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Sport & Fitness

YMCA Diploma in Personal Training Level 3 (Practitioner)

Campus Granton Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 6

Study mode Full time

Start date Jan 2025

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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
Granton Campus Full time 20/01/25

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