Which personal trainer course is the best one?
If you’ve been thinking about starting a career in fitness, you’ve probably searched, “Which personal trainer course is the best one?” and found hundreds of options that all promise the same thing: fast-track training, flexible study, and an exciting new career.
But here’s the truth. Not all personal trainer qualifications are created equal.
Some courses are designed for quick completions; others focus on real-world application, credibility, and long-term success. If you’re serious about working in the health and fitness industry, you need a qualification that’s nationally recognised, employer-trusted, and opens genuine career doors.
That’s where the new Active IQ Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Personal Training (Diploma) comes in.
What Makes This Qualification the Best Choice?
This updated Level 3 qualification isn’t a complete overhaul of the old one; it’s a smarter, stronger version. The course content remains rooted in the same core principles of exercise programming, nutrition, and client coaching, but the way you learn and apply that knowledge has been transformed.
Here’s why it stands out:
Blended or face-to-face delivery only – this course can no longer be completed fully online. You’ll get real gym experience, hands-on feedback, and practical development from expert tutors.
More guided learning hours – meaning more contact time, more tutor interaction, and more confidence before you qualify.
Fully government-funded – unlike the older version, this course is now completely covered by the Advanced Learner Loan for eligible students, so you can study with no upfront cost.
24 UCAS points – giving you opportunities to progress into higher education or advanced specialisms in the future.
What You’ll Learn
The Active IQ Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Personal Training (Diploma) gives you all the knowledge and confidence you need to succeed in the fitness industry. You’ll cover:
Anatomy and physiology for exercise and health
Exercise programme design and delivery
Applied nutrition for performance and wellbeing
Health, safety and professionalism in the gym
Building your personal training business and client base
It’s a complete, career-focused course designed to help you stand out, whether you’re working in a gym or going self-employed.
Why Employers Value This Course
When gym owners are asked which personal trainer course is the best one, they consistently look for:
Practical confidence – Trainers who’ve worked with real clients and equipment, not just online simulations.
Professional credibility – Recognised qualifications from respected awarding bodies.
Communication and business skills – The ability to attract, retain, and support clients safely and effectively.
The new Level 3 Occupational Entry Diploma ticks all these boxes. It’s fully Ofqual-regulated, Active IQ-accredited, and CIMSPA-endorsed, meaning it’s recognised across every major fitness employer in the UK.
Why Train With Fitasylum?
At Fitasylum, we’re a small company delivering sector-specific qualifications, focusing on the courses that will prepare you for a long-term career.
Our blended learning model gives you:
12 face-to-face learning days in Liverpool or Manchester with industry-leading tutors (if you haven’t gotten your L2 Gym Instructing)
Online coursework and weekly webinars to support you between practical sessions
One-to-one business mentoring, helping you build your client base and grow your confidence
Ongoing support through your journey — from enrolment to employment
Guaranteed Job interview with a gym at the end of your qualification
We’ve helped thousands of learners change careers and become qualified personal trainers. Our mission is simple: to provide real training, real support, and real impact.
The Best Personal Trainer Course for You
So, which personal trainer course is the best one?
If you want hands-on experience, practical confidence, and complete funding support, the answer is clear.
The Active IQ Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Personal Training delivered by Fitasylum gives you everything you need to start strong and build a future in fitness.
But if you’re brand new to the industry and don’t yet hold a Level 2 Gym Instructing qualification, you’ll want to start with our Level 3 Gym Instructing and Personal Training (GIPT) Course, a combined pathway that takes you from beginner to fully qualified personal trainer in one go.
It’s not about getting qualified fast; it’s about getting qualified right.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Take the first step towards your career in fitness today.
👉 Learn more about the top-up Level 3 Personal Trainer Course
👉 Starting from scratch? Check out our Combined Level 2 and 3 course