FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Enquiry
Active IQ are the awarding body who accredit our courses. Active IQ are an awarding body recognised and regulated by Ofqual (England) and Qualifications Wales. Active IQ develop qualifications for training organisations like us to deliver for our learners.
Yes. Active IQ qualifications are mapped to the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and are jointly regulated by England’s regulator Ofqual (incl. Northern Ireland) and Qualifications Wales.
This means all our qualifications are recognised in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland does have it’s own framework: the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). Although Active IQ qualifications do not appear on the SCQF, their qualifications are widely respected by learners, training organisations like us and employers in Scotland.
You can travel Europe and the entire world with an Active IQ qualification, the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) act as a translation device to make national qualifications more readable across Europe.
UK qualifications are well regarded all over the world, and where there is a national register of exercise professionals with an agreement in place for mutual recognition, Active IQ certificates should be recognised for those seeking employment abroad. The decision does sit with the relevant country and their local jurisdictions. See EuropeActive and ICREPS for further details.
Personal trainers are in high demand in Dubai, your qualification is the first step to working in one of the most affluent locations in the world.
Your learner assessment portfolio (LAP) and theory papers are marked within five working days of exam completion. After your theory exams we can informally provide exam results, subject to internal moderation.
If you have chosen to pay for your course by payment plan, your certificate will be requested once the balance of your course fee is paid in full.
All our qualifications are recognised by CIMSPA and sit within their Professional Development Framework.
When you enrol on a course that has specific entry requirements, we will require evidence of prior learning such as; certifications you have previously been awarded. We will evaluate your prior learning evidence and make an assessment decision relating to the current qualification you are enrolling on.
At the end of every month we collate details for certificates to be awarded for our learners. Certificates take two-three weeks to come back from our awarding body after the request date.
Upon completion of your course you can apply for a letter of achievement to use for interview purposes and prior learning evidence for future courses with us.
f you have an outstanding balance for your course you will need to settle the amount before your certificate can be issued.
If you have lost your certificate please complete the Replacement Certificate Request Form. A replacement certificate costs £15.00 plus VAT. Please send the form to Active IQ, Westminster house, Ermine Business Park, Huntingdon, PE29 6XY or submit an authentically signed electronic copy to csteam@activeiq.co.uk
Payment can be made by cheque or card. If you wish to pay by card please allow Active IQ time to complete the relevant checks and their accounts team will then contact you on the telephone number you provide on the replacement certificate form.
Replacement certificates are issued within five working days.
For all our courses you can pay via two options:
Payment Plan: Choose to pay a course deposit and payment term of 5 or 12 months. The length of the payment plan depends on the course you are looking to enrol on. There are no credit checks as we are not awarding finance. You will enter into a direct debit agreement with PT Skills Academy.
If you chose a payment plan and would like your certificate before the completion date of your plan. You can contact us to make an early payment at anytime.
Advance Payment: Choose to pay the full amount of your course before you start. This option speeds up the process of your certificate being awarded.
We have four main study options for our featured courses and CPD awards to support flexible learning:
Premier: Attendance on our part time study option with one-ton-one mentoring via our Mentor study option
Mentor: Your personal tutor who will support you through your level 3 course option. You will meet at agreed dates for practical training and assessment while you study and complete your workbook at home. Your tutor will be available to support you in completing your workbook during your course.
Part Time: Attendance on weekends in group study environments. Our weekend study options take place ever 3rd week to allow opportunity for home study and rep reps reps in the gym so that you can become an expert trainer.
Study Support
Our study support team are on hand to assist you with any questions and queries. Our team is available by appointment only between 11am-7pm GMT Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays and office closures.
Our study support team can provide feedback during your course. You are able to send us video of what you intend to do for your practical assessment and or what you intend to submit as your portfolio.
Our qualified team will provide detailed feedback on the areas you have done well, and if required areas that require improvement ahead of your submission dates. Please provide at least two weeks prior to your assessment date/s for feedback.
