On average, it takes between 2 and 16 weeks to become a qualified personal trainer in the UK, depending on your study method and starting level. To work as a personal trainer in the UK, you will need the following qualifications:
If you already have a Level 2 qualification, you can go straight onto the Level 3 course, and qualify as a PT quicker than somebody starting from scratch!
If you don’t have any fitness qualifications, the quickest (and cheapest) way to complete both the Level 2 and 3 courses is by completing a Personal Training Diploma.
Check out our guide to becoming a personal trainer or keep reading to get a better idea of how long it will take you to get qualified.
Contents:
- What Is The Average Duration of Personal Trainer Courses?
- What Is The Fastest Way to Become a Personal Trainer?
- How Long Does it Take to Become a Personal Trainer With an Online Course?
- Impact of Your Course Provider
- FAQs
What is the Average Duration of Personal Trainer Courses?
On average, personal trainer courses in the UK take between 2 and 16 weeks to complete, depending on your prior experience and study method.Â
For example, a full-time Level 3 Personal Trainer course can be completed in as little as 2 weeks, while a combined Level 2 and Level 3 Personal Training Diploma typically takes 4 weeks full-time. Part-time and online study options usually take longer, with average completion times ranging from 6 to 16 weeks.
The table below shows typical industry timeframes for completing a combined Personal Trainer Diploma compared with a standalone Level 3 Personal Trainer course:
| Â Study Method | Â Average Industry Study Times (Personal Trainer Diploma) | Â Average Industry Study Times (Level 3 PT Course) |
|---|---|---|
| Â Full Time | Â 4 Weeks | Â 2 Weeks |
| Â Part Time | Â 12 Weeks | Â 6 Weeks |
| Â Online | Â 16 Weeks | Â 8 Weeks |
These figures are industry averages. Part-time and online courses may be completed sooner if you progress through the coursework at a faster pace.
What Is the Fastest Way to Become a Personal Trainer?
Full-time means that you will attend the course in a physical location, 9-5, Monday to Friday. On average, this is the quickest way to become a certified personal trainer.
As the full time course is a fast track to your qualification, the average completion time for a Level 3 Personal Training Course is 2 weeks.
It takes 4 weeks to complete a Personal Training Diploma, as you’ll also be completing a perquisite Level 2 Gym Instructor course. You’ll also benefit from face-to-face learning with tutors, so your questions may be answered more quickly than online alternatives.
However, as a full time course is intensive, you will have to set aside a chunk of time to attend, making it a less flexible option if you have other commitments.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Personal Trainer With An Online Course?
Online personal trainer courses are completed remotely and allow learners to study independently. Because they are self-paced, completion times vary depending on how quickly coursework and assessments are finished.
On average, learners complete an Online Level 3 Personal Training Course, in around 8 weeks or 16 weeks for an Online Personal Training Diploma.
Online study offers the greatest flexibility, as learners can progress faster or slower than the average timeframe depending on their availability. Tutor support is still provided throughout the course, but this option suits those who are comfortable managing their own study schedule.
The time it takes to complete an online personal trainer course can be influenced by factors such as:
#1 – Whether You Do the Work
It may sound obvious, but the more time and effort you are willing to put into the course, the quicker you will complete it! This is particularly true for the online and part-time study options where there is a large element of independent study.
#2 – How Much Free Time You Have
Another factor to consider when wondering how long it takes to become a personal trainer is how much free time you have to commit to your course. If you have work or family commitments, you need to factor this into your studies.
This is something to think about as online study is independent, you’ll need to consider realistically the amount of time you’ll have each week to work through your course and this will determine how quickly or slowly you will get through it.
Whereas if you take a part-time or online course, you may take longer if you don’t have the free time to commit to self-study.
#3 – Your Level Of Self-Discipline
Another major factor that will impact how long it takes to qualify is how much self-discipline you have. This is crucial if you are studying remotely and are engaging in self-paced learning.
You will need to be very self-motivated, not procrastinate or get distracted by other things! The more self-discipline and determination you have, the quicker you will work through the course.
The Impact of Your Course Provider
The impact of your course provider such as available time frames and levels of support can change how long it takes to become a personal trainer in the UK.
There are many things to consider when comparing personal training courses, but if how long it takes to get qualified is your primary concern – here are some factors to consider:
#1- How Many Times You Can Resit Exams
One thing to consider is you may not always pass your assessment the first time. Some course providers will have a limited number of resit opportunities, and even charge for every resit. Many also have limited availability for assessment dates, so you may have to wait a while before you can resit.
