Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a fitness qualification is a significant investment, so it is important to understand what you are enrolling on, what is required of you and what you can expect from your training. Below, we answer the most common questions about our courses, eligibility, assessments, delivery, certification and career progression.

What courses do you offer?

We offer a range of regulated fitness qualifications and specialist courses designed to support learners at different stages of their careers. Our current course portfolio includes Level 2 Gym Instructor, Level 3 Personal Trainer, Level 3 Exercise Referral, Level 4 Lower Back Pain Management, Level 4 Obesity and Diabetes Management, Kettlebells, Circuits, Indoor Cycling, Suspension Training and Gym Based Boxing.

Our Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications provide the foundations for working in the fitness industry, while our Level 4 and specialist courses allow qualified professionals to develop additional expertise in specific areas and broaden the services they can provide to clients.

How long is my course?

The length of your course depends on the qualification you choose. Our Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer qualifications each take approximately six months when studied individually. If you enrol on the combined Level 2 and Level 3 pathway, the full programme is designed to take approximately one year.

The Level 3 Exercise Referral qualification is also completed over approximately six months. Our specialist CPD courses are structured differently, with practical training normally delivered over a weekend and up to three months allowed for completion of the associated coursework.

Our flexible delivery model allows you to plan your learning around existing work and personal commitments while still working towards the required completion timeframe for your qualification.

What do I need to do to pass my course?

Assessment requirements depend on the qualification you are studying. Regulated qualifications can include theory examinations, written or portfolio-based assessments and practical assessments, depending on the specific course.

Your course information will explain the assessment requirements before you enrol, and your tutor will guide you through what is expected at each stage. Our aim is not simply to prepare you to pass an examination, but to develop the knowledge and practical competence required to work confidently and professionally in the fitness industry.

How much are your courses?

Course fees vary depending on the qualification, delivery format and level of support included. Our prospectus provides information about our current course options and pricing, allowing you to compare the available routes before making a decision.

We aim to provide genuine value for money through the quality of our education, learning resources and tutor support. Where payment plans are available, the terms and any additional costs will be explained clearly before you commit to enrolment.

Can I pay for my course in instalments?

Yes. Payment plans are available on eligible courses, allowing you to spread the cost of your training rather than paying the entire course fee upfront.

The deposit, instalment structure and total amount payable depend on the course and payment period selected. Our team can explain the available arrangements before enrolment so that you understand the costs and can choose an option that suits your circumstances.

Do I need any previous experience to enrol?

This depends on the course. The Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification is designed as an entry point into the fitness industry, so previous professional experience is not normally required.

Higher-level qualifications and specialist courses may require an existing fitness qualification, relevant experience or suitable prior learning. If you are unsure whether you meet the entry requirements, contact us before enrolling so we can review your circumstances and advise you on the most appropriate route.

Do I need to be qualified as a Personal Trainer before studying the specialist courses?

Many specialist and Level 4 courses require an appropriate Level 3 qualification or equivalent prior learning. This is because the content may build upon existing knowledge of anatomy, physiology, exercise programming, client assessment and safe exercise delivery.

Entry requirements vary between qualifications, so it is important to check the specific requirements for your chosen course. If you already hold relevant qualifications or have professional experience, we can consider whether these may satisfy the entry criteria.

What are the entry requirements for the Level 3 Personal Trainer course?

The Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification is generally intended for learners who have completed, or are completing, the relevant Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification. If you already hold a suitable equivalent qualification, we may be able to consider this as part of your entry route.

If your existing qualifications do not fit the standard pathway, contact us to discuss your circumstances. We can review your previous learning and consider whether recognised prior learning may be appropriate, subject to the requirements of the awarding organisation.

Can I enrol if I have no experience working in a gym?

Yes. You do not need previous employment in a gym to begin your fitness education. The purpose of the qualification is to develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional competence required to work in the industry.

You will need to engage with the practical elements of your course, practise the relevant skills and demonstrate the required competencies during assessment. A willingness to learn and a commitment to developing your understanding are important throughout the process.

Is there a minimum age to enrol?

The minimum age to enrol on our courses is 17. Learners must also meet any additional entry requirements specified by the qualification and awarding organisation and be able to complete the required learning and assessments.

If you are 17 and considering a career in the fitness industry, you can contact us before enrolling if you have questions about eligibility or the requirements of your chosen course.

Do I need GCSEs or A Levels?

You do not necessarily need a specific set of GCSEs or A Levels to study a fitness qualification. Entry requirements depend on the individual qualification and awarding organisation rather than simply on your previous academic achievements.

You will need sufficient understanding of the course material to complete the required assessments and demonstrate the knowledge and practical competence expected of the qualification. If you are concerned about your academic background, contact us to discuss your suitability before enrolling.

Can I enrol if English is not my first language?

Yes. We welcome learners from a range of backgrounds, including those whose first language is not English. However, regulated qualifications may involve written assessments, examinations and practical communication, so you must have sufficient English-language ability to understand the course material and meet the assessment requirements.

If English is an additional language for you, speak to us before enrolling so we can explain what the course involves and discuss any appropriate learning support that may be available.

Can I enrol if I have additional learning needs?

We aim to make our courses accessible to learners with different educational backgrounds, learning needs and levels of previous experience. If you have additional learning requirements, tell us before enrolment so we can understand your needs and discuss what support may be appropriate.

Where permitted by the qualification and awarding organisation, reasonable adjustments can be considered to help eligible learners access assessments fairly. Any adjustments must remain consistent with the qualification requirements and the competence being assessed.

Where are you based?

Redefining Fitness operates across the UK rather than from a single training centre. We use a blended and flexible delivery model, combining online learning with practical training and assessment where required.

We work across locations including London, Oxfordshire, Staffordshire and Manchester, alongside other locations and ad hoc training sites depending on learner demand and tutor availability. This approach allows us to support learners across a wider geographical area without requiring everyone to travel to one central location.

Do I have to attend a training centre?

Not necessarily. Our blended learning model provides flexibility while maintaining the practical training and assessment requirements of your qualification.

Theory-based learning can be completed online, while practical training and assessments can be arranged at suitable locations through our tutor and assessor network. The exact arrangements depend on your course, its assessment requirements and the availability of appropriate facilities.

Who is the awarding body?

Depending on your course and when you enrol, your qualification may be awarded by Active IQ or Transcend Awards. Both are Ofqual-regulated awarding organisations, although the awarding body for your particular qualification will depend on the course and enrolment arrangements.

You can learn more about these organisations through their official websites: Active IQ and Transcend Awards. Both provide information about their qualifications, standards and role in vocational education.

The awarding organisation sets the qualification specification and assessment requirements and oversees the relevant quality assurance processes. Redefining Fitness delivers the education, learner support and assessment preparation in accordance with the applicable requirements.

What does Ofqual regulation mean?

Ofqual is the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, the regulator responsible for qualifications, examinations and assessments in England. Its role includes regulating awarding organisations and maintaining standards in the qualifications it oversees.

Studying an Ofqual-regulated qualification provides a formal framework of learning outcomes and assessment requirements. However, it is important to distinguish between regulated qualifications and additional non-regulated CPD courses, as not every course offered by a training provider will be an Ofqual-regulated qualification.

You can find out more through the official Ofqual website and check individual qualifications using the Register of Regulated Qualifications.

Is Redefining Fitness CIMSPA accredited?

Our qualifications are recognised through CIMSPA via our awarding-body relationships, allowing eligible learners to apply for the relevant CIMSPA membership or professional recognition route, subject to the qualification and current eligibility requirements.

CIMSPA, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity, is the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity workforce. Its professional framework helps establish standards for competence, professional development and recognition within the sector.

You can explore CIMSPA’s role and professional framework on the official CIMSPA website. Its education and training information explains how qualifications and training can support professional development, while its endorsement guidance explains how recognised learning relates to professional standards.

Eligibility depends on the qualification you complete and the applicable requirements. If CIMSPA recognition is important to your career plans, check the relevant qualification and membership criteria before enrolling.

Can I use my existing degree to skip Level 2 Gym Instructor?

Generally, no. Having a degree does not automatically exempt you from completing the Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification because a degree may not cover the specific learning outcomes and occupational competencies required by the regulated qualification.

However, we can consider recognised prior learning (RPL) on a case-by-case basis. If your degree, previous qualifications or relevant experience appear to cover some or all of the required learning, we can review the evidence and refer the matter to the relevant awarding organisation where necessary. Any exemption or credit must be formally approved rather than assumed.

Can I use previous qualifications or experience towards a new qualification?

Potentially. Previous qualifications, education and relevant professional experience may be considered through recognised prior learning where the qualification and awarding organisation permit it.

The important consideration is whether your existing learning genuinely covers the required knowledge and competencies. We review each case individually and may request supporting evidence before referring the matter to the awarding organisation. This ensures that any recognition of prior learning is appropriate and consistent with the qualification requirements.

Can I enrol if I live outside the UK?

Potentially. Our blended learning model means that some elements of our courses can be completed remotely, although practical training and assessment requirements may mean that you need to attend a suitable location.

