Find the Right Personal Training Course for Your Career Goals
Confused by all the PT course options? We make it simple to choose.
Providers Compared
Locations Covered
OFQUAL-Focused
About Us
In the current industry, finding the right personal training provider can be overwhelming – there are countless options, each with different specialities, prices and styles.
That’s why we created whichptcourse.com, a platform dedicated to guiding those new to the personal training industry to a provider that suits them.
Everyone’s fitness journey is unique, and we created this platform to be simple, transparent and easy to compare to act as a guide for newcomers to the industry to help them choose the right provider.
Why choose us to base your decision on? We’re independent, driven by our own market research and committed to helping you save time and avoid confusion.
Our MisSion
Our mission is simple: to boost the fitness industry by making the process of joining it as accessible and transparent as possible. We know the fitness industry is packed with different providers, each claiming to offer the “best” qualification, but we created this to cut out all the noise and give you black and white comparisons of the UK’s personal training providers.
We believe that when people can clearly see their options side by side, it’ll make things easier for them to choose a provider that matches their goals, lifestyle and budget, and at the heart of everything we do is a commitment to support the trainers of tomorrow.
Whether you’re just starting out or building an existing qualification, we’re here to guide you to the course that gives you the strongest foundation for success in the fitness industry. Because when you succeed, the whole fitness industry grows stronger.
How It Works
3 simple steps to choosing your course with confidence:
- Browse UK Providers – See who’s out there and what they offer.
- Compare Side-by-Side – Pricing, packages, support, and more.
- Choose with Confidence – Know exactly what you’re signing up for.
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which PT course?
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Compare Personal Training Providers
See how top UK personal training course providers stack up across cost, support, flexibility, and locations.
Provider
PT Academy
HFE
Study Active
Diverse Trainers
The Fitness Group
Learn Direct
OriGym
Bodycore PT
The Training Room
Future Fit
YMCAfit
Fit UK
Overall Score
39/40
29/40
28/40
26/40
26/40
26/40
25/40
24/40
21/40
20/40
20/40
20/40
Package Competitiveness
★★★★★★★★★★ 10/10 –
15 courses for £1,500
(industry best)
★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10 – Three level 3 courses from £1,450
★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10 –
L2,3+4 Package £1,600
★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ 6/10 –
L2 and l3 £1199 for blended
★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ 5/10 – £1,395+ for Basic l2 and l3
★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10 – £1,529 combined package l2 l3 l4
★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ 6/10 – £1,499 packages
★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ 6/10 – L2 and l3 1299, very limited package range
★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ 6/10 – £1,259+ with restrictions
★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 1/10 – £2,999 (basic Level 2+3)
★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ 5/10 – l2 and l3 for 1850, upsells you courses that you might not want
★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ 6/10 – £1,299 (Level 2+3)
Locations & Accessibility
★★★★★★★★★★ 10/10 –
50+ UK venues + online
★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10 30+ venues + online
★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ 5/10 –
1 venue + online
★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ 5/10 – 12+ UK locations
★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ 6/10 –
15+ venues + online
★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 3/10 –
Online only
★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ 6/10 –
14+ venues + online
★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ 4/10 – National (gym-based), but no actual venues
★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 3/10 –
Online only
★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10 – 40+ UK venues
★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ 4/10 –
5 venues + online
★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 1/10 –
Wales only
Support & Learning Style
★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10 –
50+ UK venues + online learning options available.
★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10 – Learner wellbeing-focused, and weekly tutor support
★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10 –
Digital + Ongoing support
★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10 – In-person + online
★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10 – Strong 1-to-1 support
★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10 – App-based learning
★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ 6/10 – Blended support
★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10 – 1-to-1 mentors
★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ 6/10 – Self-paced + tutor
★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10 – Tutor support + careers
★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ 6/10 – Tutor-supported blende
★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ 6/10 – Strong tutors but no online
Notable Features
First online provider; only provider with funding with 16+ years experience and guaranteed job interviews
Qualified tutors
They own the rights to premier global brand and the directors are ex premier
Tutors travel nationwide for 1-to-1 or group sessions
The only provider with a dedicated Pilates training studio
LEAP-accredited; app-first platform
Free learning resources –
Company directors former PT Academy employees
Mentors travel to your chosen gym. The director is a former PT Academy employee
Pre-selection assessment required
The only provider with a dedicated job board outlining industry vacancies, once you have qualified
Only UK provider licensed to deliver STOTT Pilates
Earn-while-you-learn model
Value for Money
★★★★★★★★★★ 10/10 –
Unbeatable pricing, including funding options and a price beat guarantee.
