Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Level 3 Personal Training Course in Darlington

CostContact the provider
Duration34 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyACTIVEIQ awarding body

Contact Darlington College for more info about costs.

Apply now →Check if you're eligible

About this course

Level 3 Personal Training Course in Darlington. Classes run at Darlington College, full-time during the day over 34 weeks. The course is free if you are 16 to 18 years old. If you are 19 or over, fees may apply.

The course builds on gym instruction skills and prepares you to work as a personal trainer. You'll study exercise programming, client assessment, nutrition principles, and how to design and deliver personal training sessions. You'll also develop your communication skills to a professional standard.

You'll need a Level 2 qualification in Gym Instructing or Fitness Instructing to join. You'll finish with a Technical Occupational Entry in Personal Training Diploma.

Who this course is for

This occupational entry qualification aims to develop a learner’s further knowledge and skills in gym instruction, to pursue a career in personal training.

Entry requirements

A suitable Level 2 qualification in Gym Instructing or Fitness Instructing.

The course requires physical exertion and individual participation is essential, therefore a degree of physical fitness is necessary.

There is an element of communication (discussing, presenting, reading and writing) involved and learners should have basic skills in communication pitched at Level 2.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how to assess a client's fitness levels and goals.
  • You'll develop skills in designing personalised exercise programmes.
  • You'll study the principles of nutrition and how they apply to training.
  • You'll practise delivering one-to-one personal training sessions.
  • You'll build on your gym instruction knowledge to a higher level.
  • You'll develop professional communication skills for working with clients.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions and practical work at Darlington College. Assessment includes practical demonstrations, written assignments, and observation of your training sessions. You'll need to take part physically in sessions, so a reasonable level of fitness is required throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

You'll need a Level 2 qualification in Gym Instructing or Fitness Instructing before you start. A degree of physical fitness is required, as the course involves physical participation. Darlington College will confirm what else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Personal trainer, designs and delivers one-to-one training programmes for clients.
  • Fitness instructor, leads group exercise classes and supports gym members.
  • Gym instructor, guides members on safe and effective use of gym equipment.
  • Strength and conditioning coach, further study or experience in sport settings is usually needed.
  • Corporate wellness coach, works with employers to support staff fitness and wellbeing.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Certificate in Personal Training, deepens specialist knowledge and can open senior coaching roles.
  • Level 4 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy, adds a complementary skill for personal trainers working with clients.
  • Higher National Certificate (Level 4) in Sport, a step toward degree-level study in sport and exercise science.
  • A degree in Sport and Exercise Science (Level 6), for those aiming toward research, physiotherapy, or advanced coaching careers.
Apply on darlington.ac.uk →Check if you're eligible
Apply now →Check if you're eligible

Related courses at Darlington College

More courses near you