Around 3 minutes to read · Updated 11 October 2026
Published by Serious Sports Training Academy
At a glance
- Level 3 Personal Training requires a suitable Level 2 Gym Instructing or Fitness Instructing qualification first.
- Level 2 builds the foundation for supervising exercise in a gym; Level 3 adds individual programme design and client coaching.
- SSTA’s Level 3 course costs £999 (course only), studied online with in-person assessment.
- If you already hold Level 2, a Level 3-only course means you do not pay for the foundation twice.
Why personal training is a two-level route
Active IQ lists a suitable Level 2 qualification in Gym Instructing or Fitness Instructing as the entry requirement for its Level 3 Personal Training diploma. The Level 3 course builds on that foundation rather than repeating it.
Level 2 covers safe exercise in a gym setting: inductions, supervising the gym floor and planning straightforward sessions. Level 3 moves to working with one client over time, with assessment, programme design, progression and coaching.
The route at SSTA
SSTA offers information on both stages: study online and attend in person only for assessment. If you are starting without a suitable fitness qualification, discuss Level 2 first. If you already hold Level 2, ask SSTA to check your certificate for Level 3 entry. Confirm current enrolment, the Level 2 award and fee, and assessment arrangements before planning both stages together. A single combined SSTA package price is not published here.
Scroll sideways to compare the columns. Row labels stay visible.
| Level 2 Fitness Coaching | Level 3 Personal Training | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Level 2 Gym Instructor (Fitness Coaching). Ask SSTA to confirm the exact award | Active IQ Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Personal Training (Diploma) |
| Starting point | Ask about beginner entry and physical participation | A suitable Level 2 Gym Instructing or Fitness Instructing qualification |
| Format | Online learning; attend in person only for assessment | Online learning; attend in person only for assessment |
| Fee | Not yet published; ask admissions | £999, course only |
Comparing combined Level 2 and 3 packages
Many providers sell Level 2 and Level 3 together as one package. That can be convenient, but it makes prices hard to compare with a Level 3-only course. Compare like with like before deciding.
- Which two qualifications are included, by exact title and awarding organisation
- How each level is taught and how much is studied online, in a classroom or in a gym
- Where and when practical assessment happens, and what reassessment costs
- The complete amount payable, including extras, resources and travel
- Whether you can take Level 3 on its own if you already hold Level 2
If you already hold Level 2
You may only need the Level 3 diploma. Send SSTA a copy of your Level 2 certificate so the team can check it meets the entry requirement before you enrol.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Level 3 Personal Training without Level 2?
Not on the Active IQ route SSTA teaches. It requires a suitable Level 2 Gym Instructing or Fitness Instructing qualification first. Ask SSTA to check your certificate.
Do I have to take both levels with the same provider?
Entry to Level 3 depends on holding a suitable Level 2 qualification, not on where you took it. Ask SSTA to check a certificate from another provider before you enrol.
How much does the Level 2 and 3 route cost at SSTA?
Level 3 costs £999 (course only). Ask admissions for the current Level 2 fee so you can work out the total before committing.
Sources and further reading
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