★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10 – On the lower end of the price scale
★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10 – Medium range costs, bundles have various courses included for medium range pricing.
★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10 – Average price with fast-track options available for higher rates. A large range of courses
★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10 – Fits the medium range of pricing, courses are flexible, offers career support with the course
★★★★★★★★☆☆
8/10 – Good price.
★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10 – Fits the medium range of pricing, but much higher than competitors offering the same for lower prices
★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10 – Fits the cheap to medium range of pricing, but a small choice of courses, and upsells unnecessary courses.
★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ 6/10 – Discounts that don’t expire and a limited range of courses
★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 2/10 – Very expensive courses, limited courses offered, prices not publicly advertised.
★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ 5/10 – Fits the higher range of pricing, quite expensive, tiny range of courses, can’t buy L2 gym on its own.
★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10 – Fits the medium range of pricing, offers apprenticeships with the course purchased. Only entry-level courses are offered.
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PT Course Providers UK
New to Personal Training? Start Here.
Everything you need to know before choosing a course.
Read the full guide
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Our Values
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Why Trust whichptcourse.com?
In a crowded and confusing fitness education space, we exist for one reason – to help you make the right choice quickly, clearly, and confidently. Whether you’re starting fresh or advancing your PT career, we’re here to guide you with no fluff and no pressure.
We don’t sell courses. We don’t push providers. We simply compare them, based on real research, not paid listings.
Transparency
No paid features, no hidden bia, just honest comparisons.
Quality
Built on real UK market research and regulated provider data.
Support
Focused entirely on guiding new and advancing personal trainers.
Community
We only recommend courses that strengthen the industry.
"We built this to help newcomers avoid wasting time, money, and effort."
Top Questions Answered
Personal Training Course Frequently Asked Questions
A personal training provider is a company or organisation that delivers the qualifications you need to become a personal trainer. A personal trainer is an individual who has completed those qualifications and works directly with clients to help them reach their fitness goals.
Always check whether the provider offers Ofqual-regulated qualifications. Ofqual is the only official regulator in the UK, ensuring that the certification is recognised and meets industry standards. Non-regulated courses may be cheaper but often lack credibility and career value.
You’ll need to complete a Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing, followed by a Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training. Many trainers then go on to complete Level 4 specialisations for advanced or niche areas.
No. CIMSPA is a professional membership body, not a regulator. Employers may look favourably on CIMSPA membership, but with an Ofqual-recognised qualification, your certification is valid regardless of membership.
This depends on the provider and study method. An intensive full-time course can take as little as 6–10 weeks, while part-time or online options may take several months.
Yes, many providers offer flexible online or blended learning options. However, you’ll still need to complete practical assessments in person to demonstrate your skills.
Costs vary by provider and course structure but typically range between £1,000–£3,000. Higher levels (like Level 4 specialisations) may cost more.
Ofqual-regulated qualifications are widely respected, but recognition can vary by country. Many UK-trained personal trainers successfully work overseas, though it’s worth checking local requirements.
Qualified trainers can work in gyms, health clubs, or leisure centres, operate as freelancers, or build an online coaching business. With experience, you can specialise in areas such as strength and conditioning, rehabilitation, or nutrition.
Income varies depending on where and how you work. Freelance trainers often earn more per session than employed gym trainers but need to manage their own clients and schedules. Successful trainers can earn well above the industry average by building a strong client base or specialising in high-demand areas.