Edinburgh College Banner

Sport & Fitness

YMCA Diploma in Personal Training Level 3 (Practitioner)

Campus Granton Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 6

Study mode Full time

Duration 20 weeks

Start date Jan 2024

Course enquiry form

Note your interest for this course.
Enter your full name
Enter your email address
This form collects your name and email address so we can contact you with pre-application information on future courses including application deadlines, campus open days and course information. Read our privacy notice to find out how we collect, store and use your data (and for information on withdrawing your consent).

Course overview

The YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training is a nationally recognised CIMSPA endorsed qualification. This qualification offers knowledge and understanding of one-to-one training, baseline assessment, nutritional advice and progressive programming which is specific to the individual needs of a client. If you are currently accredited at Level 2 with a Certificate in Gym Instructing or equivalent, then this course is the next step for you.

What you will learn

  • Anatomy and physiology knowledge as applicable to personal training.
  • Nutrition and its application to support a client’s health and physical activity programme
  • Health and wellbeing and factors that affect this
  • Effective communication during client consultations to promote and encourage healthy lifestyle behaviours and long-term change
  • Designing and planning effective Personal Training sessions for a range of clients in different environments
  • Executing effective physical activity sessions for a range of clients in different environments
  • Professional practice and legal requirements for Personal Training
  • Business acumen for working in both an employed role and for self-employment
  • Self-evaluation and professional development

How the course is assessed

  • You will be assessed on an ongoing basis through theory work, practical methods, and e-assessment. 

Number of days per week

  • 3 day per week

Entry requirements

  • You must have a current level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing or equivalent.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

  • You may be invited to attend an interview session for this course 
  • This may include practical elements based on current exercise themes and written work on your knowledge of exercise and fitness 
  • There will be a one to one discussion with a member of the sport and fitness team 

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS 5.5

Progression and Articulation Routes

You may choose further same-level qualifications, where offered, such as:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral 
  • Level 3 Diploma in Increasing Participation in Sport and Active Leisure in Community Settings 
  • Level 3 Diploma in Sport
  • Level 3 Diploma Sports Massage Therapy
  • Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Pilates
  • Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga
  • Level 3 special populations-related qualifications
  • Apprenticeship in Personal Training

You may also choose to progress to higher level qualifications, where offered, such as:

  • Level 4 Certificate in Developing Physical Activity for individuals with mental health conditions
  • Level 4 Certificate in Programming Physical Activity for individuals with low back pain
  • Level 4 Certificate in Developing Physical Activity for individuals with mental health conditions
  • Level 4 Certificate in Weight Management for individuals with obesity, diabetes mellitus and/or metabolic syndrome
  • Level 4 Sports and Conditioning qualifications

Career options

  • Working as a Personal Trainer for companies within the Physical Activity, Exercise and Fitness Industry or on a self-employed basis
  • Creating and developing your own business in this sector.

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date Duration
Granton Campus Full time 22/01/24 20 Weeks

You may also be interested in these courses

Sport & Fitness

Army Career Preparation Course

This is a fast pace 18-week course suitable for individuals who are looking potentially for a career in one of the Briti...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 4

Study mode
Full time

Duration
20 weeks

Sport & Fitness

Soft Tissue Therapy HNC/ Year 1 HND Sports Therapy

If you want to work with sportspeople who have soft tissue (muscle) issues, this is the ideal course for you. The HNC So...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 7

Study mode
Full time

Duration
41 weeks

Sport & Fitness

Exercise and Fitness Instructor Course

The YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing is a nationally recognised CIMSPA endorsed qualification. This course wi...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Full time

Duration
20 weeks

Sport & Fitness

Access to HN Fitness, Health and Exercise

This access course offers learners an insight our HND Fitness, Health and Exercise Award. You will prepare for your HND ...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Full time

Duration
20 weeks

Sport & Fitness

Access to Level 2 Gym Instructor

This is both a theory and practical-based course, intended to prepare you for entry to the Level 2 YMCA Certificate in G...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Full time

Duration
20 weeks

Sport & Fitness

Access to HN Sports Therapy

The Access to Sports Therapy course offers learners an insight to our HNC Soft Tissue Therapy and HND Sports Therapy cou...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Full time

Duration
20 weeks

Sport & Fitness

Introduction to Sport and Fitness (January Start)

This is both a theory and practical-based course, intended to prepare you for entry to the Level 1 YMCA Award in Fitness...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 4

Study mode
Full time

Duration
20 weeks