Level 3 Exercise Referral Course

Educational Excellence

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    Launch your career with award-winning training

  • Unlimited & Free Exam Resits

  • Interest-Free Payment Plans

  • Unlimited Tutor Support

  • No Hidden Costs

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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Accredited & CIMSPA Endorsed

CIMSPA Endorsed, Internationally-recognised, ISO9001 Certified.

Award Winning

Training Provider of the Year 2024 & 2025 Winners, UKactive Finalist, NFA Runner-Up.

5 Star Rated

We have over 8,152 5 star reviews – more than any other training provider!

Internationally Recognised

Work in the UK, online, or take your fitness career abroad.

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
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CIMSPA 10 CPD

JOIN OVER 8,152 STUDENTS WHO RATED ORIGYM 5*

Flexible Learning Formats

Our Level 3 Exercise Referral course combines flexible study with unlimited support from our expert tutors.

Expert Tutor Support

  • Access tutor support 7 days a week
  • Unlimited support via live chat or phone

Flexible Learning

  • Study at your own pace
  • Get unlimited free resits for all exams and assessments

Interactive Student Portal

  • Study anywhere, at any time

  • Access engaging resources such as interactive quizzes

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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.

1

7-Day Tutor Support

Our tutors provide more support than any other UK training provider. Which can be accessed via phone, email, or live chat.

2

Unlimited Free Resits

You can retake any aspect of your course as many times as you need at no additional cost, as all resits are free.

3

Affordable Training

We pride ourselves on providing high-quality training at an affordable cost, making qualifications accessible to all.

4

Trusted by Over 47,213+ Students

We’ve qualified thousands of fitness professionals and are recognised as the UK’s highest-rated training provider.

5

Post-Course Career Support

Kickstart your exercise referral career with tailored career support, such as CV distribution in your local area.

6

Business & Marketing Advice

Looking to start your own business? Take advantage of our extensive resources to flourish in the fitness industry.

Our Course Packages

  • Master Trainer Package

    • Level 3 Certificate in Exercise Referral
    • Level 4 Certificate in Obesity & Weight Management
    • 10 CPD Courses

    RRP £1498

    NOW £1199

    0% Interest Free Payment Plans

  • The Advanced Trainer Package

    • Level 3 Certificate in Exercise Referral
    • Level 4 Certificate in Advanced Nutrition
    • Level 4 Certificate in Obesity & Weight Management
    • 10 CPD Courses

    RRP £2597

    NOW £1899

    0% Interest Free Payment Plans

  • Personal Trainer Essentials Package

    • Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing
    • Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training
    • Level 4 Certificate in Advanced Nutrition
    • 10 FREE CPD courses (worth £1500)

    RRP £3696

    NOW £2199

    0% Interest Free Payment Plans

  • The Expert Trainer Package

    • Level 3 Certificate in Exercise Referral
    • Level 4 Certificate in Advanced Nutrition
    • Level 4 Certificate in Obesity & Weight Management
    • Level 4 Certificate in Diabetes Control
    • 10 CPD Courses

    RRP £3346

    NOW £2249

    0% Interest Free Payment Plans

The UK’s #1 Training Provider

Qualify with ‘Training Provider of the Year 2025’ and gain the accredited & Ofqual-regulated course you need to launch your career.

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How you’ll be assessed

With tutor support available every day of the week and free assessment resits, qualifying with this course is straightforward. Assessments for the Level 3 Exercise Referral course include:

  • Multiple Choice Open Book Exam on Anatomy & Physiology
  • Multiple Choice Open Book Exam on the Application of Nutrition
  • Practical Assessment on Delivering a Programme for a Patient of Exercise Referral
origym team members

Gyms that are actively recruiting with guaranteed interviews

Career Support and Progression

Job Interviews

  • Guaranteed PT Interviews
  • 1-1 Interview Preparation

Jobs Board

  • 1000’s of Fitness Jobs

  • Exclusive to Our Students

CV Clinic

  • CV Analysis & Feedback
  • Distribution to Local Gyms

Business Support

  • Free Marketing Resources
  • Expert Business Advice

Alumni Benefits

  • Exclusive Discounts with Leading Fitness Brands
  • UP TO 37% OFF COURSE PACKAGES

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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

How to Become an Exercise Referral Specialist with the UK’s #1 Training Provider

Becoming a successful Exercise Referral Specialist is more than just getting a qualification. By following these 5 simple steps, you can ensure that you set your career up for success from the start.

Maximise Your Earning Potential & Earn Additional Health and Fitness Qualifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need Qualifications Before Starting the Level 3 Exercise Referral Course?2025-10-03T15:47:32+01:00

Yes, you’ll need a Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification and must be aged 16 or over to enrol.

Is The Level 3 Exercise Referral Qualification Accredited?2026-01-20T16:56:08+00:00

Absolutely. The course is CIMSPA-endorsed, Ofqual-regulated, awarded by Focus Awards, and internationally recognised, meaning you can be assured you’ll be receiving the highest standard of education.

What Learning Resources Are Included in the Exercise Referral Course?2026-01-21T08:52:05+00:00

On this course, you’ll get access to our award-winning online eLearning platform. This consists of interactive modules, online lectures, videos, exercises libraries, quizzes, and assessments. You’ll also receive tutor support 7 days a week via phone, email, or chat.

What Support Is Available After Completing the Exercise Referral Qualification?2026-01-21T09:06:01+00:00

After qualifying, you’ll receive a range of post-course support. This includes guaranteed job interviews, CV optimisation & distribution, interview prep, and business resources if you’re looking to go self-employed. With our support, over 92% of our graduates secure employment in the health and fitness sector.

What is the Best GP Exercise Referral Course in the UK?2025-11-18T17:20:54+00:00

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.

Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral Testimonials

  • Guy Thompson

    Guy Thompson

    Former Leicester & Wasps Rugby Player

    “After being in and around professional sport for 13 years, this is a natural progression after learning from World Leading S&C coaches. Becoming a personal trainer will allow me to implement this knowledge for helping people and helping people achieve their goals away from sport. I’d really want to focus on helping people in their everyday lives through both mental and physical wellbeing. OriGym’s tutors have been excellent, with great feedback and the content is perfect for someone looking to get started in the industry.”

  • Dafydd James

    Dafydd James

    Former British & Irish Lions Rugby Player

    “After researching online and looking at various courses, I was happy to choose a recognised Nutrition qualification which is what OriGym offers. It was important for me to see a lot of positive reviews, as well as the course content looked thorough and in depth. I chose this course to add another dimension and skillset to my business. If I can utilise the framework provided by OriGym, I will be able to develop a successful business and educate anyone from the general public to professional athletes.”

  • Jessica Lee

    Jessica Lee

    Olympic Track Cyclist

    “Although this is starting something new, it’s also building on something that I already have.I reached out to friends who have done similar courses and OriGym was mentioned as the course to go to. After I enquired, Michelle called the next day and was really organic and genuine in our conversations, whereas other providers sent a generic email where I still had to do more research myself. As an olympian a mission is to always pass on experience and knowledge. I’d look to eventually have my own company to really pass on my passion and maybe even help create a new olympian in the future!”