Personal Training & Nutrition - Sports, Recreation & Exercise
Get set for an exciting career in the fitness industry as a gym instructor or personal trainer.
| 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 2 |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | International Therapy Examination Council |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | Award 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 2 | International Therapy Examination Council | ||
| Award at UK Level 2 | International Therapy Examination Council |
Duration
38 weeks.
Entry Requirements
Minimum:
- Applicants must be 16+ years of age on entry to the course.
- Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award.
- Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
- Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B2 or Higher).
- Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Additional:
Must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
Careers / Further progression
What are the progression opportunities?
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology).
Many of our students continue onto the BSc in Health & Leisure at Munster Technological University.
Alumni have also successfully applied to the BSc in Sports and Exercise Science at GMIT in Galway, and the BSc in Strength & Conditioning at Setanta College in Thurles.
You should check individual university websites for specific entry criteria for courses.
There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results. You may also apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year.
What are the employment opportunities?
Students on this course can progress to employment in public and private gyms and leisure facilities, as well as self-employment as personal trainers.
Further information
Start Date: 07/09/2026.
Apply online via the Kerry College Website - link above.
Your application will be processed using FETCHCOURSES - the National FET Course Application System.
If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Why should I apply?
An intensive, but practical course where you will learn the fundamentals of what it takes to work as a gym instructor or personal trainer. We have a fully equipped Strength and Conditioning gym that you will use to hone your skills. You will gain practical experience in working with clients and teaching proper form and technique for a wide variety of free weights and machine weights.
You will gain:
• QQI Level 5 Award in Sports, Recreation and Exercise
• ITEC Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Gym Based Exercise)
• ITEC Level 2 Award in Instructing Strength and Conditioning Sessions
You will also have the opportunity to get further qualifications in Basic First Aid, Manual Handling and Pool Lifeguarding.
What will I study?
Communications (5N0690)
Exercise & Fitness (5N2668)
Leisure Facility Operations (5N4667)
Nutrition (5N2006)
Safety and Health at Work (5N1794)
Sports Anatomy & Physiology (5N4648)
Sport and Recreation Studies (5N2667)
Work Experience (5N1356)
VTCT (ITEC) Level 2 Award in Instructing Strength and Conditioning Sessions
VTCT (ITEC) Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Gym-based Exercise)
5M5146 - Sport, Recreation and Exercise.
Clash Road,
Tralee, Co. Kerry
V92 Y991
Tel: (066) 7121 741
e: clashroad@kerrycollege.ie
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm