Become a Personal Trainer | Setanta — CIMSPA-Recognised
Certificate in Personal Training

Become a
Personal Trainer

Two CIMSPA-recognised qualifications. One flexible, 100% online course.

PT Level 3 Gym Instructor Level 2 10 weeks online
Start your career

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See the full curriculum, fees and start dates — and get a no-obligation call from a student advisor who can answer your questions.

  • Full 10-week curriculum & what you'll learn
  • Fees, payment options and what's included
  • How online learning fits around your life

Awarded by Setanta through CIMSPA

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Why Setanta

Everything you need to start coaching

Every topic is designed to get you confidently assessing, coaching and retaining clients.

01

Two recognised qualifications

Graduate with Personal Trainer Level 3 and Gym Instructor Level 2 — what gyms and employers expect.

02

Study 100% online

Recorded weekly lectures you watch anytime. Made for working professionals, athletes and busy lives.

03

Learn from Expert Practitioners

Learn from MSc- and PhD-qualified coaches who've worked with Munster Rugby, Cardiff City and more.

04

Assessed on real skill

Quizzes, case studies, practical video submissions and interviews — not just written exams.

What you'll earn

Two qualifications, one course

Level 3

Personal Trainer

Plan and deliver one-to-one programmes, assess clients and build a career as a personal trainer.

Level 2

Gym Instructor

Instruct safely and effectively in any gym environment — the foundation every trainer needs.

Awarded by Setanta through CIMSPA.

The programme

What you'll study

Ten weekly topics delivered by industry leaders, then a structured assessment period.

01

The Role of the PT

Client support, motivation and goal-setting for safe, progressive fitness journeys.

02

Anatomy & Physiology

Biomechanics and the neuromuscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems applied to movement.

03

Exercise, Health & Lifestyle

Consultations, lifestyle assessment and key health, legal and safety considerations.

04

Health & Fitness Assessment

Screening, posture analysis and corrective strategies to optimise performance.

05

Principles of Exercise

Fitness components, training design and periodisation for effective programmes.

06

Health & Safety

Safe practice — warm-ups, cool-downs, barbell, circuit and core training.

07

Gym Instruction

Resistance-training biomechanics plus hypertrophy, plyometric and power methods.

08

Energy Systems

Energy pathways, metabolism and the role of micronutrients and ergogenic aids.

09

Nutrition

Dietary assessment, energy expenditure and hydration to support health and performance.

10

Conditioning

HIIT, kettlebell and medicine-ball methods to build strength, endurance and athleticism.

ThenAssessment period — quizzes, case studies, practical video submissions and interviews.
Lecturers

Expert-Led

Lecturers qualified to MSc or PhD level.

PJ WilsonAcademic Director

PJ Wilson

Hanno van VuurenModule Leader

Hanno van Vuuren

Dr Christine BüxmannHead of Education

Dr Christine Büxmann

Certificate in Personal Training
€1,699  all in

  • 10 weekly topics, taught online by experts
  • PT Level 3 & Gym Instructor Level 2
  • All assessments & tutor support
  • Next Intake - September 2026
Get the free brochure first

Invest in a career you'll love

One transparent fee covers everything you need to qualify — pay in full, or spread the cost in instalments.

Prefer to talk it through first? Book a Call — no obligation.

Student stories

What our graduates say

"One of the key skills I've gained has been the ability to analyse information from training and research which can be applied in an appropriate scenario to make choices best suited to the athletes I coach on a daily basis."

Patrick White
Patrick WhiteSetanta Graduate

"The ability to apply what I was learning in real-world settings made the experience even more valuable. The balance between coaching skills and academic knowledge, and the flexibility to study while living and working abroad made it the ideal choice."

Laura Dyson
Laura DysonSetanta Graduate

"Looking back, I can genuinely say it was the best decision I've ever made. It not only provided me with the expertise and credentials I needed but also bridged the gap between my undergraduate education and future aspirations."

Jade Byrne
Jade ByrneSetanta Graduate
Questions

Good to know

Is the course fully online?
Yes. Lectures are recorded and delivered online every week, so you can log on anytime, anywhere — built around working professionals, athletes and busy schedules.
What qualifications will I get?
A Personal Trainer (Level 3) and a Gym Instructor (Level 2) qualification, awarded by Setanta through CIMSPA.
How long does it take?
Ten weekly topics followed by an assessment period. Learning is flexible and self-paced, so you can fit it around your schedule.
What are the entry requirements?
You must be at least 16 when the course begins — no prior degree required. International learners whose first language isn't English may need to show proficiency (e.g. IELTS 6 or CEFR B2+, dated within two years of enrolment).
How am I assessed?
Through quizzes, case studies, practical video submissions and interviews — so you're assessed on applied coaching ability, not just exams.
How much does it cost?
€1,699, covering all learning, assessments and tutor support. Request your brochure and an advisor can talk you through the details.
Start today

Your fitness career starts here

Get the free brochure, fees and start dates — plus a no-obligation chat with an advisor.

Get the free brochure 30 seconds · No obligation · CIMSPA-recognised
€1,699CIMSPA-recognised
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