Course Information

Course Details: Personal Trainer Award

Become a Qualified Personal Trainer and Empower Clients to Achieve Their Goals 

This industry-recognised qualification is designed for aspiring and developing fitness professionals who want to elevate their knowledge, sharpen their technical skills, and confidently deliver personalised, evidence-based training. Mapped to the CIMSPA Professional Standard, this award equips you with the competence to assess clients, design effective training programmes, and support long-term lifestyle change across diverse populations. Through a blend of interactive seminars, practical gym-based learning, expert-led workshops, and applied assessments, you will develop the professional capability to coach clients safely, motivate them effectively, and achieve transformative outcomes. 

 What You Will Learn 

The role of personal training in promoting health, wellbeing, and physical activity 

• Anatomy, physiology, and movement analysis to inform safe exercise prescription 

• Client screening, assessment techniques, and postural/fitness evaluation 

• Communication strategies that build rapport and support behaviour change 

• Effective session design, progressive programming, and coaching delivery 

• Nutritional principles and lifestyle management to enhance client results 

• Professional practice, ethical conduct, and safeguarding responsibilities 

• Business acumen, marketing strategies, and the use of technology to grow your PT career
    

Who This Course Is For: 

This award is ideal for: 

• Gym instructors, exercise professionals, and aspiring personal trainers wanting to progress their career 

• Coaches and fitness practitioners seeking to deepen their skills in personalised programme design 

• Anyone who wants to build confidence working with a wide range of client goals, abilities, and backgrounds 

Pre-Requisites 

To enrol on the Personal Trainer Award, you must: 

• Hold a Gym Instructor or Exercise Instructor Award 

• Ideally hold a current First Aid qualification (you may begin the course before completing this, but you are expected to obtain it as soon as possible)
    

We welcome applicants from a broad range of fitness and coaching environments. Our inclusive, supportive teaching approach ensures you can develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive as a personal trainer. If you’re unsure whether you meet the requirements, please contact us to discuss your eligibility. 

 What You Will Gain 

• A recognised Personal Trainer Award aligned with CIMSPA professional standards 

• The competence to screen, assess, design, deliver, and evaluate personalised training programmes 

• Enhanced confidence to work with clients one-to-one or in small groups 

• The ability to motivate behaviour change and support long-term health and fitness outcomes 

• Professional skills to excel in interviews and grow your own business 

• Eligibility to join CIMSPA as a Personal Trainer Practitioner upon completion
    

Course Format 

Delivery:
Blended learning including seminars, guest industry experts, practical gym-based workshops, and asynchronous online content. 

Duration:
Weekly practical sessions plus independent study and a 12-week real-client training project. 

Location:
Sheffield Hallam University training facilities. 

Assessment: 

• Online workbooks 

• Evidence-based portfolio from a 12-week client programme 

• Practical observations 

• Simulated job interview