As our team are supporting other students, please allow 48 hours for feedback responses.
When you enrol on one of our courses, we are committed to helping you successfully pass. We recognise that everyone is different and will support you individually to pass your course.
Re-sitting a practical exam: Ahead of your summative practical exam you will complete a formative assessment (a practice run), your tutor will provide on the spot detailed feedback to ensure you are successful in completing your summative assessment. If you do refer your practical you will be provided opportunity to re-sit the same day if it is a minor referral. If your assessment performance was below standards, an agreed date will be scheduled to re-sit the assessment. This will give you plenty of time to practice our academy value “reps reps reps” the more you practice the better you become.
Re-sitting a theory exam: You have access to e-learning and practice questions ahead of your theory exam. If you do refer your theory exam. You know the score, reps reps reps! You will be provided feedback on the areas to improve your subject knowledge and a re-sit date will be agreed at a later date.
Elements of your BTEC may well be accredited specifically in fitness training and programming, instructing physical activity and exercise, and the physiology of fitness.
This prior learning can support opportunity to fast track your course. Fast tracking can reduce your course duration to two or four weeks depending on the course and available study time you have.
To enter employment or self employment in the fitness industry as a personal trainer providing fitness information, services, advice or training plans, you will require the following in place as a minimum:
Level 3 Personal Training Certificate
Public Liability Insurance at £2,000000
Level 2 Award in Emergency First Aid
Yes. We will help you prepare for interview during your course. We have national partnerships with gym operators within the fitness industry and will be able to source interviews for advertised positions within your area.
Yes. We run a Trainee Trainer scheme that is available to all our students with one of our national gym partners. You will complete 60 hours with our trainee scheme partners to enhance your learning experience with us and get hands on in the industry. You will have your own gym mentor and work with a personal training team currently working in the industry.
To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to info@ptskills.co.uk
Depending on you prior learning, experience, available time for study, and the course you are enrolling on. You can complete your course between two weeks and twelve weeks.
Example course completion durations:
Level 2 Certificates: two weeks – six weeks
Level 3 Certificates: two weeks – six weeks
Diploma in Fitness Instructing & Personal Training
six weeks – twelve weeks
Our terms of business provided to you on enrolment and available for download on our website provide full terms and conditions for our courses.
A few key areas to be aware of are listed below:
Refund: Cancelling your enrolment within 14 days will entitle you to a refund of your course fee minus the value of any course registration fee,
No Refund: Cancelling after 14 days from enrolment, the full course fee will be due in full.
Course completion: From enrolment on to a level 2 or level 3 Certificate you will have up to 12 months to complete your course. If you have not completed your course within 12 months and would like to continue, you will need to pay for a new course enrolment.
Exam Re-sit fees: All theory and practical exam re-sits are free for up to 6 months. After 6 months all fees apply for practical, theory, and case study assessments.
Yes. If you are studying a sport science or exercise science degree your course may already be accredited for theory elements being delivered on your course.
This prior learning can be evidenced to fast track your technical certificate in either Fitness Instructing or Personal Training. This relates to all our level 2, level certificates and diplomas. Fast tracking can reduce your course duration from two to four weeks depending on the course and available study time you have.
Our academy is committed to providing you with a qualification that is enjoyable, rewarding and fulfilling. With us you are taking the first steps for your career in fitness. Below are the founding vision, mission and values of our academy.
Our academy vision: “ to be the UKs leading vocational education provider, recognised for student success and equality”
Our academy mission: As a team we will deliver creative, innovative, and inspirational learning that empowers our learners, creates new ideas; and grows entrepreneurial spirit.
Our academy values:
Different: Our People are unique and encompass diversity in every aspect of teaching
Reps Reps Reps: Our People continually improve their teaching and assessing skills to raise the bar in standards.
Engaging: Our people have fun teaching and assessing, sharing passion for fitness creating an enjoyable learning experience
Team: Our people embrace teamwork to improve our teaching and learning experiences. Together Everyone Achieves More.
