So you want to become a Personal Trainer? That's awesome! In my opinion, it's one of the best careers you can choose.
But before signing up for a course, there are a few important things to consider. One of them is whether the qualification you receive is recognised within the fitness industry.
Aside from being passionate about training and health, you need to be a good communicator, understand exercise science and conduct yourself professionally.
It may sound straightforward, but becoming a successful Personal Trainer takes both time and effort. In many PT roles, you are also responsible for attracting and retaining your own clients. This means that communication, relationship-building and the ability to market your services can be just as important as your training knowledge.
If this sounds like you, becoming a Personal Trainer might be a natural next step.
Before choosing a Personal Trainer course, however, you should make sure that the qualification can actually help open doors within the fitness industry.
This is where EuropeActive and EREPS come in.
EuropeActive is a not-for-profit organisation representing the European fitness and physical activity sector.
One of its key roles is to develop professional standards for fitness occupations. These standards describe the knowledge, skills and competencies expected from professionals working in different roles within the industry.
The standards are referenced to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). Within the EuropeActive framework:
- Fitness Instructor corresponds to EQF Level 3
- Personal Trainer corresponds to EQF Level 4
EuropeActive also accredits education providers and training programmes that meet its standards.
In other words, an education provider cannot simply decide to call its programme EuropeActive accredited. The programme must go through an accreditation process and demonstrate that it meets the relevant professional standards.
EREPS stands for the
European Register of Exercise Professionals.
While EuropeActive develops professional standards and accredits education programmes, EREPS is a register for individual fitness professionals whose qualifications meet recognised standards.
Registered professionals appear in the EREPS member directory, where their professional role and registration status can be verified.
For Personal Trainers, the relevant registration category is Personal Trainer – EQF Level 4.
The easiest way to remember the difference is:
EuropeActive = standards and programme accreditation
EREPS = registration of individual fitness professionals
There are two useful ways of looking at it.
From an educational perspective, it means that the Personal Trainer programme has been assessed against the professional competencies expected at EQF Level 4 within the EuropeActive framework.
From an employer's perspective, it provides a clearer indication of what a qualified trainer should know and be able to do.
This makes it easier to compare Personal Trainer qualifications from different education providers and countries.
Yes and no.
EuropeActive is one of the better-known professional standards within the European fitness industry, and a EuropeActive-accredited qualification can make it easier for employers to understand the level and content of your education.
However, there is no single qualification that automatically guarantees that you can work as a Personal Trainer everywhere in Europe.
Requirements can vary between countries, employers and gym chains. Some countries or employers may require additional education, practical experience or locally recognised qualifications.
This is why you should always check the requirements in the country where you plan to work.
EuropeActive-accredited education providers can be checked in the EREPS Accredited Provider Directory:
Don't simply assume that a course is accredited because it describes itself as offering a “European certification” or “internationally recognised qualification”.
If EuropeActive accreditation is important to you, check the provider and programme before enrolling.
Once you know that a course provides the qualification you are looking for, the next question is how you want to study.
Today, Personal Trainer education is available in several formats, including fully online, blended and traditional classroom-based programmes.
Online education can be a good option if you:
- need flexibility,
- are comfortable taking responsibility for your own studies,
- and already have some experience with training and exercise.
Classroom-based education may suit you better if you prefer more face-to-face teaching and have the flexibility to attend scheduled sessions.
Whichever option you choose, look beyond whether a programme is simply labelled online or in-person.
Studying online offers a lot of flexibility, but it can also feel isolating if there is little interaction with teachers or other students.
Look for programmes that combine flexible online learning with access to real support.
This could include live seminars, direct contact with teachers, practical assignments, internships or practical assessment.
The goal should not simply be to obtain a certificate.
A good Personal Trainer course should prepare you to actually work with clients once you graduate.
If you are looking for a flexible EuropeActive-accredited Personal Trainer course, Active Education's Certified Personal Trainer programme combines online studies with practical training and assessment.
The programme includes Fitness Instructor Level 3 and Personal Trainer Level 4 and makes graduates eligible to apply for EREPS registration.
