned cash may be better spent on a qualification that is more relevant.

Ready to Start your Career in Fitness the Right Way?

Before signing up to any PT course package, take a step back and ask: What will help me grow, get qualified, and actually work in the industry? That’s where the real value lies.

So, bearing this in mind head on over to our compare providers page and start comparing providers and making that decision about what the best personal trainer course for you is.