If you live outside the UK, contact us before enrolling so we can confirm whether the course can be delivered and assessed in a way that meets the requirements of the relevant awarding organisation. You should also check whether the qualification meets the professional requirements of the country where you intend to work.

How do I enrol on a course?

The first step is to choose a qualification that matches your current experience and career goals. You can explore our course information and prospectus or contact our team if you need help deciding which route is most appropriate.

Once you have selected your course, we can confirm the relevant entry requirements, explain the delivery and assessment process and provide the information needed to complete your enrolment. If you have existing qualifications or circumstances that may affect your eligibility, raise these before enrolling so they can be considered in advance.

Can I speak to someone before I enrol?

Yes. We encourage prospective learners to ask questions before committing to a course, particularly if they are unsure about entry requirements, recognised prior learning, course selection or how a qualification fits into their career plans.

Our team can review your circumstances and help you identify the most appropriate route. This is particularly useful if you already hold qualifications, want to progress into a specialist area or are comparing different options for entering the fitness industry.

Can I change my course after enrolling?

This depends on the course, how far you have progressed and the applicable enrolment terms and awarding organisation requirements. In some circumstances, transferring to a different course may be possible, but this cannot be guaranteed.

If you realise that you have selected the wrong course, contact us as soon as possible. We can review the situation and explain what options may be available under the relevant terms and requirements.

What happens once I enrol?

Once you have enrolled, you will receive the information and access required to begin your course. Your learning will follow the structure of your chosen qualification, including the relevant theory, practical development and assessment requirements.

Your tutor and support team will guide you through the process so that you understand what is expected at each stage. You will need to engage with the learning materials, prepare for assessments and demonstrate the required competence to complete your qualification successfully.

Can I study while working full-time?

Yes. Our blended and flexible approach is designed to accommodate learners who are balancing their studies with employment and other commitments. Much of the theoretical learning can be completed around your existing schedule, while practical sessions and assessments can be arranged according to the course requirements and tutor availability.

You will still need to dedicate sufficient time to learning, practice and assessment preparation. Flexibility allows you to organise your studies more conveniently, but it does not reduce the standards or competencies required by the qualification.

Is there a deadline to complete my course?

The timeframe depends on the qualification and the enrolment terms applicable to your course. Regulated qualifications may have specific assessment and certification requirements, and some courses have defined completion periods.

We will explain the relevant timeframe during enrolment so that you understand how long you have to complete your learning and assessments. If your circumstances change during your studies, contact us as early as possible to discuss the options available under your course terms.

How long does it take to receive my certificate?

Once you have successfully completed all required assessments, your results must go through the relevant quality assurance and certification process. Certificates are issued once the necessary checks have been completed.

Some learner work may be selected for internal or external quality assurance. This is a normal part of maintaining qualification standards and does not necessarily indicate a problem with your work. If your work is selected, we will explain the process and keep you informed about any effect on your certification timeframe.

Can I use my qualification abroad?

This depends on the country, employer and local regulatory requirements. Fitness qualifications are treated differently around the world, and the requirements for working as a personal trainer or fitness instructor vary between countries.

A UK qualification may be recognised by international employers, but completing it does not automatically guarantee the right to work in another country or meet every local registration requirement. If you intend to work overseas, check the requirements of the specific country, employer or professional register before enrolling.

What happens after I complete my qualification?

Your qualification should be viewed as the foundation of your career rather than the end of your education. Depending on your goals, you may choose to work as a personal trainer, seek employment within a gym or fitness organisation, develop your own business or continue into specialist education.

Our wider course portfolio provides opportunities to develop additional expertise through areas such as exercise referral, lower back pain management, obesity and diabetes management and specialist training disciplines. Continuing your education can help you broaden your knowledge, refine your professional skills and adapt to the needs of different client groups.

What support do I receive during my course?

Our tutors provide guidance throughout the learning and assessment process, helping you understand the course requirements and develop the practical knowledge needed to apply what you learn. We recognise that learners come from different educational and professional backgrounds. Our approach combines flexible learning with a focus on developing genuine competence, so that you understand the subject matter rather than simply working towards an assessment result.

What if I am not sure which course I should enrol on?

If you are new to the fitness industry, the usual starting point is the Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification, followed by Level 3 Personal Trainer training where appropriate. If you are already qualified, one of our specialist or CPD courses may provide a more suitable route for developing your expertise. Your existing qualifications, experience and career objectives will influence which course is right for you. If you are unsure where to begin, contact our team before enrolling so we can help you identify an appropriate progression route.