Our business is structured with the success of our students at the centre of what we do.
As a PT Skills Academy student there are a number of lifetime discounts available to you with our partners in sports nutrition, clothing, insurance, and equipment. You will be provided details of your official PT Skills Academy discount codes during your course.
This will depend on individual education level, subject knowledge and the student. When enrolling you will be asked how much available time you have to dedicate to your studies. Based on this information and the course option we will advise on how many hours will be required to successfully pass your course.
As a general guide you should study a minimum of 10 hours each week.
This is completely dependant on the student and course option chosen. Our part time course has 80 direct tuition hours in a class environment over 5 weekends. Our Personal Tuition option has 20 hours of face to face tuition alongside home study.
All of our course option can be started within 72 hours and as soon as course materials are arranged. This will allow you to start pre reading ahead of scheduled contact days for the home study, Personal Tuition, or Part Time contact dates.
At enrolment you will be asked if you hold any pre requisite qualifications, if the answer is yes then we will ask for proof of certification. We will then forward to our awarding body to assess if the certification grants APL (Approved Prior Learning). If APL is granted then you can fast track elements of your chosen course.
The minimum age to enrol on a PT Skills course is 16 years old. Many gyms will also accept applicants of this age for fitness instruction roles. If you are planning on becoming a self employed personal trainer you may need to wait until you are 18 years old as this is the minimum age requirement for insurance purposes within the fitness industry.
Never! Fitness is a life long career and everyone from every age bracket can be a qualified fitness professional with us.
PT Skills Personal Trainer Course
They sure have, we have a 92% pass rate for students studying our courses. One of the highest amongst training providers within the fitness industry.
Our students go on to a wide range of careers, from working as employed or self employed personal trainers in gyms, online or building their own studios.
We have a wide network of commercial gyms and independent gym owners who support our students with their first steps into the fitness industry, including Virgin Active, JD Gyms, Everlast Gyms, and The Gym Group.
Our post course support is available for all students. We support students with preparing for job interviews, business mentoring and continued development. All of our graduates can access the PT Skills community for industry updates and insights to help them be the very best in the industry.
PT Skills has a wide network of commercial and independent gyms in the UK. Students studying online or through blended learning can complete the theory elements of their personal training courses online, from the comfort of their own home. Practical workshops take place with our tutor and mentor teams across the UK in local PT Skills Training Centres, making travel for workshops simple.
Fitness has always been our passion. PT Skills was founded in 2017, we are now one of the highest rated training providers with Active IQ, the leading awarding body in the active education sector.
Our flexible blended learning courses for Personal Trainers let you set your own pace. Study full-time to accelerate your journey, or part-time to balance your learning with other commitments.
Personal Training
Depending on you prior learning, experience, available time for study, and the course you are enrolling on. You can complete your course between two weeks and twelve weeks.
Example course completion durations:
Level 2 Certificates: two weeks – six weeks
Level 3 Certificates: two weeks – six weeks
Diploma in Fitness Instructing & Personal Training
six weeks – twelve weeks
To enter employment or self employment in the fitness industry as a personal trainer providing fitness information, services, advice or training plans, you will require the following in place as a minimum:
Level 3 Personal Training Certificate
Public Liability Insurance at £2,000000
Level 2 Award in Emergency First Aid
The latest qualification to work as a qualified personal trainer in the UK is a Diploma in Gym Instructing & Personal Training. The Ofqual accreditation number is 603/2693/1. This qualification replaced existing qualifications in September 2020. The qualification is upto date with current industry requirements for employed and self employed personal trainers working in the fitness industry. You can learn more about personal training careers by reading our career guide for personal trainers.
Personal trainers require a wide range of key skills to work successfully in the fitness industry, here’s a few key skills personal trainers will learn and develop through their careers.
- Customer service skills: This includes the ability to communicate effectively with customers, resolve customer issues, and provide excellent customer service.
- Teaching skills: This includes the ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise way, and to motivate and engage students.
