QUALIFY WITH A LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN GP EXERCISE REFERRAL FROM £749
OriGym’s Level 3 Exercise Referral Course (sometimes called a GP Referral Course) is designed for fitness professionals who want to help clients manage chronic conditions, illnesses, and injuries through safe, effective exercise.
Endorsed by CIMSPA, regulated by Ofqual, and awarded by Focus Awards, this qualification is fully recognised across the UK fitness industry, including gyms, health clubs, and NHS-linked referral schemes.
Delivered through flexible online study with practical assessments, you can complete the course at your own pace and spread the cost with 0% finance plans.
Explore the course details below:
Learn more about this qualification by downloading a free prospectus and get started today!
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Level 3 GP Exercise Referral Course Overview
GPs increasingly refer patients to fitness professionals for support with chronic conditions, injuries, or lifestyle management. OriGym’s Level 3 Exercise Referral Course equips you to safely and effectively work with these clients.
With demand for qualified exercise referral specialists rising, this course opened doors to rewarding roles in gyms, clinics, and private practice.
Modules:
- The Professional Practice For Exercise Instructors
- Understanding Medical Conditions for Exercise Referral
- Planning Exercise Referral Programmes
- Instructing Exercise with GP-Referred Patients
Course Length: Self-paced, typically completed in 8 weeks.
Entry Requirements: Level 2 Gym Instructor Qualification required.
Accreditations: CIMSPA-endorsed, Ofqual-regulated Level 3 qualification.
Cost: £749 – includes registration, certification, exams, and unlimited free resits.
Offer & Payment Options: Flexible, 0% interest, monthly instalments available.
Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 242
What You’ll Qualify With:
- Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral (RQF)
- 10 CIMSPA CPD points


JOIN OVER 7,568 STUDENTS WHO RATED ORIGYM 5*
Why Study With OriGym?
OriGym offers more than just qualifications, we give you the tools to reach your full potential. Here are 6 reasons to choose us for your Exercise Referral qualification.
Our Course Packages
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Qualify with ‘Training Provider of the Year 2024’ and gain the accredited & Ofqual-regulated course you need to become a certified Exercise Referral Specialist.




Fees and Funding Options
0% Finance
Pay for your course in flexible, interest-free instalments
Low Deposit
Start learning today with just a small deposit payment
No Guarantor
We won’t ask for a guarantor to set up a payment plan
Pay upfront
Pay the full amount for your course upfront in one lump sum
Maximise Your Earning Potential & Earn Additional Health and Fitness Qualifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you’ll need a Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification and must be aged 16 or over to enrol.
Absolutely. The course is CIMSPA-endorsed, Ofqual-regulated, and awarded by Focus Awards, ensuring it’s fully recognised across the fitness industry.
You’ll get access to our online learning platform with interactive modules, lectures, and assessments, plus 7-day tutor support via phone, email, or chat.
We provide CV support, job interview preparation, and business advice. Over 92% of our graduates secure employment in the health and fitness sector.
There isn’t a single ‘best’ GP Exercise Referral course, however, there are certain qualities that make a quality course. Those are:
- Accreditation & Regulation: Look for a qualification that is regulated by Ofqual (appears on the Regulated Qualifications Framework) and awarded by a recognised body such as Focus Awards.
- Industry Endorsement: CIMSPA endorsement indicates the course meets professional standards for exercise referral specialists. As well as endorsing courses, CIMSPA assesses the quality of providers courses and provides them with a ‘status’. To find the best course, look for providers like OriGym who hold ‘Enhancing’ status.
- Comprehensive Content: A thorough curriculum should provide an understanding of medical conditions and teach you how to design and deliver exercise programmes for referred patients.
- Tutor Support: Look for courses with plenty of tutor support and ensure tutor availability lines up with when you plan to study. For example, if you plan to work on your course on weekends, the best course for you will be one that provides access to support on weekends! Being able to get in touch with a tutor when you need help will make all the difference to your learning experience.



























