Fitness Qualifications are Changing on August 1st 2026!

OUT >>> LEVEL 2 GYM INSTRUCTOR 

OUT >>> LEVEL 3 PERSONAL TRAINER

IN>>> LEVEL 2 FITNESS COACH

IN>>> LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN PERSONAL TRAINING (B)

Here's Why They're Changing...

Over the last few years the health & fitness sector has changed dramatically. To keep pace with these changes, CIMSPA (who produce the ‘standards’ that qualifications align to) have reviewed course content. At the same time, they have looked at delivery and  assessment methods to ensure that they are engaging, thorough and fair. 

At first glance, much of the new syllabus is similar to older versions of the fitness qualifications - let’s be honest, anatomy & physiology hasn’t changed much, so neither has the syllabus! However, how we interact and deal with customers, how we market and even how we periodise and deliver training has evolved - especially with the emergence of digital media. 

The new qualifications take account of all of the changes, and offer a much improved learner experience.

Here's How They're Changing...

Level 2

Level 2 Gym Instructor will now be named Level 2 Fitness Coach. The new title better describes the holistic role of a fitness professional. No longer do we just deliver gym programmes - there is a much greater emphasis on behaviour change and lifestyle coaching.

The content reflects these changes. Units have been added to ensure that the newly qualified 'Fitness Coach' is truly ready for employment.

New Fitness Coach units

It's not just the course content that has changed - delivery and assessment has too! Most training providers (including TrainerMaker) will adopt a 'blended learning' style of delivery. This means part in-person training and part 'study from home'. To better support this, Our Awarding Body Active IQ have launched a brand new elearning system which includes interactive elearning plus emanuals.

The same elearning system includes full digital assessments - some of which can be completed at home - some of which must still be completed in the presence of an assessor.

The new system is a massive bonus to any learner and revolutionises learner support.

Level 3

The Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training (B) has the same unit titles as the previous incarnation. However... again, content, delivery and assessment has changed dramatically.

New diploma in Personal Training units

Fitness delivery is much more than it used to be - Hybrid (Hyrox) training, Crossfit and other forms of cross training plus new metrics and technology have radically changed the old-school 'rep counting' image of a personal trainer. The new content builds on the Fitness Coach model and adds new training methods and formats to that to truly make you a modern fit pro!

High angle view of a fitness trainer demonstrating exercise form to a client outdoors

Time to Certification

Realistically, it may now take slightly longer to get qualified. However, as ever with fitness qualifications - the time taken to complete will depend entirely on how much time you have available and how committed you are to complete quickly. You can still expect to complete each qualification within 4-12 weeks. Making you potentially fully qualified within 8-24 weeks. If you have incredible experience and pre-existing knowledge - maybe even quicker than that.

Value

The older qualifications are still valued and accepted by employers - they will not become 'out of date'. However, you will likely find that if you want to progress onto higher level qualifications, you may need to update your older qual, or at least some units of it.

The new qualifications will of course allow access onto higher level qualifications. They are CIMSPA endorsed and fully recognised in the UK and beyond.

Are the New Qualifications Harder?

No. In fact, assessment methods have become more suited to the learners that tend to come on fitness courses. They are fairer in that sense. There are still practical assessments, long answer assignments and multiple choice exams - but all can be completed when you are fully ready and confident and they can all be re-sat multiple times.

Eye-level view of a Fitness Coach explaining exercise techniques to a client in a gym

Can I Use AI to help me Through the Qualifications

AI is a valuable way to learn if used correctly - and we would always promote it's use to initiate your research. However, at present, AI is not fool-proof - it can only give you the answers that you prompt it for. Therefore, we would ALWAYS recommend that you go to the original sources of information to help you learn. We have second-to-none resources for every course you do with us. We will also signpost you to fantastic additional resources. We are always expanding our library of bona fide information too - keep an eye on our socials for the latest fitness blogs and knowledge updates!

In conclusion, fitness qualifications are changing a lot. They are more detailed, regulated, and accessible than ever before. This benefits trainers and clients alike. If you want to build a strong career, choose a qualification that prepares you for today’s fitness world. If you have any questions, please leave a comment, or contact us!

All the best,

Paul