- Independent work skills: This includes the ability to work independently and meet deadlines, as well as the ability to think critically and solve problems.
- Physical skills: This includes the ability to move, coordinate, and use your body in a coordinated way.
- Psychology knowledge: This includes the ability to understand human behaviour and motivation.
- Teaching and fitness programming knowledge: This includes the ability to design and deliver fitness programs that are safe and effective.
- Physical fitness and endurance: This includes the ability to perform physical activities for extended periods of time.
- Patience and stress management: This includes the ability to remain calm and patient in difficult situations.
- Computer and hand-held device skills: This includes the ability to use basic computer and hand-held device applications.
These are just some of the skills that may be required for a variety of jobs. The specific skills required will vary depending on the career route you take. You can learn more about personal training careers in our blog post “The Complete Career Guide to Become a Personal Trainer”.
Day to day responsibilities of personal trainers include a wide range of technical, customer service, health & safety and professional skills. Job descriptions for personal trainers will differ for employed & self employed personal trainers. Here’s the core responsibilities of personal trainers that both employed and self employed trainers will be responsible for:
- Conduct fitness assessments: Personal trainers conduct fitness assessments to determine a client’s fitness levels and goals. This information is used to create an individualised exercise program that is safe and effective for the client.
- Create and implement individualised exercise programs: Personal trainers create and implement individualised exercise programs for their clients. These programs are designed to help clients reach their fitness goals in a safe and effective way.
- Monitor client progress and provide feedback: Personal trainers monitor client progress and provide feedback on their workouts. This feedback helps clients stay on track and motivated to reach their fitness goals.
- Educate clients on proper exercise technique and safety: Personal trainers educate clients on proper exercise technique and safety. This information helps clients avoid injuries and get the most out of their workouts.
- Motivate and encourage clients to reach their fitness goals: Personal trainers motivate and encourage clients to reach their fitness goals. This can be done through positive reinforcement, encouragement, and support.
- Adhere to all safety and sanitation procedures: Personal trainers adhere to all safety and sanitation procedures. This includes cleaning and disinfecting equipment, and providing first aid in the event of an injury.
Our blog post “The Complete Career Guide to Become a Personal Trainer” has the latest career insights to help you learn more about a career in the fitness industry.
Learner Support
PT Skills Academy has a vision to be recognised for the success of our students. We will do our very best to make your course the best decision of your career. However; if you do want to raise an issue please initially speak with your tutor. If you are not happy with the outcome you can make a formal complaint via our appeals and complaints form. For further information on our complaints and appeals procedures please visit our Appeals & Terms page.
When you enrol on one of our courses, we are committed to helping you successfully pass. We recognise that everyone is different and will support you individually to pass your course.
Re-sitting a practical exam: Ahead of your summative practical exam you will complete a formative assessment (a practice run), your tutor will provide on the spot detailed feedback to ensure you are successful in completing your summative assessment. If you do refer your practical you will be provided opportunity to re-sit the same day if it is a minor referral. If your assessment performance was below standards, an agreed date will be scheduled to re-sit the assessment. This will give you plenty of time to practice our academy value “reps reps reps” the more you practice the better you become.
Re-sitting a theory exam: You have access to e-learning and practice questions ahead of your theory exam. If you do refer your theory exam. You know the score, reps reps reps! You will be provided feedback on the areas to improve your subject knowledge and a re-sit date will be agreed at a later date.
At the end of every month we collate details for certificates to be awarded for our learners. Certificates take two-three weeks to come back from our awarding body after the request date.
Upon completion of your course you can apply for a letter of achievement to use for interview purposes and prior learning evidence for future courses with us.
f you have an outstanding balance for your course you will need to settle the amount before your certificate can be issued.
This will depend on individual education level, subject knowledge and the student. When enrolling you will be asked how much available time you have to dedicate to your studies. Based on this information and the course option we will advise on how many hours will be required to successfully pass your course.
As a general guide you should study a minimum of 10 hours each week.
