The UK guide
How to become a personal trainer in the UK
No jargon, no upsell. The actual steps, what each one costs, how long it takes, and how to pick a course you will not regret.
See the coursesHonest answers from the people who have trained UK personal trainers since 2006.
The short answer
How do you become a personal trainer?
You complete two qualifications: a Level 2 (Gym Instructor) and a Level 3 (Personal Trainer). Together they make you a Certified Personal Trainer. With FASTER the full route is £1,250, delivered through FOCUS Awards and recognised by CIMSPA, and taught online by the people who wrote it.
The route
Three steps to qualified
1
Get your Level 2
The Gym Instructor qualification. It gets you on the gym floor and is the foundation everything else builds on. With FASTER, Level 2 is £600.
See the Level 2 →2
Add your Level 3
The Personal Trainer qualification. Level 2 and Level 3 together make you a Certified Personal Trainer for £1,250. Already hold Level 2? The Level 3 on its own is £650.
Start from scratch →3
Start training, keep learning
Once certified you can work as a PT. FASTER graduates keep free lifetime access to their course content, and a community to grow in.
Already Level 2? →Cost and time
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
The full FASTER route from no qualification to Certified Personal Trainer is £1,250, with payment plans available at checkout. You study online, at your own pace, with no fixed deadline. Most people take 12 to 20 weeks, though some take time off and finish in around four weeks, and FASTER handles assessor availability so you are never left waiting.
Level 2: £600
Level 3 (already Level 2): £650
Certified Personal Trainer (Level 2 + Level 3): £1,250
Career Mentored, the degree-model route with John: £2,850 from scratch, £2,250 from Level 2
Do you need anything to start? You need to be at least 16 to start the Level 2. Nothing else is required, and no previous fitness qualification is needed.
Before you pay
What to look for in a personal trainer course
Most courses get you the certificate. The difference is what happens around it. Before you pay, check these.
Who actually teaches it
Are you taught by the people who wrote the course, or handed a login and left alone? FASTER is taught by its authors.
What happens after you pass
Many courses end the day you qualify. FASTER graduates get free lifetime return access to the content, forever.
Honest pricing
One price, payment plans at checkout, no deposit games and no sales calls. The price you see is the price.
Real recognition
Qualifications delivered through FOCUS Awards and recognised by CIMSPA, so they count where it matters.
Support that answers
John answers the WhatsApp himself. No call centre, no chasing, no question too small.
Your routes with FASTER
Pick where you start
From scratch
Level 2 and Level 3 together. The full route to Certified Personal Trainer. £1,250.
Start from scratch →Want mentoring
Career Mentored, the degree-model route with John. £2,850 from scratch, £2,250 from Level 2.
See the mentored routes →Common questions
Becoming a personal trainer: FAQ
How do I become a personal trainer in the UK?
You complete a Level 2 and a Level 3 qualification. Together they make you a Certified Personal Trainer. With FASTER the full route is £1,250, delivered through FOCUS Awards and recognised by CIMSPA.
How much does a personal trainer course cost?
The full FASTER route is £1,250. Level 2 alone is £600 and the Level 3 upgrade is £650. Payment plans are available at checkout.
How long does it take to become a personal trainer?
It is self-paced with no fixed deadline. Most people take 12 to 20 weeks; some take time off and finish in around four weeks, and you can take as long as you need.
Do I need qualifications to start?
You need to be at least 16 to start the Level 2. Nothing else is required.
Can I become a personal trainer online?
Yes. The whole route is taught online by the people who wrote it, with free lifetime return access to the content.
Is the qualification recognised?
Yes. FASTER's personal trainer qualifications are delivered through FOCUS Awards and recognised by CIMSPA.
Ready to start?
Pick your route, or message John and he will point you to the right one. No sales calls, no pressure.