Where will this course lead?

Our National Extended Certificate/National Diploma caters for those who wish to pursue a career in the field of Fitness Instructing and Personal Training. The programme is endorsed by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS) and provides the qualifications required for direct employment entry in the health and fitness sector.

Throughout the course you will learn various aspects of health and fitness including, anatomy and physiology; health and well-being; career development; communication skills and the skills required to effectively plan and deliver fitness and personal training sessions.

What will I study?

The National Extended Certificate is the first year of the programme, consisting of 3 units:

1. Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry:

• The organisation of the Sports industry.
• Investigate careers in the Sports industry.
• The recruitment process.
• Reflection and personal development towards a career in the Sports industry.

2. Health, Well-being and Sport:

• The importance of physical activity and sport.
• The importance of physical health.
• Mental health and social well-being.
• Undertake health and wellbeing screening processes.

3. Fitness Skills Development:

• The body systems and their response to exercise.
• Client assessment methods and lifestyle improvement strategies.
• Exercising safely in an exercise environment.
• Exercise requirements and contraindications for specific populations.
• Plan and instruct clients in gym inductions and exercise sessions.

The National Diploma in Sport, Fitness and Personal Training is the second year of the programme, consisting of 4 units:

1. Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity:

• Explore self-employment in the Sport and Fitness industry.
• Design a strategy for self-employment in the Sport and Fitness industry.
• Present and Review your strategy for self-employment.

2. Nutrition for Physical Performance:

• Concepts of nutrition, hydration, diet and digestion.
• Energy intake and expenditure in Sport and Physical Activity.
• Investigate legislation, guidance and procedures associated with anti-doping.
• Produce a diet and hydration plan to support Sport and Physical Activity.

3. Personal Trainer Skills Development:

• Explore Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics for Personal Training.
• Client health and well-being for planning Personal Training programmes.
• Personal Training methods and programming.
• Plan, deliver and review Personal Training sessions.

4. Business and Technology in Personal Training:

• Business Skills for Personal Training.
• Explore the use of technology in Personal Training.
• Explore legislation and business procedures for Personal Training.

How will this course be delivered?

This course is mainly classroom based, developing the knowledge required to understand the key principles of health, physical activity and exercise. You will also undertake a number of practical based sessions to explore health screening techniques, and to develop your knowledge and understanding of fitness related equipment.

What qualifications will I get?

Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Personal Trainer (Diploma)

How will I be assessed?

The course is assessed via coursework (e.g. written reports, formal presentations, poster design and presentations), along with several practical-based assessments in which you will demonstrate your competence in instructing clients in the health and fitness environment.

How do I get a place on the course?

You need to attend an Information Evening where all questions can be answered and places are offered by a successful interview. Interviews can be booked at the Information Evening.

What are the entry requirements?

4 GCSE grades at C/4 or above.

You will be expected to have an active interest in the health and fitness environment via your own exercise training programme.

What else do I need to know?

You will need to purchase course materials (£10) and the required uniform (TBC). You will be required to have an up to date DBS check in order to secure work experience in a health and fitness environment. In addition to completing your BTEC course, you will also be developing employability skills that are valued and recognised by employers.

Good levels of English and Maths are important for your success in your course, your chosen vocation and life. Throughout your course you will continue to develop your English and Maths skills in your vocational classes. If you haven't achieved an A*/9 - C/4 grade in English or Maths at GCSE, or a Level 2 Functional Skill, you will also be working towards a qualification in English or Maths at a level that will enable you to progress towards these grades.

If you have a Learning Difficulty or Disability please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application we can help with this too.

What can I do after this course?

If you are successful on this course, you will be able to apply for employment in the health and fitness industry, typically as a Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer. You may also want to consider continuing your studies towards a higher education qualification such as a Higher National Diploma or a sport related degree either at a College or University. These BTEC qualifications attract UCAS points which can be used for application to Higher Education.