Gym & Fitness Instructor / Personal Trainer
This course provides students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to progress to a variety of roles in the health & fitness industry.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | Certificate at UK Level 3 |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | International Therapy Examination Council |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | Certificate at UK Level 2 |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | International Therapy Examination Council |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
| Certificate at UK Level 3 | International Therapy Examination Council | ||
| Certificate at UK Level 2 | International Therapy Examination Council |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Course Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate with 5 passes or equivalent is the standard entry requirement for all Level 5 courses. Leaving Certificate Applied or QQI Level 4 Award are also acceptable on the majority of Level 5 courses. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements (e.g. mature learners etc.) for particular courses may be interviewed.
A QQI Level 5 award or equivalent in a relevant subject area is the standard entry requirement for Level 6 Advanced Certificate courses.
Non-Standard Applicants
Non-Standard Applicants may be required to complete an interview and/or other form of assessment to successfully complete their registration on their chosen programme.
English Language
All courses are delivered through English. In addition to the listed entry requirements, applicants whose first language is not English are required to complete and provide evidence of English language proficiency. Where prospective learners first language is not English, the standard minimum entry requirements for all courses is proficiency at B2 on The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
School Leavers
Whether you have attended school in Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK or further afield, we have a programme to suit your needs. We have a wide range of suitable programmes with internationally recognised certification that will enhance both your career and further education possibilities.
International Students
DIFE welcomes applications from eligible international students. Help and advice is available for international students at every step of the application process and continues after enrolment onto your chosen programme.
Careers / Further progression
Progression & Career Options:
Graduates may progress to employment as personal trainers and gym instructors in a variety of settings within the health and fitness industry. Graduates from this course may gain entry to a range of sport related degree programmes in various universities and technological universities.
Level 7 and 8 Courses to which this course is linked:
DIFE
Sport, Recreation and Exercise QQI Level 6.
SETU (Carlow)
Sports Rehabilitation and Athletic Therapy, Physiology and Health Science, Strength and Conditioning.
University of Ulster
Sport and Exercise Science.
DKIT
Sport Exercise and Enterprise, Health and Physical Activity.
MTU (Tralee)
Health, Sport and Exercise Science.
(Route to PE teaching through PME in Physical Education in UL).
ATU (Sligo)
Applied Business with Sport, Health Science & Physical Activity.
UCC
Physical Education, Sports Studies and Arts.
Entry to a range of other courses in Institutes of Technology.
This is not an exhaustive list. Applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked Awards, any additional module requirements, application processes and scoring systems with the Admissions Offices of the participating higher education institutions, or visit www.cao.ie.
Further information
Course commences: September 2026.
Students should apply online through the college website: www.dife.ie (see "Application Weblink").
Further information of the webpage - https://www.dife.ie/application-procedure/
This course provides students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to progress to a variety of roles in the health & fitness industry. The Personal Training qualification enables graduates to gain the practical and theoretical skills necessary to provide personal training, advice and assistance to clients.
Sport and Recreation Studies
Exercise and Fitness
Nutrition
Sport Anatomy and Physiology
Sports Injury Prevention
Word Processing
Communications
Work Experience
5M5146 - Sport, Recreation & Exercise
Awards
QQI Level 5 Certificate in Sports, Recreation and Exercise - 5M5146
ITEC Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instruction.
ITEC Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training.
Contact Admissions Office or Course Co-ordinator,
Drogheda Institute,
Tel: 041 983 7105
Web: www.dife.ie
email: dife@lmetb.ie