Level 3 Diploma · Online study
Level 3 Personal Trainer Course Online£999, course only
For learners who already hold a suitable Level 2 gym or fitness instructing qualification. Study programme design, client assessment and coaching online, then attend in person only for your assessment.
- Fee
- £999Level 3 course only. Level 2 is not part of this fee.
- Entry
- Level 2 firstA suitable Gym Instructing or Fitness Instructing qualification
- Study
- OnlineAttend in person only for assessment
An enquiry does not reserve a place or commit you to payment.

Before you enquire
Check you are ready for Level 3
You hold Level 2
This is your next step
Have your Level 2 Gym Instructing or Fitness Instructing certificate details to hand. SSTA checks the exact qualification you hold before you make plans.
Check my Level 2 qualification and datesNot qualified at Level 2 yet
Start with Level 2
You need a suitable Level 2 qualification before you can start this diploma. The Level 2 Fitness Coaching course is the usual first step, also studied online with in-person assessment.
See the Level 2 gym instructor courseThe course also requires physical participation and communication skills. Qualifying does not guarantee employment, clients or income.
Study and assessment
How the course works
The study format is confirmed. Your expected weekly hours, assessment venue and dates are not published yet, so admissions confirms them in writing before you enrol.
Check your starting point
Admissions checks your Level 2 Gym Instructing or Fitness Instructing certificate and explains the study requirements before you enrol.
Ask admissions: Payment options and start arrangementsStudy online
Learn client assessment, programme design, exercise coaching, nutrition within the personal trainer role and professional practice from wherever you live.
Ask admissions: Expected weekly study hours and how tutor feedback reaches youAttend for assessment
You come in person only for assessment. The diploma is assessed through a knowledge assessment, assignment, case study, observation and questioning.
Ask admissions: Assessment venue, dates and number of visits
SSTA has named VK Gym in Bognor Regis as the assessment venue for Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer. The gym is at Unit 8, Regis Business Centre, Durban Road, Bognor Regis, PO22 9QT. Confirm your assessment date, venue and arrival arrangements with SSTA before travelling.
The qualification
What you will learn
- Qualification
- Active IQ Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Personal Training (Diploma)
- Awarding organisation
- Active IQ
- How it is assessed
- Knowledge assessment
- Assignment
- Case study
- Observation
- Questioning
- Advanced anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics for personal training
- Conducting detailed fitness assessments and lifestyle analysis
- Designing and periodising training programmes for diverse client goals
- Nutrition fundamentals and evidence-based dietary guidance within scope of practice
- Managing special populations and adapting programmes for specific needs
- Business development: client acquisition, retention, pricing, and marketing
- Professional standards, safeguarding, and insurance requirements
Programme design, coaching and nutrition guidance must remain within the qualification scope and your competence. Specialist or clinical needs may require referral or further study.
Course fee
What the £999 covers
£999
The Level 3 Personal Training course only.
Check my Level 2 qualification and datesAn enquiry does not reserve a place or commit you to payment.
Not part of this fee
- Your Level 2 qualification
- Business Hub website
- Business workshop
- Marketing advisor sessions
Confirm before you enrol
- Payment options
- Assessment venue and dates
- Expected study hours
- Any additional or reassessment costs
Course questions
Personal trainer course questions
Something not covered here? Admissions answers before you commit to anything.
Ask admissionsIs the Level 3 personal trainer course online?
Study online and come in only for your assessment. Ask the team to confirm the assessment date and venue.
Can I study the personal trainer course from anywhere?
Yes. You study online wherever you live, including anywhere in the South and South East, and attend in person only for your assessment. Ask SSTA where and when assessments run before you plan travel.
What qualification do I need before Level 3 Personal Training?
Active IQ specifies a suitable Level 2 qualification in Gym Instructing or Fitness Instructing. Ask SSTA to check the exact qualification you hold before making plans.
What qualification does this route lead to?
The published route is the Active IQ Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Personal Training (Diploma).
How is this personal trainer course assessed?
The qualification uses a knowledge assessment, assignment, case study, observation and questioning. You study online and attend in person only for assessment. SSTA will confirm the assessment date, venue and preparation requirements.
How do practice, tutor feedback and assessment visits work?
You study online and attend in person only for assessment. The number of assessment visits, the venue, how you practise and submit work online, and how tutor feedback reaches you are not published yet. Ask admissions to confirm each of these in writing before you enrol, so you can plan your hours and travel.
How long does it take, and when can I start?
SSTA has not published a study time yet. Ask admissions to confirm the current start arrangements, expected study hours, completion requirements and assessment dates. These depend on the course arrangements and your starting point.
Can a personal trainer provide nutrition advice?
The qualification includes nutritional advice within the personal trainer role. Advice must stay within your qualification and competence; clinical or specialist needs require appropriate referral.
How much does the personal trainer course cost?
£999 course fee (course only). The Business Hub website, business workshop and marketing advisor sessions are not included. Ask the team about assessment arrangements and any available payment options.
Does an enquiry reserve a place?
No. It lets SSTA check your Level 2 qualification and answer your questions. You can review the course details and terms before deciding whether to apply.