You should look for providers who offer unlimited free resits to give you the best chance of passing your assessments. It’s also important to ensure the in-person elements of the course are held frequently and convenient for you to travel to.
#2- How Much Support You’ll Receive
High-quality learning resources and course support can make a huge difference when it comes to how long it takes to become a personal trainer. This means you should look for a course provider that offers a consistent amount of available tutor support.
For example, certain providers have tutor support available 7 days a week via phone, email, or chat box, meaning students can get help whenever and however they need it.
High levels of support can help you get through the course easier when you’re struggling, making it a quicker process to get your qualification.
#3 – Marking Times
The rate your work is marked by tutors can also influence how long it takes to become a qualified personal trainer.
No matter how quickly you complete your coursework, if tutors are slow in giving you feedback and results, it will delay the time it takes you to qualify.
When you’re enquiring for a course, you should ask about the turnaround time for coursework feedback. The quicker you get work back, the faster you’ll get through the course.
FAQs
How Fast Can I Become a Personal Trainer?
The fastest way to become a personal trainer in the UK is by completing an intensive full-time course. With full-time study and in-person tuition, some learners can qualify in as little as 2 to 4 weeks.
This route typically involves attending structured classroom sessions throughout the week, with direct tutor support and practical assessments completed on site. It is best suited to those who can commit to studying full time and want to qualify as quickly as possible.
How Long Do Personal Trainer Course Typically Take to Complete?
Personal trainer courses in the UK can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the qualification and study method.
- Full-time or intensive courses: Often completed in 4 to 8 weeks for combined Level 2 and Level 3 training
- Part-time study: Usually takes 3 to 6 months, fitting around work or other commitments
- Online or blended learning: Typically completed in 10 to 16 weeks or longer, depending on study pace
Completion time is influenced by your starting level, how quickly you study, and whether you already have relevant fitness experience.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Job After Qualifying?
After qualifying, the time it takes finding a personal trainer job depends on how much post-course support is given by the provider. Without support after finishing your course, graduates may find it harder to break into the industry and secure their first job after qualifying.
However, other course providers will ensure you know what to do with your personal training qualification following graduation.
Types of post-course support services that help students have greater success finding a job, include:
- Personal trainer CV analysis and distribution
- Mock job interviews
- Free business and marketing tips
- Guaranteed interviews with gym partners
For example, OriGym has a 92% work placement rate for its graduates, showing how high levels of support results in a shorter amount of time to secure a job.
What Happens if I Fail My Assessment?
Although chances are high, not everything goes to plan and passing first time is not guaranteed! This means it will take longer to complete your course if you have to resit any assessments.
But this isn’t something you need to worry about. Certain providers offer unlimited and even free resits, giving you the best chance to qualify. If you have to retake your assessment, then you will need to account for the time to re-book your assessment according to availability.
However, the chance of passing your assessments first time are pretty high. For example, the pass rate for OriGym’s Level 3 Personal Training Course is 99%!
How Long Does It Take to Become a Personal Trainer with a Sports Science Degree?
Your existing knowledge of health and fitness is an important thing to consider when it comes to how long it takes to become a personal trainer. For example, if you have a degree or even an A-Level in a related topic such as Sports Science, you will already have a strong foundation of knowledge to start your course from.
However, regardless of whether you have a degree, you will still need a Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer to find work as a personal trainer.
Any prior knowledge will be beneficial in helping you get through the course faster as you will already be familiar with a lot of its content.
Can I Become a Personal Trainer in Under a Month?
Yes, it is possible to become a personal trainer in under a month if you study full-time and complete a fast-track course. This typically applies to learners who are able to commit to intensive study or who already hold a Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification.
What Is the Fastest Way to Become a Personal Trainer in the UK?
The fastest way to become a personal trainer in the UK is by completing a full-time or intensive Personal Training Diploma, which combines the Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer qualifications. This route allows learners to qualify more quickly than studying each level separately.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Personal Trainer if I Already Have a Level 2?
If you already hold a Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification, you can usually complete a Level 3 Personal Trainer course in as little as 2 to 8 weeks, depending on your study method.
Kickstart Your Personal Training Career With OriGym
If becoming a personal trainer is your goal, choosing the right course can make a real difference to how quickly you qualify. OriGym offers flexible personal training courses with full-time, part-time, and online study options, allowing you to progress at a pace that suits your schedule.
Once qualified, you can also access personal training job opportunities through OriGym’s partnership with Active Careers, helping you move straight into work after completing your course.
If you’d like help choosing the fastest or most suitable route, you can contact the OriGym team or download our course prospectus for personalised advice and guidance.
