An online Level 3 Personal Training qualification lets you work with clients one-on-one, developing training plans that move people towards their goals.

But before you spend the money, make sure your chosen qualification is recognised.

There are a lot ofonline PT diplomas out there, but choosing the wrong one means you’ll struggle to find employment and attract clients.

In this post, we’ll cover what you should look for when determining whether a PT course is recognised.

What is a Level 3 Personal Training Course?

A Level 3 PT diploma is the recognised standard for fitness professionals who want to become personal trainers.

While the Level 2 Gym Instructor certificate is an entry point into the fitness industry, a PT diploma lets you support clients from all backgrounds.

If you’re new to the industry, you’ll need a Level 2 certification first, but ourOnline Personal Trainer course combines both qualifications into one learning experience.

Once you’re qualified, you can work in a gym or become self-employed, with the latter offering more flexibility and growth potential once you have some experience.

Recognised vs Unrecognised PT Qualifications

Online learning has opened many doors for career changers and people without a dedicated training centre in their area. However, it also causes some problems, as employers don’t recognise many certificates.

For example, a gym or fitness centre only recognisesCIMSPA-accredited andOfqual-regulated qualifications.

So, if you find a cheap course that claims to prepare you for life as a PT, but it’s not regulated, you’ll end up having to pay for a separate qualification to actually work with clients.

While unregulated courses might give you a general knowledge about personal training, the materials can vary in quality.

Steps to Check Whether an Online PT Diploma is Recognised

Checking whether your online PT course is recognised can save you time and money. Our Personal Training courses are all CIMSPA-endorsed, giving you peace of mind that you’ll be a qualified trainer upon successful completion.

But if you’re considering a different provider or want to make sure that the course is accredited, you can follow these steps:

1: Check the CIMSPA Directory

The CIMSPA Endorsed Training Directory lists endorsed courses from fitness training providers. You can check whether the course is accredited by using the link above and typing in the provider’s name.

If they’re not in the directory, then it’s worth looking at alternatives. Remember, CIMSPA courses are the professional standard that demonstrate your knowledge and practical abilities.

2: Look at the Awarding Organisation

It’s important to note that training providers and awarding organisations aren’t necessarily the same entity.

For example, when you study with the Fitness Circle, Active IQ and YMCA provide the learning materials, but other course providers might choose different bodies.

If a course states that it’s “Internationally Recognised” or “Level 3 Equivalent”, you should be wary. Ask to see proof of the training provider and organisation before paying for the course.

3: Ask About the Certificate

When you complete a Level 3 PT diploma, you should receive a certificate to prove that you met the necessary standards and are qualified.

Before paying for a course, it’s a good idea to ask the provider which certificate you’ll receive and whether you can see a previous certificate for reference.

An accredited certificate should feature the qualification title, date, awarding organisation’s logo, a certificate number, and the Ofqual logo.

If you complete an unaccredited certification and receive a certificate from the provider, it doesn’t hold the same weight as an endorsed qualification.

4: Check the Course Meets Professional Standards

Personal trainers are advanced fitness professionals who work with a diverse client base. While some choose to specialise in weight loss or training professional athletes, others enjoy supporting clients with different goals and abilities.

Regardless of your future career plans, the PT course you invest in should meet professional standards, including a relevant Level 2 qualification, knowledge of fitness principles, and the practical skills needed to support clients.

All of these are outlined in theCIMSPA Professional Standard document.

Other Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Online Course

Online PT courses help ambitious fitness professionals build successful careers.

Whether you’re new to the industry or an experienced gym instructor looking to move into personal training, online study is the most flexible option.

Choosing the right course sets you up for future success. So, here are some tips to make sure you choose a provider that suits your needs:

Look At Support

Online learning is just as effective as in-person learning – as long as you have the right support.

Ask course providers about their tutors and how student support works. All of our tutors have proven fitness industry experience and are here to support you through the course.

Read Reviews

The best way to tell whether a course is reputable is to read reviews from former students. Did they find the learning materials easy to use? What happened after they received their certificate?

Verified reviews from third-party platforms are more reliable than testimonials on a website, as they give you a realistic idea of learning outcomes and student support.

View Career Paths

Any reputable training provider should be able to tell you which kind of career paths you can look forward to upon completing the course.

Ask which gyms and health centres graduates work at to get an idea of whether the training provider is respected within the industry.

Final Thoughts

Whether you want to work in a fitness setting or become a self-employed PT, a recognised course is the first step in your journey.

Once you complete the course and gain an accredited certification, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to build a successful career.

Founded in 1995, The Fitness Circle has helpedhundreds of students diversify their skills and gain valuable PT qualifications. Many of our graduates work in gyms and health centres like Virgin Active, Nuffield Health, and David Lloyd Clubs.

If you’d like to learn more about our Level 3 Personal Training Diploma or combined courses, please book a free call with us today.